bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indoor environmental quality improvement of student dormitories in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Abdollahzadeh Nastaran , Farahani Azin Velashjerdi , Soleimani Kamyar , Zomorodian Zahra Sadat
Published: May 2022

Purpose

University students spend a considerable amount of time in dorm rooms, where their environmental condition affects residents' health, well-being, sleep quality and the associated performance. Accordingly, this study aims to run an initial assessment of the environmental quality of two dormitory buildings in Tehran, using field studies and computational simulation, and then provide feasible optimized improvement strategies. The possible correlation between architectural elements and the environmental quality and the impact of proposed solutions on the annual energy use of these spaces are also discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

Field studies and computational simulation.

Findings

Results indicate that applied strategies, including shadings, reflectors, thermal and acoustic insulations, inlet vents and ceiling fans, can boost different aspects of the thermal condition, ventilation, acoustics and visual comfort by 21.77, 55.96, 20.69 and 50.37%, respectively. Accordingly, an acceptable comfort level can simply be achieved at a low cost by installing or replacing a few construction elements in dorm rooms. Nevertheless, a systematic architectural design can offer healthy spaces. For instance, south-facing rooms with large windows provide a higher level of thermal comfort and daylight quality.

Research limitations/implications

This study shows that an acceptable level of IEQ can be achieved in dorm rooms by applying simple retrofit strategies. Moreover, energy consumption of dormitories can be significantly reduced using these solutions. However, the efficiency of the strategies in comparison to their economic aspects should be discussed, and results need to be further validated in real conditions. It is also recommended that a more extensive range of dormitory room typologies be studied in future studies. The results of this study are limited to the study context and so they can only be applied in case studies with similar use and climatic condition.

Originality/value

While many studies have explored the environmental quality of dormitories in different climatic conditions, no significant work has been found in Iran, Tehran investigating feasible optimized improvement strategies responding to all IEQ aspects of acoustics, thermal comfort, air and visual quality. Accordingly, this study makes an initial assessment of IEQ factors in a typical dormitory complex, and then develops practical retrofit strategies to bring the environmental condition of these spaces close to the suggested standards.
A self-regulatory perspective on the link between customer mistreatment and employees’ displaced workplace deviance: the buffering role of mindfulness
Authors: Fan Lele , Zhou Xing , Ren Jing , Ma Jianfeng , Yang Yang , Shao Wenling
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Drawing from self-regulation theories, this study aims to present a model linking customer mistreatment to hotel employees’ displaced workplace deviance via self-regulatory depletion, with disposition-based mindfulness as a first‐stage moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a multisource, multiwave investigation with 245 focal–coworker dyads at 14 full-service hotels in southern China. Descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis and regression analysis were performed.

Findings

The results demonstrated the mediating role of self-regulatory depletion in provoking hotel employees’ displaced deviant reactions to customer mistreatment. Additionally, employees with high trait mindfulness are less vulnerable to self-regulatory depletion and, thus, less likely to exhibit displaced workplace deviance.

Practical implications

This study enables hospitality administrators to understand that organizations and their employees, whether directly mistreated by customers, are potential victims of such negative events. Hospitality organizations should enhance mindfulness-based interventions and provide more humane care for employees to maintain their self-regulatory abilities, thereby reducing displaced workplace deviance.

Originality/value

First, in contrast to studies focusing primarily on internal factors that trigger employees’ deviant responses, the research suggests that mistreatment by external customers is a potentially meaningful yet largely unexamined antecedent of workplace deviance. Second, this study moves beyond “self-gain” explanations, suggesting that employees display deviance not because of a malicious intent to harm the organization or its members but because they are incapable of controlling their undesirable behaviors. Third, the research highlights how mindfulness mitigates customer mistreatment and displaced workplace deviance relationships.
Integration of Industry 4.0 technologies with Education 4.0: advantages for improvements in learning
Authors: Moraes Eduardo Baldo , Kipper Liane Mahlmann , Hackenhaar Kellermann Ana Clara , Austria Leonardo , Leivas Pedro , Moraes Jorge André Ribas , Witczak Marcus
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the uses of Industry 4.0 technologies in the area of education and how they contribute to learning in addition to highlighting at what educational level they are used.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was carried out in the Scopus (Elsevier), Web of Science and ScienceDirect (Elsevier) databases, starting in 2011. In total, 51 articles were selected for a quantitative analysis, and 23 of them were read to answer the questions of the research from a qualitative analysis.

Findings

The results show a greater use of augmented reality, simulation, Internet of Things and virtual reality. The level of education at which they are most present is higher education. They collaborate to increase immersion in content, student engagement, interpersonal interaction, reduce costs and risks, simulate real work scenarios, expand study possibilities, without limited time and space, develop soft skills and learn about technologies, their uses and modes of operation. It is concluded that the technologies of Industry 4.0 support the entire learning process, but they are not used as much as they should. They are still largely restricted to universities and courses related to manufacturing. It is hoped that this work can contribute to the development of Education 4.0 at all stages of teaching.

