bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A rare occurrence of an incidental primary intra-abdominal Cystic Lymphangioma in a Middle Eastern adult female: A case report
Authors: Al Laham Omar , Abdul Khalek Gheed , Almaydaani Mohamad , Abazid Eias , Abazeed Omar , Alshalabi Abdulghani
Published: March 2023

Introduction and Importance:

Cystic Lymphangiomas (CLs) are rare vascular anomalies of benign nature. The etiology remains a subject of controversy, but they are considered to arise due to anomalies that occur during the normal embryogenic developmental process of lymphatic vessels. They have an estimated incidence rate of merely 1 in every 20,000–250,000 individuals. Since they are mainly known as a disease of the pediatric population, accurate epidemiological rates of CLs, especially in adults, are still unidentified due to the scarcity of published data. Documentation is pivotal to collect further information about them to establish timely diagnoses and minimize the potentially high patient morbidity.

Case Presentation:

The authors hereby demonstrate the case of a 46-year-old lady who presented to the outpatient general surgery clinic at our university hospital complaining of chronic right hypochondriac abdominal pain. Investigative radiological imaging marked a cystic formation with well-defined borders and homogenous content extending from the lower pole of the right kidney to the lower hepatic border.

Clinical Discussion:

Surgical intervention was performed by completely resecting the lesion in question. Directly afterward, histopathological analysis was achieved and established the diagnosis of a CL.

Conclusion:

CL is a rare neoplasm with ill-defined symptoms and ambiguous clinical presentations. They remain poorly studied due to their rarity and lack of sufficient data in the published literature. This magnifies the importance of clinical awareness and time-efficient surgical intervention. Documenting these cases aids in identifying their subsequent etiological origins, disease-specific risk factors, clinical course, and yields proposals of novel therapeutic approaches.
Neuropathology of 30 deceased patients with COVID-19: a case series in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Nouri Majid , Soleiman-Meigooni Saeed , Mohammadi Shadi , Sakhabakhsh Mehdi , Yaghmayee Ramin , Fotoohi Mahtab
Published: March 2023

Introduction:

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can affect the nervous system and result in neurological symptoms. The most common feature of central nervous system involvement is hypoxia and congestion. This study aimed to evaluate the histopathology of cerebral tissue in deceased patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods:

In a case series study, we took cerebral samples of 30 deceased patients with COVID-19 through supraorbital bone from January to May 2021. The samples were fixed in a formalin solution, stained with haematoxylin–eosin dyes and studied by two expert pathologists. The Ethics Committee of AJA University of Medical Sciences approved this study with code IR.AJAUMS.REC.1399.030.

Results:

The mean age of the patients was 73.8 years, and the most common underlying disease was hypertension. Cerebral tissue samples showed hypoxic–ischaemic changes in 28 (93.3%), microhaemorrhage in six (20%), lymphocytic infiltration in five (16.7%) and thrombosis in three samples (10%).

Conclusion:

Hypoxic–ischaemic change was the most common neuropathology in our patient. Our study showed that many patients with severe COVID-19 may develop central nervous system involvement.
Sacral chordoma: an unusual cause of neurogenic bladder – a case report
Authors: Jelleli Nejmeddine , Mnasser Aymen , Sakly Aymen , Slama Meriem , Fouli Sarra , Chouaya Ines , Jellali Bilel , Chouaya Sabrine , Binous Mohamed Y.
Published: March 2023

Introduction and Importance:

Sacral chordoma is a rare tumor arising from notochord remnants. Sacral pain is the most common sign. The authors report the case of a sacral chordoma diagnosed in a urology department. It was a rare cause of erectile dysfunction and it was unusually revealed by lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs).

Case Presentation:

A 67-year-old man had severe dysuria associated with erectile dysfunction. On digital rectal examination, we palpated a mass protruding through the posterior wall of the rectum. The gluteal region is infiltrated by a firm mass. MRI revealed an osteolytic sacral tumor. A percutaneous biopsy of the tumor was performed. A pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of sacral chordoma. The patient had palliative radiotherapy. One year after radiotherapy, he had rectal stenosis associated with severe constipation.

Clinical Discussion:

Sacral chordoma is a rare malignant tumor. Sacralgia is the most common sign. LUTS and erectile dysfunction were rarely reported in patients affected by this bone tumor. MRI is very suggestive of this pathology. Diagnostic confirmation requires pathological examination. The curative management consists of a large resection of the tumor. For inextricable tumors, palliative radiotherapy can be carried out. The prognosis of sacral chordoma is defined by a high recurrence potential and a low metastatic risk.

Conclusions:

Sacral chordoma is a rare bone tumor. It is an unusual cause for LUTS and erectile dysfunction. Complete tumor excision is the only curative treatment. Recurrence after treatment is the main challenge for surgeons.
Evisceration of intestines with diaphragmatic laceration and gastric perforation secondary to trauma by rhinoceros attack and its management: a case report
Authors: Karki Sabin , Shrestha Melina , Basukala Sunil , Maharjan Suman , Banmala Sabin , Hona Anil , Thapa Narayan , Thapa Bikash B.
Published: March 2023

Introduction and Importance:

Injuries from animal attack are one of the major public health problems at present scenario globally. Proper documentation is required for the study of different types of injuries caused by animal attacks so that early intervention can be done during life-threatening conditions.

