bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved diagnostic accuracy for polymyalgia rheumatica using FDG-PET/CT with clinical diagnosis or 2012 ACR/EULAR classification criteria
Authors: Nielsen Andreas Wiggers , van der Geest Kornelis S M , Hansen Ib Tønder , Nielsen Berit Dalsgaard , Kjær Søren Geill , Blegvad-Nissen Jesper , Nienhuis Pieter H , Sandovici Maria , Rewers Kate , Sørensen Christian Møller , Slart Riemer H J A , Gormsen Lars Christian , Brouwer Elisabeth , Hauge Ellen-Margrethe , Keller Kresten Krarup
Published: July 2024

Objective

In routine care, clinicians may employ 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG)-PET/CT to validate their initial clinical diagnosis of PMR. Nevertheless, the diagnostic utility of combining FDG-PET/CT findings with clinical presentation has not been explored. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether the diagnostic accuracy for PMR could be enhanced by combining FDG-PET/CT findings with the clinical baseline diagnosis or the 2012 ACR/EULAR clinical classification criteria for PMR.

Methods

An investigation and a validation cohort were included from two countries, encompassing 66/27 and 36/21 PMR/non-PMR patients, respectively. The cohorts comprised treatment-naïve patients suspected of PMR, who initially received a clinical baseline diagnosis and underwent FDG-PET/CT scans. The FDG-PET/CT Leuven score was applied to classify patients as either PMR or non-PMR and combined with the clinical baseline diagnosis. Final diagnoses were established through clinical follow-up after 12 or six months in the investigation and validation cohorts, respectively.

Results

In the investigation cohort, a clinical baseline diagnosis yielded a sensitivity/specificity of 94%/82%, compared with 78%/70% using the ACR/EULAR criteria. Combining the clinical baseline diagnosis with a positive Leuven score showed a sensitivity/specificity of 80%/93%, compared with 80%/82% for an ACR/EULAR-Leuven score. In the validation cohort, the baseline diagnosis revealed a sensitivity/specificity of 100%/91%, compared with 92%/76% using the ACR/EULAR criteria. Combining FDG-PET/CT with the baseline diagnosis demonstrated a sensitivity/specificity of 83%/95% compared with 89%/81% for the ACR/EULAR-Leuven score.

Conclusion

Combining FDG-PET/CT findings with the clinical baseline diagnosis or ACR/EULAR clinical classification criteria can improve the diagnostic specificity for PMR.
Impact of real-world implementation of evidence-based insomnia treatment within a large payor-provider health system: initial provider and patient-level outcomes
Authors: Karlin Bradley E , Anderson Ryan J , Rung Jillian M , Drury-Gworek Charlotte , Barrett Tyson S
Published: July 2024

Study Objectives

Insomnia has substantial and wide-ranging negative effects on clinical and functional outcomes and on health care expenditures, yet few individuals receive gold-standard insomnia treatment. The current article examines provider and patient outcomes associated with real-world implementation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), as part of a pilot initiative designed to establish initial capability for evidence-based insomnia treatment within one of the largest payor-provider systems in the United States.

Methods

Provider training outcomes were assessed using the CBT-I Competency Rating Scale and self-report measures. Patient outcomes were assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9.

Results

All clinicians (N = 11) achieved competency in CBT-I and reported large increases in knowledge and confidence related to insomnia and insomnia treatment. Clinicians also reported high intention to deliver CBT-I and significant improvements in overall job satisfaction following competency-based CBT-I training. Among all patients who initiated CBT-I (N = 48), mixed effects modeling demonstrated significant reduction in average ISI scores (12.57 to 5.88, SEs = 1.08-1.14). More than two-thirds of patients (68.8%) completed treatment. Among completers of this brief treatment, mean insomnia severity improvement was 71% (Hedges g = 1.56).