Originality/value

Reviews have already been carried out on the use of technologies in teaching. The originality of this work is in the fact that it focuses on Industry 4.0 technologies in the Education 4.0 scenario.
Transformative roles in tourism: adopting living systems' thinking for regenerative futures
Authors: Bellato Loretta , Frantzeskaki Niki , Briceño Fiebig Carlos , Pollock Anna , Dens Elke , Reed Bill
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The “tourism living systems” (Tourism Living System – TLS) concept is underdeveloped, with limited relevant theoretical analysis to understand how it can support the transformations of tourism systems towards healthy communities and places. This paper aims to conceptualise TLSs and key stakeholder roles for enacting regenerative tourism using a living systems perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Knowledge synthesis and co-production were used to identify the conceptual framework and its applications. Knowledge synthesis was undertaken through a scoping review of the regenerative tourism literature and supplemented by a consultation exercise with leading regenerative tourism practitioners. Co-production of knowledge involved case study research to assess the conceptual framework's practical applications and revise it with regenerative tourism practitioners.

Findings

The study revealed that regenerative tourism is informed by living systems' thinking. The authors identify five diverse, interdependent and interconnected stakeholder roles from the case studies and scoping review. All stakeholder roles are vital for constituting tourism systems that contribute to the healthy evolution of social-ecological systems.

Practical implications

Real-world case study applications of the TLS framework will guide tourism stakeholders who seek to adopt regenerative tourism approaches.

Originality/value

The study contributes to developing new frontiers in tourism stakeholder roles and paradigms with implications for regenerative tourism futures. The TLS framework challenges industrial conceptions of tourism by proposing a shift in stakeholder roles from extraction to generating new life to survive, thrive and evolve.
Theorizing relational people management in micro enterprises: a multi-theoretical perspective
Authors: Nalweyiso Grace , Mafabi Samuel , Kagaari James , Munene John , Abaho Ernest
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper offers a theoretical explanation to a positive story of a micro enterprise found in Uganda, an African developing country that has successfully managed workplace relationships, its survival and good performance. Specifically, the paper examines multiple theories to explain the practice in this enterprise.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses storytelling, a form of narrative inquiry embedded in qualitative methodology. Based on in-depth interviews with the owner-manager and employees, a story was developed detailing their practical experience while focusing on the context, actions, results and lessons.

Findings

Findings reveal that micro enterprises that allow free generation of ideas across all levels with optimistic people who reciprocate and work together create a friendly work atmosphere with support for one another, with the ability to amicably resolve conflicts and build trust. More so, theories including social exchange theory, relational cohesion theory, complex adaptive systems theory and cultural historical activity theory help explain the manifestations of relational people management in micro enterprises.

Originality/value

This paper is unique in its use of a positive story showing a practical experience of how workplace relationships are managed in a micro enterprise found in Uganda. In addition, a multi-theoretical perspective is used to explain the manifestations in the story which may be novel in the study context. Thus, a conceptual model is proposed depicting generalized reciprocity, positive emotions, generative leadership and relational agency as antecedents of relational people management with relational agency again mediating the other relationships.
Do cultural dimensions influence management style and organizational culture in a multicultural environment? Case study of Northern Cyprus
Authors: Adeshola Ibrahim , Oluwajana Dokun , Awosusi Abraham Ayobamiji , Sogeke Olukunle Samuel
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study examines how cultural dimensions' influence management style and organizational culture in a multicultural environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a quantitative approach to achieve these objectives, with 270 questionnaires obtained from employees working in a multicultural environment. The resulting data was analyzed using the PLS-SEM statistical approach.

Findings

The study results suggest that organizations should prioritize their integrity using the influence of cultural diversity, management styles, organization culture and social interactivity to achieve different dimensions of human satisfaction.

Practical implications

The results in general present a statistically significant positive effect of power distance, masculinity/femininity and uncertainty avoidance on organizational culture, indicating that disposition to organizational culture has a significant role in trust development, particularly in diverse cultures.

Originality/value

The influence of organizational culture on organizational performance cannot be ignored in a multicultural workplace, especially when it is related to employee performance and commitment. As the world globalizes, many organizations are facing the challenge of cultural differences. Therefore, it is necessary to examine how cultural dimensions affect management style and organizational culture. As a result, this study further considers the empirical evidence of work engagement and its impact on employee satisfaction.
Towards leadership effectiveness: the role of leadership individual competencies and constraints. Introduction of the Bounded Leadership Model
Authors: Kozminski Andrzej Krzysztof , Baczyńska Anna Katarzyna , Skoczeń Ilona , Korzynski Pawel
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to test the relationship between leadership competencies and effectiveness, with constraints as a mediating variable, and to introduce the main assumptions of the Bounded Leadership Model (BLM).

