bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting daily COVID-19 case rates from SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations across a diversity of wastewater catchments
Authors: Zulli Alessandro , Pan Annabelle , Bart Stephen M. , Crawford Forrest W. , Kaplan Edward H. , Cartter Matthew , Ko Albert I. , Cozens Duncan , Sanchez Marcela , Brackney Doug E. , Peccia Jordan
Published: April 2021

We assessed the relationship between municipality COVID-19 case rates and SARS-CoV-2 concentrations in the primary sludge of corresponding wastewater treatment facilities. Over 1,000 daily primary sludge samples were collected from six wastewater treatment facilities with catchments serving 18 cities and towns in the State of Connecticut, USA. Samples were analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations during a six-month time period that overlapped with fall 2020 and winter 2021 COVID-19 outbreaks in each municipality. We fit a single regression model to estimate reported case rates in the six municipalities from SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations collected daily from corresponding wastewater treatment facilities. Results demonstrate the ability of SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations in primary sludge to estimate COVID-19 reported case rates across treatment facilities and wastewater catchments, with coverage probabilities ranging from 0.94 to 0.96. Leave-one-out cross validation suggests that the model can be broadly applied to wastewater catchments that range in more than one order of magnitude in population served. Estimation of case rates from wastewater data can be useful in locations with limited testing availability or testing disparities, or delays in individual COVID-19 testing programs.
Long-lasting humoral immunity in Covid-19 infected patients at a University Hospital Clinic in Östergötland County Council during 2020-2021
Authors: Azharuddin M , Aili D , Selegård R , Naeimipour Sajjad , Sunnerhagen M , Patra HK , Sjöberg K S , Niward K , Hanberger H , Östholm-Balkhed Å , Hinkula J
Published: April 2021

Longitudinal serum samples and nasopharyngeal/nasal swab samples were collected from forty-eight individuals (median age 66yrs) with Covid-19 PCR-positive test results at Linköping University Hospital. Samples were collected from initial visit and for 6 months follow up. Presence of serum IgG and IgA against SARS-CoV-2 antigens (S1-spike, nucleocapsid and NSP3) were analyzed. Nasal swabs were tested for presence of IgA against the outer envelope S1 spike protein. Ninety-two percent of participants were seropositive against SARS-CoV-2 recombinant proteins at day 28 from study entry and all (100%) were seropositive from samples collected at 2 months or later. The most common antibody responses (both serum IgG, mainly IgG1 and IgA) were detected against the S1-spike protein and the nucleoprotein. In samples collected from nasal tissues considerably lower frequencies of IgA-positive reactivities were detected. Sixteen to 18 percent of study participants showed detectable IgA levels in nasal samples, except at day 60 when 36% of tested individuals showed presence of IgA against the S1-spike protein. The study suggests that the absolute majority of studied naturally infected Covid-19 patient in the Linkoping, Ostergotland health region develop over 6 months lasting detectable levels of serum IgG and IgA responses towards the SARS-CoV-2 S1-spike protein as well as against the nucleoprotein, but not against the non-structural protein 3.
Reevaluation of the Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum genomes reveals misassembly, karyotype differences, and chromosomal rearrangements
Authors: Berná Luisa , Marquez Pablo , Cabrera Andrés , Greif Gonzalo , Francia María E. , Robello Carlos
Published: April 2021

Neosporacaninum primarily infects cattle, causing abortions, with an estimated impact of a billion dollars on the worldwide economy annually. However, the study of its biology has been unheeded by the established paradigm that it is virtually identical to its close relative, the widely studied human pathogen Toxoplasma gondii. By revisiting the genome sequence, assembly, and annotation using third-generation sequencing technologies, here we show that the N. caninum genome was originally incorrectly assembled under the presumption of synteny with T. gondii. We show that major chromosomal rearrangements have occurred between these species. Importantly, we show that chromosomes originally named Chr VIIb and VIII are indeed fused, reducing the karyotype of both N. caninum and T. gondii to 13 chromosomes. We reannotate the N. caninum genome, revealing more than 500 new genes. We sequence and annotate the nonphotosynthetic plastid and mitochondrial genomes and show that although apicoplast genomes are virtually identical, high levels of gene fragmentation and reshuffling exist between species and strains. Our results correct assembly artifacts that are currently widely distributed in the genome database of N. caninum and T. gondii and, more importantly, highlight the mitochondria as a previously oversighted source of variability and pave the way for a change in the paradigm of synteny, encouraging rethinking the genome as basis of the comparative unique biology of these pathogens.
Time-of-flight modulated intensity small-angle neutron scattering measurement of the self-diffusion constant of water
Authors: Kuhn Stephen J. , Geerits Niels , Franz Christian , Plomp Jeroen , Dalgliesh Robert M. , Parnell Steven R.
Published: April 2021

