bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Need for a primary care–based intervention for fear of cancer recurrence: conclusions from the BLANKET trial
Authors: Luigjes-Huizer Yvonne L. , Helsper Charles W. , Gerrits Marloes M. J. G. , de Wit Niek , van der Lee Marije L.
Published: October 2022

Background:

More than half of cancer survivors experience fear of cancer recurrence (FCR). There has been a call for easily accessible, inexpensive interventions for moderate FCR to complement existing specialized care. In the randomized BLANKET trial, we investigated the effectiveness of a short, primary care intervention for FCR. We report on the potential of the intervention and the suitability of primary care to offer this intervention.

Methods:

The BLANKET trial is a cluster randomized controlled trial with change in FCR severity (severity subscale of the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory) as its main outcome. Participating general practitioners invited all patients who completed successful curative cancer treatment between 3 months and 10 years ago. We report effect measures, outcome of our recruitment strategy, intervention uptake, reasons not to participate, and experiences with the intervention.

Results:

Sixty-two of 1368 (4.5%) invited cancer survivors participated. Main reported reasons not to participate were not experiencing FCR and not wanting help. Owing to the low participation, we could not robustly evaluate the intervention's effectiveness. Indicatively, in the intention-to-treat analysis, FCR severity decreased from T0 to T1 by 2.7 points (standard deviation [SD] = 4.7) in the intervention group (n = 27) and 1.8 points (SD = 3.6) in the control group (n = 18). In the per-protocol analysis, the decreases were 3.5 points (SD = 4.5) and 0.7 points (SD = 2.7), respectively.

Conclusion:

Although the prevalence of FCR and the need for help for FCR are high according to the literature, the uptake of our primary care–based intervention was low. Although the intervention shows potential, alternative delivery routes need to be explored because of the low number of patients who need help for FCR per primary care practice. We recommend additional research on the impact of FCR, on which patients require and desire help, and on what kind of intervention and setting are fitting for what patients.
Dataset for the Reporting of Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia: Recommendations From the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR)
Authors: Hui Pei , Webster Fleur , Baergen Rebecca N. , Buza Natalia , Cheung Annie N.Y. , Kaur Baljeet , Ronnett Brigitte M. , Shih Ie-Ming , Seckl Michael J. , Lax Sigurd F. , McCluggage W. Glenn
Published: October 2022

Comprehensive pathology reporting of cancers is important for patient management, tumor staging, and prognostication. Standardized cancer datasets are essential in guiding pathology reporting in a consistent and concise manner and this facilitates effective global cancer information exchange and comparison. The International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR) is an alliance of several national and international pathology societies in many countries as well as bodies which are involved in tumor classification and staging. One function of the ICCR is to develop evidence-based, standardized reporting datasets for each cancer site. Herein, we report the development of an evidence-based cancer dataset by an ICCR panel of international experts for the reporting of primary uterine gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. We present the core elements that should be included and noncore elements that are recommended for inclusion in pathology reports. Lists of the response values are provided for each element, along with explanatory commentaries. The dataset also discusses controversial issues in the reporting of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. Such evidence-based and structured pathology datasets developed through an international effort will facilitate consistent and accurate exchange and comparison of epidemiological and pathologic parameters among different populations and countries. This will ultimately improve gestational trophoblastic neoplasia patient care and facilitate future research.
Data Set for the Reporting of Carcinomas of the Vulva: Recommendations From the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR)
Authors: Hoang Lynn , Webster Fleur , Bosse Tjalling , Focchi Gustavo , Gilks C. Blake , Howitt Brooke E. , McAlpine Jessica N. , Ordi Jaume , Singh Naveena , Wong Richard Wing-Cheuk , Lax Sigurd F. , McCluggage W. Glenn
Published: October 2022

A cogent and comprehensive pathologic report is essential for optimal patient management, cancer staging, and prognostication. This article details the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR) process and the development of the vulval carcinoma reporting data set. It describes the “core” and “noncore” elements to be included in pathology reports for vulval carcinoma, inclusive of clinical, macroscopic, microscopic, and ancillary testing considerations. It provides definitions and commentary for the evidence and/or consensus-based deliberations for each element included in the data set. The commentary also discusses controversial issues, such as p16/human papillomavirus testing, tumor grading and measurements, as well as elements that show promise and warrant further evidence-based study. A summary and discussion of the updated vulval cancer staging system by the International Federation of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (FIGO) in 2021 is also provided. We hope the widespread implementation of this data set will facilitate consistent and accurate reporting, data collection, comparison of epidemiological and pathologic parameters between different populations, facilitate research, and serve as a platform to improve patient outcomes.
Data Set for the Reporting of Ovarian, Fallopian Tube and Primary Peritoneal Carcinoma: Recommendations From the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR)
Authors: Gilks C. Blake , Selinger Christina I. , Davidson Ben , Köbel Martin , Ledermann Jonathan A. , Lim Diana , Malpica Anais , Mikami Yoshiki , Singh Naveena , Srinivasan Radhika , Vang Russell , Lax Sigurd F. , McCluggage W. Glenn
Published: October 2022

