bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apps as partial replacement for robotics and automation systems in construction health and safety management
Authors: Yankah Jonas Ekow , Adjei Kofi Owusu , Tieru Chris Kurbom
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Robotics and automation are successful in construction, health and safety, but costs and expertise hinder their use in developing nations. This study examined mobile apps as a more accessible and affordable alternative.

Design/methodology/approach

This descriptive study explored the use of mobile apps in construction, health and safety management. It used a literature review to identify their availability, accessibility, and capabilities. The study consisted of four five stages: searching for relevant apps, selecting them based on versatility, examining their specific functions, removing untested apps and discussing their functions based on empirical studies.

Findings

A comprehensive literature review identified 35 mobile apps that are relevant to health and safety management during construction. After rigorous analysis, eight apps were selected for further study based on their relevance, user friendliness and compliance with safety standards. These apps collectively serve 28 distinct functions, including first-aid training and administration, safety compliance and danger awareness, safety education and training, hazard detection and warnings.

Practical implications

This study suggests that mobile apps can provide a cost-effective and readily accessible alternative to robotics and automation in health and safety management in construction. Further research is needed to accurately assess the efficacy of these apps in real-world conditions.

Originality/value

This study explored the use of apps in health and safety management, highlighting their diverse capabilities and providing a framework for project managers, contractors and safety officers to select suitable apps.
Analysis of structured and unstructured stakeholders’ motivational support of Ghanaian slum communities
Authors: Nkrumah Agyabeng Anthony , Kotey Robertson Neequaye , Acquah Hannah E.A. , Essiam Joshua Ofori , Ketemepi Gifty Enyonam , Wuttor Akorfa , Avusuglo Kofi Hilla
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the motivations and supports of stakeholders in the slum communities, Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Two-stage methodologies were used for data collection. Published Google News articles about the phenomenon as well as exploratory qualitative in-depth interviews with 15 participants.

Findings

The evidence shows that structured and unstructured are the two main categories of stakeholders operating in the space of slums in Ghana. It shows that stakeholders are motivated by their objectives and ethical or moral obligations to provide support in the form of consumables, housing and finance to the slums.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the data collection regime used in this project, findings are specific to the Ghanaian context and not generalisable. However, the results could be beneficial in other contexts with similar slum phenomena.

Practical implications

The conclusions drawn serve as a springboard for urban managers responsible for slum administration and management to develop policy packages to incentivise and enlist more non-slum stakeholders in the existing stakeholders.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the few that expands the frontiers of the stakeholder model within context to discover specific slum stakeholders, their motivations and support for the slums in a consolidated manner.
Simulation-based education to facilitate clinical readiness in nursing and midwifery programmes in sub-Saharan Africa: a meta-synthesis
Authors: Mwalabu Gertrude , Msosa Annie , Tjoflåt Ingrid , Urstad Kristin Hjorthaug , Bø Bodil , Furskog Risa Christina , Msiska Masauko , Mapulanga Patrick
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore the clinical readiness of simulation-based education (SBE) in preparing nursing and midwifery students for clinical practice in sub-Saharan Africa. This study has synthesised the findings from existing research studies and provides an overview of the current state of SBE in nursing and midwifery programs in the region.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative meta-synthesis of previous studies was conducted using the following steps: developing a review question, developing and a search strategy, extracting and meta-synthesis of the themes from the literature and meta-synthesis of themes. Five databases were searched for from existing English literature (PubMed, Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Professional Literature [CINAHL], PsycINFO, EMBASE and ScienceDirect Medline, CINAHL and Science Direct), including grey literature on the subject. Eight qualitative studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa between 2014 and 2022 were included. Hawker et al.'s framework was used to assess quality.

Findings

The following themes emerged from the literature. Theme 1: Improved skills and competencies through realism and repetition. Theme 2: Improved skills and competencies through realism and repetition. Theme 3: Improved learning through debriefing and reflection. Theme 4: Constraints of simulation as a pedagogical teaching strategy.

Research limitations/implications

The qualitative meta-synthesis intended to cover articles from 2012 to 2022. Between 2012 and 2013, the authors could not identify purely qualitative studies from sub-Saharan Africa. The studies identified were either mixed methods or purely quantitative. This constitutes a study limitation.

Practical implications

Findings emphasise educator training in SBE. Comprehensive multidisciplinary training, complemented by expertise and planned debriefing sessions, serves as a catalyst for fostering reflective learning. Well-equipped simulation infrastructure is essential in preparing students for their professional competencies for optimal patient outcomes. Additional research is imperative to improve the implementation of SBE in sub-Saharan Africa.