The modulated intensity by zero effort small-angle neutron scattering (MI-SANS) technique is used to measure scattering with a high energy resolution on samples normally ill-suited for neutron resonance spin echo. The self-diffusion constant of water is measured over a q–t range of 0.01–0.2 Å−1 and 70–500 ps. In addition to demonstrating the methodology of using time-of-flight MI-SANS instruments to observe diffusion in liquids, the results support previous measurements on water performed with different methods. This polarized neutron technique simultaneously measures the intermediate scattering function for a wide range of time and length scales. Two radio frequency flippers were used in a spin-echo setup with a 100 kHz frequency difference in order to create a high-resolution time measurement. The results are compared with self-diffusion measurements made by other techniques and the general applicability of MI-SANS at a pulsed source is assessed.
CrystalExplorer: a program for Hirshfeld surface analysis, visualization and quantitative analysis of molecular crystals
Authors: Spackman Peter R. , Turner Michael J. , McKinnon Joshua J. , Wolff Stephen K. , Grimwood Daniel J. , Jayatilaka Dylan , Spackman Mark A.
Published: April 2021

CrystalExplorer is a native cross-platform program supported on Windows, MacOS and Linux with the primary function of visualization and investigation of molecular crystal structures, especially through the decorated Hirshfeld surface and its corresponding two-dimensional fingerprint, and through the visualization of void spaces in the crystal via isosurfaces of the promolecule electron density. Over the past decade, significant changes and enhancements have been incorporated into the program, such as the capacity to accurately and quickly calculate and visualize quantitative intermolecular interactions and, perhaps most importantly, the ability to interface with the Gaussian and NWChem programs to calculate quantum-mechanical properties of molecules. The current version, CrystalExplorer21, incorporates these and other changes, and the software can be downloaded and used free of charge for academic research.
Optimized cryo-EM data-acquisition workflow by sample-thickness determination
Authors: Rheinberger Jan , Oostergetel Gert , Resch Guenter P. , Paulino Cristina
Published: April 2021

Sample thickness is a known key parameter in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and can affect the amount of high-resolution information retained in the image. Yet, common data-acquisition approaches in single-particle cryo-EM do not take it into account. Here, it is demonstrated how the sample thickness can be determined before data acquisition, allowing the identification of optimal regions and the restriction of automated data collection to images with preserved high-resolution details. This quality-over-quantity approach almost entirely eliminates the time- and storage-consuming collection of suboptimal images, which are discarded after a recorded session or during early image processing due to a lack of high-resolution information. It maximizes the data-collection efficiency and lowers the electron-microscopy time required per data set. This strategy is especially useful if the speed of data collection is restricted by the microscope hardware and software, or if microscope access time, data transfer, data storage and computational power are a bottleneck.
9-[3-(9H-Carbazol-9-yl)-5-iodophenyl]-9H-carbazole
Authors: Yan Dan
Published: April 2021

In the title compound, C30H19IN2, two independent molecules (A and B) are present in the asymmetric unit, with different conformations. The dihedral angle between the mean planes of the carbazole systems for molecule A is 49.1 (2)° compared to 84.0 (1)° for molecule B. In the crystal, numerous aromatic π–π stacking interactions [shortest centroid–centroid separation = 3.7069 (19) Å] help to establish the three-dimensional supramolecular network.
Passivation behavior of 316L stainless steel in artificial seawater: effects of pH and dissolved oxygen
Authors: Wang Zhaopeng , Wang Yi , Zhang Bowei , Zhang Zhan , Xiao Kui , Wu Junsheng , Yao Qiong , Ma Guojia , Sun Gang
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of the potential of hydrogen (pH) and dissolved oxygen in artificial seawater on the passivation behavior of 316L stainless steel.

Design/methodology/approach

The corrosion behavior was studied by using electrochemical measurements such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and polarization curve. The passive films were characterized with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

Findings

The polarization resistance of the passive film decreases as the pH value drops ascribed to the formation of much more point defects. The donor carrier concentration (ND) in the passive film formed in the deaerated condition is lower than that in aerated conditions. Nevertheless, this phenomenon is the opposite when the pH value is 1 due to the significant decrease of Fe oxides/hydroxides coupled with the stable content of Cr oxides/hydroxides species. In addition, the compositional variation of the passive film also leads to the changes of its semiconductor properties from N-type to bipolar type.

Originality/value

This paper shows the variation of polarization resistance, corrosion potential, passive film composition and semiconductor properties with the pH value and dissolved oxygen. The results can serve as references to the further study on crevice corrosion of 316L in seawater.
Bank efficiency and practice of earnings management: a study on listed commercial banks of Bangladesh
Authors: Chaity Naznin Sultana , Islam K.M. Zahidul
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to determine the relationship between bank efficiency in terms of corporate governance guidelines and the extent of practice of earnings management (EM).

