bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Method for the Synthesis of Disubstituted Ureas and Thioureas under Microwave Irradiaton
Authors: Mojtahedi Mohammad M. , Saidi Mohammad R. , Bolourtchian Mohammad
Published: June 2021

Several symmetrically disubstituted ureas and thioureas are synthesized by heating of urea or thiourea with aromatic amines or phenylhydrazine under environmentally benign conditions without any solvent in a conventional microwave oven.
trans Influence of Telluro- and Thio-ether Donor Sites: First Palladium(II) Complex, [PdCI2{4-MeOC6H4TeCH2CH2SEt}], showing their Relative Magnitude in the Same Molecule
Authors: Singh Ajai K. , Amburose C. Valan , Misra Mridulata , Butcher Ray J.
Published: June 2021

The synthesis of a (Te,S) ligand 4-MeOC6H4TeCH2CH2SEt (L) and its complex [PdCI2L] is followed by single crystal structure determination of the complex, which indicates that the Pd-CI bond length trans to the ArTe group [2.344(3) Å] is longer than that trans to SEt [2.316(4) Å], suggesting a stronger trans influence for the former.
Conjugate Addition of Organosamarium Reagents to Nitroalkenes
Authors: Bao Weiliang , Zheng Yunfa , Zhang Yongmin
Published: June 2021

Allylsamarium bromide reacts with nitroalkenes to give conjugate addition compounds in moderate to good yields.
Design and validation of a tennis tool to control on-court technical and tactical training content
Authors: Penalva Francisco , Guzmán José F , Martínez-Gallego Rafael , Crespo Miguel
Published: June 2021

In high performance tennis, different aspects like physical-conditioning, strategy-tactic, technical-biomechanical, psychology and skills acquisition have received large attention from the researchers. Nevertheless, the programming, periodization and planning of training sessions and competitions have not been as studied in depth. Coaches still use their experience, trial-error and subjective perceptions as methods of conducting these fundamental tasks. This article presents the design and validation of an instrument to control the technical and tactical training content on-court. The instrument was conceived by 9 experts and validated by 23 experienced coaches, who used on-court tennis exercises examples. The instrument is a useful tool for helping the coaches to improve the control of the on-court technical and tactical content and the tennis training session contents in high performance tennis players.
Dual mobility trapeziometacarpal prosthesis: a prospective study of 107 cases with a follow-up of more than 3 years
Authors: Lussiez Bruno , Falaise Cyril , Ledoux Pascal
Published: June 2021

We report the results of a prospective study using a dual mobility trapeziometacarpal prosthesis (Touch®) in 107 patients with a minimum follow-up of 3 years. One-hundred and two patients (95%) were very satisfied or satisfied with the functional outcomes and the mean pain intensity in visual analogue scale decreased from 7.4 to 0.8 ( p < 0.001). Thumb opposition (Kapandji score) index increased from an average of 8.0 to 9.4, while the mean QuickDASH score improved from 38 preoperatively to 20 at follow-up ( p < 0.01). Key-pinch strength improved from 3.5 kg (range 0.5–9.5) to 5.5 kg (range 3.0–11.5). There was a 4.6% rate of complications, including cup loosening and wear of polyethylene, which required revision, but no cases of prosthetic dislocation were seen. Applying the dual mobility principle to trapeziometacarpal arthroplasty may significatively improve the stability of these prostheses. Radiolucent zones around the components of the prostheses are not systematic predictors of future loosening.

Level of evidence: IV
An Identity-Based Model Explaining Online Donor Appreciation
Authors: Chell Kathleen , Mortimer Gary , Masser Barbara M. , Russell-Bennett Rebekah
Published: June 2021

Nonprofit organization (NPO) marketers are now increasingly turning online to recognize donors, with little understanding as to how online donor appreciation influences behavior. A scenario-based research design using an online survey was administered to a random sample of voluntary blood donors ( n = 356). The findings contribute to identity theory by demonstrating that online recognition (digital badge shared to Facebook) can strengthen subjective impressions of identity-related behavior above a private thank-you email alone. Furthermore, outcomes of a positive identity appraisal (accountability and emotional value) were found to differentially drive NPO-benefiting activities (positive electronic word-of-mouth and donation intentions) depending on donation experience. The results strategically inform online donor appreciation activities to improve donor retention.
Promoting student-centred blended learning in higher education: A model
Authors: Islam Md. Kabirul , Sarker Md. Fouad Hossain , Islam M. Saiful
Published: June 2021

This empirical study is conducted in a blended learning setting of a technology-focused private university in Bangladesh to offer a model that could help attain a comprehensive goal of blended learning. The main objectives of this study are to examine course design in a blended learning setting, strategies adopted by the course teachers to maximize students’ online interactions in a collaborative manner and how well these strategies had an impact on quality of blended teaching and learning in tertiary education. Drawing upon a quasi-experimental approach, qualitative data were collected by observing the teaching and learning activities of a course named ‘Bangladesh Studies’ over a four-month semester. Findings of this study suggest a model that would allow better student–teacher interaction in both synchronous and asynchronous modes of teaching and learning based on three sequential stages such as referring to and discussing online peer-group comments in the regular face-to-face classes in asynchronous mode (stage 1), off-campus synchronous mode of interactions to utilize students’ personal study hours (stage 2) and off-campus asynchronous mode of interactions to offer flexibility for collaborative learning (stage 3). It is argued that the model that has been offered could be useful in promoting innovative and contextual pedagogy which will essentially involve students in sharing, interacting and collaborating discussions for knowledge construction and hereby enable overall cognitive development of students in a blended learning environment.
Collaboration between adult patients and practitioners when making decisions about prescribing opioid medicines for chronic non-cancer pain in primary care: a scoping review
Authors: Bathia Nirlas Shantilal , McAskill Robyn E , Hancox Jennie E , Knaggs Roger D
Published: June 2021