Case Presentation:

A 36-year-old male presented with an alleged history of attack by two rhinoceros sustaining injuries over the abdomen, chest, shoulder and thigh.

Clinical Findings and Investigations:

There was a lacerated abdomen with evisceration of the stomach, small intestine, transverse colon and omentum and a lacerated wound over the left lateral thigh and left buttock along with the right shoulder. Extended Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma ultrasound showed minimal free fluid in the pelvis. Blood profile revealed reduced haemoglobin and deranged prothrombin time/international normalized ratio.

Interventions and Outcome:

Patient underwent exploratory laparotomy twice with repair of diaphragmatic injury, excision of avulsed greater omentum in the first setting and repair of gastric perforation in the second setting with stable haemodynamic status.

Conclusion:

Abdominal evisceration injury by rhinoceros attack is life threatening though rare. Its management should consist of assessing for and controlling associated haemorrhage, assessing for bowel content leakage, covering the eviscerated abdominal contents and early reduction of viscera if there is no active bleeding.
Culture and sensitivity pattern of aerobic bacterial isolates in diabetic foot infections during 2018–2022 in Asian countries: a literature review study
Authors: Huwae Thomas E.C.J. , Ratridewi Irene , Lena Yulanda M. , Retnoningsih Dewi , Sananta Panji , Asmiragani Syaifullah
Published: March 2023

Background:

The most prevalent consequence of diabetes mellitus is diabetic foot infections (DFIs). Prior to the final treatment established by the culture findings, the early identification of infections may be used as a prescription for an empirical therapy. This study examines the microbiological profile and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of the bacteria that cause DFI.

Methods:

This research aims to determine the culture and sensitivity trend of aerobic bacterial isolates of DFI in Asian nations over a 5-year period. The article was searched using PubMed and Google Scholar with the keywords ‘Diabetic Foot Infections’, ‘Antibiotic’, ‘Microbiological Profile’, and their combinations. The author uses publications from 2018 to 2022 in Indonesian and English to select the appropriate journal.

Results:

The author identified 11 relevant articles with microbiological profiles and sensitivity patterns in DFI. A total of 3097 isolates were found in 2498 patients with DFI. Gram-negative bacteria were the leading source of infection (n=1737; 56%). Totally, 1148 (or 37%) of all isolates were aerobic Gram-positive cocci.Staphylococcus aureuswas the most commonly isolated aerobe (n=608, 20%), followed byPseudomonas aeruginosa(n=451, 15%). Gram-positive bacteria showed good susceptibility to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, chloramphenicol, doxycycline, vancomycin, and linezolid. Gram-negative bacteria displayed excellent susceptibility to aminoglycosides, piperacillin-tazobactam, and carbapenems.

Conclusions:

Gram-negative microorganisms were the most prevalent cause of DFI. This study’s findings will facilitate the development of future empirical therapeutic guidelines for the treatment of DFI.
Abdominal pregnancy: a case report
Authors: Abdullah Lava , Alsulaiman Sihaam S. , Hassan Maher , Ibrahim Hevy S. , Alshamali Nedal , Nizami Sindebad
Published: March 2023

Introduction and Importance:

Abdominal pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic pregnancies, accounts less than 1% of all types of ectopic pregnancy. Its significance comes from high morbidity and mortality rates.

Case Presentation:

We present a case of a 22-year-old shocked patient with acute abdominal pain underwent laparotomy, abdominal pregnancy implanted into the posterior wall of the uterus diagnosis was made, and appropriate follow-up was offered.

Clinical Discussion:

Acute abdominal pain may be the main symptom of the abdominal pregnancy. The diagnosis was made by direct visualization of the products of conception and pathological study confirmed.

Conclusion:

The first case of abdominal pregnancy is implanted into the posterior wall of the uterus. Follow-up is recommended until β-human chorionic gonadotropin levels become undetectable.
Another Piece of the Practice Environment Puzzle
Authors: Varagona Lynn , Ballard Nancy , McCartt Peggy , McEwan Kevin K. , Knotts Kimberly
Published: March 2023

The Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index, a widely used practice environment instrument, does not measure vital coworker interrelations. Team virtuousness measures coworker interrelations, yet the literature lacks a comprehensive instrument built from a theoretical foundation that captures the structure. This study sought to develop a comprehensive measure of team virtuousness built from Aquinas' Virtue Ethics Theory that captures the underlying structure. Subjects included nursing unit staff and master of business administration (MBA) students. A total of 114 items were generated and administered to MBA students. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were run on randomly split halves. Based on analyses, 33 items were subsequently administered to nursing unit staff. EFA and CFA were repeated on randomly split halves; CFA item loadings replicated EFA. Three components emerged from the MBA student data: integrity, α = .96; group benevolence, α = .70; and excellence, α = .91. Two components emerged from the nursing unit data: wisdom, α = .97; and excellence, α = .94. Team virtuousness varied significantly among units and correlated significantly with engagement. The two component instrument, named the Perceived Trustworthiness Indicator, is a comprehensive measure of team virtuousness built from a theoretical framework that captures the underlying structure, demonstrates adequate reliability and validity, and measures coworker interrelations on nursing units. Forgiveness and relational and inner harmony emerged as elements of team virtuousness, broadening understanding.
Characterizing OPRM1 DNA methylation in prescription opioid users with chronic musculoskeletal pain
Authors: Sheikh Sophia , Smotherman Carmen , Patel Monika , Langaee Taimour , Wang Danxin , Swaray Edward , Velasquez Esteban , Schmidt Siegfried O.F. , Hendry Phyllis , Cavallari Larisa H. , Fillingim Roger B.
Published: March 2023

Introduction:

Many patients with chronic pain use prescription opioids. Epigenetic modification of the μ-opioid receptor 1 (OPRM1) gene, which codes for the target protein of opioids, may influence vulnerability to opioid abuse and response to opioid pharmacotherapy, potentially affecting pain outcomes.

Objective:

Our objective was to investigate associations of clinical and sociodemographic factors with OPRM1 DNA methylation in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain on long-term prescription opioids.

Methods:

Sociodemographic variables, survey data (Rapid Estimate of Adult Health Literacy in Medicine-Short Form, Functional Comorbidity Index [FCI], PROMIS 43v2.1 Profile, Opioid Risk Tool, and PROMIS Prescription Pain Medication Misuse), and saliva samples were collected. The genomic DNA extracted from saliva samples were bisulfite converted, amplified by polymerase chain reaction, and processed for OPRM1-targeted DNA methylation analysis on a Pyrosequencing instrument (Qiagen Inc, Valencia, CA). General linear models were used to examine the relationships between the predictors and OPRM1 DNA methylation.

Results:

Data from 112 patients were analyzed. The best-fitted multivariable model indicated, compared with their counterparts, patients with > eighth grade reading level, degenerative disk disease, substance abuse comorbidity, and opioid use < 1 year (compared with >5 years), had average methylation levels that were 7.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.95%, 14.4%), 11.7% (95% CI 2.7%, 21.1%), 21.7% (95% CI 10.7%, 32.5%), and 16.1% (95% CI 3.3%, 28.8%) higher than the reference groups, respectively. Methylation levels were 2.2% (95% CI 0.64%, 3.7%) lower for every 1 unit increase in FCI and greater by 0.45% (95% CI 0.08%, 0.82%) for every fatigue T score unit increase.

Conclusions:

OPRM1 methylation levels varied by several patient factors. Further studies are warranted to replicate these findings and determine potential clinical utility.
Analgesic efficacy of sleep-promoting pharmacotherapy in patients with chronic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Andersson Emelie , Kander Thomas , Werner Mads U. , Cho Joshua H. , Kosek Eva , Bjurström Martin F.
Published: March 2023

Dysregulation of sleep heightens pain sensitivity and may contribute to pain chronification. Interventions which consolidate and lengthen sleep have the potential to improve pain control. The main objective of this systematic review was to examine the effects of sleep-promoting pharmacotherapy on pain intensity in patients with chronic pain. Multiple electronic databases were searched from inception to January 2022 to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full-text articles; extracted data; and assessed risk of bias for each included study. The GRADE approach was used to determine the strength of evidence. The search identified 624 articles. After full-text screening, 10 RCTs (n = 574 randomized participants) involving 3 pharmacologic interventions (melatonin, zopiclone, and eszopiclone) and 7 different chronic pain populations were included. Minimum clinically significant pain reduction ≥30% was reported in 4 studies. There is low-quality evidence (downgraded due to inconsistency and imprecision) that 2 to 8 weeks treatment with a sleep-promoting medication alone or in combination with an analgesic (6 trials, n = 397) decreases pain intensity compared with placebo or the same analgesic treatment alone (SMD −0.58 [95% confidence interval −1.00, −0.17], P = 0.006). Analyses of associations between changes in sleep and pain outcomes were only provided in 2 articles, with inconsistent findings. Notably, pain-relieving effects were most consistent in melatonin trials. Only 3 studies implemented polysomnography to obtain objective sleep measures. Low-quality evidence indicates that pharmacologic sleep promotion may decrease pain intensity in chronic pain populations. More research is needed to fully understand the influence of sleep-targeting interventions on pain control.
Artificial Intelligence Modeling to Predict Periprosthetic Infection and Explantation Following Implant-Based Reconstruction
Authors: Hassan Abbas M. , Biaggi-Ondina Andrea , Asaad Malke , Morris Natalie , Liu Jun , Selber Jesse C. , Butler Charles E.
Published: March 2023

Background:

Despite improvements in prosthesis design and surgical techniques, periprosthetic infection and explantation rates following implant-based reconstruction (IBR) remain relatively high. Artificial intelligence is an extremely powerful predictive tool that involves machine learning (ML) algorithms. We sought to develop, validate, and evaluate the use of ML algorithms to predict complications of IBR.