The move toward consistent and comprehensive surgical pathology reports for cancer resection specimens has been a key development in supporting evidence-based patient management and consistent cancer staging. The International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR) previously developed a data set for reporting of the ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal carcinomas which was published in 2015. In this paper, we provide an update on this data set, as a second edition, that reflects changes in the 2020 World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Female Genital Tumours as well as some other minor modifications. The data set has been developed by a panel of internationally recognized expert pathologists and a clinician and consists of “core” and “noncore” elements to be included in surgical pathology reports, with detailed commentary to guide users, including references. This data set replaces the widely used first edition, and will facilitate consistent and accurate case reporting, data collection for quality assurance and research, and allow for comparison of epidemiological and pathologic parameters between different populations.
Post-operative antibiotics for cutaneous abscess after incision and drainage: Variations in clinical practice
Authors: El Boghdady Michael , Ewalds-Kvist Béatrice Marianne , Zhao Sarah , Najdawi Ahmad , Laliotis Aggelos
Published: October 2022

Background. Acute cutaneous abscess is a common surgical condition that mostly requires incision and drainage. Despite this, there is no standardized national or international guidance on post-operative antibiotics prescription. Traditionally, antibiotics are not indicated unless complications and/or risk factors such as immunocompromisation, diabetes or cellulitis exist. We aimed to study the local practice for post-operative antibiotics prescription for cutaneous abscesses in a UK university teaching hospital.

Methods. Retrospective data collection for emergency general surgical admissions for a period of 6 months was carried out. All patients with cutaneous abscesses were included in this analysis. Scrotal, breast and limb abscesses were excluded. Patients’ demographics, co-morbidities and complications, including local (cellulitis, necrosis) and systemic (e.g sepsis), were studied. Approval for access to patient data was granted by the local clinical governance department prior to the commencement of this study. Computations were performed using IBM SPSS version 26. Chi square (X
2), Pearson correlation (r), one or two samples t-test (one or two tailed) were applied.

Results. A total of 148 patients were included. The mean age was 40 years (55 % males). The most common site of abscess was perianal (27.7 %), followed by pilonidal (20.3 %) and axilla (16.9 %). A total of 107 (73 %) were managed surgically with incision and drainage, and of these 92 (86 %) were managed within 24 h. Altogether, 83 (76 %) were prescribed post-operative antibiotics, while only 25 (23 %) had indications. The most used post-operative empirical antibiotics was co-amoxiclav (59 %). There was a significant relationship between ‘abscess site’ × ‘antibiotics’ [X
2 (36)=54.8, P=0.023]. A total of 103 patients’ average duration of post-operative antibiotics was 7.2 (sd 2.9) days. Ten patients subject to readmission spent an average of 8.4 (sd 3.8) days on antibiotics.

Conclusions. There were variations in clinical practice regarding post-operative antibiotic prescription for cutaneous abscesses. Research is required in the future in cooperation with microbiologists to develop a standardized evidence-based treatment protocol for the management of such a common surgical condition.
Detection of OXA-48 and NDM-1 genes in ESBL producing Ochrobactrum anthropi from urine samples of Out-patients.
Authors: Olayiwola John Olusola , Ojo David Ajiboye , Balogun Saka Adebayo , Ojo Olufemi Ernest , Ogunleye Veronica
Published: October 2022

Background

Treatment of the urinary tract infections (UTIs) is vast becoming worrisome because prominent antibiotic resistance among the bacteria involve in the infection. Species of Ochrobacterum are also involve in the infection affecting urinary tract and profusely resistance to antibiotics.

Methods

Urine samples were collected from out-patients of some hospitals and the bacteria were isolated and identified based on the morphological and biochemical characteristics. The most resistant isolate was selected for molecular identification by amplifying 16S rRNA gene. The bacterial isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility assay and interpreted using standard of CLSI. The resistant isolate was evaluated for the presence of ESBL genes, MBL genes, biofilm gene and efflux pump gene.

Results

Fourteen (14) Ochrobactrum spp. were isolated from urine samples. Only 3 (21%) of the isolates were resistance to all the twenty-one (21) antibiotics while 7 (50%) were resistance to twenty (20) antibiotics. However, resistance was observed to atleastnine (9) antibiotics in all the antibiotics by the bacterial isolates. The selected isolated was identified to be Ochrobactrum anthropic strain U0145 with occurrence of blaTEM,blaSHV and blaCTX-M-9 as ESBLs genes while blaOXA-48 and blaNDM-1 genes as MBLs genes however, there was no occurrence of GES 1-9,11 gene. The bacterium possessed biofilm production gene while there was no efflux pump gene.