Originality/value

The originality and value of SBE in nursing and midwifery programs in sub-Saharan Africa lie in its contextual relevance, adaptation to resource constraints, innovative teaching methodologies, provision of a safe learning environment, promotion of interprofessional collaboration and potential for research and evidence generation. These factors contribute to advancing nursing and midwifery education and improving healthcare outcomes in the region. This study fills this gap in the literature.
Effect of typical arch structure on slipstream and wake flow of 600 km/h maglev train
Authors: Lin Tong-Tong , Yang Ming-Zhi , Zhang Lei , Wang Tian-Tian , Tao Yu , Zhong Sha
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The aerodynamic differences between the head car (HC) and tail car (TC) of a high-speed maglev train are significant, resulting in control difficulties and safety challenges in operation. The arch structure has a significant effect on the improvement of the aerodynamic lift of the HC and TC of the maglev train. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of a streamlined arch structure on the aerodynamic performance of a 600 km/h maglev train.

Design/methodology/approach

Three typical streamlined arch structures for maglev trains are selected, i.e. single-arch, double-arch and triple-arch maglev trains. The vortex structure, pressure of train surface, boundary layer, slipstream and aerodynamic forces of the maglev trains with different arch structures are compared by adopting improved delayed detached eddy simulation numerical calculation method. The effects of the arch structures on the aerodynamic performance of the maglev train are analyzed.

Findings

The dynamic topological structure of the wake flow shows that a change in arch structure can reduce the vortex size in the wake region; the vortex size with double-arch and triple-arch maglev trains is reduced by 15.9% and 23%, respectively, compared with a single-arch maglev train. The peak slipstream decreases with an increase in arch structures; double-arch and triple-arch maglev trains reduce it by 8.89% and 16.67%, respectively, compared with a single-arch maglev train. The aerodynamic force indicates that arch structures improve the lift imbalance between the HC and TC of a maglev train; double-arch and triple-arch maglev trains improve it by 22.4% and 36.8%, respectively, compared to a single-arch maglev train.

Originality/value

This study compares the effects of a streamlined arch structure on a maglev train and its surrounding flow field. The results of the study provide data support for the design and safe operation of high-speed maglev trains.
Psychosocial linkages of consumers' income security, financial well-being and social loneliness
Authors: Smith Brent , Eng Sereikhuoch
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Extant research suggests that consumers value the pursuit, attainment and retention of income security and financial well-being (FWB). The authors aim to expand the relevant literature by examining how consumers' psychosocial characteristics affect and are affected by the pursuit of those objectives.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilize partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to evaluate the authors' hypotheses based on a sample of USA and Canadian consumers (n = 619).

Findings

The authors' PLS-SEM results provide support for the authors' hypotheses, indicating that individuals' insecure attachments – anxious and avoidant – relate negatively to their income security and FWB. The authors' results also show that these two desirable states relate positively to individuals' undesirable state of social loneliness.

Research limitations/implications

The authors' methodology and findings illuminate the positioning of psychosocial factors as antecedents to and outcomes of income security and FWB. This research also provides a basis for understanding the linear vs curvilinear influences of income security on an individual’s social life.

Originality/value

In the present empirical study, the authors present a rare empirical examination of individuals' income security and FWB as outcomes of their psychosocial profile vis-à-vis insecure attachments. Drawing on established psychometric scales, this study expands the consumer psychology and FWB literature, showing significant linkages between insecure attachments, income security, FWB and social loneliness.
Removal or preservation in place? A review of the conservation management options for asbestos cement sheeting in heritage properties
Authors: Spennemann Dirk H.R.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Invented in late 1890s, asbestos cement sheeting rose to prominence during the post-Second World War period as a building material for low-cost housing by state housing commissions and low-income families (“fibro homes”). The adverse health effects of asbestos fibres in the building industry and home renovation activities are well documented. Fibro homes of the 1950s and 1960s are increasingly coming under the gaze of heritage studies, which brings to the fore the question of how to deal with the asbestos cement sheeting most are clad with.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides the first systematic review to assess the literature (126 papers were identified in Google Scholar and scanned for content) on the conservation management of asbestos cement sheeting in heritage properties.

Findings

Overall, engagement with the conservation management of asbestos cement sheeting in heritage properties was low, with only two sources dealing with asbestos cement sheeting in any level of detail. The studies note that if asbestos cement sheeting is in good condition, it should be left alone. Numerous conservation and repair options do exist, in particular the application of (coloured) sealants that extend the life of asbestos cement sheets and asbestos cement roofing.