Design/methodology/approach

Archival data of listed private commercial banks of Dhaka Stock Exchange over the period of 2007–2016 relating to corporate governance and earnings management are collected and analyzed using parametric and non-parametric methods (efficiency analysis) and applying panel regression analysis.

Findings

The same distribution pattern and have low degree of the correlation (0.248) among them. It is found that private commercial banks of Bangladesh, on average, display efficiency level of 80.84%. The average value of discretionary loan loss provision (i.e. measure of earnings management) is 0.4249 and this indicates the presence of earnings management. The relation between earnings management and efficiency score in both cases of two-step system generalized methods of moments (GMMs) and difference GMM are found to be negative. The negative coefficients (−0.7969 and −0.57) indicate that as the efficiency increases, the practice of earnings management by the private commercial bank reduces. By estimating efficiency based on corporate governance guidelines and detecting the existence of EM, the major contribution of the study is establishing the relationship between bank efficiency based on compliance with corporate governance guidelines and managerial practice of earnings management in Bangladesh. Empirical results of the study have also established the fact that the more efficient the management of the banks are, the less likely it will practice earnings management under the compliance of corporate governance guidelines in Bangladesh.

Research limitations/implications

This research study has some limitations. Only conventional banks are considered for the study, with the exception of Islamic banks. Comparison between conventional banks and Islamic banks could have been done.

Practical implications

Based on the literature study, the effectiveness of corporate governance aligns with decreasing agency conflict, protection of shareholders' interests and restrain management from self-serving activities (i.e. practice of earnings management). The empirical results of the study established these facts. Regulators should give more emphasis on effective implementation of good governance.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this may be the first to empirically determine the relationship between efficiency estimation based on corporate governance and earnings management in case of listed commercial banks of Bangladesh.
The antecedents and consequences of green purchasing: an empirical investigation
Authors: Yang Jie , Wang Yuan , Gu Qiannong , Xie Hongming
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of the supplier's coercive and cognitive pressures on a manufacturer's green purchasing decision-making process and the resultant implications in terms of operational and environmental performances.

Design/methodology/approach

Path analysis is performed to test the hypothesized linkages.

Findings

This study finds that the supplier's coercive pressure, environmental focus and socio-cultural responsibility will lead a firm to more successful implementations of green purchasing, which, in turn, results in improved operational and environmental performances. The study findings reveal that the commercial values of green purchasing in addition to social and political obligations will promote the adoption of green purchasing in supply chain management practice.

Originality/value

This study helps business managers understand the impacts of the supplier's coercive and cognitive pressures on green purchasing and the manufacturer's resultant performances. In particular, coercive pressure is operationalized by the supplier's coercive pressure and environmental regulatory pressure, while cognitive pressure is reflected in the supplier's environmental focus and socio-cultural responsibility. This study contributes to the extant theories and enriches the literature on green purchasing.
Consumer reactions towards femvertising: a netnographic study
Authors: Lima Ana Marina , Casais Beatriz
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This paper identifies consumer reactions towards female empowerment in advertising in order to explore the supporting arguments for criticisms of lack of authenticity and the figuring of sexist stereotypes.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a multi-case study research with content analysis of 905 coded online comments in a video hosting website towards four femvertising campaigns.

Findings

Results indicate that femvertising plays an important role in the emotional connection between women and brands, but consumers may react negatively to femvertising when brands do not show knowledge about the real feminist values, maintaining sexist stereotypes. Consumers also blame companies of hypocrite and exploitation to sell products if there is not authenticity and brand-cause fit.

Originality/value

Femvertising appears as a consequence of cultural changes and corporate social responsibility in order to engage women consumers. This paper contributes with explanations to sustain the dichotomic reactions towards femvertising, showing evidence of why some people react favourably and other people react negatively.
Crisis management practices in the hospitality and gambling industry during COVID-19
Authors: Ghaharian Kasra , Abarbanel Brett , Soligo Marta , Bernhard Bo
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine crisis management practices among gambling-related hospitality business stakeholders (GBSs) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was administered to a sample of GBSs resulting in 64 completed surveys. The survey explored the COVID-19 crisis using a three-phase framework: preparedness (prior experience and response plans), response (level of importance and use of crisis practices) and future (confidence in recovery, beliefs about consumer behavior and new strategies). Independent-samples t-tests were conducted to investigate the influence of preparedness variables on crisis management capabilities. Importance-Performance Analysis was used to evaluate GBSs' crisis management capabilities and identify where performance might be improved. Factor analyses were employed to explore groupings of response practices as well as future strategies.

Findings

Prior experience had a significant impact on GBSs' crisis management. IPA indicated gaps between the importance GBSs assign to response practices and their corresponding level of use, specifically for those related to marketing and government. Factor analysis revealed response practices did not group according to the questionnaire's four themes, instead, three themes of marketing, efficiency and expenses were revealed. Prevention and hygiene emerged as dominant themes with respect to future strategies.