Conclusions

Findings provide support for the feasibility and effectiveness of real-world CBT-I implementation, extending past findings to a private, payor-provider context. Patient and provider-level outcomes suggest the significant opportunity private systems may have in increasing the availability of gold-standard treatment for insomnia.
The Impact of Strengths-Based Working on Long-Term Housing Outcomes: A Qualitative Comparative Analysis
Authors: Gellen Sandor , Fox Chris
Published: July 2024

Strengths-based working (SBW) is being adopted across multiple sectors, but the evidence base for its effectiveness is limited. In this assessment of a social outcomes contract, authors evaluated the impact of SBW on the delivery of homelessness-related outcomes for a high-risk client group. The novel impact evaluation design first identified characteristics in frontline staff associated with SBW and then decoded conjectural causal links between these characteristics and their clients’ social outcomes using qualitative comparative analysis. Data were collected from 65 frontline workers, measuring reflective practice, self-efficacy, and innovativeness. Authors found that clients of staff who most strongly exhibited characteristics associated with SBW achieved better long-term outcomes. This article makes four important contributions to our understanding of SBW. First, authors show how it is possible to undertake rigorous impact evaluation of SBW in a complex setting and identify moderately complex causal relations with limited sample size. Second, authors propose and test the presence of key characteristics associated with SBW and, in doing so, contribute to the theoretical understanding of SBW. Third, authors present new evidence on the effectiveness of SBW. Finally, the article demonstrates how social outcomes contracts can provide a framework for testing innovative social interventions.
Difficult to treat Pseudomonas: successful salvage therapy with cefepime-zidebactam
Authors: Sebastian Anjely , Naik Shivdas , Varma Muralidhar , Sreekumar N C , Thomas Joseph , Rao Tanvi , Shah Birva J , Gupta Nitin
Published: July 2024

Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPa) infection is extremely challenging to manage. Cefepime-zidebactam is a novel combination that can be considered for salvage therapy when no other antimicrobials are susceptible. A 15-y-old boy presented with 56% thermal burns, followed by skin and soft tissue infection, secondary bacteraemia, complicated parapneumonic effusion and endophthalmitis due to CRPa, which was not susceptible to any of the routinely available antibiotics. He was treated with cefepime-zidebactam for 45 d, with which he recovered.
Influenza in Pregnancy: Maternal, Obstetric, and Fetal Implications, Diagnosis, and Management
Authors: Dotters-Katz Sarah K.
Published: July 2024

Influenza(flu) in pregnancy is associated with higher rates of hospitalization, ICU admission, and death and with increased odds of congenital anomalies and stillbirth, but not preterm birth. Clinical manifestations of flu in pregnancy are the same as nonpregnant patients. Pregnant individuals with flu-like symptoms or flu exposure should be treated with antivirals. Diagnostic testing is not needed. Oseltamivir is the mainstay of treatment(and prophylaxis), and when given within 48 hours of symptom onset, it decreases morbidity and mortality. Influenza is associated with worse maternal, obstetric, and neonatal outcomes. These risks are mitigated by early oseltamivir treatment and maternal vaccination; hence the recommendation for universal vaccination in pregnancy.
Group B Streptococcus and Intraamniotic Inflammation and Infection
Authors: Afsari Macy , White Alesha , Adhikari Emily H.
Published: July 2024

Intraamniotic inflammation and infection complicate 2% to 5% of term deliveries. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a common cause of intraamniotic infection associated with invasive neonatal disease and maternal morbidity. Universal vaginal-rectal screening for GBS colonization is recommended between 36 and 37 weeks. Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended for individuals with positive GBS screens and other risk factors. Intravenous penicillin is the preferred antimicrobial agent. Individuals with penicillin allergies may receive cefazolin for low-risk allergies and either clindamycin or vancomycin for high-risk allergies, depending on their antimicrobial susceptibilities. Clinical trials are underway to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of maternal anti-GBS vaccine candidates.
Malaria in Pregnancy, Current Challenges, and Emerging Prevention Strategies in a Warming Climate
Authors: Ranjit Anju , Wylie Blair J.
Published: July 2024