Conclusion

O. anthropiis becoming prominent among the bacteria responsible for nosocomial-associated infection especially when catheter is involved and treatment may be tasking therefore adequate infection control should be put in place.
Haemophilus influenzae type f in the post-Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccination era: a systematic review
Authors: Reilly Aoife S. , McElligott Martha , Mac Dermott Casement Conor , Drew Richard J.
Published: October 2022

Since the introduction of

Haemophilus influenzae

(Hi) serotype b (Hib) vaccination, reports of increasing incidence rates of non-Hib serotypes have emerged. A systematic review was performed to investigate whether the Hi serotype f (Hif) incidence rate has increased globally and to describe its associated disease burden. In the post-Hib vaccine era, evidence shows that the incidence rate of Hif infection is increasing worldwide. In total 94 studies including 2 701 patients reported Hif infections. The estimated pooled incidence rate of Hif infection was 0.15/100 000 population per year (range: 0.05–0.40/100 000), with a median case fatality ratio of 14.3 %. Invasive infections most frequently presented as pneumonia (45 %), septicaemia (34 %) and meningitis (20 %). Of 191 Hif isolates, 87 % were ampicillin-susceptible. Multi-locus sequence typing revealed that Hif were relatively clonal, with the majority belonging to clonal complex 124. Hif causes invasive infections of significant variance in both severity and presentation. Globally, the Hif population shows little genetic variability and currently appears to possess low resistance to antimicrobials.
Serum Concentration of Continuously administered Vancomycin influences Efficacy and Safety in Critically Ill Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Viertel Katrin , Feles Elisabeth , Schulte Melanie , Annecke Thorsten , Mattner Frauke
Published: October 2022

Vancomycin is an antibiotic to treat gram-positive infections in critically ill adults. For continuously administered vancomycin (CI), various target ranges have been used in the past, ranging from 15-20 mg/L to 30-40 mg/L. This systematic literature review was conducted to investigate the impact of steady-state serum concentration (Css) of CI on the safety and efficacy of therapy in critically ill adults. According to the PRISMA statement, relevant literature was identified by searching two electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library) and Google Scholar from inception until July 2023, focussing on studies reporting measured Css and treatment outcomes (e.g. mortality, nephrotoxicity) with CI. Due to the heterogeneity of the studies, a narrative synthesis of the evidence was performed. Twenty-one publications were included with a total of 2,949 patients with CI (pts). Mortality was higher (two studies, n=388 pts) and clinical cure lower (one study, n=40 pts) with a Css <15 mg/L measured 24 hours after initiation of CI (C24). An adequate loading dose appeared most important for maintaining higher C24. Generally, higher Css were associated with higher rates of acute kidney injury (AKI) (fifteen studies, n=2,331 pts). We calculated that a Css <25 mg/L (vs. ≥25 mg/L) was preferable for reducing nephrotoxicity (three studies, n=515 pts). Despite sparse data availability, the target range of 15-25 mg/L in CI may increase clinical cure and reduce mortality and AKI. In future research, vancomycin Css cohorts should be formed to allow evaluation of the impact of Css of CI on treatment outcomes.
Philosophy Spirituality and Recovery of Mental Health Nursing: Literatur Review
Authors: Sawab  , Rumambo Pandin Moses Glorino , Yusuf Ah
Published: October 2022

Background

The recurrence rate and quality of life for mental disorders are still quite low. The phenomenon of mental recovery is still focused on clinical recovery, which emphasizes drug therapy. On the other hand, empowering the patient to be able to control themselves to get a meaningful life from their illness becomes a challenge. Mental health nursing focuses on the well-being of individuals so that they have a good quality of life. Spirituality-based psychological management helps patients with mental disorders to have self-awareness, self-efficacy, self-empowerment and to create meaningful life as an important intervention in addition to drug administration. This literature review aims to explore the influence of spirituality on mental health recovery.

Methods

This study used a literature review design with four databases: Scopus, Science Direct, ProQuest, and SpringerLink. There were 12 reviewed articles published in 2019-2022. Keywords used are 1) spirituality or religiosity AND recovery AND mental illness. 2) spirituality or religiosity AND recovery AND severe mental disorder. Protocol and literature review evaluation use PRISMA.

Results

Spirituality helps mental disorder patients to build self-confidence, control themselves, find strength and build hope to find the meaning of their life. The ability to control themselves and find the meaning of their life becomes psychological well-being that will be able to improve the quality of life.

