bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying the risk factors and their interactions of human–robot collaboration implementation during engineering project construction: evidence from China
Authors: Chen Zhen , Zhao Yaqi , Zhou Xia , Hao Shengyue , Li Jin
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Human–robot collaboration (HRC) is an emerging research field for the construction industry along with construction robot adoption, but its implementation remains limited in construction sites. This paper aims to identify critical risk factors and their interactions of HRC implementation during engineering project construction.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature research, expert interviews, a questionnaire survey and a social network analysis (SNA) method were used. First, literature research and expert interviews were employed to identify risk factors of HRC implementation and preliminarily understand factor interactions. Second, a questionnaire survey was conducted to determine the degree of interactions between risk factors. Third, based on the data collected from the questionnaire survey, SNA metrics were used to find critical risk factors and critical interactions.

Findings

The critical risk factors consist of robot technology reliability, robot-perceived level, conflict between designers and users of construction robots, organisational culture, organisational strength, project cost requirements, changeability of project construction, project quality requirements and project safety requirements. The interactions between risk factors are strong and complex. Robot technology risk factors were relatively fundamental risk factors, and project risk factors had a direct influence on the risk of HRC implementation. The implementation cost of HRC was not identified as a critical risk factor. Individual risk factors could be mitigated by improving technical and organisational factors.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the body of knowledge in the field of both HRC behaviours and its risk management in construction project management. Identifying the critical risk factors and their interactions of HRC implementation in the construction industry and introducing social network theory to the research on critical risk factors are the innovations of this paper. The findings and proposed suggestions could help construction professionals to better understand the HRC risk factors and to manage the risk of HRC implementation more effectively.
Contributions of universal school-based mental health promotion to the wellbeing of adolescents and preadolescents: a systematic review of educational interventions
Authors: Martínez-García Ariadna
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The study aims to determine the contributions of universal school-based educational programs to the current and future worldwide youth mental health condition.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic search was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Academic education and health databases including ERIC, Education Database, APA PsycInfo, APA PsycArticles, Psychology Database, and PubMed were used. Characteristics and outcomes of educational interventions developed in school settings and education potential for mental health promotion were examined.

Findings

Universal school-based mental health educational programs positively affect preadolescents and adolescents. The study review provided further insight into educational programs' characteristics and identified two primary curricula foci: mental health education and development of resiliency traits and skills.

Originality/value

Research on mental health promotion using a pedagogical approach is rare as most studies focus on mental health symptomatology and psychotherapy techniques training.
The determination of mode-I fracture toughness (by means of the Brazilian disc configuration) in the light of data provided by the 3D digital image correlation technique
Authors: Kourkoulis Stavros K. , Pasiou Ermioni D. , Markides Christos F. , Loukidis Andronikos , Stavrakas Ilias , Triantis Dimos
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The determination of mode-I fracture toughness of brittle structural materials by means of the notched Brazilian disc configuration is studied. Advantage is taken of a recently introduced analytical solution and, also, of data provided by an experimental protocol with notched marble specimens under diametral compression using the loading device suggested by International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM) and also the three-dimensional digital image correlation (3D-DIC) technique.

Design/methodology/approach

The analytical solution highlighted the role of geometrical factors, like, for example, the width of the notch, which are usually disregarded. The data of the experimental protocol were comparatively considered with those concerning the response of the specific material under uniaxial tensile load.

Findings

This combined study provided interesting data concerning some open issues, as it is the exact crack initiation point and the level of the critical load causing crack initiation. It was definitely indicated that the crack initiation point is not a priori known (even for notched specimens) and, also, that the maximum recorded load does not correspond by default to the critical load responsible for the onset of catastrophic macroscopic fracture.

Originality/value

It was suggested that the load considered critical one for the determination of mode-I fracture toughness KIC is erroneous. At a load equal to about 70% of the maximum one, a process zone is formed (zone of non-reversible phenomena) around the notch's crown, designating termination of the validity of any linear elastic solution used to determine the normalized stress intensity factors (SIFs). Moreover, at a load level equal to about 95% of the macroscopically observed fracture load, crack propagation has already begun. Therefore, the experimental procedure must be monitored with additional equipment, providing an overview of the displacement field developed during loading.
Geodesign and completeness indicators for urban areas: a transformative learning experience in urban planning teaching in Brazil
Authors: Moura Ana Clara Mourão , Rosa Ashiley Adelaide , Araújo Beatriz Maria Fernandes , Ferreira Felipe Andrade
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to present a methodological experience using geodesign as a process and instrument that facilitates citizen awareness and the use of alternative urban parameters in a discipline of an undergraduate course in architecture and urbanism, about urban planning at a local scale.