Background:

Long-term opioid therapy (>12 months) is not effective for improving chronic non-cancer pain and function. Where patients are not experiencing pain relief with long-term opioids, the opioid should be tapered and discontinuation considered. Practitioners may find it challenging to tell patients experiencing pain that they are better off reducing or not taking medicines that do not help. This review aims to ascertain what is published about: (1) the interaction and (2) the nature of the relationship between practitioners and patients when prescribing opioids for chronic non-cancer pain in primary care.

Method:

A scoping review of English-language qualitative, quantitative or mixed-method studies in databases including: MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, AMED, BNI, CINALH EMCARE and HMIC. The identified papers were reviewed to provide a descriptive summary of the literature.

Results:

The review identified 20 studies. The studies used a range of methods including interviews, focus groups, audio and video recordings of clinical consultations, telephone survey and data from patient records. One study reported that researchers had engaged with a patient advisory group to guide their research. Patients expressed the importance of being treated as individuals, not being judged and being involved in prescribing decisions. Practitioners expressed difficulty in managing patient expectations and establishing trust. Opioid risk and practitioner suspicion shape opioid prescribing decisions. There is a paucity of literature about how precisely practitioners overcome interactional challenges and implement personalised care in practice.

Conclusion:

The studies in this review ascertain that practitioners and patients often find it challenging to achieve shared decisions in opioid review consultations. Effective communication is essential to achieve good clinical practice. Collaborative research with PPI partners should be aimed at identifying communication practices that support practitioners to achieve shared decisions with patients when reviewing opioids for chronic non-cancer pain.
Determinants of neonatal sepsis among neonates delivered in Southwest Ethiopia 2018: A case-control study
Authors: Dirirsa Dejene Edosa , Dibaba Degefa Bekem , Gonfa Alemayehu Dessale
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

Neonatal sepsis is one of the principal causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. In spite of interventions with different preventive methods, the burden of neonatal sepsis is being reported in different parts of Ethiopia. For further interventions, identifying its determinants is found to be essential.

Objective:

The study aimed to assess the determinants of neonatal sepsis among neonates delivered in Southwest Ethiopia in 2018.

Methods:

A hospital-based case-control study was conducted in Southwest Ethiopia from May 2018 to August 2018. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select study participants; Cases were neonates diagnosed with sepsis and controls were neonates without sepsis. Data were entered into Epi info version 7.2 and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23. Bi-variable logistic regression was used to identify determinants of neonatal sepsis and those variables with a p-value < 0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression analysis were considered as significantly associated at a 95% confidence interval.

Results:

The findings from the multivariable logistic regression revealed that history of meconium-stained amniotic fluid (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 9.2 [1.1, 19.8]), history of foul-smelling liquor (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 5.2 [1.2, 22.3]), history of maternal sexually transmitted infection/urinary tract infection (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval[ = 4.7 [1.1, 19.7]), history of vascular catheter (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 4.7 [1.11, 20]), and low birth weight (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 5.3 [1.3, 28.9]) were identified as determinants of neonatal sepsis.

Conclusion:

Generally, history of meconium-stained amniotic fluid, foul-smelling liquor, maternal history of the sexually transmitted disease, urinary tract infection, low birth weight, and the vascular catheter was identified as determinants of neonatal sepsis. Health education should be provided for pregnant mothers regarding health care-seeking behavior. Similarly, diagnoses and care should be accessible on time for foul-smelling liquor, premature rupture of membrane, and low birth weight.
COVID-19 and aging: Identifying measures of severity
Authors: Neves Maria Teresa , de Matos Leonor Vasconcelos , Vasques Ana Carolina , Sousa Inês Egídio , Ferreira Inês , Peres Susana , Jesus Susana , Fonseca Cândida , Mansinho Kamal
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

We aimed to compare clinical features of older age group and young and middle-aged patients with COVID-19 and analyze mortality predictors.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of ongoing collection of prespecified data, on a single institution, including patients hospitalized consecutively due to COVID-19 infection, from March to June 2020.

Results:

Of 195 patients, 56.9% were ⩾65 years (older age group). Older age group had multimorbidity ( p < 0.001). At admission Early Warning Score-2 ( p < 0.001), C-reactive protein, D-dimer, creatinine, anemia and lymphopenia were higher in older age group, as well as median time of hospitalization (14 vs 10 days, p = 0.004). Complications were more common in older age group, but there were no significant differences in admission to intensive care. There were 18 deaths, 16 in older age group. Modified Early Warning Score at admission (odds ratio = 1.60, 95% confidence interval = 1.07–1.37, p = 0.021) and C-reactive protein >5 mg/dL (odds ratio = 2.12, 95% confidence interval = 1.13–26.26, p = 0.034) were independent predictors of inhospital mortality in older age group but not in young and middle-aged.