Conclusion

Recovery from mental disorders is complex and multifactorial; therefore, psychological interventions are constantly being developed. Psychological interventions using spirituality by involving sufferers, nurses, families, religious leaders, and other health teams need to be developed.
CRISPR/Cas12a assisted specific detection of monkeypox virus
Authors: Singh Mandeep , Misra Chitra Seetharam , Bindal Gargi , Rangu Shyam Sunder , Rath Devashish
Published: October 2022

Objective

To identify monkeypox-specific sequence and distinguish it from related orthopoxviruses followed by development of a CRISPR-Cas12a-based, specific and sensitive detection of monkeypox virus.

Methods

A common detection mixture (CDM) was constituted comprising of CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs) for general orthopoxviruses and monkeypox virus-specific targets along with LbCas12a and fluorescent reporter. Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) of target loci was carried out followed by detection using the CRISPR-Cas12 CDM complex. Fluorescence-based read out can be monitored by a fluorescent reader and alternatively can also be visualized under a blue light illuminator by naked eye.

Results

Monkeypox-specific conserved sequences were identified inpolAgene which differ by a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) from all the viruses present in genus Orthopoxvirus. Our Cas12a-based assay was capable of specifically distinguishing monkeypox virus from other related orthopoxviruses with an LOD of 60 copies in 1 hour after the initiation of the reaction.

Conclusion

Our assay exhibits sensitive and specific detection of monkeypox virus which can prove to be of practical value for surveillance in areas infected with multiple orthopoxviruses, especially in hotspots of monkeypox virus infections.
The prevalence and developmental course of auditory processing differences in autistic children
Authors: Lau Bonnie K. , Emmons Katherine A. , Lee Adrian K.C. , Munson Jeff , Dager Stephen R. , Estes Annette M.
Published: October 2022

Auditory processing differences, including hyper- or hyposensitivity to sound, aversions to sound, and difficulty listening under noisy, real-world conditions, are commonly reported in autistic individuals. However, the developmental course and functional impact of these auditory processing differences are unclear. In this study, we investigate the prevalence, developmental trajectory, and functional impact of reported auditory processing differences in autistic children throughout childhood using a longitudinal study design. Auditory processing differences were measured using the Short Sensory Profile, a caregiver questionnaire, in addition to adaptive behaviors and disruptive/concerning behaviors at 3, 6, and 9 years of age. Our results showed that auditory processing differences were reported in greater than 70% of the autistic children in our sample at all three timepoints, maintained a high prevalence through 9 years of age, and were associated with increased disruptive/concerning behaviors and difficulty with adaptive behaviors. Furthermore, in our sample of children, auditory processing differences at age 3 years predicted disruptive/concerning behaviors, difficulty with adaptive behaviors, and autism symptom severity at age 9 years. These findings warrant further investigations of the potential benefit of incorporating measures of auditory processing during routine clinical evaluations as well as interventions targeting auditory processing differences in autistic children.

LAY SUMMARY

We followed a cohort of autistic children longitudinally at 3, 6, and 9 years of age and found that more than 70% of the children had reported hyper- or hypo-sensitivity to sound, sound aversions, or difficulty listening in noisy environments at all three ages. These auditory processing differences were associated with increased hyperactivity and agitation, autism symptom severity, as well as difficulty with daily living skills, suggesting that auditory processing differences should be considered during routine clinical evaluations.
T1K: efficient and accurate KIR and HLA genotyping with next-generation sequencing data
Authors: Song Li , Bai Gali , Liu X. Shirley , Li Bo , Li Heng
Published: October 2022

Killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genes and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes are highly polymorphic in a population and play important roles in innate and adaptive immunity. We have developed a novel computational method T1K that can efficiently and accurately infer the KIR or HLA alleles from next-generation sequencing data. T1K is flexible and is compatible with various sequencing platforms including RNA-seq and genomic sequencing data. We applied T1K on CD8+ T cell single-cell RNA-seq data, and identified that KIR2DL4 allele expression levels were enriched in tumor-specific CD8+ T cells.
Quantitative insights into noncovalent interactions involving halogen and tetrel bonds in 2,4,6-trimethylpyrylium tetrafluoroborate
Authors: Mandal Koushik , Sarkar Sounak , Ghosh Peuli , Hathwar Venkatesha R. , Chopra Deepak
Published: October 2022