Malaria still presents a grave threat to the health of pregnancies worldwide with prevention currently stalling as traditional control and prevention strategies are limited by both insecticide and drug resistance. Furthermore, climate change is bringing malaria to locations where it was once eradicated and intensifying malaria in other areas. Even where malaria is not currently common, obstetricians will need to understand the pathogenesis of the disease, how it is transmitted, methods for prevention and treatment in pregnancy, and promising emerging strategies such as vaccines. A renewed global response is needed for this age-old disease in which pregnancy poses specific susceptibility.
The CentiMarker Project: Standardizing Quantitative Alzheimer’s disease Fluid Biomarkers for Biologic Interpretation
Authors: Wang Guoqiao , Li Yan , Xiong Chengjie , Cao Yuchen , Schindler Suzanne E. , McDade Eric , Blennow Kaj , Hansson Oskar , Dage Jeffrey L. , Jack Clifford R. , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Shaw Leslie M , Zetterberg Henrik , Ibanez Laura , Timsina Jigyasha , Carlos Cruchaga ,   the DIAN-TU Study Team, Bateman Randall J.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Biomarkers have been essential to understanding Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis, pathophysiology, progression, and treatment effects. However, each biomarker measure is a representation of the biological target, the assay used to measure it, and the variance of the assay. Thus, biomarker measures are difficult to compare without standardization, and the units and magnitude of effect relative to the disease are difficult to appreciate, even for experts. To facilitate quantitative comparisons of AD biomarkers in the context of biologic and treatment effects, we propose a biomarker standardization approach between normal ranges and maximum abnormal AD ranges, which we refer to as CentiMarker, similar to the Centiloid approach used in PET.

Methods

We developed a standardization scale that creates percentile values ranging from 0 for a normal population to 100 for the most abnormal measures across disease stages. We applied this scale to CSF and plasma biomarkers in autosomal dominant AD, assessing the distribution by estimated years from symptom onset, between biomarkers, and across cohorts. We then validated this approach in a large national sporadic AD cohort.

Results

We found the CentiMarker scale provided an easily interpretable metric of disease abnormality. The biologic changes, range, and distribution of several AD fluid biomarkers including amyloid-β, phospho-tau and other biomarkers, were comparable across disease stages in both early onset autosomal dominant and sporadic late onset AD.

Discussion

The CentiMarker scale offers a robust and versatile framework for the standardized biological comparison of AD biomarkers. Its broader adoption could facilitate biomarker reporting, allowing for more informed cross-study comparisons and contributing to accelerated therapeutic development.
Cervical Cancer Screening Seeking Behavior among Female Community Health Volunteers of Surkhet District
Authors: Thapa Yamuna , Bhatta Bimala
Published: July 2024

Background

Human Papilloma virus (HPV) associated cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide and it is the leading cause of death among women in Nepal. The screening seeking behavior encompasses a woman’s decision to engage in medical evaluations essential for the early detection and prophylaxis of cervical cancer. Even though there is a proven importance of cervical cancer screening, the incidence and mortality rate in Nepal is high. Therefore, we aimed to assess the cervical cancer screening seeking behavior and its associated factors among female community health volunteers (FCHVs) of Surkhet district, Nepal.

Methods

A community based cross-sectional study was carried out in the municipalities and rural municipalities of Surkhet district. A pre-tested structured interview was conducted among 148 FCHVs from 30-49 years.

Results

This study showed that 90 (60.8%) of FCHVs have cervical cancer screening seeking behavior. Age (AOR: 7.2, 95% CI: 3.01-17.3) and marital status (AOR: 9.2, 95% CI: 2.6-166.2) of FCHVs were significant factors for cervical cancer seeking behavior.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the importance of demographic factors in promoting screening participation among FCHVs. Enhancing cervical cancer screening rates among FCHVs requires multifaceted approaches that address both individual perceptions and barriers. Interventions should focus on increasing accessibility, improving education and awareness programs, and providing tailored support to different demographic groups.
Gz Enhanced Signal Transduction assaY (GZESTY) for GPCR deorphanization
Authors: Franchini Luca , Porter Joseph J. , Lueck John D. , Orlandi Cesare
Published: July 2024

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are key pharmacological targets, yet many remain underutilized due to unknown activation mechanisms and ligands. Orphan GPCRs, lacking identified natural ligands, are a high priority for research, as identifying their ligands will aid in understanding their functions and potential as drug targets. Most GPCRs, including orphans, couple to Gi/o/zfamily members, however current assays to detect their activation are limited, hindering ligand identification efforts.