Methods:

A comprehensive review of patients who underwent IBR from January 2018 to December 2019 was conducted. Nine supervised ML algorithms were developed to predict periprosthetic infection and explantation. Patient data were randomly divided into training (80%) and testing (20%) sets.

Results:

We identified 481 patients (694 reconstructions) with a mean (± SD) age of 50.0 ± 11.5 years, mean (± SD) body mass index of 26.7 ± 4.8 kg/m 2, and median follow-up time of 16.1 months (11.9-23.2 months). Periprosthetic infection developed with 16.3% (n = 113) of the reconstructions, and explantation was required with 11.8% (n = 82) of them. ML demonstrated good discriminatory performance in predicting periprosthetic infection and explantation (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.73 and 0.78, respectively), and identified 9 and 12 significant predictors of periprosthetic infection and explantation, respectively.

Conclusions:

ML algorithms trained using readily available perioperative clinical data accurately predicts periprosthetic infection and explantation following IBR. Our findings support incorporating ML models into perioperative assessment of patients undergoing IBR to provide data-driven, patient-specific risk assessment to aid individualized patient counseling, shared decision-making, and presurgical optimization.
“Same-Day Mastectomy and Immediate Prosthetic Breast Reconstruction: A Twelve-Year Analysis of a National Database and Early Postoperative Outcomes”
Authors: Chow Amanda L. , Luthringer Margaret M. , Van Kouwenberg Emily A. , Agag Richard L. , Sinkin Jeremy C.
Published: March 2023

Background:

COVID-19 and rising healthcare costs have incentivized shorter hospital stays after mastectomies with immediate prosthetic reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative outcomes following same-day and non-same day mastectomy with immediate prosthetic reconstruction.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2007-2019 was performed. Patients who underwent mastectomies and immediate reconstruction with tissue expanders (TE) or implants (DTI) were selected and grouped based on length of stay. Univariate analysis and multivariate regression were performed to compare 30-day postoperative outcomes between length of stay groups.

Results:

A total of 45,451 patients were included: 1,508 had same-day surgery (SDS) and 43,942 were admitted for ≥1 night (non-SDS). There was no significant difference in overall 30-day postoperative complications between SDS and non-SDS following immediate prosthetic reconstruction. SDS was not a predictor of complications (OR 1.1, P=0.346) while TE reconstruction decreased odds of morbidity compared to DTI (OR 0.77, P<0.001). Among patients who had SDS, smoking was significantly associated with early complications on multivariate analysis (OR 1.85, P=0.010).

Conclusions:

Our study provides an up-to-date assessment of the safety of mastectomies with immediate prosthetic breast reconstruction that captures recent advancements. Postoperative complication rates are similar between same-day discharge and at least one-night stay, suggesting that same-day procedures may be safe for appropriately selected patients.
Continuous learning and advancing technologies: a framework for professional development and training in artificial intelligence
Authors: Billiot Theresa
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to assist organizations with professional development and training by using Fink’s (2017) Taxonomy of Significant Learning (TSL) to engage employees with continuous learning, in the context of artificial intelligence (AI). By using TSL, employees engage in six interactive stages that stimulate cognitive and affective learning. This stimulation is highly imperative because employees must acquire and apply new knowledge, develop new attitudes, and change learning behavior to help organizations undergo endless changes shaped by technological advancements.

Design/methodology/approach

This article provides a structure on how to professionally develop and train an organization’s workforce in AI through the six tenets of the TSL model. It also provides guidance on analyzing situational factors and assessing employee learning.

Findings

This conceptual study reveals how organizations can advance employee thinking and shape employee behavior to prepare future leaders during technological shifts.

Practical implications

By integrating the TSL in professional development and training strategies, organizations can achieve employee outcomes that will grow and sustain organizations as technology continues to impact markets.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to existing literature by providing a systematic and quality approach to transform employees into active learners within advanced technological environments. In addition, this paper discusses assessment methods to evaluate the effectiveness of learning.
Iran’s approach to energy policy towards 2040: a participatory scenario method
Authors: Hafezi Reza , Heirani Hossein , Akbari Mohammadreza , Mortezaee Ahmad , Bagherimoghaddam Naser , Heydari Hamid , Souhankar Amirhossein
Published: March 2023

Purpose

In the case of Iran, about 19 years have passed since the announcement of general energy policies. Policies adopted in the past included too many approaches and goals for the energy sector that some of them are in conflict with each other and their simultaneous implementation was impossible. Therefore, many of the expected goals of these policies have not been achieved. It is very important to adopt an appropriate approach that is compatible with the country’s characteristics and can steer energy policies. Therefore, this study aims to adopt an appropriate approach for the country’s energy sector according to the conditions and needs of the country.

Design/methodology/approach

A participatory scenario technique is designed and used to develop plausible projections in the case of Iran’s energy futures. Based on the proposed methodology, the research process starts with data gathering through interviews and national plans analysis. Then, findings were used as inputs to a simulation-based scenario development process. Scenarios are developed based on Monte Carlo simulation via cross-impact analysis technique purified based on expert judgments.