Conclusion:

Older age group was at higher risk for complications and inhospital mortality. Identification of specific scores of severity for this population is essential to ensure that best care is provided.
The NICE Evidence Standards Framework for digital health and care technologies – Developing and maintaining an innovative evidence framework with global impact
Authors: Unsworth Harriet , Dillon Bernice , Collinson Lucie , Powell Helen , Salmon Mark , Oladapo Tosin , Ayiku Lynda , Shield Gary , Holden Joanne , Patel Neelam , Campbell Mark , Greaves Felix , Joshi Indra , Powell John , Tonnel Alexia
Published: June 2021

Objective

In 2018, the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), in partnership with Public Health England, NHS England, NHS Improvement and others, developed an evidence standards framework (ESF) for digital health and care technologies (DHTs). The ESF was designed to provide a standardised approach to guide developers and commissioners on the levels of evidence needed for the clinical and economic evaluation of DHTs by health and care systems.

Methods

The framework was developed using an agile and iterative methodology that included a literature review of existing initiatives and comparison of these against the requirements set by NHS England; iterative consultation with stakeholders through an expert working group and workshops; and questionnaire-based stakeholder input on a publicly available draft document.

Results

The evidence standards framework has been well-received and to date the ESF has been viewed online over 55,000 times and downloaded over 19,000 times.

Conclusions

In April 2021 we published an update to the ESF. Here, we summarise the process through which the ESF was developed, reflect on its global impact to date, and describe NICE’s ongoing work to maintain and improve the framework in the context for a fast moving, innovative field.
The Institutional Impacts of Algorithmic Distribution: Facebook and the Australian News Media
Authors: Bailo Francesco , Meese James , Hurcombe Edward
Published: June 2021

Since changing its algorithm in January 2018 to boost the content of family and friends over other content (including news), Facebook has signaled that it is less interested in news. However, the field is still trying to understand the long-term impacts of this change for news publishers. This is a problem because policymakers and legislators across the world are becoming concerned about the relationship between platforms and publishers. In particular, there are worries that platforms’ ability to make unilateral decisions about how their algorithms operate may harm the economic sustainability of journalism. This article provides some clarity around the relationship between these two parties through a longitudinal study of the Australian news media sector’s relationship with Facebook from 2014 to 2020, with a particular focus on the January 2018 algorithm change. We do this by analyzing Facebook data (2,082,804 posts from CrowdTangle) and external traffic data from 32 major Australian news outlets. These data are contextualized by additional desk research. We identify a range of trends including the decline of news sharing, the collapse in the performance of “social news,” the variable position of social media as a source of referral traffic, and, most critically, the diffused nature of the 2018 algorithm change. Our approach cannot make direct causal inferences. We can only identify trends in on-platform performance and referral traffic, which we then contextualize with industry reportage. However, the data provide vital longitudinal insights into the performance and responses of individual media outlets, news categories, and the Australian media sector as a whole during a critical moment of algorithmic change.
Structural Influences on the News Finds Me Perception: Why People Believe They Don’t Have to Actively Seek News Anymore
Authors: Strauß Nadine , Huber Brigitte , Gil de Zúñiga Homero
Published: June 2021

Using data from a two-wave panel survey among 18 countries worldwide, this study investigates the individual- and country-level antecedents of the “News Finds Me” perception (NFM). Results show that older, more educated, and individuals belonging to the ethnic majority are less prone to develop the NFM. However, social media (news) use, incidental news exposure, discussion frequency, and group affiliations lead to a higher NFM. In contrast, information elaboration as well as news use online were found to weaken the NFM. Testing various country-level factors, only gross domestic product was found to be negatively related to the NFM. The findings form a theoretical and empirical basis for future studies that aim at investigating news use in today’s high-choice media environment.
The Politics of Memory, Diaspora, and Identity in Lillian Ng’s Silver Sister
Authors: Chen Beibei
Published: June 2021

Silver Sister, a biographical novel telling the unique life stories of the so-called “comb-ups,” represents China as a troubled homeland with turmoil, war, and painful memories. Silver, the protagonist of this novel, as a Chinese comb-up, has mixed and doubled identities as an illiterate Chinese female in diaspora. On one hand, she is imprinted with characteristics of Chineseness. On the other hand, the novel contests the notion of Chineseness by demonstrating the interactive relation between Silver’s personal remembrance and collective memory of common Chinese females at that time. In this essay, it is argued that this novel is more precisely about how traumatic memory transforms Chinese women’s diasporic identity in a global context, instead of only in a journey from China to Australia. Its meaning lies not only on the way of representing trauma and memory respectively, but the way how traumatic memories together with other diasporic memories function on influencing identity politics.
Role of Local Government in Community Development Projects in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria: Implication for Adult Educators
Authors: Agboeze Matthias U. , Eze Georgina Chinagorom , Nweke Prince Onyemaechi , Igwe Ngozi Justina , Imo Onyeodiri Charity , Okop Ekaette Okon , Okengwu Mary Chinyere , Agboeze Maryrose N. , Okeke Polycarp M. D. , Otu Mkpoikanke Sunday
Published: June 2021

This study examined the role of local government in community development in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. A total of 420 people participated in the study. The study sample of 420 persons comprised 220 community development officers selected from the study area and 200 adult educators randomly selected from Enugu State. The entire population of the study was used due to the size. A 21-item structured questionnaire developed by the researchers was used as the instrument for data collection. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions. The study revealed that the budget allocation sent by the government to the responsible departments in the local government is not always received as and when due for the effective implementation of community development projects. It was concluded that a higher monitoring authority should be set aside to monitor and supervise the existence of checks and balances between the regulations of the local government areas.
Factors Affecting Indonesian Preservice Teachers’ Use of ICT During Teaching Practices Through Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Yusop Farrah Dina , Habibi Akhmad , Razak Rafiza Abdul
Published: June 2021