We introduce GZESTY, a highly sensitive, cell-based assay developed in an easily deliverable format designed to study the pharmacology of Gi/o/z-coupled GPCRs and assist in deorphanization. We optimized assay conditions and developed an all-in-one vector employing novel cloning methods to ensure the correct expression ratio of GZESTY components. GZESTY successfully assessed activation of a library of ligand-activated GPCRs, detecting both full and partial agonism, as well as responses from endogenous GPCRs. Notably, with GZESTY we established the presence of endogenous ligands for GPR176 and GPR37 in brain extracts, validating its use in deorphanization efforts. This assay enhances the ability to find ligands for orphan GPCRs, expanding the toolkit for GPCR pharmacologists.
Mechanisms Ensuring Fidelity of Family X DNA Polymerases in Programmed DNA rearrangements in Paramecium tetraurelia
Authors: Nourisson Antonin , Missoury Sophia , Haouz Ahmed , Delarue Marc
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Repairing programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) is crucial in the lifecycle ofParamecium tetraurelia, especially during its sexual reproduction phase when its somatic highly polyploid macronucleus is lost. The formation of a new macronucleus involves Programmed Genome Rearrangements, introducing DNA DSBs at approximately 45,000 loci.P. tetraureliaemploys a Non-Homologous End Joining (NHEJ)-related mechanism for the systematic repair of these DSBs. Four genes encoding DNA polymerases of family X are present in the genome, one of which was found recently to colocalize with other proteins of NHEJ. The question arises as to how they make almost no error. Here we show that these enzymes are most similar to metazoan DNA polymerase λ and exhibit high fidelity through two different molecular mechanisms. Using X-ray structure determination of polymerase lambda mutants recapitulating sequence determinants ofP. tetraureliaPolXs, we find both a local conformational change that involves exchanging partners in a crucial salt bridge in the active site upon binding of correct dNTPs, and a larger conformational change involving the closure of Loop3. This stabilizes the template DNA in the active site, only in the presence of the correct incoming dNTP. Differences with human pol λ and pol β are discussed.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Regeneration following tissue necrosis is mediated by non-apoptotic caspase activity
Authors: Klemm Jacob W. , Hazel Chloe Van , Harris Robin E.
Published: July 2024

Tissue necrosis is a devastating complication for many human diseases and injuries. Unfortunately, our understanding of necrosis and how it impacts surrounding healthy tissue – an essential consideration when developing effective methods to treat such injuries – has been limited by a lack of robust genetically tractable models. Our lab previously established a method to study necrosis-induced regeneration in theDrosophilawing imaginal disc, which revealed a unique phenomenon whereby cells at a distance from the injury upregulate caspase activity in a process called Necrosis-induced Apoptosis (NiA) that is vital for regeneration. Here we have further investigated this phenomenon, showing that NiA is predominantly associated with the highly regenerative pouch region of the disc, shaped by genetic factors present in the presumptive hinge. Furthermore, we find that a proportion of NiA fail to undergo apoptosis, instead surviving effector caspase activation to persist within the tissue and stimulate reparative proliferation late in regeneration. This proliferation relies on the initiator caspase Dronc, and occurs independent of JNK, ROS or mitogens associated with the previously characterized Apoptosis-induced Proliferation (AiP) mechanism. These data reveal a new means by which non-apoptotic Dronc signaling promotes regenerative proliferation in response to necrotic damage.
Decoding protein phosphorylation during oocyte meiotic divisions using phosphoproteomics
Authors: Peshkin Leonid , Daldello Enrico Maria , Van Itallie Elizabeth , Sonnett Matthew , Kreuzer Johannes , Haas Wilhelm , Kirschner Marc W , Jessus Catherine
Published: July 2024