Originality/value

This paper represents the first systematic review to assess conservation management options for asbestos cement sheeting in heritage properties.
How educational leaders can maximise the social capital benefits of inter-school networks: findings from a systematic review
Authors: Brown Chris , Luzmore Ruth , O’Donovan Richard , Ji Grace , Patnaik Susmita
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Educators need to engage in continuous learning to ensure that their knowledge and practice responds to the changing needs of society and students. Collaborative approaches, in which social capital resource is exchanged, can serve as an effective way of facilitating such learning. With this systematic review, the authors identify the opportunities and benefits inter-school social capital networks might bring by exploring: (1) what inter-school networks are available internationally for primary and secondary schools, (2) the features and activities present within inter-school networks and (3) evidence of impact of inter-school network activities.

Design/methodology/approach

For this study, the authors employed a systematic review methodology. The review comprised the five stages of the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: PRISMA, 2021) protocol. The study findings derived from 111 research outputs (from a total of 1,221 originally identified).

Findings

The review highlights a number of different inter-school networks and their diverse purposes as well as key network features, such as the actors present in networks and the activities network participants engage with. At the same time, however, the authors only identify limited reliable evidence of the impact of inter-school networks.

Originality/value

The study fills a knowledge gap by exploring, for the first time, the presence, features of inter-school social capital networks available to school leaders as well as investigating the impact of these networks.
The response of regional general hospitals in Indonesia to COVID-19
Authors: Hartaty Hartaty , Dianawati Wiwiek
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to determine the influence of the role of hospital leaders, the COVID-19 budget and health service facilities at regional general hospitals (RSUDs) to Indonesia on hospital responses in overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic, moderated by hospital class level.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was designed as quantitative research using partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to test hypotheses.

Findings

Using a sample of 185 RSUDs, it was found that the role of hospital leaders, the COVID-19 budget and health service facilities in RSUDs had a positive and significant effect on the hospital's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings show that the role of hospital leaders, in this case, the RSUD director, is essential in improving health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 budget and health service facilities at RSUD can run effectively during the COVID-19 pandemic if the RSUD director issues appropriate policies during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.

Originality/value

This study is the first to determine the influence of hospital leaders, the health budget for COVID-19 and hospital health service facilities simultaneously on the hospital's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study also provides empirical evidence regarding the idea of stewardship theory, which suggests the role of leaders in supervising organizations to achieve organizational goals effectively in times of crisis.
Green campus and student proactivity initiatives: the importance of a participatory approach
Authors: Frizon Jucelia Appio , Eugénio Teresa , Frizon Nelson Natalino
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the mediating role of students’ knowledge of sustainable development (SD) in the relationship between green campus initiatives by higher education institutions (HEIs) and student proactivity.

Design/methodology/approach

The research, with a quantitative approach, was carried out with students linked to HEIs belonging to the Sustainable Campus Network – Portugal (RCS-PT).

Findings

It was concluded that communications of HEI SD initiatives, green campus operations and approach to SD in the classroom have a positive and significant effect on students’ proactivity toward SD. It was also concluded that SD-oriented student knowledge is a mediator in these relationships.

Research limitations/implications

An underlying argument is that students with SD-oriented knowledge engage in proactive behaviors, taking the best HEI initiatives as a precedent among students of the HEIs belonging to the RCS-PT.

Practical implications

HEI initiatives can be drivers for proactive student behaviors regarding SD. Thus, this study brings guidance to university leaders and other stakeholders. The findings can also be useful for those involved in planning SD-oriented actions in HEIs.

Social implications

Strengthen the role of higher education as co-creators of change by promoting the principles of SD in future professionals. Education is a strong instrument for behavioral change, so HEIs play a fundamental role here having a direct impact on society.

Originality/value

This research sought to expand the dialogue about SD in HEIs, especially in achieving sustainable development goals, intertwined with the idea of participation and engagement of students.
Push – pull – mooring determinants of non-Muslims’ withdrawal from Islamic banking: evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Thas Thaker Hassanudin , Lelchumanan Bawani , Ah Mand Abdollah , Khaliq Ahmad
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to attempt to investigate the factors that influence non-Muslims’ withdrawal behavioural intention from Islamic banking in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The push–pull–mooring approach is used to examine the determinants of withdrawal intention by non-Muslims from Islamic banking in Malaysia. Variables used in this study include religiosity (RELG) under push, deposit guarantee (DG), rate of return (RR), Islamic banks’ specific factors (IBSF) under pull and mooring factors as social influence (SI) and voluntary switching (VS) as the determinants of withdrawal intention from Islamic banking. In this study, the SPSS Statistics Version 22 and smart partial least squares were used to measure the withdrawal level.

Findings

Three variables, namely, SI, RR and IBSF are found to significantly influence the withdrawal behaviour intention. Meanwhile, three other variables, namely, RELG, DG and VS are not significant.

Practical implications

This study provides valuable insights pertaining to non-Muslim consumer withdrawal behaviour from Islamic banks. Bank managers, marketers and regulators could use these findings in developing effective strategies to increase and retain customer withdrawal.