The goals of the research were to inform whether the theory of planned behavior (TPB) is a valid model to explain Indonesian preservice teachers’ (PSTs) use of information and communication technology (UICT) during teaching practices, to report best factor affecting PSTs’ UICT during teaching practices, and to elaborate differences regarding UICT during teaching practices in terms of demographic information, gender, major, university, and information and communication technology (ICT)-based courses. The sample of this study was 1,133 PSTs from three Indonesian universities who completed a 24-item printed questionnaire of four constructs: behavioral beliefs (BB), normative beliefs (NB), control beliefs (CB), and UICT. Using partial least square–structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), the results informed that the TPB is a valid model to help explain Indonesian PSTs’ UICT during teaching practices. All constructs (BB, NB, and CB) significantly predict UICT during teaching practices where NB is reported to be the strongest predictor (β = .354). There are no significant differences in terms of genders and ICT-based courses; however, significant differences are indicated in terms of majors and universities.
Degree of Awareness and the Antecedents of the Digital Media Platform: The Case of Mobile Wallets
Authors: Chawla Deepak , Joshi Himanshu
Published: June 2021

Digitalization—a technology-driven innovation—is shaping the future of the economy and society at large. The impact of digitalization on digital payment industry has been phenomenal. The purpose of this article is (i) to examine the degree of awareness associated with mobile wallets and its relationship with demographic variables and (ii) to build a logistic model to predict the attitude towards mobile wallet using a group of antecedents. A total of 744 responses were obtained. Convenience and purposive sampling were used. The results show that 69% of the respondents had high awareness level with respect to mobile wallets. Further, it was found that out of the various demographic variables under consideration only gender, occupation and income significantly impact awareness levels. It was also revealed that awareness levels, perceived usefulness, trust, security and lifestyle compatibility are strong and significant predictors of attitude towards mobile wallets. The predictive ability of the model as is 89.11%, which is satisfactory. This study provides a framework for academicians to understand awareness, user behaviours and attitude related to mobile wallets. It can also guide mobile service providers to focus on important factors affecting user’s adoption decision.
Market Dynamics of Ensuring Financial Security and Sustainable Development of Enterprise
Authors: Khrapkina Valentina , Kobets Vitaliy , Stratonov Vasyl
Published: June 2021

The paper substantiates the need to study the level of financial security of an enterprise. To study the dynamics of financial security of an enterprise we consider a system-dynamic model and simulation of distributed financial flows of a representative industrial enterprise under the impact of random factors, which reflect the threats affecting its financial security. Information on the financial statements of firms is often confidential, which leads to the need to develop a simulation model of a firm’s activities and to conduct experimental research based on the enterprise’s size and reserve fund ensuring its financial security. During simulation experiments, three scenarios for metallurgical enterprise (pessimistic scenario, optimistic scenario and most probable scenario) were investigated, and it was established that for at least half of the cases, an enterprise needs to form a reserve fund to maintain autonomous operations and ensure the necessary level of financial security.

JEL Classifications: C1, C9, D33
Willingness to Use Automated Vehicles: Results From a Large and Diverse Sample of U.S. Older Adults
Authors: Kadylak Travis , Cotten Shelia R. , Fennell Chris
Published: June 2021

The diffusion of fully automated vehicles (AVs), or self-driving vehicles, is expected to provide many affordances for older adults. If older adults are not willing to use AVs, they will not be able to reap these affordances. Understanding factors related to older adults’ willingness to use AVs is key to ensuring that successful strategies can be devised to promote their utilization in the future. In this study, we investigate U.S. older adults’ willingness to use AVs among a large and diverse sample ( N = 1,231). We assessed sociodemographic, population density, health, and attitudinal determinants of willingness to use AVs. Our binary logistic regression results showed that older adults with higher levels of educational attainment, transportation limitations, and positive attitudes toward new technology adoption were more likely to be willing to use AVs. Our study indicates that older adults’ willingness to use AVs are complex and vary among U.S. older adults. Practical implications and study limitations are discussed.
Actual Frailty Conditions and Lifestyle Changes in Community-Dwelling Older Adults Affected by Coronavirus Disease 2019 Countermeasures in Japan: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Shinohara Tomoyuki , Saida Kosuke , Tanaka Shigeya , Murayama Akihiko
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Because of the countermeasures to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Japan, it is easy to predict that the suspension of local activities and changes in lifestyle that lead to decreased activity will result in increased frailty and prefrailty rates in older adults.

Objective

To clarify the actual frailty conditions and lifestyle changes among community-dwelling older adults affected by COVID-19 countermeasures in Japan.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted between May 8 and June 12, 2020. Self-reported questionnaires were distributed to 1,078 older adults aged ≥65 years. We used the frailty screening index to assess frailty status and developed the Questionnaire for Change of Life (QCL) to assess lifestyle changes, the amount of daily movement, leg muscle strength, meal size, worry or anxiety, and opportunities to talk to people. The differences in prevalence rates of frailty, prefrailty, and robustness between this study and the reference based on the Japanese meta-analysis were verified using the chi-square goodness of fit test. We compared each of the QCL results among the frailty, prefrailty, and robust groups using Fisher’s exact test.