Design/methodology/approach

Aiming to develop solutions more suited to the reality of the area and attentive to contemporary practices of collaborative urban planning – for and with people – the methodological approach was divided into two complementary steps. The first step was elaborated through a general plan of ideas, with the aid of the Geodesign Hub platform, and for the more detailed second step, we used the Brazilian virtual GISColab geodesign platform. Both steps were conducted in workshop format.

Findings

In this experience, by incorporating geoinformation technology resources, geodesign proved to be a potential tool for creating opinions and decision-making regarding co-creative planning and experimenting with alternative urban parameters.

Originality/value

In the context of a current scenario of city growth oriented from the perspective of motor vehicles, the urban sprawl and in turn, the progressive loss of the human dimension in the urban space, students were introduced and encouraged to reflect on the different functions of the street and on the possibility of measuring urban quality from alternative parameters: completeness indicators.
Establishment and application of Whole Garment Knitted Skirt Template Library combining design and technology
Authors: Wang Jianping , Shen Deyao , Yao Xiaofeng , Lu Wenqin
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Whole garment knitwear is one of the knitwear development trends in the foreseeable future for its advantages of environmental friendliness and wearing comfort. However, the development of new styles of the whole garment knitwear requires both fashion design and computer programming, which makes it time-consuming and difficult. In this paper, a whole garment knitted skirt template Library is introduced to solve this problem.

Design/methodology/approach

The template library composes of silhouette module, design element module and parts shaping technology module. It was built based on a comprehensive investigation of design and technology. By adhering to the principle of similarity and reusability, the template library of whole garment knitted skirts was established through the innovative design and hierarchical classification of compressed patterns and package patterns.

Findings

With the template library, more than 7.7 × 1025 package pattern templates can be generated through the permutation and combination of the package pattern templates of design elements and parts shaping technology.

Originality/value

The results indicated that it can accelerate the design process and improve the design efficiency of new styles with the template library. This approach can also provide inspiration for the designers and realize rapid response and personalized customization of knitted garment production. In addition, the whole garment templates can be applied into constructing other types of clothing template libraries, such as jackets, pants, etc.
Hope, tolerance and empathy: employees' emotions when using an AI-enabled chatbot in a digitalised workplace
Authors: Gkinko Lorentsa , Elbanna Amany
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Information Systems research on emotions in relation to using technology largely holds essentialist assumptions about emotions, focuses on negative emotions and treats technology as a token or as a black box, which hinders an in-depth understanding of distinctions in the emotional experience of using artificial intelligence (AI) technology in context. This research focuses on understanding employees' emotional experiences of using an AI chatbot as a specific type of AI system that learns from how it is used and is conversational, displaying a social presence to users. The research questions how and why employees experience emotions when using an AI chatbot, and how these emotions impact its use.

Design/methodology/approach

An interpretive case study approach and an inductive analysis were adopted for this study. Data were collected through interviews, documents review and observation of use.

Findings

The study found that employee appraisals of chatbots were influenced by the form and functional design of the AI chatbot technology and its organisational and social context, resulting in a wider repertoire of appraisals and multiple emotions. In addition to positive and negative emotions, users experienced connection emotions. The findings show that the existence of multiple emotions can encourage continued use of an AI chatbot.

Originality/value

This research extends information systems literature on emotions by focusing on the lived experiences of employees in their actual use of an AI chatbot, while considering its characteristics and its organisational and social context. The findings inform the emerging literature on AI.
Facilitating hotdesking in a hybrid campus environment: lessons from the hotdesking experiences of doctoral students in a US public university
Authors: Adikesavan Manju Aishwarya , Ramasubramanian Laxmi
Published: May 2022

Purpose

University faculty, researchers and graduate students are increasingly working out of hotdesks, nonterritorial workspaces available on a “first come first served” basis and cleared of all work and personal possessions at the end of every work session. The aim of this study of the hotdesking experiences of doctoral students in a US public university facility is to identify the themes and coping behaviors associated with hotdesking and examine their implications for campus workspace design and policymaking.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses multiple methods – direct and participant observation of flex workspaces in the study site, semi-structured interviews of doctoral students hotdesking in the study site and archival research of public institutional data.

Findings

Study participants work early or late to secure suitable hotdesks, perform important tasks in locations other than the study site, incur co-working space and home office costs, etc. to cope with the themes of uncertainty, lack of control and lack of workspace continuity associated with hotdesking. Workspace reservation systems, storage lockers and workspaces for diverse tasks can improve the on-campus hotdesking experience. Off-campus support such as financial support for setting up and maintaining a home office, subscription to co-working spaces, etc. can facilitate productivity and foster a sense of connection in hotdesk users.