Originality/value

This study expands the understanding of key determinants of the non-Muslim withdrawal behaviour from Islamic banks in Malaysia. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is among the pioneer empirical study to assess the issue.
Accountability at a local community placed in a global context: the case of the Jasmine Village
Authors: Diab Ahmed
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The study examines how calculative practices and accountability appear in a rural community of marginalised people in Egypt who depend on jasmine plantations that contribute to the production of global essences.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from various sources, namely conversations with villagers, documents and relevant videos and news available on social media and the Internet. This study draws on the concepts of social accountability, the politics of blame avoidance and using calculative practices as a language to explain accountability in context.

Findings

The author found a lack of accountability on the part of the government and business owners, with serious implications for the livelihoods of people in a community that has been wholly dependent on jasmine plantations for a century. Power holders have deployed a blame-shifting game to avoid social responsibility. In response, calculative practices rather than advanced accounting tools are used by the poor in the community to induce power holders to be accountable.

Social implications

The findings of this study show that authorities need to take proactive steps to address the disadvantaged position of powerless people in the lower echelons of society, recognising their accountability for those people.

Originality/value

This paper enhances the understanding of the status of calculative practices and accountability in a community of marginalised people who contribute to the production of global commodities. The paper also enhances the understanding of what goes on behind the scenes with popular and prestigious commodities, whose development is initiated in poor countries, with the end product marketed in rich Western countries.
Identifying critical resources for successful fashion startups in the USA: an exploratory study
Authors: Davis Lizhu Yu , Zhao Li , Davis Dean , Liu Yuhui
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Using resource-based theory and social cognitive theory, this study aimed to investigate crucial resources that new US fashion ventures need to survive the initial stage of business development. It also intended to discover the role and characteristics of founders that contribute to the success of a fashion business, as well as challenges and struggles that fashion entrepreneurs face.

Design/methodology/approach

For the study, a qualitative research method with in-depth personal interviews was conducted. Participants were recruited through purposeful sampling methods. Using a grounded theory approach, we analyzed the approximately 308 pages of primary source data, transcribed from the records of the interviews.

Findings

Findings were categorized into three major themes. First, financial resources and literacy, marketing, merchandising, as well as legal resources were identified as critical resources at the firm level. Second, at the individual level, four important human agency factors, including intentionality, forethought, reactiveness and reflectiveness were revealed as essential for the success of fashion entrepreneurs. Lastly, relationships and networks were highlighted at both firm and individual levels.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding of fashion entrepreneurship, an understudied area. The study identified critical resources for the success of fashion startups, especially during the initial business development process. The findings also emphasized the importance of human agency factors and networks at both firm and individual levels.
Understanding the failure process of ventures: a perspective of the behavioral strategy
Authors: Sajjadian Fatemeh , Amirshahi Mirahmad , Abdolvand Neda , Hajipour Bahman , Sana Shib Sankar
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to endeavor to shed light on the underlying causal mechanisms behind the failure of startups by examining the failure process in such organizations. To achieve this goal, the study conducted a comprehensive review of the literature on the definition of failure and its various dimensions, resulting in the compilation of a comprehensive list of causes of startup failure. Subsequently, the failure process was analyzed using a behavioral strategy approach that encompasses rationality, plasticity and shaping, as well as the growth approach of startups based on dialectic, teleology and evolution theories.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed research methodology was a case study using process tracing, with the sample being a failed platform in the ride-hailing technology sector. The causal mechanism was further explicated through the combined application of the behavioral strategy approach and interpretive structural modeling analysis.

Findings

The findings of the study suggest that the failure of startups is a result of interlinked causes and effects, and growth in these organizations is driven by dialectic, teleology and evolution theories.

Originality/value

The outcomes of the research can assist startups in formulating an effective strategy to deliver the right value proposition to the market, thereby reducing the chances of failure.
Entrepreneurial team personality-faultline strength and performance: the non-linear relationship and boundary conditions
Authors: Qian Si , Zhang Yinpu , Kuai Pengzhou
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of a team’s personality faultlines on entrepreneurial performance. Additionally, this paper verifies the moderating effect of shared leadership on the connection between the two varies. The authors focus on the upper echelons theory and social identity theory as well as personality faultlines in entrepreneurial teams.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted using data collected in China. Data from 618 members from 144 new venture teams were collected to examine the authors’ hypothesis.

Findings

The authors find a U-shaped relationship between the strength of entrepreneurial teams' personality-faultline and entrepreneurial performance. Additionally, shared leadership negatively moderates this U-shaped relationship. Specifically, when the entrepreneurial team has a high level of shared leadership, both the positive and negative relationships between the strength of the personality faultlines and entrepreneurial performance are weaker.