Results

Of 680 older adults (63.1%) analyzed, 60 (8.8%) had frailty and 354 (52.1%) had prefrailty. There was a significant difference between the observed and expected prevalence based on the reference (p = 0.018). The frailty status was significantly associated with lifestyle changes. In participants with frailty, the amount of daily movement, leg muscle strength, and meal size significantly decreased (p < 0.001), whereas worry or anxiety significantly increased (p = 0.040). In contrast, regardless of the frailty status, opportunities to talk to people decreased.

Conclusion

The prevalence of frailty and prefrailty might have increased due to the effects of COVID-19 countermeasures. Moreover, the lifestyle of community-dwelling older adults affected by COVID-19 countermeasures has changed. Lifestyle changes were more pronounced among older adults with frailty.
Erschaffen von Führungswirklichkeiten: Eine Reflexion zum Stand der Führungsforschung an Hand eines Falles “gelungener” Führung zu notwendiger Veränderung
Authors: Schneider Ursula
Published: June 2021

Ausgangspunkt für die folgenden Überlegungen war mein Erstaunen über die zunächst nicht übersehbare transformatorische Wirkung einer einzelnen Führungsperson in einer mittelständischen Unternehmung. Das widersprach dem Hintergrundschema eines systemischen Führungsverständnisses, vor dem ich die Ereignisse zu interpretieren versuchte. Es entsprach demgegenüber Strömungen im Zeitgeist, die im charismatischen Trouble Shooter a’ la Iacocca oder im neuen Manager esoterischen Zuschnitts auf die Führungsperson abstellende Erklärungsmuster für ein Phänomen anbieten, das gemeinhin mit Führung bezeichnet wird. Der Widerspruch zwischen der Erkenntnis komplexer Zusammenhänge, die monokausale Steuerungsvostellungen als Mythos entlarven und dem hartnäckigen Überleben von Ansätzen, die Führungspersonen und Geführten erlauben, sich als Täter resp. Opfer zu erleben, scheint mir nur durch die Aufgabe einer realistisch-positivistischen Position auflösbar: Führung ist dann als durch Interaktion und soziale Zuschreibung konstitutiertes Phänomen zu verstehen. Solche Phänomene unterliegen bezüglich ihrer Erforschung einer nicht durchbrechbaren Zirkelschlußproblematik, die durch Forschungsmethodik gemildert, nicht aber prinzipiell aufgehoben werden kann. Die Aufhebung findet im Ansatz gerade durch die als voraussetzungsvoll zu beklagende externe Position der Forscher statt, weil letztere einen Austausch subjektiven Erlebens und Verständigung (Metakommunikation) über Unterschiede in diesem Erleben möglich macht.

Aus dieser Perspektive wird im vorliegenden Fall zuletzt sogar fraglich, ob die auf der symbolischen Ebene stark betonten Veränderungen tatsächlich so auf die materielle Ebene durchschlagen, daß von transformatorischer Führung gesprochen werden kann.
Wertewandel: Eine Modernisierung der protestantischen Ethik?
Authors: Voß Gerd Günter
Published: June 2021

Der Beitrag präsentiert eine von der Vorstellung eines grundlegenden “Wandels” abweichende Interpretation des sogenannten Wertewandels: Nach einem groben Resümee der wichtigsten Tendenzen empirischer Befunde zur Langzeitentwicklung von auf Erwerbsarbeit bezogenen Einstellungen und der zentralen Thesen zu deren Interpretation wird argumentiert, daß die Befunde nicht bedeuten müssen, daß sich die basalen Werte in unserer Gesellschaft grundlegend verändert haben; die Befunde indizieren eher veränderte Formen der praktischen Umsetzung dieser Werte. Als Basiswerte modemer westlicher Gesellschaften werden, unter Rückgriff auf Max Weber, “Aktivismus”, “Universalismus”, “Individualismus” und “Rationalität” genannt. Diese Wertbasis wird als nach wie vor gesellschaftlich bestimmend angesehen. Es wird ausgeführt, daß die Befunde keinen Verfall der “protestantischen Ethik” anzeigen, sondern eher deren Weiterentwicklung. Eine genauere Interpretation zeigt, daß Weber mit dieser Ethik nicht eine enge Pflichtorientierung meinte, sondern für ihn eine individuelle Verantwortungsethik die entwickelte Form der protestantischen Ethik war. Die Umfragebefunde werden so interpretiert, daß sich zunehmend eine solche Verantwortungsethik gegenüber einer engen pflichtethischen Form durchsetzt.
Kennzahlensystem für die Steuerung der betrieblichen Personalarbeit
Authors: Schulte Christof
Published: June 2021

Kennzahlen sind in vielen Untemehmensbereichen ein erprobtes Controlling-Instrument zur Planung und Steuerung. Im Personalwesen ist der Einsatz derzeit noch relativ wenig verbreitet. Eine wesentliche Ursache dafür ist darin zu sehen, daß viele personalwirtschaftliche Sachverhalte qualitativer Natur, und somit einer Messung nur schwer zugänglich sind.