Findings

In this paper, to recognize Iran’s general approach to energy in the next 20 years, driving forces of change were introduced and used as input for the scenario development phase. Results showed sanctions play a significant role in Iran’s energy future and determine the directions of other driving forces. For renewable energy, it was proposed to increase the renewable share in Iran’s electricity generation mix to 5% of the total installed capacity. In the case of fossil fuel extraction, the maximum efficient rate was proposed for both oil and natural gas national production strategy.

Originality/value

This research is novel both in terms of application and theory. A new participatory scenario development method is used using simulations that are equipped based on experts’ judgments. Also from the practical perspective, this research targeted a future-oriented challenging problem to initialize national policy in a resource-rich developing economy (i.e. Iran).
Servant leadership and employee's job performance: the role of public service motivation in Ethiopian public sector organizations
Authors: Mishra Santap Sanhari , Hassen Molla Hussen
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims mainly to examine the mediating role of public service motivation (PSM) in the relationship between servant leadership and employee performance in the context of Ethiopian public sector organization employees.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey design has been used, where all the 154 employees from seven public sector organizations participated. A confirmatory factor analysis employed on the 149 valid responses further validated the hypothesized model.

Findings

The study supported the significant relationship between servant leadership, public service motivation and job performance. Moreover, it exhibited a complete mediating effect of public service motivation, on the relationship between servant leadership and an employee's job performance.

Practical implications

The successful mediation of PSM into servant leadership and job performance indicates that the new government must focus on empowering colleagues to have a say in the department-level policy formulation process.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study stems from the fact that it is a rare study that investigates the relationship between PSM and servant leadership and job performance in Africa, particularly in Ethiopia, where a regime change in 2018 triggered a flurry of reforms to the public sector work culture.
Compliance concerns in sustainable finance: an analysis of peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms and sustainability
Authors: Teichmann Fabian Maximilian Johannes , Boticiu Sonia Ruxandra , Sergi Bruno S.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the relationship between financial sustainability and peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

To do so, an extensive literature review on sustainability, FinTech, P2P lending and their associated risks was conducted using a fundamentally theoretical and descriptive methodology.

Findings

In addition, this study shows that finance can accelerate the transition to a low-carbon circular economy by allocating investments in sustainable projects and businesses. Moreover, FinTech P2P lending platforms can help to vitalize green digital finance by using the internet and information technology in the lending market. Nevertheless, anonymous lending and borrowing ventures can produce potential risks such as money laundering, terrorist financing, fraud risk and information asymmetry.

Originality/value

Sustainable finance remains an emerging and relevant area; however, the literature has not sufficiently addressed compliance concerns. To address this gap, this study aims to contribute to the literature by analyzing the link between sustainable finance and P2P platforms and drawing attention to the compliance risks listed above.
Planning of a distribution network utilizing a heterogeneous fixed fleet with a balanced workload
Authors: Hettiarachchi Punsara , Dharmapriya Subodha , Kulatunga Asela Kumudu
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to minimize the transportation-related cost in distribution while utilizing a heterogeneous fixed fleet to deliver distinct demand at different geographical locations with a proper workload balancing approach. An increased cost in distribution is a major problem for many companies due to the absence of efficient planning methods to overcome operational challenges in distinct distribution networks. The problem addressed in this study is to minimize the transportation-related cost in distribution while using a heterogeneous fixed fleet to deliver distinct demand at different geographical locations with a proper workload balancing approach which has not gained the adequate attention in the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

This study formulated the transportation problem as a vehicle routing problem with a heterogeneous fixed fleet and workload balancing, which is a combinatorial optimization problem of the NP-hard category. The model was solved using both the simulated annealing and a genetic algorithm (GA) adopting distinct local search operators. A greedy approach has been used in generating an initial solution for both algorithms. The paired t-test has been used in selecting the best algorithm. Through a number of scenarios, the baseline conditions of the problem were further tested investigating the alternative fleet compositions of the heterogeneous fleet. Results were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Hsu’s MCB methods to identify the best scenario.

Findings

The solutions generated by both algorithms were subjected to the t-test, and the results revealed that the GA outperformed in solution quality in planning a heterogeneous fleet for distribution with load balancing. Through a number of scenarios, the baseline conditions of the problem were further tested investigating the alternative fleet utilization with different compositions of the heterogeneous fleet. Results were analyzed using ANOVA and Hsu’s MCB method and found that removing the lowest capacities trucks enhances the average vehicle utilization with reduced travel distance.

Research limitations/implications

The developed model has considered both planning of heterogeneous fleet and the requirement of work load balancing which are very common industry needs, however, have not been addressed adequately either individually or collectively in the literature. The adopted solution methodologies to solve the NP-hard distribution problem consist of metaheuristics, statistical analysis and scenario analysis are another significant contribution. The planning of distribution operations not only addresses operational-level decision, through a scenario analysis, but also strategic-level decision has also been considered.