Originality/value

This study contributes evidence that hotdesking doctoral students operate in a hybrid work environment composed of on- and off-campus locations. This study provides original insight that hotdesk users need on- and off-campus workspace support to experience productivity, connection and well-being in a hybrid campus work environment.
AS/R system travel time in class-based storage with different input-output point levels: a proposed formula
Authors: Hoshimov Abror , Cagliano Anna Corinna , Mangano Giulio , Schenone Maurizio , Grimaldi Sabrina
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a simulation model integrated with an empirical regression analysis to provide a new mathematical formulation for automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) travel time estimation under class-based storage and different input/output (I/O) point vertical levels.

Design/methodology/approach

A simulation approach is adopted to compute the travel time under different warehouse scenarios. Simulation runs with several I/O point levels and multiple shape factor values.

Findings

The proposed model is extremely precise for both single command (SC) and dual command (DC) cycles and very well fitted for a reliable computation of travel times.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed mathematical formulation for estimating the AS/RS travel time advances widely applied methodologies existing in literature. As well as, it provides a practical implication by supporting faster and more accurate travel time computations for both SC and DC cycles. However, the regression analysis is conducted based on simulated data and can be refined by numerical values coming from real warehouses.

Originality/value

This work provides a new simulation model and a refined mathematical equation to estimate AS/RS travel time.
The effect of intra-organizational knowledge hiding on employee turnover intentions: the mediating role of organizational embeddedness: a case study of knowledge workers of IRIB
Authors: Sheidaee Saeed , Philsoophian Maryam , Akhavan Peyman
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationship between intra-organizational knowledge hiding (I-OKH) and turnover intention via the mediating role of organizational embeddedness.

Design/methodology/approach

A model was developed and tested with data collected from 276 knowledge workers from the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) using Smart PLS3 to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Results show that organizational embeddedness mediates the relationship between intra-organizational knowledge hiding and turnover intention because intra-organizational knowledge hiding relates negatively to organizational embeddedness, which, in turn, has a negative effect on turnover intentions.

Practical implications

This study can be beneficial for organizations that employ knowledge workers. The management should pay attention to the existence and consequences of intra-organizational knowledge hiding to control one of the causing factors of weakened organizational embeddedness, which, in turn, increases employee turnover intentions.

Originality/value

This study is the first attempt to analyze knowledge hiding from a third-person point of view. Moreover, this is the first to examine the mediating role of organizational embeddedness in the relationship between intra-organizational knowledge hiding and employee turnover intentions, enriched by employing the data from the knowledge workers beyond the Anglo-American-European world.
Anchoring on dynamic auditing capabilities to manage small and medium audit practices in a Covid-19-induced turbulent business environment
Authors: Kaawaase Twaha Kigongo
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to examine how small and medium audit practices (SMPs) in emerging economies build and anchor on dynamic auditing capability to operate in a turbulent business environment occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts an exploratory qualitative methodology using qualitative data collected with the aid of an open-ended instrument. With the help of a qualitative data analysis software QSR NVivo9, data were analyzed following Gioia's methodology with a four-stage coding process that combines both a deductive and an inductive approach.

Findings

The findings of the study show that to manage operations during the Covid-19 pandemic, SMPs developed and anchored on dynamic auditing capabilities. Specifically, the findings show that this required transformation of existing operational capabilities, shiftiness, flexibility and innovativeness of the SMPs as well as leveraging networking and adaptive sub-capabilities.

Originality/value

The study produces a pioneer result of how to develop and anchor on the dynamic auditing capability by the SMP subsector of the audit industry to continue operations in a turbulent business environment the magnitude of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Awareness and adaptations to climate change among the rural farmers in different agro-ecological zones of Tanzania
Authors: Mkonda Msafiri Yusuph
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper generally aimed to evaluate the knowledge of rural farmers towards climate change (CC) and their adaptation practices as a way of reducing the vulnerability in different agro-ecological zones (AEZs) of Tanzania. This establishment is quite important because rural farmers are most vulnerable to impacts of CC. Therefore, there is a need to establish the actual knowledge on this aspect in order to meet the urgency for action on CC by using the endowed environmental resources. This knowledge will assist policy makers and CC practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed systematic and simple random sampling procedures in selecting the districts and villages as study sites. It used both quantitative and qualitative data sets derived from climatic records, questionnaires survey, interviews and discussion. The Mann-Kendall test and Sen's slope, and theme content were used for data analyses.