Originality/value

This is a timely study that investigates crisis management among GBSs during the COVID-19 pandemic. It provides important methodological contributions as well as valuable practical considerations for gambling-related hospitality businesses.
Financial well-being of customer-to-customer co-creation experience: a comparative qualitative focus group study of savings/credit groups
Authors: Sithole Nkosinathi , Sullivan Mort Gillian , D'Souza Clare
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the effects of the customer-to-customer co-creation experiences of savings/credit groups in the African context and how savings/credit groups influence financial capability and enhance financial well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

Using purposive sampling, a study of a total of 18 focus groups was conducted in sub-Saharan Africa. Nine urban-based savings/credit groups were drawn from across South Africa and additional nine, rural-based savings/credit groups were studied in the Monduli district of Tanzania.

Findings

Findings demonstrate that the African philosophy of Ubuntu, which promotes customer-to-customer interaction, is the cornerstone of the customer-to-customer co-creation experience. Ubuntu philosophical principles were found to influence the dialogue, access, risk and transparency model of co-creation and customer-dominant logic. The results show further that customer-to-customer co-creation experience positively influences the cognitive, financial, personal and social experiences of members. Specifically, it was found that cognitive and financial experiences positively influence financial satisfaction, financial self-esteem, financial self-efficacy and financial capability, all of which enhance financial well-being. In addition, personal and social experiences positively influence equality, self-confidence, entrepreneurial skills and motivation that in turn enhance social well-being.

Research limitations/implications

This study has implications for many different stakeholders concerned with the financial inclusion of low-income consumers, particularly in the southern part of Africa.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to explore the effects of customer-to-customer co-creation experiences in traditional financial services settings in order to understand how these indigenous financial services influence the financial capability and financial well-being of co-creation members.
A strategy tripod perspective on merger effectiveness in the higher education industry: the mediating role of future foresight
Authors: Sajwani Zahraa Sameer , Hazzam Joe , Lahrech Abdelmounaim , Alnuaimi Muna
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to investigate the role of the strategy tripod premises, mediated by future foresight and its effect on merger effectiveness in the higher education industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative survey method was implemented, with the data provided by senior managers of 14 universities that went through a merger from the years 2013–2016. The proposed model was tested using partial least squares (PLS) of structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

The results indicate that government support, competitive intensity and knowledge creation capability relate positivity to merger effectiveness, and these relationships are mediated by future foresight competence.

Originality/value

The study provides a better understanding of merger effectiveness in the higher education industry by identifying the role of future foresight competence in the application of strategy tripod and its contribution on merger effectiveness. Results indicate that future foresight competence contributes to the merger effectiveness and enables the effective implementation of the strategy tripod dimensions in higher education mergers.
Exploring organisational governance awareness among public hospitals' governance actors in Malawi: a qualitative study
Authors: Lipunga Andrew Munthopa , Tchereni Betchani Henry M. , Bakuwa Rhoda Cynthia
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Sound organisational governance does not occur naturally; it is a product of effective awareness. This study aims to examine the level of governance awareness among public hospitals' governance actors in Malawi.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses semi-structured interviews to collect data that are analysed thematically.

Findings

The study found that governance awareness among the actors was low. Although the majority of the actors displayed a broad perspective, they, however, failed to clearly affirm the nexus of the governing organs – hospital board (or its equivalent) and hospital management. Furthermore, most were not aware of the existence of the country's self-regulatory framework for organisational governance. A possible compounding factor to the low level of awareness is their educational background that hardly recognises organisational governance as an essential component of their professional identity.

Originality/value

This is the first study to explore in-depth governance awareness in the context of public hospitals in developing countries. It highlights the need to develop strategies for creating effective governance awareness amongst the actors, which is often overlooked when carrying governance reforms.
Process improvement approaches in emergency departments: a review of the current knowledge
Authors: Volochtchuk Ana Vitória Lachowski , Leite Higor
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The healthcare system has been under pressure to provide timely and quality healthcare. The influx of patients in the emergency departments (EDs) is testing the capacity of the system to its limit. In order to increase EDs' capacity and performance, healthcare managers and practitioners are adopting process improvement (PI) approaches in their operations. Thus, this study aims to identify the main PI approaches implemented in EDs, as well as the benefits and barriers to implement these approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a rigorous systematic literature review of 115 papers. Furthermore, under the lens of thematic analysis, the authors present the descriptive and prescriptive findings.