The crystal and molecular structure of an organic salt, in which a 2,4,6-trimethylpyrylium cation forms a salt with a tetrafluoroborate anion, namely, 2,4,6-trimethylpyrylium tetrafluoroborate, C8H11O+·BF4
−, has been experimentally realized. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic centrosymmetric space group Pnma. The crystal packing is stabilized via a subtle interplay of [F3—B—F]−...O+—C fluorine/oxygen-centred halogen/chalcogen bonds and Cδ+...Fδ− tetrel-bonded contacts. Although the O centre has a formal charge of +1, the estimation of the partial negative charges on O is in accordance with electronegativity considerations. Hirshfeld surface analysis, which also includes an analysis of the three-dimensional deformation density, along with molecular electrostatic potential (MESP) calculations, provides quantitative insights into the nature of the intermolecular interactions. The topological analysis of the electron-density distribution has been performed using AIMAll and TOPOND, and unequivocally establishes the bonding character associated with the different noncovalent interactions. In addition, NBO analysis and polarizability calculations using PolaBer render deeper physical insights into the electronic characteristics of these noncovalent interactions.
Synthesis, crystal structure and Hirshfeld analysis of triphenylphosphine–(4-bromophenyl)borane
Authors: Allen Caleb J. , Olden Alex M. , Yates James L. , Wheeler Kraig A. , Abbey Eric R.
Published: October 2022

The title compound, alternatively called (4-bromophenyl)dihydrido(triphenylphosphanyl)boron, C24H21BBrP, crystallizes in the space group P\overline{1} with one symmetry-independent molecule in the asymmetric unit. The B and P atoms both adopt the expected tetrahedral geometry. A possible intramolecular B—Hδ−...δ+H—C dihydrogen bond exists between an arene group on phosphorus and the borane center. In the solid state, the title molecule is connected to its neighbors by intermolecular C—H...π interactions, with the arene rings on the P atom acting as hydrogen-bond donors and the arene ring of the borane acting as the acceptor. Hirshfeld analysis supports the existence of these interactions, as well as weak Br...Br interactions between neighboring molecules.
Ambiguity in indexing electron diffraction patterns of R
3 crystals
Authors: Mohan Sruthi
Published: October 2022

The R
3 space group inherently lacks 2110, m
001 and m_{{\bar 1}10} symmetry operations. However, in crystals with R
3 symmetry, these transformations produce `pseudoplanes' with the same interplanar spacing and angles as the original crystallographic planes, causing a lack of uniqueness in the electron diffraction (ED) pattern. The difference in atomic arrangements of pseudoplanes and original planes is reflected in the intensities of diffraction spots; it is hard to differentiate in standard ED patterns, frequently causing wrong assignment of the zone axes. The implications of this ambiguity in analysis of crystal orientations are discussed in detail and a suitable routine to follow while indexing R
3 ED patterns is proposed.
Examination of survival strategies of quantity surveying firms amid COVID-19 pandemic disruption in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Olatunde Nathaniel Ayinde , Gento Municio Angel Manuel , Awodele Imoleayo Abraham
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Disruption caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to the ways and manners businesses are conducted worldwide is phenomenon. The study therefore examined the survival strategies adopted by quantity surveying firms (QSFs) in Lagos State, Nigeria, with the intention of improving their performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a systematic sampling method to select three QSFs from 20 local government areas in the state. Of the 60 QSFs contacted for interview, only 42 agreed to participate. A questionnaire was designed to collect the required qualitative information, which was then analyzed using content analysis.

Findings

The results revealed that the main survival strategies adopted by QSFs in Lagos State, Nigeria, during the COVID-19 disruptions were downsizing, contract staffing, salary cuts, work from home and service negotiation strategies.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the chosen research approach, the research results may not be generalizable. The incidence of the pandemic and the socio-economic situation of the study area have to be considered.

Practical implications

The survival strategies employed by QSFs in Lagos Nigeria in the middle of COVID-19 are palliative (unsustainable) as the impact of the disruptions is biting hard on QSFs in Lagos Nigeria as such a more robust and sustainable method to enhance the performance of QSFs in the study area.

Originality/value

This study attempted to unearth the survival strategies of QSFs amidst COVID-19 in Lagos State, Nigeria, with the aim of improving the performance of such firms.
Green maritime practices in an emerging economy towards the achievement of sustainable development: a Ghanaian context
Authors: Essel Dacosta , Jin Zhihong , Bowers Joseph Oliver , Abdul-Salam Rafiatu
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The objective to achieve economic growth and sustainable development (SD) within the maritime industry has ever since been the ultimate goal of the International Maritime Organization and its stakeholders. Coupled with this effect, the United Nations organization has also mandated all its bodies to adopt sustainable working policies and practices towards the achievement of SD in its 2030 Agenda. From the standpoint of an emerging economy, this study aims to examine green maritime practices adopted by maritime authorities towards the achievement of SD in the maritime industry of Ghana. The proposed conceptual model of this study supports the natural resource-based view theory advocated by Hart (1995).

Design/methodology/approach

The dataset of this study was gathered using semi-structured questionnaires. A total of 635 valid responses were received as feedback which were tested and analyzed using partial least square structural equation modelling. The rationale for the adoption of this analytical tool is its resilient ability to handle a relatively small quantity of datasets. It is also suitable for empirical studies involving model development and at the early stage of theory development.