Originality/value

The research offers important theoretical and practical implications for the formation of entrepreneurial teams.
Religiosity as a buffer of the harmful effects of workplace loneliness on negative work rumination and job performance
Authors: Azeem Muhammad Umer , De Clercq Dirk , Haq Inam Ul
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study investigates how employees' experience of resource-depleting workplace loneliness may steer them away from performance-enhancing work efforts as informed by their propensity to engage in negative work rumination. It also addresses whether and how religiosity might serve as a buffer of this harmful dynamic.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses tests rely on three-round survey data collected among employees who work in various organizations in Pakistan – a relevant country context, considering the importance of people's religious faith for their professional functioning and its high-uncertainty avoidance and collectivism, which likely make workplace loneliness a particularly upsetting experience.

Findings

An important channel through which a sense of being abandoned at work compromises job performance is that employees cannot “switch off” and stop thinking about work, even after hours. The role of this explanatory mechanism is mitigated, however, when employees can draw from their religious beliefs.

Practical implications

For human resource (HR) managers, this study pinpoints a notable intrusion into the personal realm, namely, repetitive thinking about work-related issues, through which perceptions of work-related loneliness translate into a reluctance to contribute to organizational effectiveness with productive work activities. It also showcases how this translation can be subdued with personal resources that enable employees to contain the hardships they have experienced.

Originality/value

This study helps unpack the connection between workplace loneliness and job performance by detailing the unexplored roles of two important factors (negative work rumination and religiosity) in this connection.
Microbial diversity and abundance vary along salinity, oxygen, and particle size gradients in the Chesapeake Bay
Authors: Cram Jacob A. , Hollins Ashley , McCarty Alexandra J. , Martinez Grace , Cui Minming , Gomes Maya L. , Fuchsman Clara A.
Published: January 2024

Marine snow and other particles are abundant in estuaries, where they drive biogeochemical transformations and elemental transport. Particles range in size, thereby providing a corresponding gradient of habitats for marine microorganisms. We used standard normalized amplicon sequencing, verified with microscopy, to characterize taxon‐specific microbial abundances, (cells per litre of water and per milligrams of particles), across six particle size classes, ranging from 0.2 to 500 μm, along the main stem of the Chesapeake Bay estuary. Microbial communities varied in salinity, oxygen concentrations, and particle size. Many taxonomic groups were most densely packed on large particles (in cells/mg particles), yet were primarily associated with the smallest particle size class, because small particles made up a substantially larger portion of total particle mass. However, organisms potentially involved in methanotrophy, nitrite oxidation, and sulphate reduction were found primarily on intermediately sized (5–180 μm) particles, where species richness was also highest. All abundant ostensibly free‐living organisms, including SAR11 and Synecococcus, appeared on particles, albeit at lower abundance than in the free‐living fraction, suggesting that aggregation processes may incorporate them into particles. Our approach opens the door to a more quantitative understanding of the microscale and macroscale biogeography of marine microorganisms.
Novel evolutionary insights on the interactions of the Holosporales (Alphaproteobacteria) with eukaryotic hosts from comparative genomics
Authors: Giovannini Michele , Petroni Giulio , Castelli Michele
Published: January 2024