Hinzu kommt, daß sich für eine Vielzahl von beobachtbaren Größen keine kausalen Zusammenhänge finden lassen. Gleichzeitig steigt in den Unternehmen der Wunsch, zum einen das Personalwesen als Funktion und zum anderen personalwirtschaftliche Sachverhalte transparent zu machen, da Personalpolitik als zentraler Erfolgsfaktor immer stärker in den Vordergrund rückt. Um aktives Controlling auch im Personalwesen sicherzustellen, sind aussagefähige Meßinstrumente erforderlich. Hauptanliegen des Beitrages ist es, mitarbeiterbezogene Maßnahmen zu bewerten und im Sinne einer Steuerung Handlungsempfehlungen bei Soll-/Ist-Abweichungen zu geben. Hierzu wird ein Kennzahlensystem vorgestellt, dessen Aufbau sich an zentralen personalpolitischen Zielen orientiert.
Ansatzpunkte des Personal-Controllings in der Entgeltpolitik
Authors: Fischer Jürgen
Published: June 2021

Die Übertragung des Controlling-Gedankens auf die Personalwirtschaft hat zu einem breiten Spektrum von Personal-Controlling (PC) -Auffassungen geführt. Sowohl in der betrieblichen Praxis als auch in der Literatur haben die unterschiedlichsten Bemühungen, sich diesem Thema zu nähem, eine sehr gute Konjunktur. Dies gilt, obwohl, oder gerade weil man von einem einheitlichen und festen Begriffsverständnis noch weit entfernt ist.

Mit dem vorliegenden Beitrag möchte ich zum einen die Bandbreite der PC-Idee aufzeigen und gleichzeitig mögliche Ansatzpunkte zur Lösung praktischer Gestaltungsprobleme im Instrumentalbereich der Entgeltpolitik skizzieren. Schließlich muß die “Wunderwaffe” PC auf ihre Anwendbarkeit in konkreten Aufgabenfeldern hin untersucht werden, um nicht als bloßes modisches Sprachspiel zu fungieren.

All dies werde ich am Beispiel der betrieblichen Entgeltpolitik erörtern. Dieser Bereich ist aus mehreren Gründen für das PC von Bedeutung. Die Kosten für Löhne und Gehälter sind der größte Einzelposten innerhalb der Personalkosten. Nicht selten sind 5 % dieser Entgeltkosten mehr als der gesamte Jahresüberschuß eines Unternehmens. Hinzu kommt der kontinuierliche Anstieg der Lohnkosten je Produkteinheit. Entgelte sind i.d.R. als Investitionen in das Human-Kapital zu sehen, jedenfalls dann, wenn - wie im Fall von Nachwuchskräften - kein aktuell gleichwertiger Output in Form von produktiver Arbeitsleistung gegenübersteht. Daß Entgelte solche Investitionen auch schützen sollen, ist ein weiterer wichtiger Aspekt. Hinzu kommt, daß die entgeltpolitischen Spielräume, z.B. was die Leistungsdifferenzierung angeht, durch Tarifverträge und Mitbestimmungsrechte bzw. Interpretationen durch das BAG, stetig enger werden. Schließlich macht die Arbeitsmarktsituation jedenfalls im Bereich von Fach- und Führungskräften die Entgeltpolitik zu einer wichtigen Determinante des Untemehmenserfolges. Für das PC läßt sich dies alles auf den kurzen Nenner bringen: je schwieriger und enger das Fahrwasser, desto besser müssen die Navigationsinstrumente sein.
Beschäftigungsformen und Arbeitsbedingungen in Kleinbetrieben
Authors: Funder Maria , Domeyer Volker
Published: June 2021

Auch nach 150 Jahren industriell-kapitalistischer Entwicklung sind Kleinbetriebe nicht den Konzentrations- und Integrationsprozessen der ‘Großen’ zum Opfer gefallen. Die zunehmende Informatisierung der Gesellschaft hat vielmehr völlig neue Existenzchancen für kleine betriebliche Einheiten geschaffen. Kleinbetriebe sind zu einem Streitobjekt geworden: weisen Kritiker auf ihre Abhängigkeit von Großunternehmen, ihre technologische Rückständigkeit sowie auf bedenkliche Arbeitsbedingungen, Einkommens- und Arbeitsstrukturen hin, so sehen Befürworter in ihnen Modellprojekte für die Zukunft - arbeitspolitisch innovative, wettbewerbsfähige Kleinbetriebe. In unserem Beitrag analysieren wir auf der Grundlage qualitativer Erhebungen Aspekte der Binnenstruktur neugegründeter Kleinbetriebe im Bereich von IuK-Technologien wie Gründungsprozesse, Arbeitsbeziehungen, Einkommenslage und Arbeitszeiten von Betriebsgründern und Beschäftigten. Es werden Faktoren identifiziert, welche die Bestandssicherheit solcher Betriebe und somit die Reproduktionssicherung von Selbständigen und Beschäftigten fördern bzw. hemmen. Die Chancen ökonomischer Konsolidierung und flexibler Anpassung an Märkte werden schließlich außer von Kapital, Qualifikation und Einsatz neuer Technologien auch von außer- wie innerbetrieblichen Kooperationsbeziehungen beeinflußt.
EDV im Personalwesen
Authors: Scholz Christian
Published: June 2021

Der vorliegende Beitrag behandelt die wesentlichen Aspekte beim EDV-Einsatz im Personalwesen. Die hier auftretenden Spannungsfelder erstrecken sich auf die nach wie vor widersprüchlich diskutierten Fragen nach Involvierung der betroffenen Mitarbeiter, nach Hardware und Software sowie nach sinnvoller Organisation der EDV im Personalwesen. Dementsprechend beginnt der Beitrag mit einigen EDV-technischen Grundlagen. Im Zusammenhang mit personalspezifischer Standardsoftware dokumentiert das Projekt PSEARCH die steigende, wenn auch noch immer zu geringe Angebotspalette. Der Beitrag schließt mit der Vorstellung des Personalleitstandes als Vision und der Vorschau.
Autonomes Selbstgesteuertes Lernen (ASL)
Authors: Deitering Franz , Kurtz Hans-Jürgen , Geilhardt Thomas
Published: June 2021