Findings

The findings of the study are as follows; firstly, quality maritime education and training directly and significantly influence green maritime transport (GMT), clean ocean and maritime resource conservation (COMRC), green port operations and services (GPOS), SD and waste management and treatment systems (WMTS). Secondly, GMT, COMRC, GPOS and WMTS have a direct significant influence on SD. Lastly, GMT, COMRC, GPOS and WMTS partially mediate the relationship between quality maritime education and training and SD.

Practical implications

This study proposes a conceptual model that attempts to explain to maritime authorities and stakeholders that although the adoption of green maritime practices significantly influences SD, yet, it may be insufficient without quality maritime education and training provided to maritime professionals. Hence, emphasizing that all maritime personnel receive quality maritime education and training to enhance the long-term achievement of SD in the maritime industry. It also attempts to prove and suggest to maritime authorities how they can collectively integrate both onshore and offshore green maritime practices to achieve SD.

Originality/value

The originality of this study shows in testing a conceptual model that affirms that, achieving SD in the maritime industry is dependent on quality maritime education and training received by maritime personnel, hence, demonstrating the significant role of maritime training institutions towards the maritime industry and the achievement of SD.
New design of electric vehicle motor based on high-strength soft magnetic materials
Authors: Li Yulin , Wang Jiabao , Zhang Hang , Pei Ruilin
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to make a high speed motor based on the characteristics of high strength silicon steel. With the higher requirements for torque density and power density of the driving system of electric vehicles (EV), conventional magnetic materials have been difficult to meet the demands in the future. In this paper, a new type of high-strength non-grain-oriented (NGO)material is tested.

Design/methodology/approach

Through analyzing the characteristic of high strength silicon steel, it is applied to the rotor part of a high-speed motor. A topological optimization is applied to achieve higher power density and higher efficiency of the motor.

Findings

The feasibility of the scheme was analyzed by the finite element method, and a prototype was also fabricated to verify the analysis.

Originality/value

In this paper, the characteristics of new soft magnetic materials as a breakthrough to manufacture a new generation of high-performance electrical machine (EM) are discussed. Consequently, the presented work greatly facilitates further explorations and guides the innovative application of soft magnetic materials and the iterative optimization of motor structure.
Purchase decision making of garage equipment using an integrated fuzzy AHP and grey relation analysis method
Authors: James Ajith Tom , Asjad Mohammad , Panchal Rahul
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Automobile maintenance garages require varieties of equipment for their smooth functioning. However, the purchase of the right equipment from alternatives is a tough task as it depends on several economic, technical, and environmental considerations, etc. Moreover, there are different sellers for such equipment, whose features would be satisfying the purchase criteria in varying levels or degrees. Hence, this purchase decision becomes a complex decision-making problem.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrated multi-criteria decision-making approach that includes the combination of fuzzy AHP (analytic hierarchy process) and GRA (grey relational analysis) is used for the purchase decision-making of garage equipment. Various purchase decision criteria regarding garage equipment are assimilated through literature and interaction with garage professionals. The weightage of each purchase criteria of garage equipment is derived using fuzzy AHP. After the establishment of weights, various equipment suppliers are evaluated according to their conformance to the criteria using the GRA method.

Findings

The methodology of FAHP helped in ranking the different purchasing criteria based on their importance. It follows the following sequence: cost of ownership, technical specifications, operational characteristics, reliability and maintenance, after-sales support, commercial features, environmental pollution, and end of life characteristics. GRA methodology has been applied for the purchase of the best common rail test bench among alternatives according to their fulfillment of the purchase criteria requirements that are evaluated by a team of experts.

Originality/value

The integrated approach developed in this work for garage equipment purchase will help garage management to prioritize each supplier of the equipment based on their level of conformance to the purchase criteria.
Applying image recognition techniques to visual information mining in hospitality and tourism
Authors: Liu Xianwei , Nicolau Juan Luis , Law Rob , Li Chunhong
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aims to provide a critical reflection of the application of image recognition techniques in visual information mining in hospitality and tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

This study begins by reviewing the progress of image recognition and advantages of convolutional neural network-based image recognition models. Next, this study explains and exemplifies the mechanisms and functions of two relevant image recognition applications: object recognition and facial recognition. This study concludes by providing theoretical and practical implications and potential directions for future research.

Findings

After this study presents different potential applications and compares the use of image recognition with traditional manual methods, the main findings of this critical reflection revolve around the feasibility of the described techniques.

Practical implications

Knowledge on how to extract valuable visual information from large-scale user-generated photos to infer the online behavior of consumers and service providers and its influence on purchase decisions and firm performance is crucial to business practices in hospitality and tourism.