Design/methodology/approach

The total sample included 242 leaders in a top managerial position. Data were collected directly from leaders via self-reports. In total, five hypotheses were formed which related to the relationship between leadership competencies and effectiveness and the role of constraints. Hypotheses were tested by analysing several regression models and mediation effects. Moreover, internal consistency and construct validity were assessed by calculating Cronbach’s alpha and assessing the intercorrelations between study variables.

Findings

The study results demonstrate that leader’s competencies are positively related to leadership effectiveness. The authors also found an indirect effect of leadership competencies on effectiveness via constraints. Overall, it can be concluded that the scales included in the BLM have satisfactory reliability and validity indicators.

Practical implications

The paper examined the relationship between leadership competencies and effectiveness with constraints as a mediator. Moreover, it introduces the BLM which takes a broader view on leadership and includes variables that seem to play an important role in leaders’ adjustment and success. These findings can be applied in different training processes and also in assessment and development centres to serve as a facilitator in the process of enhancing leadership competencies and effectiveness and in overcoming leadership constraints.

Originality/value

The study overcomes previous research limitations because it offers a selection of leadership competencies that play an important role in leadership effectiveness, as well as may serve as a potential facilitator in the process of overcoming individual constraints. This knowledge can be used for future research and practical purposes.
Measuring the impact of corporate governance on non-financial reporting in the top HEIs worldwide
Authors: Adhikari Parajuli Mahlaximi , Chhatbar Mehul , Hassan Abeer
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to measure the relationship between corporate governance and non-financial reporting (NFR) in higher education institutions (HEIs). Board effectiveness, student engagement, audit quality, Vice-Chancellor (VC) pay and VC gender are targeted for analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on content analysis. The authors used the EU NFR Directive (2014/95/EU) to measure NFR. This includes environmental, corporate social responsibility, human rights, corporate board effectiveness and corruption and bribery. Cross-sectional data was collected from 89 HEIs worldwide across 15 different countries over three years. Content analysis, the weighted scoring method and panel data analysis are used to obtain the results.

Findings

Through a neo-institutional theoretical lens, this study provides a broader understanding of NFR content disclosure practices within HEIs. The findings reveal that the audit quality, VC pay and VC gender are significantly and positively associated with NFR content disclosure. However, board effectiveness has a significant negative impact on NFR content disclosure. More interestingly, the findings reveal that student engagement has an insignificant association with NFR content disclosure and there significant difference on the level of NFR content disclosure across universities situated in the different geographical region such as the USA, Australia, the UK and EU, Asia and Canada. The findings have important implications for regulators and policymakers. The evidence appears to be robust when controlling for possible endogeneities.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature on corporate non-financial disclosure as it provides new insights of corporate governance mechanisms and NFR disclosure within HEIs.
Effect of hotel overall service quality on customers’ attitudinal and behavioural loyalty: perspectives from Zimbabwe
Authors: Nyagadza Brighton , Mazuruse Gideon , Muposhi Asphat , Chigora Farai
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the influence of service quality, satisfaction, trust, value and commitment on hotel customers’ attitudinal and behavioural loyalty.
Economic, social and cultural concepts for building a healthy community among residents of a Japanese shopping street
Authors: Ohashi Yuki , Sugawara Sanae , Ozaki Akiko
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to highlight the value of economics, social relations and culture in building a healthy community by interpreting qualitative data.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative descriptive approach was used between June 2016 and May 2017 and interviews were analysed inductively. Twenty residents of a shopping street in Tohoku, a rural town in north-eastern Japan, participated in this survey. This study focused on the residents’ value of economics, social relations and culture in building a healthy community.

Findings

People acquired economic benefits in the hope of gaining irreplaceable relationships with customers and residents, including memorable stories and heart-to-heart satisfaction. The narratives reflected not only the ideal aspects of social relations but also realistic and complex aspects, such as feelings of being uncomfortable with strangers, whether they were long-term residents or newcomers. The daily life of the town is a story, which is built based on customs fostered and strengthened through capital bonds.

Originality/value

To build a healthy community, people residing on shopping streets have unique care systems in which multiple glass shop windows make it easier to tell narrative stories, communicate or request assistance, which is very different from knocking on doors in suburban neighbourhoods.
What common‐garden experiments tell us about climate responses in plants
Authors: Schwinning Susanne , Lortie Christopher J. , Esque Todd C. , DeFalco Lesley A.
Published: May 2022

Common garden experiments are indoor or outdoor plantings of species or populations collected from multiple distinct geographic locations, grown together under shared conditions. These experiments examine a range of questions for theory and application using a variety of methods for analysis. The eight papers of this special feature comprise a cross section of contemporary approaches, summarized and synthesized here by what they tell us about the relationships between climate‐related trait spectra and fitness optima.