Holosporales are an alphaproteobacterial order engaging in obligate and complex associations with eukaryotes, in particular protists. The functional and evolutionary features of those interactions are still largely undisclosed. Here, we sequenced the genomes of two members of the species Bealeia paramacronuclearis (Holosporales, Holosporaceae) intracellularly associated with the ciliate protist Paramecium, which resulted in high correspondence. Consistent with the short‐branched early‐divergent phylogenetic position, Bealeia presents a larger functional repertoire than other Holosporaceae, comparable to those of other Holosporales families, particularly for energy metabolism and motility. Our analyses indicate that different Holosporales likely experienced at least partly autonomous genome reduction and adaptation to host interactions, for example regarding dependence on host biotin driven by multiple independent horizontal acquisitions of transporters. Among Alphaproteobacteria, this is reminiscent of the convergently evolved Rickettsiales, which however appear more diverse, possibly due to a probably more ancient origin. We identified in Bealeia and other Holosporales the plasmid‐encoded putative genetic determinants of R‐bodies, which may be involved in a killer trait towards symbiont‐free hosts. While it is not clear whether these genes are ancestral or recently horizontally acquired, an intriguing and peculiar role of R‐bodies is suggested in the evolution of the interactions of multiple Holosporales with their hosts.
Effect of probiotic incorporation on physicochemical attributes of yogurt during storage and influence on cholesterol assimilation
Authors: Younas Shoaib , Murtaza Mian Anjum , Manzoor Muhammad Sajid , Arqam Ukasha , Ali Zeshan , Hafiz Iram , Anees Ur Rehman Muhammad , Imran Muhammad
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the incorporation effect of probiotic culture (Lactobacillus acidophilus) in buffalo milk yogurt on stability and microbial survival rate during storage. In addition, the influence of probiotic culture on blood lipid profiles was investigated for a period of 6 weeks. Yogurt was prepared with buffalo milk with different probiotic concentrations (0, 100, and 50%) and administered to subjects at 300 g/day. All treatments showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) in acidity and pH during storage for 21 days at refrigeration temperature, while treatment with 100% probiotic culture (G2) was most prominent. Physicochemical analysis demonstrated a maximum pH decline of 0.60 in G2, followed by 0.56 in the mix cultured (G3). However, increasing trend was observed in acidity, with highest increment of 0.89% followed by 0.54% in G2 and G3, respectively. Storage study of total viable count demonstrated the reduction in the enumeration of microbial population owing to the production of organic acids, while L. acidophilus had a high survival rate of 5.25 log 10 CFU/g. Probiotic culture produced significant results in the lipid profile of subjects. Treatments containing probiotic bacteria G2 and G3 showed the lowest total cholesterol (183.57 and 182.85 mg/dL) and low density lipoproteins (LDL) (105.80 106.40 mg/dL), respectively. In terms of high density lipoproteins (HDL), G2 showed a highest increment of 49.82 mg/dL. Results of our study revealed that consumption of probiotic yogurt is beneficial for human health by improvement of blood lipid profiles and reduces cardiovascular patient's percentage around the globe.

Practical Application

Experimental investigation of the effect of probiotic culture addition on the stability of buffalo milk yogurt. Assessment of the potential of Lactobacillus acidophilus on blood lipid profiles.
Liraglutide does not increase heart rate of diabetic patients during acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Li Qianyi , Wu Chunxuan , Sun Shiqun , Yang Lingchao , Li Yanyan , Niu Yixin , Zhang Li , Li Wei , Yu Ying
Published: January 2024

Background

Glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor agonists have been shown to reduce all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The probable increase in heart rate hinders its early usage in acute myocardial infarction patients. In our study, we aimed to find out whether the use of liraglutide in patients with acute myocardial infarction as early as at the time of hospitalization would increase the heart rate.

Methods

This was an observational retrospective study. From December 2020 to August 2021, 200 patients with acute myocardial infarction were included in our study and divided into three groups: T2DM + liraglutide group (n = 46), T2DM + non‐liraglutide group (n = 42), and non‐T2DM group (n = 112). The primary outcomes were the differences in heart rate. Secondary outcomes were differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Results

There were no significant differences in heart rate among the three groups at admission, the day before the first shot of liraglutide, and before discharge. There was also no significant difference in heart rate between diabetic patients with acute myocardial infarction and those on liraglutide during the hospital stay. And there were no differences of beta‐blocker dosages among the three groups. Liraglutide did not affect the blood pressure during acute myocardial infarction.

Conclusions

Liraglutide did not increase the heart rate in diabetic patients during acute myocardial infarction and did not lead to an increase in the dose of beta‐blockers in the patients. It also had no effect on blood pressure and showed better efficacy in lowering glucose levels without additional hypoglycemic events.

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Giving and taking social support at work: An experience sampling study among coworker dyads
Authors: Zeijen Marijntje E. L. , Petrou Paraskevas , Bakker Arnold B.
Published: January 2024

Previous research has shown that both receiving support and providing support enhance employee well‐being and work engagement. In the current study, we integrate social exchange theory (SET) and conservation of resources (COR) theory to investigate under which conditions receiving and providing daily support are most likely to occur. Specifically, we test the hypotheses that receiving requested support and reciprocating received support are more likely when the support is requested or received from a co‐worker who perceives the quality of the exchange relationship as high (vs. low), and less likely when the support is requested or received from a co‐worker high (vs. low) on workaholism. To test these hypotheses, we collected data among 45 employees and their co‐workers during two moments per day for five consecutive working days (N = 90 participants; N = 614 work episodes). Multilevel analyses supported all hypotheses, except for the moderating effect of partner's workaholism on the link between receiving and providing support. These findings imply that receiving and providing support do not occur automatically but are dependent on characteristics of the exchange relationship and the exchange partner. We discuss the implications for SET and COR theories, as well as practical implications.
Salvage robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy after carbon ion radiotherapy to the prostate
Authors: Shiota Masaki , Tsukahara Shigehiro , Takamatsu Dai , Tanegashima Tokiyoshi , Ueda Shohei , Blas Leandro , Goto Shunsuke , Kobayashi Satoshi , Matsumoto Takashi , Inokuchi Junichi , Shioyama Yoshiyuki , Eto Masatoshi
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study presents the surgical and oncological outcomes of salvage robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) after carbon ion radiotherapy at a single institution.