Ausgangspunkt für das Konzept des Autonomen Selbstgesteuerten Lernens (ASL) sind die gestiegenen Anforderungen an sozialer und methodischer Kompetenz in Wirtschaftsuntemehmen. Das ASL gibt eine Antwort auf die Vermittlung von sogenannten Schlüsselqualifikationen. Die “Sieben Selbst” bilden die Wertebasis des Konzeptes: SELBST-bestimmung, -Verantwortung, -ständigkeit, -management, -bewußtsein und -wertgefühL Einem kurzen historischen Abriß zum ASL folgen Grundbedingungen der pädagogischen Ökologie und der psychologischen Aspekte des ASL. Im letzten Teil stellen wir einen eigenen Modellversuch dar. Er beinhaltet den Konzeptentwurf, Inhalte, Methoden und Instrumente zum ASL. Es werden eine differenzierte Implementierungsstrategie und kritische Ergebnisse der Längsschnitt-Evaluation des Projektes dargestellt.
Metaanalyse. Eine Einführung
Authors: Stamm Hansueli , Schwarb Thomas M.
Published: June 2021

Die Metaanalyse ist eine Sekundäranalysemethode mit deren Hilfe quantitative Ergebnisse aus empirischen Untersuchungen zusammengefaßt und deren Variabilität untersucht werden. In diesem Beitrag wird – mit einem Beispiel aus der Personalauswahl – die Methode der Metaanalyse erklärt und diskutiert. Ziel ist es, einen Einblick in das Verfahren sowie den Nutzen und die Probleme dieser Technik zu ermöglichen. Es wird aufgezeigt, daß weniger die eigentlichen Ergebnisse der Metaanalyse der Wissenschaft wichtige Impulse gegeben haben, sondern vielmehr Nebeneffekte wie die Moderatorenanalyse, methodische Standardisierungen und Qualitätskriterien empirischer Forschung sowie Hinweise auf Forschungslücken.
Die Gestaltung effizienter Entlohnungssysteme in Mittel- und Osteuropa – Ergebnisse einer empirischen Untersuchung
Authors: Holtbrügge Dirk
Published: June 2021

Ausländische Investoren in den mittel- und osteuropäischen Staaten sind vielfach mit dem Problem konfrontiert, daß die angestrebten Lohnkostenvorteile durch eine im Vergleich zu den westlichen Industrieländern erheblich niedrigere Arbeitsproduktivität und Arbeitsqualität kompensiert oder zumindest erheblich reduziert werden. Als Hauptgrund dafür kann neben der technologischen Rückständigkeit der Maschinen und Werkzeuge sowie kontraproduktiven administrativen Eingriffen zentraler Behörden vor allem die ineffiziente Entgeltpolitik angeführt werden. Die substantielle Steigerung der Arbeitsproduktivität und -qualität sowie der Arbeitszufriedenheit der Mitarbeiter hängt somit in hohem Maße von der effizienten Gestaltung des betrieblichen Entlohnungssystems ab.

Im folgenden wird zunächst die Effizienz unterschiedlicher Kriterien der Entgeltdifferenzierung untersucht. Sodann wird auf die Wertigkeit unterschiedlicher monetärer und nicht-monetärer Entgeltformen eingegangen, bevor abschließend die Leistungsund Zufriedenheitswirkung der Entgelthöhe analysiert wird. Die Ausführungen basieren auf einer empirischen Untersuchung in 18 Joint Ventures in der Rußländischen Föderalion, der Ukraine, Belarus, Polen, Tschechien, der Slowakei und Ungarn.
Rheumatoid arthritis-interstitial lung disease: manifestations and current concepts in pathogenesis and management
Authors: Kadura Suha , Raghu Ganesh
Published: June 2021

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory disorder, with the most common extra-articular manifestation of RA being lung involvement. While essentially any of the lung compartments can be affected and manifest as interstitial lung disease (ILD), pleural effusion, cricoarytenoiditis, constrictive or follicular bronchiolitis, bronchiectasis, pulmonary vasculitis, and pulmonary hypertension, RA-ILD is a leading cause of death in patients with RA and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In this review, we focus on the common pulmonary manifestations of RA, RA-ILD and airway disease, and discuss evolving concepts in the pathogenesis of RA-associated pulmonary fibrosis, as well as therapeutic strategies, and have revised our previous review on the topic. A rational clinical approach for the diagnosis and management of RA-ILD, as well as an approach to patients with clinical worsening in the setting of treatment with disease-modifying agents, is included. Future directions for research and areas of unmet need in the realm of RA-associated lung disease are raised.
Systematic review on long-term adverse effects of inhaled corticosteroids in the treatment of COPD
Authors: Miravitlles Marc , Auladell-Rispau Ariadna , Monteagudo Mònica , Vázquez-Niebla Juan Carlos , Mohammed Jibril , Nuñez Alexa , Urrútia Gerard
Published: June 2021

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are indicated for the prevention of exacerbations in COPD; however, a significant proportion of patients at low risk of exacerbations are treated with ICSs. We conducted a systematic review including a diversity of types of study designs and safety outcomes with the objective of describing the risk of adverse effects associated with the long-term use of ICSs in patients with COPD.