Four of the eight papers are based on field experiments in prairie, desert, Mediterranean and boreal biomes. Representative of many common garden experiments, these experiments reveal consistent evidence of traits varying with population climate provenance, but evidence of a tradeoff between growth and tolerance traits or of consistent fitness optimization at home is scant, in contrast to trait theory. Two synthesis papers highlight dominant patterns of trait divergence, including for an exotic invasive species. One theoretical paper warned that unknown kinship relationships between populations can result in the misidentification of adaptive trait divergence. A third synthesis paper formulated novel and ambitious goals for common‐garden studies through including measurement of response variables at multiple levels of biological organization.

The featured papers discuss multiple avenues for improving common garden studies. Genomic analysis, together with the quantification of kinship relationships, will continue to reveal the influence of environmental drivers on gene selection. Measuring a more complete set of fitness traits, especially for traits related to regeneration, will permit the development of projection models to explicitly link trait spectra, climate patterns and fitness consequences. More standardized data reporting will additionally improve abilities to synthesize findings across experiments. Testing population performance in competition with other species will produce more robust fitness comparisons between genotypes, especially for slower‐growing genotypes in higher‐resource environments. Adding gardens in and beyond climatic edge locations will furthermore strengthen the understanding of population failure and species exclusion. Finally, there is unrealized potential in adding ecosystem‐level observations to common‐garden studies that will enhance integrative analysis across scales of biological organization and scientific domains.

Synthesis. With novel, creative designs, data integration and synthesis, common garden experiments will continue to advance the understanding of trait ensembles interacting with climate across scales of biological organization, provide pivotal data for global change models and guide ecological applications such as restoration of habitats for rare and climate sensitive species.
Effets de l'exploitation des ressources naturelles sur la mobilisation des recettes fiscales non liées aux ressources naturelles dans l'Union Economique et Monétaire Ouest Africaine (UEMOA)
Authors: Mourfou Aïchatou , Dialga Issaka , Ouedraogo Idrissa Mohamed
Published: May 2022

Cet article analyse les effets de l'exploitation des ressources naturelles sur les recettes fiscales non liées aux ressources naturelles dans les pays de l'Union Economique et Monétaire Ouest Africaine (UEMOA) de 1996 à 2015 en utilisant les Effets Fixes Dynamiques (Dynamic Fixed Effects, DFE). Les résultats montrent que l'exploitation des ressources naturelles dissuade la mobilisation des recettes fiscales non liées aux ressources naturelles. La mauvaise qualité des institutions amplifie l'effet corrosif. Les résultats restent stables suivant les différents indicateurs de la qualité institutionnelle et les types de ressources naturelles. Ces résultats impliquent que les pays de l'UEMOA doivent améliorer la qualité des institutions de sorte à accroître leur capacité à gérer d'importants revenus provenant des ressources naturelles.
Effects of droughts on the delivery of infrastructure services in Kenya
Authors: Njogu Humphrey Waita
Published: May 2022

Kenya is prone to severe droughts due to infrequent, unpredictable and irregular annual precipitation in many parts of the country. Of all 47 Kenyan counties, 23 are classified as arid and semi‐arid (ASAL), constituting approximately 88% of the country's land mass. Like in many developing countries, droughts in Kenya are well known to affect provision of food. They also have the potential to affect infrastructure services. Kenya has an infrastructure deficit, meaning that a large portion of the infrastructure has not been significantly developed, being exposed to major risks emanating from natural disasters. When droughts occur, infrastructure is exposed to further risks of structural damage and deterioration, leading to increased maintenance costs. In addition, users must travel longer distances and spend more time in order to have access to infrastructure services. This paper discusses how droughts affect users of infrastructure services. The survey is based on a primary study carried out in 1370 households across 27 counties of Kenya. It also relies on secondary data, including from the Kenya Integrated Household Budget Survey (KIHBS) for 2015/16, reflecting access to basic infrastructure services across the surveyed 27 counties. The research findings illustrate that droughts reduce access to infrastructure services such as energy, water provision, housing and communications, thus requiring climate‐sensitive policy interventions. The study concludes that building resilient infrastructure to respond to and mitigate the effects of drought is critical. It also emphasizes the importance of cooperation among different stakeholders in the country.
Dietary polyglycosylated anthocyanins, the smart option? A comprehensive review on their health benefits and technological applications
Authors: He Jingren , Ye Shuxin , Correia Patrícia , Fernandes Iva , Zhang Rui , Wu Muci , Freitas Victor , Mateus Nuno , Oliveira Hélder
Published: May 2022