Originality/value

The planning of distribution operations not only addresses operational-level decisions, but also strategic-level decisions conducting a scenario analysis.
Evolution and simulation of drug safety regulations: construction of a game model for capture event
Authors: Wan Anxia , Huang Qianqian , Elahi Ehsan , Peng Benhong
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The study focuses on drug safety regulation capture, reveals the inner mechanism and evolutionary characteristics of drug safety regulation capture and provides suggestions for effective regulation by pharmacovigilance.

Design/methodology/approach

The article introduces prospect theory into the game strategy analysis of drug safety events, constructs a benefit perception matrix based on psychological perception and analyzes the risk selection strategies and constraints on stable outcomes for both drug companies and drug regulatory authorities. Moreover, simulation was used to analyze the choice of results of different parameters on the game strategy.

Findings

The results found that the system does not have a stable equilibrium strategy under the role of cognitive psychology. The risk transfer coefficient, penalty cost, risk loss, regulatory benefit, regulatory success probability and risk discount coefficient directly acted in the direction of system evolution toward the system stable strategy. There is a critical effect on the behavioral strategies of drug manufacturers and drug supervisors, which exceeds a certain intensity before the behavioral strategies in repeated games tend to stabilize.

Originality/value

In this article, the authors constructed the perceived benefit matrix through the prospect value function to analyze the behavioral evolution game strategies of drug companies and FDA in the regulatory process, and to evaluate the evolution law of each factor.
Raw and cooked aqueous and methanol extracts of Vigna unguiculata (black-eyed bean) enhances renal function in experimental Wister rats
Authors: Idoko Alexandra , Ezeh Ernest Mbamalu , Philip Obiechinne Chigbue , Nwali Onubuiwe Nelson , Ugwudike Patrick Okechukwu , Agu Peter Chinedu , Ayomide Tadese Adediura , Onyinye Anne Nebeolisa , Blessing Nneoma Okoroha
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examined the health effects of raw and cooked aqueous and methanol extracts of Vigna unguiculata on kidney function in Wistar rats.

Design/methodology/approach

Thirty-six Wistar rats (weighing 160 ± 10 g) were randomly assigned into nine (9) groups (n = 4). Group I (control): no extract. Groups II and III (aqueous extract of the cooked 350 mg/kg and 550 mg/kg). Groups IV and V (methanol extracts of cooked 350 mg/kg and 550 mg/kg). Groups VI and VII (methanol extracts of raw 350 mg/kg and 550 mg/kg). Groups VIII and IX (aqueous extract of raw 350 mg/kg and 550 mg/kg). After the seventh day of the trial, the rats were euthanized with chloroform, and blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis.

Findings

Results showed that the doses applied for cooked and raw V. unguiculata significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced kidney functions by increasing the body weight, glucose level, concentration of serum urea, creatinine, total protein, potassium and chloride in test groups compared with control. The packed cell volume and haemoglobin concentrations of raw aqueous extract at 550 mg/kg (36.5 ± 5.1; 12.3 ± 2.8) were significantly (p = 0.001) higher (29.8 ± 11.8; 10.3 ± 3.9) than the 350 mg/kg dose of the same extract, and cooked aqueous extract at 350 mg/kg dose was significantly (p = 0.001) higher (28.0 ± 10.1; 9.3 ± 3.4) than that of 550 mg/kg (25.8 ± 4.9; 8.8 ± 3.9) dose of the extracts.

Originality/value

The nutritional content of V. unguiculata potentially can augment the nutritional content of a diet and to a large extent, the regular consumers’ health. Essentially, V. unguiculata is composed of both macro and micronutrients capable of promoting normal kidney function.
Auditors’ search for meaningfulness in sustainability assurance work
Authors: Gaudy Camille , Malsch Bertrand
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine auditors’ search for meaningfulness in sustainability assurance (SA) work.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected ethnographic data over a nine-month period from two small firms offering SA services in France between 2018 and 2019.

Findings

Auditors’ experiences of meaningfulness are facilitated by shared sustainability values among colleagues, social acknowledgement of like-minded profiles and the feeling that working in a “small firm” provides a more fulfilling and committed-to-sustainability environment than conventional assurance work in large accounting firms. The search for meaningfulness collapses when auditors realize not only the limits of their agentic and transformative capacities but also their unintended complicity in certifying the reports of companies with poor sustainability performance. Because they struggle to reconcile the assessment of their professional practice with their value system, the participants are tempted to disengage from their work by giving up a sustainability career and/or by reframing SA work as an advisory rather than a control function.

Originality/value

The authors approach SA not as an organizational project of professional expansion, through which accounting firms attempt to expand their scope of practice, but as an individual and reflexive search of aligning assurance work to their value system. Auditors’ search for meaningfulness is a strong counterpoint to the financial auditing literature, which portrays auditors as professionals with a low sense of purpose at work, but also to the literature criticizing accounting firms’ discursive processes of “depoliticization” (Malsch, 2013) and “de-emotionalization” (Rodrigue et al., 2022) of socio-environmental issues.
CMMI based fuzzy logic approach to assess the digital manufacturing maturity level of manufacturing industries
Authors: Thomas Tharun , Saleeshya P.G.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This research study aims to introduce a maturity model based on capability maturity model integration (CMMI) that can assess the digital manufacturing maturity level of manufacturing companies.