Methods

Patients who underwent salvage RARP for local recurrence after carbon ion radiotherapy at Kyushu University Hospital between 2020 and 2023 were included. A single surgeon performed salvage RARP with extended pelvic lymph node dissection. Clinicopathological characteristics and perioperative and postoperative outcomes were prospectively collected and electronically recorded.

Results

Ten cases were included. The preoperative clinical T‐stage was T2, except for one case with T3a. The median console time was 171 min (range, 135–226 min). No severe perioperative or postoperative complications were noted. The pathological T‐stage was T2, T3a, and T3b in four, four, and two cases, respectively. Biochemical recurrence was observed in one patient at 31.2 months after surgery. For patients with more than 1 year of follow‐up, urinary continence recovery with ≤1 pad was achieved in two cases within 1 year, whereas four cases did not recover urinary continence within 1 year.

Conclusions

This case series demonstrated the feasibility of salvage RARP after carbon ion radiotherapy. Although the urinary continence recovery was modest, short‐term disease control was favorable.
CCDC88C variants are associated with focal epilepsy and genotype–phenotype correlation
Authors: Chen Yu‐Jie , Wang Wen‐Jie , Zou Dong‐Fang , Luo Jun‐Xia , Jin Pei‐Yan , Jin Liang , Liu Xiao‐Rong , Liao Wei‐Ping , Li Bin , Chen Yong‐Jun ,   For the China Epilepsy Gene 1.0 Project
Published: January 2024

CCDC88C gene, which encodes coiled‐coil domain containing 88C, is essential for cell communication during neural development. Variants in the CCDC88C caused congenital hydrocephalus, some accompanied by seizures. In patients with epilepsy without acquired etiologies, we performed whole‐exome sequencing (trio‐based). Two de novo and two biallelic CCDC88C variants were identified in four cases with focal (partial) epilepsy. These variants did not present or had low frequencies in the gnomAD populations and were predicted to be damaging by multiple computational algorithms. Patients with de novo variants presented with adult‐onset epilepsy, whereas patients with biallelic variants displayed infant‐onset epilepsy. They all responded well to anti‐seizure medications and were seizure‐free. Further analysis showed that de novo variants were located at crucial domains, whereas one paired biallelic variants were located outside the crucial domains, and the other paired variant had a non‐classical splicing and a variant located at crucial domain, suggesting a sub‐molecular effect. CCDC88C variants associated with congenital hydrocephalus were all truncated, whereas epilepsy‐associated variants were mainly missense, the proportion of which was significantly higher than that of congenital hydrocephalus‐associated variants. CCDC88C is potentially associated with focal epilepsy with favorable outcome. The underlying mechanisms of phenotypic variation may correlation between genotype and phenotype.
Challenges in evaluating pelvic floor physiotherapy based strategies in low anterior resection syndrome: a systematic review and qualitative analysis
Authors: Lambrineas Lauren J. , Brock Henry G. , Ong Hwa Ian , Tisseverasinghe Santha , Carrington Emma , Heriot Alexander , Burgess Adele , Proud David , Mohan Helen
Published: January 2024

Aim

Physiotherapy is an established treatment strategy for low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). However, data on its efficacy are limited. This is in part due to the inherent challenges in study design in this context. This systematic review aims to analyse the methodology of studies using pelvic floor physiotherapy for treatment of LARS to elucidate the challenges and limitations faced, which may inform the design of future prospective trials.

Methodology

A systematic review of the literature was undertaken through MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library, yielding 345 unique records for screening. Five studies were identified for review. Content thematic analysis of study limitations was carried out using the Braun and Clarke method. Line‐by‐line coding was used to organize implicit and explicit challenges and limitations under broad organizing categories.

Results

Key challenges fell into five overarching categories: patient‐related issues, cancer‐related issues, adequate symptomatic control, intervention‐related issues and measurement of outcomes. Adherence, attrition and randomization contributed to potential bias within these studies, with imbalance in the baseline patient characteristics, particularly gender and baseline pelvic floor function scores. Outcome measurements consisted of patient‐reported measures and quality of life measures, where significant improvements in bowel function according to patient‐reported outcome measures were not reflected in the quality of life scores.