Over the years, anthocyanins have emerged as one of the most enthralling groups of natural phenolic compounds and more than 700 distinct structures have already been identified, illustrating the exceptional variety spread in nature. The interest raised around anthocyanins goes way beyond their visually appealing colors and their acknowledged structural and biological properties have fueled intensive research toward their application in different contexts. However, the high susceptibility of monoglycosylated anthocyanins to degradation under certain external conditions might compromise their application. In that regard, polyglycosylated anthocyanins (PGA) might offer an alternative to overcome this issue, owing to their peculiar structure and consequent less predisposition to degradation. The most recent scientific and technological findings concerning PGA and their food sources are thoroughly described and discussed in this comprehensive review. Different issues, including their physical–chemical characteristics, consumption, bioavailability, and biological relevance in the context of different pathologies, are covered in detail, along with the most relevant prospective technological applications. Due to their complex structure and acyl groups, most of the PGA exhibit an overall higher stability than the monoglycosylated ones. Their versatility allows them to act in a wide range of pathologies, either by acting directly in molecular pathways or by modulating the disease environment attributing an added value to their food sources. Their recent usage for technological applications has also been particularly successful in different industry fields including food and smart packaging or in solar energy production systems. Altogether, this review aims to put into perspective the current state and future research on PGA and their food sources.
Functional divergence in the proteins encoded by ARO80 from S. uvarum, S. kudriavzevii and S. cerevisiae explain differences in the aroma production during wine fermentation
Authors: Tapia Sebastián M. , Pérez‐Torrado Roberto , Adam Ana Cristina , Macías Laura G. , Barrio Eladio , Querol Amparo
Published: May 2022

Phenylethanol (PE) and phenylethyl acetate (PEA) are commonly desired compounds in wine because of their rose‐like aroma. The yeast S. cerevisiae produces the PE either through de novo biosynthesis by shikimate pathway followed by the Ehrlich pathway or the direct phenylalanine catabolism via Ehrlich pathway, and then converted into PEA. Previous work demonstrated that, compared to S. cerevisiae, other Saccharomyces species, such as S. kudriavzevii and S. uvarum, produce higher concentrations of PE and PEA from the precursor phenylalanine, which indicates differential activities of the biosynthetic‐involved enzymes. A previous in‐silico analysis suggested that the transcriptional activator Aro80p is one of the best candidates to explain these differences. An improved functional analysis identified significant radical amino acid changes in the S. uvarum and S. kudriavzevii Aro80p that could impact the expression of the catabolic genes ARO9 and ARO10, and hence, the production of PE from phenylalanine. Indeed, wine S. cerevisiae strains carrying the S. uvarum and S. kudriavzevii ARO80 alleles increased the production of both compounds in the presence of phenylalanine by increasing the expression of ARO9 and ARO10. This study provides novel insights of the unidentified Aro80p regulatory region and the potential usage of alternatives ARO80 alleles to enhance the PE and PEA concentration in wine.
Case study: School‐based care for a girl and her primary caregiver experiencing difficulties in managing diabetes treatment
Authors: Nombela‐Franco Ana , Oter‐Quintana Cristina , Robledo‐Martín Juana
Published: May 2022

Purpose

To describe the use of the nursing process and standardized nursing language by the school nurse to facilitate the monitoring of the therapeutic regimen of a girl with type 1 diabetes mellitus and her caregiver.

Methods

Data were collected through clinical reports, observation, and physical examination of the girl and through interviews with her and her caregiver in accordance with Virginia Henderson's conceptual model.

Findings

Clinical reasoning informed the selection of NANDA‐I nursing diagnoses. NIC nursing interventions were selected taking into consideration the available scientific evidence related to the care of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions

The school nurse is a key figure in improving and supporting the monitoring of the prescribed therapeutic regimen for children with chronic disease.

Implications for nursing practice

This case demonstrates the importance of adopting a conceptual model to guide the nursing process, as well as showing that standardized nursing languages are suitable for school nursing practice.
Chaperone‐mediated autophagy degrades Keap1 and promotes Nrf2‐mediated antioxidative response
Authors: Zhu Lin , He Shulei , Huang Lu , Ren Dongni , Nie Tiejian , Tao Kai , Xia Li , Lu Fangfang , Mao Zixu , Yang Qian
Published: May 2022