Findings

The results exhibited that most farmers have been greatly adapting to CC through numerous and well-known practices. However, there has been adoption of other new practices mainly influenced by new knowledge from extension services, environmental endowments and temporal environmental change. Although there has been varied perceptions on CC, the results indicate that most farmers (>70%) are aware of the changing climate and their knowledge corresponds to meteorological data.

Originality/value

Most farmers perceived that prolonged drought and erratic rains are the main indicators of CC. These indicators were the base of copping and adaptation mechanisms. Despite this, there is a need for all climate practitioners to join hands in improving the existing adaptation practices that can limit climate impacts in local areas.
Studies on swelling behavior, mechanical and thermal properties of ternary rubber blend composites in the presence of compatibilizers
Authors: Abdelsalam Amir A. , El-Sabbagh Salwa H. , Mohamed Wael S. , Khozami Mohsen A.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the swelling behavior, mechanical and thermal properties of ternary rubber blend composites prepared by melt blending based on carbon black (CB)-filled natural rubber (NR)/styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR)/nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) blends, containing a variety of compatibilizers. Various compatibilizers, maleic acid anhydride (MAH), prepared emulsion and adhesion system (HRH) were used. A series of NR/SBR/NBR blends at a 30/30/40 blend ratio reinforced with 45 phr of CB were prepared using the master-batch method.

Design/methodology/approach

Thermal aging properties of the composites characterized by their aging coefficient and retention in tensile and elongation at break (E.B. %). Thermal degradation of ternary rubber blend composites based on melt blending has been studied using thermogravimetric analysis.

Findings

The swelling coefficient decreased with increased compatibilizer loading. Results also showed that the tensile strength and E.B. (%) decreased with aging over the entire aging period. Additionally, the addition of compatibilizers into the ternary rubber blend composite had slightly improved the thermal stability.

Research limitations/implications

Interactions between the different components of blends at the interfaces have a high impact on the interfacial properties of the rubber blend.

Practical implications

Compatibilizers significantly improve the properties of the resulting composites with the loading of investigated compatibilizers because of the uniform dispersion of CB in the rubber matrix.

Social implications

Using blends in the rubber industry led to the high-efficiency production of low-cost products.

Originality/value

The rubber blending has a significant positive effect on a wide range of applications such as structural applications, aerospace, military, packaging, tires and biomedical, so improving the compatibility of blends will make new materials suitable for new applications.
Young residents’ household waste recycling intentions: extending TPB through place attachment
Authors: Pathak Kanishka , Yadav Aditya , Sharma Shivani , Bhardwaj Retu
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The paper aims to understand the young residents’ household waste intentions through place attachment (PA) approach where place dependency (PD) and place identity (PLI) influence recycling intentions (RIs). Furthermore, the effect of norms (both subjective and moral) on residents’ association with PLI was also analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual model, including the hypothesized relationship between variables, was established through relevant literature. The study extends the theory of planned behavior (TPB) through a place-based approach in young residents’ household waste RIs. The proposed conceptual model also replaced the position of norms (subjective and moral) as antecedents to PLI in the proposed extended and modified TPB model. Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) has been used for the statistical analysis of the data. The questionnaires were distributed digitally. The convenience sampling approach was adopted for collecting data.

Findings

The results tenably billed the inclusion of placed-based approach in the TPB and norms (subjective and moral) in predicting PLI of young residents. All the alternative hypotheses in the proposed model were accepted. The predictive power of RIs was 41.4%.

Research limitations/implications

The research only considered the educated and financially opulent residents, among whom the waste disposal system was well established and may have led to favorable results. The study only limits to measuring intentions, and its organic nature opens vistas for future research studies where more variables could be agglutinated to achieve pronounced prediction power and also further measure actual recycling behavior and practice.

Practical implications

The study adds to pragmatic implications for local governments and municipalities where the waste collection apparatuses could capitalize on the findings to achieve efficiency in household waste collection and recycling.

Social implications

With young generation of residents at the helm for forging a cleaner environment, the study motivates environmental enthusiasts and social scientists to better understand household waste RIs. The study will help young generation to become more sensitized towards the environment by making green changes in daily disposal habits.

Originality/value

The study explored two prospects. First, PA (place dependence and place identity) was added as an external variable and precedent to RIs, and second, the norms (both subjective and moral) were taken as antecedents to place identity.
Decentralization of information and supply chain self-organization: the resulting effect on network performance in the transitive service triads
Authors: Swierczek Artur
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study considers transitive service triads, which consist of three dyads formed by three actors: supplier, logistics service provider and customer, who remain directly linked by one or more of the upstream and downstream flows of products, information and finances. This paper aims to explore the link between information governance, decentralized information technologies and supply chain self-organization, and their resulting impact on network performance in the transitive service triads.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon the tenets of the theory of complex adaptive systems and supply chain practice view, this paper involves an empirical investigation that uses survey data gathered from transitive service triads in the European countries. The study uses partial least squares structural equation modeling to estimate the formative-reflective hierarchical component model and test the research hypotheses.