Originality/value

Visual information plays a crucial role in online travel agencies and peer-to-peer accommodation platforms from the side of sellers and buyers. However, extant studies relied heavily on traditional manual identification with small samples and subjective judgment. With the development of deep learning and computer vision techniques, current studies were able to extract various types of visual information from large-scale datasets with high accuracy and efficiency. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to offer an outlook of image recognition techniques for mining visual information in hospitality and tourism.
Study on simulation of multifield coupled wear in reciprocating electrical contact
Authors: Yang Xianchen , Li Xinmei , Wang Songchen
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Conventional wear models cannot satisfy the requirements of electrical contact wear simulation. Therefore, this study aims to establish a novel wear simulation model that considered the influence of thermal-stress-wear interaction to achieve high accuracy under various current conditions, especially high current.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed electrical contact wear model was established by combining oxidation theory and the modified Archard wear model. The wear subroutine was written in FORTRAN, and adaptive mesh technology was used to update the wear depth. The simulation results were compared with the experimental results and the typically used stress-wear model. The temperature of the contact surface, distribution of the wear depth and evolution of the wear rate were analyzed.

Findings

With the increase in the current flow, the linear relationship between the wear depth and time changed to the parabola. Electrical contact wear occurred in two stages, namely, acceleration and stability stages. In the acceleration stage, the wear rate increased continuously because of the influence of material hardness reduction and oxidation loss.

Originality/value

In previous wear simulation models, the influence of multiple physical fields in friction and wear has been typically ignored. In this study, the oxidation loss during electrical contact wear was considered, and the thermo-stress-wear complete coupling method was used to analyze the wear process.
How do remote workers perform during COVID-19 lockdowns? Examining professional isolation, cynicism and psychological hardiness
Authors: Yu Xinying , Liu Yuwen
Published: October 2022

Purpose

With the spread of COVID-19, governments have initiated lockdown procedures and forced organizations to switch to remote working. Employees working remotely in isolated and confined situations are experiencing great stress and uncertainty. This study aims to investigate how remote workers perform during lockdowns.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on social information processing theory, this study developed and tested hypotheses linking professional isolation, cynicism and task performance. This study was comprised of 497 remote workers in the financial industry in China.

Findings

The findings revealed that professional isolation is positively related to cynicism, and cynicism is negatively related to task performance. Cynicism mediates the relationship between professional isolation and task performance. The results indicated that psychological hardiness moderated the mediation effect of professional isolation on task performance through cynicism.

Practical implications

This research offers implications for managers and practitioners on reducing employees' feeling of isolation through effective communication, collaboration and support via online platforms and preventing and reducing cynicism by introducing clear organizational policy and practice to balance job demands and job resources. Meanwhile, managers can develop commitment, control and challenge components of employees' psychological hardiness to enhance job performance.

Originality/value

This study extends the remote working literature in a crisis situation and fills the gap in the cynicism literature by understanding the role played by cynicism for remote workers. The current study also adds to the literature by highlighting the importance of psychological hardiness for remote workers during the pandemic.
What keeps me engaging? A study of consumers' continuous social media brand engagement practices
Authors: Osei-Frimpong Kofi , Appiah Otoo Brigid A. , McLean Graeme , Islam Nazrul , Soga Lebene Richmond
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study examines some pertinent individual-level factors and consequences of consumers' continuous social media brand engagement (SMBE) practices. Further, this study examines the moderating effect of other-efficacy to deepen the understanding.

Design/methodology/approach

Online survey data collected from 785 respondents, through a convenience sampling technique on Facebook, was analyzed through structural equation (SEM) modeling with AMOS 23.0.

Findings

The findings suggest that compatibility with lifestyle, perceived information quality and escapism, which significantly drive consumers' continuous engagement with brands on social media. However, perceived enjoyment does not. Other-efficacy duly moderates consumers' continuous SMBE practices. While continuous SMBE significantly drives consumer-based brand equity (CBBE), continuous SMBE does not have any significant relationship with consumers' subjective well-being (SWB).

Research limitations/implications

This study reports robust findings on the effects of individual-level factors that drive consumers' continuous SMBE practices. However, the study only focused on Facebook brand pages. This is a limitation for generalizability of results because the research did not take a holistic view of all types of social media.

Practical implications

The research suggests a need for managers to project their brands and share relevant and stimulating information throughout their continuous SMBE with consumers to build strong consumer–brand relationships. Managers should also engage consumers with interesting social media messages as well as both informative and transformative creative strategies to excite them. This will further give consumers a reason to continuously interact with the brand on social media platforms.