Conclusion

Upcoming trial design in the area of pelvic floor physiotherapy for faecal incontinence related to rectal cancer surgery can be cognisant of and design around the challenges identified in this systematic review, including the reduction of bias, exclusion of the placebo effect and the potential cultural differences in attitude towards a sensitive intervention.
The economic costs of alcohol‐related harms at the local level in New South Wales
Authors: Crosland Paul , Angeles Mary Rose , Noyes Jonathon , Willman Arlita , Palermo Melissa , Klarenaar Paul , Howse Eloise , Ananthapavan Jaithri
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Alcohol is a harmful, toxic and addictive substance that causes many diseases and injuries. Alcohol use also incurs a financial cost to the health care system and wider economy. This project aimed to undertake a cost impact analysis of alcohol‐related harms at the local level in New South Wales (NSW). The alcohol‐related harms costing model is an interactive tool designed for use by local health districts, stakeholders such as Liquor and Gaming NSW, NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority and community stakeholders.

Methods

Costs included in the analysis were alcohol‐related hospitalisations, deaths, crimes, emergency department attendances, outpatient presentations and their impacts on productivity. Two local government areas (LGA) were used as case studies to demonstrate local impacts.

Results

In 2019–2020, the total cost of alcohol‐related harms for NSW was estimated at $9 billion, at a rate of $120.3 million per 100,000 population. The total costs were comprised of alcohol‐attributable premature mortality ($8.3 billion), non‐fatal health care costs ($275 million) and crime costs ($457 million). A comparative analysis of two case study LGAs estimated that alcohol‐related harms cost $195 million for the Northern Beaches LGA and $351 million for the Central Coast LGA.

Discussion and Conclusions

This research has developed a ‘proof‐of‐concept’ model to estimate the cost of alcohol‐related harms at the local level in Australia, empowering health agencies and local community stakeholders to use economic evidence in their submissions in response to new liquor licence applications and other policies that impact their local community. This economic evidence can be used to improve the quality of decisions on alcohol regulation and policies. There are a number of future research opportunities that would enhance the economic evidence available to liquor licensing decision‐makers.
Modified endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy vs. laparoscopic appendectomy for uncomplicated acute appendicitis in children
Authors: Zhang Anding , Zhang Yalong , Fan Na , Hui Yaxing , Zhou Ying , Zeng Lingchao , Wang Chunhui , Shang Lei , Qi Ke , He Xiaobao , Lin Yan , Jiang Xun
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Modified endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy (mERAT) has been proposed as an alternative to laparoscopic appendectomy for the treatment of appendicitis. However, data from children in large samples are lacking. The aim of this article is to evaluate the efficacy between mERAT and laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) in children with uncomplicated appendicitis.

Method

We retrospectively analyzed 594 patients with suspected uncomplicated appendicitis from October 2018 to May 2021. A pool of 294 consecutive patients who met the inclusion criteria were ultimately enrolled in this study (228 and 66 patients in mERAT and LA, respectively). Given the differences in baseline clinical data (gender, age), the regression equation including differences in clinical baseline, grouping factor, and white blood cell count was established to address the influence of potential confounding factors.

Result

The initial success rate of mERAT management was 96.9%, and the recurrence rate was 6.9% in the mERAT group and 1.7% in the LA group within 1 year, which was no significant difference. But the mERAT group had a lower rate of adverse events. Finally, those results indicated that the treatment modalities, LA or mERAT, had no significant effect on initial success rate (P = 0.99) or recurrence rate (P = 0.17) within 1 year, but a significant effect on the adverse events rate during hospitalization (P = 0.01) in the multivariate regression analysis.

Conclusion

Among children with uncomplicated appendicitis, an initial mERAT management strategy had a success rate of 96.9%, which was similar to the LA group at 1 year. This follow‐up supports the feasibility of mERAT alone as an alternative to surgery for uncomplicated appendicitis.
Equine rotaviruses: A review of old and new
Authors: Eertink Lianne G. , Wang Dan , Li Feng , Adam Emma N.
Published: January 2024

Rotaviral infection is the most common cause of foal diarrhoea, leading to severe dehydration and electrolyte derangements, which, left untreated, can be rapidly fatal. Until 2021, equine rotaviruses of group A (ERVA) were considered to be the only rotaviruses affecting horses; however, equine rotavirus group B (ERVB) has recently been identified in association with neonatal foal diarrhoea outbreaks. ERVA has been observed globally in many countries with large equine industries. Equine rotaviruses (ERV) are extremely contagious. Foals as young as 12 hours of age can show clinical signs. These clinical signs include inappetence, dullness, colic and characteristic watery diarrhoea that can be orange‐yellow to reddish‐brown in colour. Nowadays diagnosis relies mainly on qPCR—a test limited by the fact that PCR is a directed test requiring a priori knowledge of a pathogen's genome. The mainstay of therapy for rotaviral diarrhoea is supportive care since treatment directly targeting the virus itself is not available. Prevention relies on proper biosecurity protocols and, in the case of ERVA, vaccination of mares. Currently, researchers at the University of Kentucky are working on developing a vaccine for ERVB.