Design/methodology/approach

A CMMI model for the manufacturing industry is designed to assess the digitalisation level of manufacturing industries. The model is developed exclusively for the process area “organisational process focus” (OPF), and the digitalisation level is quantified using fuzzy logic by employing a case study approach.

Findings

The CMMI is successfully employed to assess the digitalisation level of a manufacturing organisation using the fuzzy logic approach. The triangular fuzzy number of the Fuzzy CMMI Measure Index (FCMI) is obtained as (6.08, 7.33, 8.52). The transformation of FCMI into linguistic terms discloses the digitalisation level of the manufacturing organisation as “Capability Maturity Level 4” (CML 4).

Originality/value

The authors tested the suitability of CMMI in the manufacturing sector. The operational concept introduced in this research sets forth a unique framework to quantify the digitalisation level of manufacturing industries.
Seagrass is protected from ragworm pressure by a newly discovered grazer–ragworm interaction; implications for restoration
Authors: Cronau Rens J. T. , Telgenkamp Yvet , de Fouw Jimmy , van Katwijk Marieke M. , Bouma Tjeerd J. , Heusinkveld Jannes H. T. , Hoeijmakers Dieuwke , van der Heide Tjisse , Lamers Leon P. M.
Published: March 2023

Coastal ecosystems are generally controlled by the combination of bottom‐up (resource‐driven) and top‐down (consumer‐driven) trophic, and non‐trophic interactions. Anthropogenic disruption of these interactions, for example, through eutrophication or overfishing, leads to loss of the foundation species composing these ecosystems. Within degraded ecosystems, new interactions may become dominant, hampering restoration of the foundation species.

We demonstrate this concept in saltwater Lake Grevelingen, where seagrass restoration was seriously hampered by a newly discovered non‐trophic interaction between the seagrass Zostera marina and the ragworm Platynereis dumerilii. Platynereis constructs dwelling tubes between seagrass leaves by glueing and entangling them, leading to loss of biomass and increased epiphyte cover. To test the roles of epiphyte grazing (top‐down) and eutrophication (bottom‐up) on this new‐found interaction, we executed a field experiment introducing the snail Littorina littorea under natural nutrient concentrations and Platynereis densities and performed a full factorial mesocosm experiment applying Littorina, Platynereis and nutrient treatments.

Our field results show that survival of reintroduced Zostera in Lake Grevelingen is seriously hampered by Platynereis, which can be suppressed by grazer addition.

In our mesocosm experiment, we demonstrate that top‐down control by Littorina protects seagrass through two pathways: (1) mitigating bottom‐up regulated epiphyte growth by trophic top‐down forcing and (2) hampering the non‐trophic interaction between Zostera and Platynereis by grazing epiphytes and dwelling tubes.

Synthesis and applications. With coastal ecosystems globally under pressure, our study emphasises the importance of understanding ecosystem‐specific trophic and non‐trophic key interactions when considering restoration. We show how negative interspecific interactions can become dominant in degraded systems with absent key facilitating interactions. Next, we show that these negative interactions (leaf glueing), inhibiting foundation species restoration, can be overruled by active inclusion of a key facilitating interactions (epiphyte grazing by mesograzers). Finally, we provide a three‐step co‐introduction approach for restoration management.
Crops grown in mixtures show niche partitioning in spatial water uptake
Authors: Schmutz Anja , Schöb Christian
Published: March 2023

More diverse plant communities are generally more productive than monocultures. This benefit of species diversity is supposed to stem from resource partitioning of species in mixtures where different species use the resources spatially, temporally, or chemically in distinct ways. With respect to water, the simultaneous cultivation of crops with distinct water uptake patterns might reduce niche overlaps and thus result in higher productivity. However, little is known about whether and how spatial water uptake patterns of crop species differ among different planting arrangements and whether these changes result in increased niche partitioning and explain overyielding in mixtures.

Stable isotopes of water and a Bayesian model were used to investigate the spatial water uptake patterns of six different crop species and how these patterns change depending on the planting arrangement (monocultures vs mixtures). Niche overlaps and niche widths in spatial water uptake were compared among the different crop diversity levels and linked to productivity. Furthermore, spatial water uptake was related to competition intensity and overyielding in mixtures.

We found evidence for increased niche partitioning in spatial water uptake, and therefore complementary spatial root distributions of crop species, and higher expected productivity in mixtures compared to expected productivity in monocultures both due to inherent species‐level differences in water uptake and plasticity in the water uptake pattern of species. We also found a significant relationship of competition and overyielding with observed patterns in spatial water uptake. These results suggest that competition was most intense in shallow soil layers and enhanced overyielding was related to a gradual increase of water uptake in deeper soil layers. Thus, overyielding might be related to a more complete spatial exploitation of available water sources.