Findings

Information governance defines how supply chain information flows are controlled, accessed and used by a focal organization and its business partners. As empirically evidenced in this study, it can be depicted as a latent construct consisting of three distinct dimensions of information custody, information ownership and right to data access. Likewise, the study also indicates that supply chain self-organization, as a second-order construct, consists of three interactive self-organization actions undertaken by specific firms participating in the triadic arrangement. Supply chain self-organization is thus produced by firms that are reciprocally interrelated and interacting, having effects on one another. Furthermore, the study also highlights that information governance creates an environment for applying decentralized information technologies, which then positively affects supply chain self-organization. Finally, the research also empirically operationalizes the construct of network performance within the transitive service triads.

Research limitations/implications

Although the results provide several major contributions to theory and implications for practitioners, the study still demonstrates some methodological constraints. Specifically, although the study uses a relatively large research sample of 350 transitive service triads, it still focuses only on a selected group of industries and is limited to investigating solely a particular type of service triads.

Originality/value

Given the increasing interest in investigating triads, this study examines how information governance and decentralized information technologies support supply chain self-organization to yield network performance in transitive service triads.
Green creativity, TQM and business sustainability of large manufacturing firms in Malaysia
Authors: AlQershi Nagwan Abdulwahab , Saufi Roselina Binti Ahmad , Muhammad Nik Maheran Nik , Bin Yusoff Mohd Nor Hakimin , Thurasamy Ramayah
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper examines the effect of green creativity (GC) on the business sustainability (BS) of large manufacturing firms (LMFs) in Malaysia and investigates the mediating effect of total quality management (TQM) on this relationship.

Design/Methodology/Approach

A quantitative approach was adopted, using a sample of 206 LMFs; the formulated hypotheses were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

The findings revealed a significant positive effect of GC on the TQM and BS of LMFs and a significant positive effect of TQM on their BS. TQM also has a full mediating effect on the relationship between GC and BS.

Research Limitations/Implications

One of the limitations of this study is its focus on Malaysian LMFs. It nevertheless contributes to the literature by extending knowledge concerning their TQM, GC and multi-faceted perspectives. This is largely ignored in literature and, as such, the study paves the way for additional research.

Practical Implications

The findings of this study may be used as guidelines for CEOs, particularly on the way TQM and GC can be developed for enhanced BS, in the context of South Asian countries.

Originality/Value

This study is the first to test the influence of GC on Malaysian LMFs’ BS and the first worldwide to investigate the mediating effect of TQM on their GC-BS relationship.
Methods to evaluate institutional responses to performance‐based research funding systems
Authors: Buckle Robert A. , Creedy John
Published: May 2022

Performance‐based research funding systems (PBRFS) have been introduced in many countries for allocating funding to research institutions. There continues to be considerable debate about the effectiveness and consequences of these systems. This paper suggests several methods that can be applied to evaluate how institutions respond to new incentives created by the introduction of a PBRFS. The methods are illustrated using longitudinal data from the New Zealand PBRFS, which assesses institutional performance and allocates funds based on individual researcher performance, although not all methods require individual data. Longitudinal data enable the identification of entry, exit and quality transformation of researchers and the contribution of these dynamics to changes in university and discipline research quality. The approach enables a deeper understanding of individual and institutional responses to PBRFSs, the sustainability of changes and the contributions of changes in researcher quality and discipline composition to changes in institutional performance.
The welfare effect of a consumer subsidy with price ceilings: the case of Chinese cell phones
Authors: Fan Ying , Zhang Ge
Published: May 2022

Subsidies to consumers may cause firms to charge higher prices, which offsets consumer benefits from subsidies. We study a subsidy program design that mitigates such price increases by making products' eligibility for a subsidy dependent on firms' commitment to price ceilings. To quantify the importance of such competition for eligibility, we develop a structural model and an estimation procedure that accommodate binding pricing constraints. We find that competition for eligibility mitigates the price increases arising from the subsidy and even leads to a reduction in prices for some products. It improves consumer and total surpluses while limiting government subsidy payments.
Intravenous acetaminophen does not reduce morphine use for pain relief in emergency department patients: A multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Minotti Bruno , Mansella Gregory , Sieber Robert , Ott Alexander , Nickel Christian H. , Bingisser Roland
Published: May 2022

Background

Pain is one of the main reasons to present to emergency departments (EDs). Opioids are indispensable for acute pain management but are associated with side effects, misuse, and dependence. The aim of this study was to test whether a single dose of intravenous (IV) acetaminophen (paracetamol) can reduce the use of morphine for pain relief and/or morphine‐related adverse events (AEs).