Findings

The descriptive analysis found copious information related to PI approaches implemented in EDs, such as main PIs used in EDs, type of methodological procedures applied, as well as a set of barriers and benefits. Aiming to provide an in-depth analysis and prescriptive results, the authors carried out a thematic analysis that found underlying barriers (e.g. organisational, technical and behavioural) and benefits (e.g. for patients, the organisation and processes) of PI implementation in EDs.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to knowledge by providing a comprehensive review of the main PI methodologies applied in EDs, underscoring the most prominent ones. This study goes beyond descriptive studies that identify lists of barriers and benefits, and instead the authors categorize prescriptive elements that influence these barriers and benefits. Finally, this study raises discussions about the behavioural influence of patients and medical staff on the implementation of PI approaches.
Self-harm and suicidal ideation during the COVID-19 outbreak in Lebanon: a preliminary study
Authors: Maatouk Ismael , Assi Moubadda , Jaspal Rusi
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This cross-sectional study focuses on the social psychological correlates of self-harm and suicidal ideation during the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak in Lebanon, which is a country characterized by political and economic instability.

Design/methodology/approach

A convenience sample of 191 Lebanese individuals completed measures of length of being in lockdown, fear of COVID-19, job insecurity, political trust, self-harm and suicidal ideation. Data were analyzed using independent samples t-tests and multiple regression.

Findings

Fear of COVID-19 was associated with neither self-harm nor suicidal ideation. Males and people with lower income reported higher suicidal ideation than females and those with higher income, respectively, and religiosity was inversely associated with suicidal ideation. People who reported self-harm generally exhibited lower political trust than those who did not report self-harm.

Research limitations/implications

Beyond the fear of COVID-19, the socioeconomic sequelae of COVID-19 (especially the economic fallout and declining political trust), which are accentuated in already economically and politically unstable societies, may precipitate poor mental health and maladaptive coping strategies in Lebanon. There is a need to ensure adequate access to mental health services to the general population amid the COVID-19 outbreak in Lebanon.

Originality/value

This study provides novel insight into the risk factors for self-harm and suicidal ideation in Lebanon during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Workplace violence among healthcare workers in the emergency departments in Malaysia
Authors: Sahiran Mohammad Nafis , Minhat Halimatus Sakdiah , Muhamad Saliluddin Suhainizam
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This study was conducted to determine the percentage and associated factors of workplace violence (WPV) among healthcare workers (HCW) working in the Emergency Departments (ED).

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 231 HCW using proportionate stratified random sampling. A validated and reliable self-administered questionnaire was distributed among respondents who fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Only Malaysians with a minimum employment of six months in the ED were included. The data was analysed through Multiple Logistic Regression using International Business Machines Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 24 to determine the association between the independent variables and WPV. Significance level was set at 0.05 (p = 0.05) at 95% confidence interval (CI).

Findings

The percentage of WPV was 38%, of which 88.9% were psychological violence and were mostly perpetrated by combinations of perpetrator types (51.9%). Those aged 40 years and below, with low job support, and working in a secondary hospital have 5.4 (AOR = 5.366, 95% CI: 1.51–19.05), 2.9 (AOR = 2.871, 95% CI: 1.44–5.73) and 2.7 (AOR = 2.737, 95% CI: 1.50–5.01) times higher odds, respectively, of experiencing WPV.

Originality/value

The findings revealed a relatively high percentage of WPV among the HCW working at the ED with those of younger age with low job support and working in secondary hospitals being more at risk. Early interventions to reduce WPV are necessary in targeting those with identified risks.
Perceptions of childhood vaccination practices among beneficiaries and healthcare service providers in slums under the national immunization program of India: a qualitative study
Authors: Singh Sanjeev , Sahu Damodar , Agrawal Ashish , Vashi Meeta Dhaval
Published: April 2021

Purpose

A qualitative study can help in understanding the unpolluted perspectives of key stakeholders involved in the vaccination practices and can explore vital factors that could influence vaccination-related behaviors and their utilization. This study aims to document the perceptions of caretakers, community members and healthcare service providers related to childhood vaccination practices in slums under the national immunization program (NIP) of India.

Design/methodology/approach

This was a qualitative community-based cross-sectional study. Focus group discussions with caretakers, community members and healthcare service providers were used to build a holistic, detailed description and analysis of the factors associated with childhood vaccination practices within its real-world context.

Findings

Lack of awareness, fear of adverse events following immunization, inappropriate timing of vaccination sessions, loss of daily earnings, migration, lack of good behavior of health staffs, shortage of logistics and vaccines, limited resources and infrastructures and high expectations of beneficiaries were some of the vital barriers impacting vaccination practices in slums.

Research limitations/implications

Though this study provides significant good information on the indicators that can be considered to improve the vaccination practices in any slum settings, it has is also a limitations too due to its setting. Therefore, one needs to be cautious while generalizing these results to other settings like rural. In addition, Though we believe that these strategies could be useful in any setting, it is also important to tailor these observations them as per the need of the society and the population. Also, this is a self-reported qualitative study and therefore the perspectives reported in this study need to be taken with caution. Further, low vaccination, poor awareness, compromised healthcare services, high expectations could be considered as a stigma/fear among the responders and therefore there is always a chance of underreporting. Thus, it would be important in future to conduct a study involving a broader group of people in society and to establish factors associated with the vaccination coverage. that can help in improvement of vaccination.