Synthesis. Differences in spatial water uptake and niche partitioning of intercropped species, driven most likely by a complementary spatial root distribution, might explain why mixtures outperform monocultures. These findings underpin the potential of intercropping systems for a more sustainable agriculture with a more efficient use of soil resources and hence reduced input demands.
Cobalamin producers and prokaryotic consumers in the Northwest Atlantic
Authors: Soto Maria A. , Desai Dhwani , Bannon Catherine , LaRoche Julie , Bertrand Erin M.
Published: March 2023

Cobalamin availability can influence primary productivity and ecological interactions in marine microbial communities. The characterization of cobalamin sources and sinks is a first step in investigating cobalamin dynamics and its impact on productivity. Here, we identify potential cobalamin sources and sinks on the Scotian Shelf and Slope in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. Functional and taxonomic annotation of bulk metagenomic reads, combined with analysis of genome bins, were used to identify potential cobalamin sources and sinks. Cobalamin synthesis potential was mainly attributed to Rhodobacteraceae, Thaumarchaeota, and cyanobacteria (Synechococcus and Prochlorococcus). Cobalamin remodelling potential was mainly attributed to Alteromonadales, Pseudomonadales, Rhizobiales, Oceanospirilalles, Rhodobacteraceae, and Verrucomicrobia, while potential cobalamin consumers include Flavobacteriaceae, Actinobacteria, Porticoccaceae, Methylophiliaceae, and Thermoplasmatota. These complementary approaches identified taxa with the potential to be involved in cobalamin cycling on the Scotian Shelf and revealed genomic information required for further characterization. The Cob operon of Rhodobacterales bacterium HTCC2255, a strain with known importance in cobalamin cycling, was similar to a major cobalamin producer bin, suggesting that a related strain may represent a critical cobalamin source in this region. These results enable future inquiries that will enhance our understanding of how cobalamin shapes microbial interdependencies and productivity in this region.
Identification of North American Nursing Diagnosis Association—Nursing Interventions Classification—Nursing Outcomes Classification of nursing home residents using on‐time data by android smartphone application by registered nurses
Authors: Shin Juh Hyun , Jung Sun Ok , Lee Jee Sun
Published: March 2023

Purpose

We aimed to investigate the nursing process linkages formed by Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) and Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) according to the primary NANDA‐I diagnoses by registered nurses (RNs), customized to nursing home (NH) residents in Korea, using a developed smartphone application for NH RNs.

Methods

This is a retrospective descriptive study. Applying quota sampling, a total of 51 NHs from all operating 686 NHs hiring RNs participated in this study. Data were collected from June 21 to July 30, 2022. Data on NANDA‐I, NIC, NOC (NNN) of nurses applied to the NH residents were collected through a developed smartphone application. The application consists of general organization and residents’ characteristics, NANDA‐I, NIC, and NOC. RNs selected randomly up to 10 residents and NANDA‐I with risk factors and related factors over the past 7 days, followed by all applied interventions out of 82 NIC. RNs then evaluated residents through 79 selected NOC.

Results

We found the frequently used NANDA‐I diagnoses, Nursing Interventions Classifications and Nursing Outcomes and Classifications applied for NH residents by RNs and developed the top five NOC linkages used to build care plan.

Conclusion

It is time to pursue high‐level evidence and reply to the questions raised in NH practice using NNN with high technology. The outcomes for patients and nursing staff are improved by the continuity of care made possible by uniform language.

Implications for nursing practice

NNN linkages should be used to construct and utilize the coding system of electronic health records or electronic medical records in Korean long‐term care facilities.
Development and validation of the alcohol‐related content poster prototype scale: Exploring the impact of social media prototypes on college students' drinking
Authors: Razo Joseph M. , Wickham Robert E. , Inocian Ergie P. , Kra‐Friedman Abigail R. , Steers Mai‐Ly N.
Published: March 2023

Background

Drinking is a public health concern among college students. Viewing and posting alcohol‐related content (ARC) on social media may influence students' favorable prototypes of people who post, thereby impacting their drinking. This study created a measure to explore students' ARC poster prototypes. We validated our measure by examining the prototypes as mediators of the associations between viewing and posting ARC and drinking behaviors.

Methods

Students (N = 8065) were asked to complete measures related to viewing and posting ARC, drinking behaviors, and adjectives that described their perceptions of the prototypical college student who posts ARC on social media.

Results

Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis yielded three prototypical images of students who post ARC on social media: hedonistic, despondent, and sociable. There were significant pathways between viewing and posting ARC and drinking. The sociable prototype emerged as a significant mediator of the association between ARC viewing and posting and drinking.

Conclusions

Understanding the role of students' poster prototypes may be important for informing targeted interventions. Our results indicate that the underlying reason for increased drinking among students with greater ARC engagement is that they perceived other ARC viewers and posters as being more sociable. Future research may focus on modifying these perceptions.
New development in brain–computer interface platforms: 1‐year results from the SWITCH trial
Authors: Shah Aakash M.
Published: March 2023

Synchron publishes SWITCH trial results demonstrating the safety and efficacy of stentrode™ device. The stentrode™ is an endovascularly implanted brain–computer interface communication device capable of relaying neural activity from the motor cortex of paralyzed patients. The platform has been used to recover speech.