Methods

ED patients >18 years with acute pain (i.e., Numeric Rating Scale [NRS] > 4) were screened for eligibility. Patients with analgesia in the past 6 h, chronic pain, or clinical instability were excluded. Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either morphine 0.1 mg/kg and 1 g acetaminophen IV or morphine 0.1 mg/kg and placebo IV. The intervention was double‐blinded. Additional morphine 0.05 mg/kg IV was administered every 15 minutes until pain relief (defined as NRS < 4) and whether the pain recurred. The primary outcome was the mean morphine dose for pain relief. Secondary outcomes were the total amount of morphine given, time to achieve pain relief, and AEs.

Results

A total of 220 patients were randomized and 202 evaluated for the primary outcome. The mean morphine dose for pain relief was similar in both groups (acetaminophen 0.15 mg ± 0.07 mg/kg, placebo 0.16 ± 0.07 mg/kg). There were no differences in the total amount of morphine given (acetaminophen 0.19 ± 0.09 mg/kg, placebo 0.19 ± 0.1 mg/kg), the time to achieve pain relief (acetaminophen 30 min [95% CI 17–31 min], placebo 30 min [95% CI 30–35 min]), and the frequency of AEs (overall 27.4%). Time to pain recurrence did not differ significantly between the groups (hazard ratio 1.23 [0.76–1.98], p = 0.40).

Conclusions

In ED patients, acetaminophen had no additional effect on pain control or morphine‐sparing effect at the time of first morphine administration. Titrated morphine with the algorithm used was highly effective, with 80% of all patients reporting pain relief within 60 min of starting therapy.
Mortality and prognostic factors of Bullous Pemphigoid in a Moroccan population
Authors: Titou Hicham , Hjira Naoufal
Published: May 2022

Background

Bullous pemphigoid is a common autoimmune blistering skin disease that is significantly associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality.

Objective

Our aim was to determine the 1‐, 2‐ and 3‐year mortality rate and standardized mortality ratio of BP in Moroccan patients, as well as to identify risk factors that influence survival both in the 1st and 3rd year of follow‐up.

Methods

All patients with BP diagnosed between January 2008 and December 2017 in a tertiary referral centre at the Mohammed V Military Hospital in Morocco were included retrospectively.

Results

The 1‐year, 2‐year and 3‐year mortality rates of the cases were 25.8%, 32.3% and 43%, respectively. The median age of onset was 72 years (range, 64 ∼ 80 years), and 51 (54.8%) patients were men. The standardized mortality ratio of patients with BP was 2.6 times higher than that of age‐ and sex‐matched members of the general Moroccan population. Besides advanced age, the presence of diabetes mellitus at the time of diagnosis was associated with increased 3‐year mortality in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

This is the first study analysing the mortality rate of bullous pemphigoid in Morocco. Our findings confirm a high mortality rate for BP patients compared with the expected mortality rate for age‐ and sex‐adjusted general Moroccan population. Risk factors for increased 3‐year mortality include advanced age at the time of diagnosis and diabetes mellitus.
Inflammation‐related immune proteins in maternal plasma as potential predictive biomarkers for rescue cerclage outcome in women with cervical insufficiency
Authors: Kim So Yeon , Park Kyo Hoon , Kim Hyeon Ji , Kim Yu Mi , Ahn Kwanghee , Lee Kyong‐No
Published: May 2022

Problem

This study aimed to determine whether various novel plasma mediators of immune regulation associated with inflammation could independently predict the clinical outcome of rescue cerclage in patients with cervical insufficiency (CI).

Method of study

A total of 41 singleton pregnant women (17–25 weeks) who underwent rescue cerclage for CI were retrospectively evaluated. Stored plasma samples were assayed for IGFBP‐1, ‐2, ‐3, IL‐6, latexin, LBP, lipocalin‐2, M‐CSF, MIP‐1α, MMP‐8, ‐9, pentraxin 3, resistin, S100A8, S100A8/A9, thrombospondin‐2, TIMP‐1, and TNFR2 levels. The primary outcome measures were spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) at < 28 and < 34 weeks after cerclage placement.