Originality/value

This study is one of the very few works to tease out pertinent factors that drive consumers' continuous SMBE practices. The paper integrates the consumer-level factors and moderating effects of other-efficacy through the lens of Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and Uses and Gratification Theory (UGT) to make a significant contribution to the SMBE literature.
New principals in the COVID corridor: an exploratory case study
Authors: Virella Patricia
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight how a group of novice principals in Connecticut and New York used relational, dispositional and situational factors to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. The study aims to support new principals and educational leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Mutch's (2015) dispositional, relational and situational framework to guide the inquiry, this paper uses qualitative methods and interviewing in particular to explore the questions of interest. Six novice principals were each interviewed over the 2020–2021 school year, each interview lasting approximately forty-five minutes. Data were analyzed thematically using both deductive coding techniques and cross comparative analysis.

Findings

Findings show that novice principals tended to rely on dispositional factors to respond to the crisis. Additionally, novice principals reported limited responses to the situational factors of the crisis due to restricted access and guidance from the district leadership.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the small sample size and methodological approach, it may be inappropriate to generalize the findings across all novice principals in all settings. Further research in additional settings and larger samples are encouraged to support the proposed findings.

Practical implications

This paper has several implications for districts and leadership preparation programs. Among these is the need for leadership preparation programs to adjust their curricula to train new principals properly.

Originality/value

This work fills a gap in the research regarding how new principals respond to a crisis. It also provides insights into practice and possible means to enhance the growing population of new principals entering the educational leadership workforce.
Bank lending behaviour and small enterprise debt financing
Authors: Ogunmokun Olapeju Comfort , Mafimisebi Oluwasoye , Obembe Demola
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The reason for concern is the rapid decline in loans to small enterprises which is critical to their performance, compared to large businesses following the periods of banking reformations in Nigeria. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of risk perception on bank lending behaviour to small enterprises. It also investigates the impact of government intervention, consolidation and recapitalization on the relationship between risk perception and bank lending behaviour to small enterprise.

Design/methodology/approach

This study empirically analysed (ordinary least square) secondary data obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletins, Annual Statement of Accounts covering the period 1992–2020.

Findings

The results show that the absence of government interventions and the presence of banking reformations have statistically negative significant effect on bank lending to small enterprises. The findings challenge the argument that generally assumes risk aversion of banks towards small enterprise lending because of small enterprise’s inability to prove their credit worthiness and consequently constraining access to finance to the sector. Instead, the results and analysis from this study found theoretical support for the variation of bank behaviour in lending to small enterprises depending on the status of wealth of the financial system.

Practical implications

A key lesson from this study for government concerned about promoting performance of the small enterprise sector is that regulating and enforcing lending requirements on access to debt financing of the sector is necessary if constraints in access debt finance is to be eliminated. Second, while strategies such as bank consolidation, recapitalization may help strengthen and make financially robust the banking system; it places the banks in a gain position where losses looms to them than gain.

Originality/value

This study challenges the argument that generally assumes risk aversion of banks towards small enterprise lending as a result of inability to prove their credit worthiness and consequently constraining access to finance to the sector. Instead, the results and analysis from this study reveal a variation in lending to small enterprises and suggests that the position of the bank in relation to a reference point influences how risk is perceived by the bank and thus impacts on their risk decision-making behaviour.
Police officers' punitiveness in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: the role of fear, attribution and self-legitimacy
Authors: Nalla Mahesh K. , Gurinskaya Anna , Qureshi Hanif
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The focus of this study is to examine Indian police officers' punitiveness toward violators of criminal sanctions attached to COVID-19 mitigation laws enacted by the Indian Penal Code. The authors draw from the conceptual frameworks and correlates typically employed in traditional crime and justice research and adapt them to the context of the pandemic. Additionally, the authors examine whether officers' punitive attitudes are related to their belief in self-legitimacy and their job assignment (civilian vs. armed personnel) in a country with inherited colonial policing legacies.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the study came from 1,323 police officers in a northern state of India.

Findings

Findings suggest that officers with vicarious fear of COVID-19 infections (e.g. infection of family members) find the sanctions associated with the new laws harsh. Additionally, officers who subscribe to the classical attributions of offenders feel that the laws are not punitive enough. In contrast, those with deterministic views perceive the sanctions as excessively harsh. Findings also suggest that officers' self-legitimacy, and belief in the authority and responsibility vested in them, is a key predictor of their punitive attitudes. Finally, officers assigned to police lines are more punitive than those designated to patrol/traffic work.

Research limitations/implications

Data or prior research on officers' punitive attitudes toward other violations (non-COVID-19 violations) is unavailable for comparison with this study’s findings.

Originality/value

No prior research has examined the relationship between police officers' perceptions of self-legitimacy, their belief in the authority vested in them by the state, their belief in their role as police officers and their relationship to their punitive attitudes.