Accumulation of oxidative stress is highly intertwined with aging process and contributes to aging‐related diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases. Deciphering the molecular machinery that regulates oxidative stress is fundamental to further uncovering the pathogenesis of these diseases. Chaperone‐mediated autophagy (CMA), a highly selective lysosome‐dependent degradation process, has been proven to be an important maintainer of cellular homeostasis through multiple mechanisms, one of which is the attenuation of oxidative stress. However, the specific mechanisms underlying this antioxidative action of CMA are not fully understood. In this study, we found that CMA directly degrades Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 (Keap1), an adaptor of E3 ligase complex that promotes the degradation of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), which is a master transcriptional regulator in antioxidative response. Activated CMA induced by prolonged oxidative stress led to an increase in Nrf2 level by effectively degrading Keap1, contributing to Nrf2 nuclear translocation and the expression of multiple downstream antioxidative genes. Meanwhile, together with previous study showing that Nrf2 can also transcriptionally regulate LAMP2A, the rate‐limiting factor of CMA process, we reveal a feed‐forward loop between CMA and Nrf2. Our study identifies CMA as a previously unrecognized regulator of Keap1‐Nrf2 pathway and reinforces the antioxidative role of CMA.
Hyperkeratotic flexural erythema/granular parakeratosis responding to doxycycline
Authors: Herat Asoka , Gonzalez Matheus Gabriela , Kumarasinghe Sujit Prasad
Published: May 2022

Hyperkeratotic flexural erythema (HKFE), also termed granular parakeratosis (GP), is a rare skin condition thought to be linked to a skin barrier dysfunction process, however the exact cause of this is yet to be determined. Management options are varied, with no consensus on treatment. Several previous reports have recorded successful treatment with amoxycillin‐clavulanic acid combination. We propose the use of oral doxycycline in addition to topical coconut oil compound as a treatment option in therapy resistant HKFE.
Antenatal and neonatal factors and morphology of the optic nerve head in the Northern Finland birth cohort
Authors: Pitkänen Joel , Leiviskä Ilmari , Liinamaa Johanna , Saarela Ville
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The optic nerve head (ONH) is a part of the brain that can be evaluated through the transparent medium of the eye. The purpose of this study was to explore the possible correlations among the properties of the optic nerve head, maternal factors during pregnancy and neonatal parameters in a randomized sample of a birth cohort.

Methods

The Northern Finland 1966 Birth Cohort has been prospectively monitored since their antenatal period. Data on pregnancy and neonatal period were collected during gestation and right after birth in 1966. A randomized sample of 3070 subjects underwent an ophthalmic assessment at the age of 46–48 years. The examination protocol included scanning laser ophthalmoscopy with the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph. The ophthalmological parameters assessed were the disc area and the neuroretinal rim volume of the ONH.

Results

We found that chronic pulmonary disease of the mother (p = 0.007), the number of gestational weeks (p = 0.030) and the mother's highest measured systolic blood pressure (p = 0.035) during pregnancy had a statistically significant effect on the disc area. Smaller disc size was associated with pulmonary disease and early gestation. There was a significant difference in rim volume between genders (p < 0.001). Women had larger neuroretinal rim volumes compared to men.

Conclusion

In this population‐based study, the vast majority of antenatal and neonatal factors showed no correlation with optic disc area or rim volume. Furthermore, even the factors with statistically significant correlation with ONH morphology had limited predictive value.
Psychometric properties of the shortened and rescaled versions of the Job Security Index and Job Security Satisfaction scale
Authors: Bazzoli Andrea , Probst Tahira M.
Published: May 2022

The psychometric properties of two shortened and rescaled versions of widely used measures of job insecurity were evaluated. Using survey data from 292 US working adults and relying on classical test theory, confirmatory factor analysis, and item response theory analyses, results indicated that these new versions had high reliability and similar psychometric properties compared with the original versions. Empirical evidence further established favorable convergent and discriminant validity, based on the revised scales' relationships with relevant covariates. The revised versions also showed substantially improved precision of measurement over a broader range of cognitive and affective job insecurity levels (i.e. they provide greater information for a wider range of participants experiencing varying levels of insecurity). These results indicate the briefer rescaled versions should be preferred over the original scales.
Paracetamol dosing in hospital and on discharge for older people who are frail or have low body weight
Authors: Reid Olivia , Ngo Janet , Lalic Samanta , Su Elizabeth , Elliott Rohan A.
Published: May 2022

Aims

To describe paracetamol dosing and liver function test (LFT) monitoring in older hospital inpatients who are frail or have low body weight.

Methods

Retrospective observational study, at a 790‐bed metropolitan public health service in Australia. Patients aged ≥70 years, with body weight <50 kg or frailty index based on laboratory data (FI‐Lab) score ≥0.3, who were administered paracetamol during an admission with length‐of‐stay >72 hours, were included. Data were extracted from electronic medical records. Paracetamol doses administered in hospital, and doses prescribed on discharge, were compared against consensus guidelines that recommended ≤60 mg/kg/d for older people weighing <50 kg, and ≤3000 mg/d for frail older people.