Results

Multivariate Firth's logistic regression analysis revealed that high levels of IGFBP‐3 and S100A8/A9, and low levels of MIP‐1α were significantly associated with SPTB at < 28 weeks after cerclage placement, whereas only low MIP‐1α levels were significantly associated with SPTB at < 34 weeks, even after adjustment for baseline clinical covariates (e.g., cervical dilatation). For the prediction of SPTB at < 28 weeks, the area under the curves (AUC) of IGFBP‐3, MIP‐1α, and S100A8/A9 were of .686, .691, and .693, respectively. Similarly, the AUC of MIP‐1 α was of .659 to predict SPTB at < 34 weeks.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that plasma IGFBP‐3, MIP‐1α, and S100A8/A9 can represent noninvasive independent biomarkers for identifying women with CI at high risk for SPTB following rescue cerclage. Nonetheless, further in large, multicenter clinical studies should be performed to confirm the clinical value of these biomarkers.
Bioecological determinants of malnutrition in underprivileged children in India
Authors: Afsharinia Bita , Gurtoo Anjula
Published: May 2022

India has made considerable progress towards tackling child malnutrition since the launch of the ICDS scheme in 1975, with currently 1.3 million centres across the country. The latest NFHS‐5 data (2018–20), however, shows limited improvement in the percentage of stunted, wasted, and underweight children, at 36%, 19%, and 32%, respectively. Given the persistent state of malnutrition in India, we probe, are there more nuances and unexplored dimensions to malnutrition issue that can add to the existing literature and support policy making? Demographic and Health Survey (2015–16) data of 70,618 children between the age of 2 and 5 years, from underprivileged communities in India, were investigated using the Bronfenbrenner's Bioecological Theory Model. Three malnutrition outcome measures were calculated as per WHO standards, namely, height‐for‐age, weight‐for‐height, and weight‐for‐age. Binary and multinomial logistic regression models brought out two noteworthy results, namely, the importance of vaccination and the paradox of maternal working status. Vaccination status positively impacts the outcome measures, and maternal working status demonstrates a paradoxical situation. The children of non‐working mothers had better health statistics, indicating positive impact of a higher amount of time spent on direct childcare. However, working women in poor households bring economic capital to the house, indirectly bringing positive impacts on family health and nutrition. The results also confirmed the significance of maternal and child health status, access to healthcare, and need for dietary diversity. The importance of vaccination, especially in the context of COVID‐19, has been emphasized by policymakers. The policymakers need to relook at the existing welfare programs like ICDS and Creche Scheme to incorporate better‐supporting structures for working mothers for health access and childcare activities.
End of induction positron emission tomography complete response (PET‐CR) as a surrogate for progression‐free survival in previously untreated follicular lymphoma
Authors: Dixon Jesse G. , Dimier Natalie , Nielsen Tina , Zheng Jamie , Marcus Robert , Morschhauser Franck , Evens Andrew M. , Federico Massimo , Blum Kristie A. , Shi Qian
Published: May 2022

Progression‐free survival (PFS) has been the regulatory primary end‐point for recent phase III trials in first‐line follicular lymphoma (FL), but requires prolonged follow‐up. Complete response (CR) at 30 months after initiation of induction treatment was validated as surrogate end‐point for PFS. Our objective was to further evaluate surrogacy of CR measured by [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging at the end of induction (EoI). Individual patient data were analysed from 1505 patients from five randomized trials. Trial‐level surrogacy examining the association between treatment effects on EoI‐PET‐CR and PFS was evaluated using linear regression () and bivariate Copula () models. Although EoI‐PET‐CR strongly predicted PFS at a prognostic level, the trial‐level assessment did not show strong correlation (, confidence interval [CI]: 0.20–0.88; , CI: 0.0–0.82). The high uncertainty in estimation was possibly due to the small number of trials and the population of patients with available PET data. Maintenance therapy affecting PFS beyond induction treatment, but not EoI‐PET‐CR end‐point, may have distorted the association between treatment effects. However, there will probably be a number of additional trials approaching completion with available PET response data. Refined evaluation of PET‐CR based surrogate end‐points is still warranted.
Care structure of patients with mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome in Germany – Care research based on SHI claims data
Authors: Assaf Chalid , Dobos Gabor , Zech Immo‐Maximilian , Doess Axel , Hibbe Thomas , Jadasz Janusz J.
Published: May 2022

Background

Cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas (CTCLs) are rare forms of non‐Hodgkin’s lymphoma of T‐cell origin that occur mainly in the skin. The most common form is mycosis fungoides (MF), but Sézary syndrome (SS), a more aggressive form of CTCL, is another relevant subgroup. Due to the rare nature of the disease, population‐based studies of the epidemiology and disease burden and insights into care delivery are limited.