Originality/value

Initiatives such as regular interactions at different levels, effective communication including reminders, behavior interventions, the continued supply of vaccines and logistics, additional resources for the vaccination program, incentives and recognition, extended sessions and people-friendly healthcare delivery system could be helpful to strengthen the routine vaccination practices in slums.
Total quality management 4.0: adapting quality management to Industry 4.0
Authors: Souza Fabiane Florencio de , Corsi Alana , Pagani Regina Negri , Balbinotti Giles , Kovaleski João Luiz
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to explore the new concept of TQM 4.0 as a way of adapting quality management (QM) in Industry 4.0 (I4.0), guiding industries to this new phase, which has generated adaptations in numerous areas, one of which is QM and human resources.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review of the literature was carried out. Methodi Ordinatio was applied to build the portfolio of articles with scientific relevance, which is the source of data collections and content analysis. To help out in the analysis, NVivo 12 and VOSviewer software programs were used.

Findings

The results demonstrate that when adapting the QM to the technologies of I4.0, the result is an ecosystem that supports the integration between technology, quality and people in the industrial scenario.

Research limitations/implications

This article presents a systematic review of the literature, but without delving into specific issues such as the different industrial sectors and the culture of countries in which industries may be inserted, for example, which characterizes a limitation of this research.

Practical implications

This study provides an ecosystem model that can guide future research, regarding the concept of TQM 4.0, in addition to pointing out some ways of combining technologies, quality and people in the industrial context.

Originality/value

This is one of the first articles to employ a systematic review of the literature using Methodi Ordinatio to build a bibliographic panorama on the intertwining of the themes total QM (TQM) and I4.0, focusing on the emerging concept of TQM 4.0.
Relationship between lean tools and operational and environmental performance by integrated ISM–Bayesian network approach
Authors: Liu Chaochao , Niu Zhanwen , Li Qinglin
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Existing studies suggested that there is a nonlinear relationship between lean production adoption and organizational performance. Lean production adoption is a gradual process, and the application status of lean tools will affect enterprise performance. The existing literature has insufficiently explored the nonlinear relationship of the lean tools application status on operational performance and environmental performance using the same theoretical framework. A combination approach of interpretative structural modeling (ISM) and Bayesian networks was proposed in this paper, which was used to analyze the complex relationship between lean tools application status with operational and environmental performance.

Design/methodology/approach

ISM was used to analyze the inter-relationship of 17 lean tools identified from the lean literature and construct the lean tools structure model providing reference for building Bayesian network. By calculating the prior and conditional probabilities within the lean tools and between the lean tools with the operational and environmental performance, a Bayesian simulation model was constructed and used to analyze the performance outcomes under different lean tools application status.

Findings

The performance simulation result – representing by the probability of three performance levels as good, average and poor – shows inconsistent changes with the changing of lean tools application status. By comparing the changes of operational performance and environmental performance, it can be found that environmental performance is less sensitive to the change of lean tools application status than operational performance.

Originality/value

Using the integrated ISM–Bayesian network approach, the results indicated a nonlinear relationship between lean tools with operational and environmental performance and provided a reference for the exploration of the nonlinear relationship between lean tools and performance. This research further calls for exploring the S-curve relationship between lean tools and environmental performance.
Enthesis lesions are associated with X‐ray progression in psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Macía‐Villa Cristina , Cruz Valenciano Ana , De Miguel Eugenio
Published: April 2021

Objective

To analyze the relationship among enthesis ultrasound (US) lesions and radiological structural damage in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients.

Methods

Consecutive PsA patients with swelling of at least 1 of the 2nd to 5th metacarpophalangeal joints were included. Clinical and demographic data were collected. The Madrid Sonographic Enthesitis Index (MASEI) was selected to evaluate the enthesis, with its total score and MASEI‐activity and MASEI‐structural damage subscores. The modified Sharp van der Heijde method for PsA and the New York criteria for sacroiliitis were selected to evaluate cumulative bone damage on X‐rays.

Results

Twenty‐seven patients were included. Male gender, older age, longer PsA duration and acute reactant factors were associated with greater bone cumulative damage. Enthesis tendon thickening, enthesophytes, total MASEI and the MASEI‐structural damage subscore showed significant correlations with radiographic peripheral and sacroiliac damage scores. Tendon thickening and enthesophytes were the enthesis lesions more frequently associated with radiographic damage in PsA.