A total of 90 references corresponding to 83 studies were included, including 26 randomised clinical trials (RCTs), 33 cohort studies, and 24 nested case–control (NCC) studies. Analysis of 19 RCTs showed that exposure to ICSs for ≥1 year increased the risk of pneumonia by 41% (risk ratio 1.41, 95% CI 1.23–1.61). Additionally, cohort and NCC studies showed an association between ICSs and risk of tuberculosis and mycobacterial disease. There was a strong association between ICS use and local disorders such as oral candidiasis and dysphonia. The association between ICSs and the risk of diabetes and fractures was less clear and appeared significant only at high doses of ICSs.

Since most patients with COPD are elderly and with frequent comorbidities, an adequate risk–benefit balance is crucial for the indication of ICSs.
Spatiotemporally specific roles of TLR4, TNF, and IL-17A in murine endotoxin-induced inflammation inferred from analysis of dynamic networks
Authors: Zamora Ruben , Chavan Sangeeta , Zanos Theodoros , Simmons Richard L. , Billiar Timothy R. , Vodovotz Yoram
Published: June 2021

Background

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces a multi-organ, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-dependent acute inflammatory response.

Methods

Using network analysis, we defined the spatiotemporal dynamics of 20, LPS-induced, protein-level inflammatory mediators over 0–48 h in the heart, gut, lung, liver, spleen, kidney, and systemic circulation, in both C57BL/6 (wild-type) and TLR4-null mice.

Results

Dynamic Network Analysis suggested that inflammation in the heart is most dependent on TLR4, followed by the liver, kidney, plasma, gut, lung, and spleen, and raises the possibility of non-TLR4 LPS signaling pathways at defined time points in the gut, lung, and spleen. Insights from computational analyses suggest an early role for TLR4-dependent tumor necrosis factor in coordinating multiple signaling pathways in the heart, giving way to later interleukin-17A—possibly derived from pathogenic Th17 cells and effector/memory T cells—in the spleen and blood.

Conclusions

We have derived novel, systems-level insights regarding the spatiotemporal evolution acute inflammation.
Purple urine bag syndrome is a rare manifestation of bacteriuria on bladder catheter: case report
Authors: Mohib Othmane , Roland Thomas , Fontaine Margot , Laurent France , Rossi Camelia
Published: June 2021

Background

Purple urine bag syndrome (PUBS) is a complication of bacterial colonisation of bladder catheters in which urine turns purple in the tubing, as well as in the catheter bag. This rare phenomenon can be very worrisome and stressful for the patients and their families, as well as for the healthcare team taking care of them. Recognising this complication is essential in order to avoid misdiagnosis and erroneous treatment. We report a case of PUBS in a 71-year-old female patient.

Case presentation

A 71-year-old woman with previous medical history of schizophrenia was admitted to the emergency department for anorexia and suspicion of psychotic decompensation. Acute urine retention and rectal faecal impaction were clinically suspected and confirmed by bladder ultrasound and rectal examination, respectively. The patient underwent bladder catheterisation as well as a rectal enema. The day after her admission, our medical team was approached by the nurse in charge of the patient because of purple urine in her catheter bag and tubing. The diagnosis of PUBS was made with the help of the Oxford urine chart. A dipstick urinalysis revealed alkaline urine (pH = 8), and the urine culture was subsequently positive for Proteus mirabilis, which is sensitive to quinolones, beta-lactams and nitrofurantoin. The bladder catheter was changed. The patient received empiric antibiotic therapy with Levofloxacin 500 mg once daily. After obtaining the antibiogram, the targeted antibiotic therapy was adapted with oral Cefuroxime 500 mg three times a day for a total duration of seven days of antibiotic therapy. There was no recurrence of purple urine.

Conclusion

PUBS is a rare complication of bacteriuria, which induces a purple colouration of the tubing as well as the catheter bag. It is a simple spot diagnosis, as there is no other known cause of purple urine. This is why we believe that the Oxford urine chart represents a very interesting and easily accessible tool to help clinicians to investigate any abnormal urine colour.
Network-based analysis of virulence factors for uncovering Aeromonas veronii pathogenesis
Authors: Li Hong , Ma Xiang , Tang Yanqiong , Wang Dan , Zhang Ziding , Liu Zhu
Published: June 2021

Background

Aeromonas veronii is a bacterial pathogen in aquaculture, which produces virulence factors to enable it colonize and evade host immune defense. Given that experimental verification of virulence factors is time-consuming and laborious, few virulence factors have been characterized. Moreover, most studies have only focused on single virulence factors, resulting in biased interpretation of the pathogenesis of A. veronii.

Results

In this study, a PPI network at genome-wide scale for A. veronii was first constructed followed by prediction and mapping of virulence factors on the network. When topological characteristics were analyzed, the virulence factors had higher degree and betweenness centrality than other proteins in the network. In particular, the virulence factors tended to interact with each other and were enriched in two network modules. One of the modules mainly consisted of histidine kinases, response regulators, diguanylate cyclases and phosphodiesterases, which play important roles in two-component regulatory systems and the synthesis and degradation of cyclic-diGMP. Construction of the interspecies PPI network between A. veronii and its host Oreochromis niloticus revealed that the virulence factors interacted with homologous proteins in the host. Finally, the structures and interacting sites of the virulence factors during interaction with host proteins were predicted.

Conclusions

The findings here indicate that the virulence factors probably regulate the virulence of A. veronii by involving in signal transduction pathway and manipulate host biological processes by mimicking and binding competitively to host proteins. Our results give more insight into the pathogenesis of A. veronii and provides important information for designing targeted antibacterial drugs.