Patients and methods

Based on an anonymized, age and sex‐adjusted routine dataset comprising approximately five million people with statutory health insurance, a retrospective, longitudinal healthcare research study was conducted over a six‐year period (2012–2017).

Results

In 55 % of patients with MF and SS, the initial diagnosis was documented in an outpatient setting; in 59 % of cases by a dermatologist. Immunophenotyping by flow cytometry is considered an important investigative tool for the detection and follow‐up surveillance of blood involvement of cutaneous lymphomas, as the disease stage is the most important prognostic factor in MF and SS; this was performed in only 10 % of patients. The first‐line treatment was topical (76 %), in particular with corticosteroids (66 %).

Conclusions

The findings from this healthcare research point to the need for increased guideline‐based care.
Prediction of immune checkpoint blockade‐related hepatitis in metastatic melanoma patients
Authors: Schilling Hannah‐Lou , Hutchinson James A. , Haferkamp Sebastian
Published: May 2022

The introduction of clinical antibodies against programmed death‐1 (PD‐1) and cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated protein 4 (CTLA‐4) has revolutionized cancer treatment. Immune checkpoint blockade has enormous therapeutic potential and is widely prescribed for treating various cancers. However, immune‐related adverse events in checkpoint blockade‐treated patients are common and limit its clinical application. Despite efforts to understand the etiology of immune‐related adverse events, the underlying cellular reactions remain elusive. Recently, our group identified a subset of patients with metastatic melanoma that are predisposed to hepatitis after combined PD‐1 and CTLA‐4 blockade. These patients are characterized by pre‐treatment expansion of effector memory CD4+ T cells (TEM cells) in blood. We attributed this expansion to chronic or recurrent subclinical immune responses against cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Accordingly, baseline expansion of TEM cells is a reliable biomarker of hepatitis risk that identifies a subgroup of patients who might benefit from prophylactic CMV treatment with valganciclovir.
Ask me why, don't tell me why: Asking children for explanations facilitates relational thinking
Authors: Brockbank Erik , Lombrozo Tania , Gopnik Alison , Walker Caren M.
Published: May 2022

Identifying abstract relations is essential for commonsense reasoning. Research suggests that even young children can infer relations such as “same” and “different,” but often fail to apply these concepts. Might the process of explaining facilitate the recognition and application of relational concepts? Based on prior work suggesting that explanation can be a powerful tool to promote abstract reasoning, we predicted that children would be more likely to discover and use an abstract relational rule when they were prompted to explain observations instantiating that rule, compared to when they received demonstration alone. Five‐ and 6‐year‐olds were given a modified Relational Match to Sample (RMTS) task, with repeated demonstrations of relational (same) matches by an adult. Half of the children were prompted to explain these matches; the other half reported the match they observed. Children who were prompted to explain showed immediate, stable success, while those only asked to report the outcome of the pedagogical demonstration did not. Findings provide evidence that explanation facilitates early abstraction over and above demonstration alone.
Cholecystectomy is associated with dysglycaemia: Cross‐sectional and prospective analyses
Authors: Sang Miaomiao , Xie Cong , Qiu Shanhu , Wang Xuyi , Horowitz Michael , Jones Karen L. , Rayner Christopher K. , Sun Zilin , Wu Tongzhi
Published: May 2022

Cholecystectomy has been reported to be associated with increased risk of diabetes in cross‐sectional studies. In the current study, we performed both cross‐sectional and prospective analyses to examine the association between cholecystectomy and dysglycaemia in Chinese community‐dwelling adults. A total of 1612 participants (n = 1564 without cholecystectomy and n = 48 with cholecystectomy) were evaluated for glycaemic status (according to the World Health Organization (WHO) 1999 criteria) and then followed up over ~3.2 years. Percent changes (Δ) in fasting blood glucose and HbA1c from baseline at the follow‐up visit were calculated to define glycaemic control as stable (−10% ≤ Δ < 10%), improved (Δ < −10%), or worsened (Δ ≥ 10%). The baseline cross‐sectional analyses indicated that cholecystectomy was associated with an increased risk of both prediabetes and diabetes, while the prospective analysis indicated that cholecystectomy was also associated with a greater risk of deterioration in glycaemic control (ΔFPG ≥10% and ΔHbA1c ≥10%) (P < 0.05 for each, both before and after adjusting for potential confounding covariates). These observations suggest that individuals in the Chinese community‐dwelling population who have undergone cholecystectomy are at increased risk of dysglycaemia. Further studies are warranted to both delineate the underlying mechanisms and to clarify whether more intense surveillance for future development of diabetes is needed in this group.