Conclusion

The enthesis MASEI score was associated with axial and articular radiographic structural damage in PsA patients. The MASEI‐structural damage subscore correlated better with cumulative bone damage in PsA than the MASEI‐activity subscore.
Infant gut microbiome is enriched with Bifidobacterium longumssp. infantis in Old Order Mennonites with traditional farming lifestyle
Authors: Seppo Antti E. , Bu Kevin , Jumabaeva Madina , Thakar Juilee , Choudhury Rakin A. , Yonemitsu Chloe , Bode Lars , Martina Camille A. , Allen Maria , Tamburini Sabrina , Piras Enrica , Wallach David S. , Looney R. John , Clemente Jose C. , Järvinen Kirsi M.
Published: April 2021

Background

Growing up on traditional, single‐family farms is associated with protection against asthma in school age, but the mechanisms against early manifestations of atopic disease are largely unknown. We sought determine the gut microbiome and metabolome composition in rural Old Order Mennonite (OOM) infants at low risk and Rochester, NY urban/suburban infants at high risk for atopic diseases.

Methods

In a cohort of 65 OOM and 39 Rochester mother‐infant pairs, 101 infant stool and 61 human milk samples were assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing for microbiome composition and qPCR to quantify Bifidobacterium spp. and B. longum ssp. infantis (B. infantis), a consumer of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). Fatty acids (FAs) were analyzed in 34 stool and human 24 milk samples. Diagnoses and symptoms of atopic diseases by 3 years of age were assessed by telephone.

Results

At a median age of 2 months, stool was enriched with Bifidobacteriaceae, Clostridiaceae, and Aerococcaceae in the OOM compared with Rochester infants. B. infantis was more abundant (p < .001) and prevalent, detected in 70% of OOM compared with 21% of Rochester infants (p < .001). Stool colonized with B. infantis had higher levels of lactate and several medium‐ to long/odd‐chain FAs. In contrast, paired human milk was enriched with a distinct set of FAs including butyrate. Atopic diseases were reported in 6.5% of OOM and 35% of Rochester children (p < .001).

Conclusion

A high rate of B. infantis colonization, similar to that seen in developing countries, is found in the OOM at low risk for atopic diseases.
Targeting 2‐arachidonoylglycerol signalling in the neurobiology and treatment of depression
Authors: Silveira Kennia M. , Wegener Gregers , Joca Sâmia R. L.
Published: April 2021

The endocannabinoid 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG) is an atypical neurotransmitter synthesized on demand in response to a wide range of stimuli, including exposure to stress. Through the activation of cannabinoid receptors, 2‐AG can interfere with excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission in different brain regions and modulate behavioural, endocrine and emotional components of the stress response. Exposure to chronic or intense unpredictable stress predisposes to maladaptive behaviour and is one of the main risk factors involved in developing mood disorders, such as major depressive disorder (MDD). In this review, we describe the molecular mechanisms involved in 2‐AG signalling in the brain of healthy and stressed animals and discuss how such mechanisms could modulate stress adaptation and susceptibility to depression. Furthermore, we review preclinical evidence indicating that the pharmacological modulation of 2‐AG signalling stands as a potential new therapeutic target in treating MDD. Particular emphasis is given to the pharmacological augmentation of 2‐AG levels by monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitors and the modulation of CB2 receptors.
Exploiting D2 receptor β‐arrestin2‐biased signalling to suppress tumour growth of pituitary adenomas
Authors: Tan Zhoubin , Lei Zhuowei , Yan Zisheng , Ji Xuetao , Chang Xiaoai , Cai Zhi , Lu Liang , Qi Yiwei , Yin Xiumei , Han Xiao , Lei Ting
Published: April 2021

Background and Purpose

Dopamine agonists targeting D2 receptor have been used for decades in treating pituitary adenomas. There has been little clear evidence implicating the canonical G protein signalling as the mechanism by which D2 receptor suppresses the growth of pituitary tumours. We hypothesize that β‐arrestin2‐dependent signalling is the molecular mechanism dictating D2 receptor inhibitory effects on pituitary tumour growth.

Experimental Approach

The involvement of G protein and β‐arrestin2 in bromocriptine‐mediated growth suppression in rat MMQ and GH3 tumour cells was assessed. The anti‐growth effect of a β‐arrestin2‐biased agonist, UNC9994, was tested in cultured cells, tumour‐bearing nude mice and primary cultured human pituitary adenomas. The effect of G protein signalling on tumour growth was also analysed by using a G protein‐biased agonist, MLS1547, and a Gβγ inhibitor, gallein, in vitro.

Key Results

β‐arrestin2 signalling but not G protein pathways mediated the suppressive effect of bromocriptine on pituitary tumour growth. UNC9994 inhibited pituitary tumour cell growth in vitro and in vivo. The suppressive function of UNC9994 was obtained by inducing intracellular reactive oxygen species generation through downregulating mitochondrial complex I subunit NDUFA1. The effects of Gαi/o signalling and Gβγ signalling via D2 receptor on pituitary tumour growth were cell‐type‐dependent.