Results

In total, 240 admissions (n = 229 patients, mean age 84.7 years) were analysed. During 150 (62.5%) admissions, higher than recommended paracetamol doses were prescribed. On 138 (57.5%) occasions, patients were prescribed paracetamol on discharge, and 112/138 (81.2%) doses were higher than recommended. Most discharge prescriptions (97/138, 70.3%) were for regular administration. The median daily dose on discharge for patients <50 kg was 83.7 mg/kg (interquartile range 73.6–90.9 mg/kg). For frail patients ≥50 kg, the median daily discharge dose was 3990 mg (interquartile range 3000–4000 mg). LFTs were measured in hospital for 151/200 (75.5%) and 93/166 (56.0%) patients who received paracetamol for >48 hours and >5 days, respectively.

Conclusion

Majority of paracetamol doses prescribed for frail or low‐weight older patients in hospital and on discharge were higher than recommended in consensus guidelines. LFTs were not measured for 44% patients who received paracetamol regularly for >5 days. Further studies are needed to explore long‐term outcomes of this practice.
The importance of the urologist in male oncology fertility preservation
Authors: Micol Lionel A. , Adenubi Funmi , Williamson Elizabeth , Lane Sheila , Mitchell Rod T. , Sangster Philippa
Published: May 2022

Objectives

To demonstrate that surgical sperm retrieval (SSR) and spermatogonial stem cell retrieval (SSCR) in an oncological context are safe and successful.

Patients and Methods

This a retrospective study in a tertiary hospital in the UK. Patients requiring fertility preservation from December 2017 to January 2020 were included. Data were analysed with Microsoft Excel 2016 and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (version 20).

Results

Among 1264 patients referred to the Reproductive Medical Unit at the University College of London Hospitals for cryopreservation prior to gonadotoxic treatment, 39 chose to go forward with SSR/SSCR because they presented as azoo‐/cryptozoospermic or an inability to masturbate/ejaculate. Interventions were testicular sperm extraction (23 patients) or aspiration (one), electroejaculation (one), and testicular wedge biopsy for SSCR (14). The median (range) age was 15.0 (10–65) years and the median testosterone level was 4.4 nmoL/L. Primary diagnoses were sarcoma in 11 patients, leukaemia in nine, lymphoma in eight, testicular tumour in five, other oncological haematological entities in two, other solid cancers in two, while two patients had non‐oncological haematological diseases. SSR/SSCR could be offered within 7.5 days on average. Chemotherapy could follow within 2 days from SSR/SSCR, and bone marrow transplant occurred within 19.5 days (all expressed as medians). The success rate for SSR was 68.0% (at least one vial/straw collected). The mean (SD) Johnsen score of testicular biopsies was 5.23 (2.25) with a trend towards positive correlation with SSR success (P = 0.07). However, age, hormonal profile and type of cancer did not predict SSR outcome.

Conclusion

We show that SSR and SSCR in an oncological context are valid treatment options with a high success rate for patients in which sperm cryopreservation from semen is impossible. By providing an effective pathway, fertility preservation is possible with minimal delay to oncological treatment.
Accident responsibility identification model for Internet of Vehicles based on lightweight blockchain
Authors: Yao Qing , Li Taotao , Yan Chao , Deng Zhihong
Published: May 2022

The rapid development of autonomous vehicle technology has brought a new experience to people's daily travel. However, if a traffic accident involving autonomous vehicles occurs, it will face difficulties in vehicle accident forensic‐preservation, leakage of vehicle owner's privacy, and identifying legal liabilities. This article proposes an accident responsibility identification model for the Internet of Vehicles based on lightweight blockchain to solve the above problems. This model uses Car Forensics Master to collect evidence from the accident vehicle, and at the same time collects evidence from maintenance service providers, automobile manufacturers, transportation management departments, insurance companies, and other vehicle accident related parties and stores them in the preservation chain. We also use VPKI to protect the autonomous vehicle identity privacy. In order to improve the efficiency of the model and set up authorized access to related entities, the identification of accident liability is jointly completed by the preservation chain and the accident identification chain. In addition, we prove that the protocol proposed in the model has ideal security properties. Finally, we implement the smart contracts in the model through the Solidity language, and evaluate its performance.
Scalable manufacturing of clinical‐grade differentiated cardiomyocytes derived from human‐induced pluripotent stem cells for regenerative therapy
Authors: Morita Yuika , Kishino Yoshikazu , Fukuda Keiichi , Tohyama Shugo
Published: May 2022