Conclusion and Implications

Given the very low expression of Gαi/o proteins in pituitary tumours and the complexity of the responses of pituitary tumours to G protein signalling pathways, our study reveals D2 receptor β‐arrestin2‐biased ligand may be a more promising choice to treat pituitary tumours with improved therapeutic selectivity.
COVID‐19 in heart transplant recipients—A seroprevalence survey
Authors: Patel Snehal R. , Gjelaj Christiana , Fletcher Rena , Luke Anne , Paschenko Alexandra , Farooq Muhammad , Saeed Omar , Vukelic Sasa , Jorde Ulrich P.
Published: April 2021

The clinical spectrum of COVID‐19 in heart transplant recipients has not been fully defined, because asymptomatic and sub‐clinical cases are difficult to capture. Seroprevalence surveys are an important tool to identify not just cases that have come to clinical attention, but all previously infected recipients. We performed a seroprevalence survey of the adult heart transplant program at a large New York City Hospital System. A total of 232 (87% of recipients being followed) subjects were tested, of whom 37 (15.9%) were found to be previously infected. This is comparable to the overall rate of prior infection in the NYC metro area. Disease course tended to be more severe than in the general population; however, this was at least partially driven by traditional risk factors of age and comorbidities. Lastly, 9 of 10 recipients who were initially found to be PCR positive subsequently tested positive for antibodies, confirming the ability of this population to mount a humoral response. In conclusion, prevalence of COVID‐19 in heart transplant recipients on immunosuppression was comparable to that in the general population of NYC, and 90% of those with an initially positive viral swab developed antibodies. In those who are infected, disease course tends to be more severe.
Clinicopathological factors and tumor microenvironment markers predicting watch‐and‐wait discontinuation in 82 patients with follicular lymphoma
Authors: Yuda Sayako , Miyagi Maeshima Akiko , Taniguchi Hirokazu , Ito Yuta , Hatta Shunsuke , Suzuki Tomotaka , Makita Shinichi , Fukuhara Suguru , Munakata Wataru , Suzuki Tatsuya , Maruyama Dai , Izutsu Koji
Published: April 2021

Objectives

In this study, we aimed to determine the clinicopathological factors influencing the treatment‐free period in patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) using a watch‐and‐wait (WW) strategy.

Methods

We retrospectively assessed histopathological parameters of 82 patients with FL.

Results

The median time from diagnosis to WW discontinuation was 62 months (range, 3‐138), and median follow‐up was 86 months (range, 3‐183). Intermediate or high‐risk Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index score (P = .012), non‐duodenal‐type (P = .011), higher numbers of interfollicular CD4+ (P = .038) and intrafollicular FOXP3+ cells (P = .024) in the tumor microenvironment, and Ki‐67 index ≥10% (P = .031) were significant adverse factors for WW discontinuation in univariate analyses.

Conclusion

Patients with adverse factors for WW discontinuation should be carefully observed during follow‐up.
Prevalence and risk factors of Helicobacter pylori infection in Wuwei, a high‐risk area for gastric cancer in northwest China: An all‐ages population‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wang Xiaofeng , Shu Xiaochuang , Li Qiang , Li Youpeng , Chen Zhaofeng , Wang Yuping , Pu Ke , Zheng Ya , Ye Yuwei , Liu Min , Ma Lijun , Zhang Zhiyi , Wu Zhengqi , Zhang Fuhua , Guo Qinghong , Ji Rui , Zhou Yongning
Published: April 2021

Objective

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of Helicobacter pylori infection across all age groups in Wuwei City, a high‐risk area for gastric cancer in Northwest China.

Methods

We conducted this study from 2016 to 2017 in an urban and a rural community in Wuwei City. Stool antigen tests targeted individuals aged 0 to 3 years old, and 13C‐urea breath tests targeted individuals aged above 3 years. We selected participants based on hierarchical cluster sampling. We assessed the association between variables and H. pylori infection based on logistic regression models.

Results

Ultimately, the results of 2,163 participants (age: 0 to 77 years old) were included (1,238 minors and 925 adults) in the analysis. The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was 35.6%. It increased with age, reaching the peak in the 30 to 39 age group, and then began to decline. In multivariate analysis, age was positively associated with prevalence of H. pylori infection, and factors negatively associated with the prevalence were drinking running water, the frequency of yoghurt consumption, and an annual household income of Renminbi (¥) 30,000–100,000 or 100,000 above. In the subgroup analyses, however, the same variables associated differently in different age groups. Additionally, we interestingly noticed that boarding, eating at school cafeterias over six times per week, and frequently drinking untreated water were independent predictors of H. pylori infection in junior and senior high school students.

Conclusion

The prevalence of H. pylori infection is moderate and closely associated with the socioeconomic conditions of Wuwei City, as well as the sanitary situations and dietary habits of the participants in the city. Boarding, eating at school, and drinking untreated water are the main factors explaining the rising infection rate in junior‐senior high school students.