Basic research on human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)‐derived cardiomyocytes (CMs) for cardiac regenerative therapy is one of the most active and complex fields to achieve this alternative to heart transplantation and requires the integration of medicine, science, and engineering. Mortality in patients with heart failure remains high worldwide. Although heart transplantation is the sole strategy for treating severe heart failure, the number of donors is limited. Therefore, hPSC‐derived CM (hPSC‐CM) transplantation is expected to replace heart transplantation. To achieve this goal, for basic research, various issues should be considered, including how to induce hPSC proliferation efficiently for cardiac differentiation, induce hPSC‐CMs, eliminate residual undifferentiated hPSCs and non‐CMs, and assess for the presence of residual undifferentiated hPSCs in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we discuss the current stage of resolving these issues and future directions for realizing hPSC‐based cardiac regenerative therapy.
Grading mitral regurgitation using 4D flow CMR: Comparison to transthoracic echocardiography
Authors: Ribeyrolles Sophie , Monin Jean‐Luc , Rohnean Adela , Diakov Christelle , Caussin Christophe , Monnot Sebastien , Berrebi Alain , Paul Jean‐François
Published: May 2022

Objectives

To determine the 4D Flow Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) thresholds that achieve the best agreement with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) for grading mitral regurgitation (MR).

Methods

We conducted a single‐center prospective study of patients evaluated for chronic primary MR in 2016–2020. MR was evaluated blindly by TTE and 4D Flow CMR, respectively by two cardiologists and two radiologists with decades of experience. MR was graded with both methods as mild, moderate, or severe. 4D Flow CMR measurements included MR regurgitant volume per beat (RV) and mitral anterograde flow per beat (MF). RF was obtained as the ratio RV/MF. Additionally, MF was compared to left ventricular stroke volume (LVSV) by cine‐CMR.

Results

We included 33 patients in the initial cohort and 33 in the validation cohort. Inter‐observer agreement was excellent for 4D Flow CMR ICC = .94 (95% CI, .86–.97, p < 0.0001). Using recommended TTE thresholds (30 ml, 60 ml, 30%, 50%), agreement was moderate for RV and RF. The best agreement between 4D Flow CMR and TTE was obtained with CMR thresholds of 20 and 40 ml for RV (κ = .93; 95% CI, .8–1) and 20% and 37% for RF (κ = .90; 95% CI, .7–.9). In the validation cohort, agreement between TTE and 4D Flow CMR was good with the optimal thresholds (κ = .78; 95% CI, .61–.94).

Conclusion

We propose CMR thresholds that provide a good agreement between TTE and CMR for grading MR. Further studies are needed to fully validate 4D‐Flow CMR accuracy for primary MR quantification.
Trickle‐down effect of organizational trust on co‐worker trust: The moderating role of cultural dissimilarity and relationship length
Authors: Nienaber Ann‐Marie Ingrid , Holtgrave Maximilian , Biron Michal , Baumeister Viktoria Maria , Nayir Dilek Zamantili , Schewe Gerhard
Published: May 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic has accelerated trends of globalization and digitalization, making geographically dispersed teams a common practice in firms. Despite benefits derived from the members' diversity, such teams are also prone to trust deficiency. Advancing prior research, this study focuses on links between multiple referents of trust. We draw on halo and priming effects to suggest that employees' trust toward their organization could trickle‐down to trust in their co‐workers. Moreover, we highlight the moderating role of cultural dissimilarity and relationship length. Analyzing 317 relationships between Turkish employees and their co‐workers of Turkish and German cultural background, we present evidence for a trickle‐down effect of organizational trust on trust in co‐workers. We also find that the trickle‐down effect of trust is stronger when cultural dissimilarity is high than when it is low, suggesting that trust in the organizations may outweigh cultural barriers that could hamper trust between co‐workers.
Assessing ex situ genetic and ecogeographic conservation in a threatened but widespread oak after range‐wide collecting effort
Authors: Zumwalde Bethany A. , Fredlock Bailie , Beckman Bruns Emily , Duckett Drew , McCauley Ross A. , Spence Emma Suzuki , Hoban Sean
Published: May 2022

Although the genetic diversity and structure of in situ populations has been investigated in thousands of studies, the genetic composition of ex situ plant populations has rarely been studied. A better understanding of how much genetic diversity is conserved ex situ, how it is distributed among locations (e.g., botanic gardens), and what minimum sample sizes are needed is necessary to improve conservation outcomes. Here we address these issues in a threatened desert oak species, Quercus havardii Rydb. We assess the genetic, geographic, and ecological representation of 290 plants from eight ex situ locations, relative to 667 wild individuals from 35 in situ locations. We also leverage a recent dataset of >3000 samples from 11 other threatened plants to directly compare the degree of genetic conservation for species that differ in geographic range size. We found that a majority of Q. havardii genetic diversity is conserved; one of its geographic regions is significantly better conserved than the other; genetic diversity conservation of this widespread species is lower than documented for the 11 rarer taxa; genetic diversity within each garden is strongly correlated to the number of plants and number of source populations; and measures of geographic and ecological conservation (i.e., percent area and percent of ecoregions represented) were typically lower than the direct assessment of genetic diversity (i.e., percent alleles). This information will inform future seed sampling expeditions to ensure that the intraspecific diversity of threatened plants can be effectively conserved.