Oocyte meiotic divisions represent a critical process in sexual reproduction, as a diploid non-dividing oocyte is transformed into a haploid fertilizable egg, as a prelude for the subsequent embryonic divisions and differentiation. Although cell differentiation and proliferation are governed by transcription, oocyte maturation and early embryonic divisions depend entirely on changes in protein abundance and post- translational modifications. Here, we analyze the abundance and phosphorylation of proteins duringXenopusoocyte meiotic maturation. We reveal significant shifts in protein stability, related to spindle assembly, DNA replication and RNA-binding. Our analysis pinpoints broad changes in phosphorylation correlating with key cytological meiotic milestones, noteworthy changes in membrane trafficking, nuclear envelope disassembly and modifications in microtubule dynamics. Additionally, specific phosphorylation events target regulators of protein translation, Cdk1 and the Mos/MAPK pathway, thereby providing insight into the dynamics of Cdk1 activity, as related to the meiotic cell cycle. This study sheds light on the orchestration of protein dynamics and phosphorylation events during oocyte meiotic divisions, providing a rich resource for understanding the molecular pathways orchestrating meiotic progression in the frog, and most likely applicable to other vertebrate species.
Chemically-informed coarse-graining of electrostatic forces in charge-rich biomolecular condensates
Authors: Tejedor Andrés R. , Gonzalez Anne Aguirre , Maristany M. Julia , Chew Pin Yu , Russell Kieran , Ramirez Jorge , Espinosa Jorge R. , Collepardo-Guevara Rosana
Published: July 2024

Biomolecular condensates composed of highly charged biomolecules like DNA, RNA, chromatin, and nucleic-acid binding proteins are ubiquitous in the cell nucleus. The biophysical properties of these charge-rich condensates are largely regulated by electrostatic interactions. Residue-resolution coarse-grained models that describe solvent and ions implicitly are widely used to gain mechanistic insights into the biophysical properties of condensates, offering transferability, computational efficiency, and accurate predictions for many systems. However, their predictive accuracy diminishes for charge-rich condensates due to the implicit treatment of solvent and ions. Here, we present the Mpipi-Recharged model, a residue-resolution coarse-grained model that improves the description of charge effects in biomolecular condensates containing disordered proteins, multi-domain proteins, and/or disordered RNAs. Mpipi-Recharged maintains the computational efficiency of its predecessor—the Mpipi model—by still treating solvent and ions implicitly, but improves its accuracy by incorporating a pair-specific asymmetric electrostatic potential informed by atomistic simulations in explicit solvent and ions. We show that such asymmetric coarse-graining of electrostatic forces is needed to recapitulate the stronger mean-field impact of associative interactions between opposite-charge pairs over the repulsion among equally charged pairs revealed by our atomistic simulations. Mpipi-Recharged shows excellent agreement with the experimental phase behavior of highly charged systems, capturing subtle effects challenging to model without explicit solvation, such as the impact of charge blockiness, stoichiometry changes, and salt concentration variation. By offering improved predictions for charge-rich biomolecular condensates, Mpipi-Recharged extends the computational tools available to investigate the physicochemical mechanisms regulating biomolecular condensates.
Peri-mitochondrial actin filaments inhibit Parkin assembly via disruption of ER- mitochondrial contact
Authors: Fung Tak Shun , Ghosh Amrapali , Tigano Marco , Higgs Henry N , Chakrabarti Rajarshi
Published: July 2024

Mitochondrial damage represents a dramatic change in cellular homeostasis, necessitating metabolic adaptation as well as clearance of the damaged organelle. One rapid response to mitochondrial damage is peri-mitochondrial actin polymerization within 2 mins, which we term ADA (AcuteDamaged-inducedActin). ADA is vital for a metabolic shift from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis upon mitochondrial dysfunction. In the current study we investigated the effect of ADA on Pink1/Parkin mediated mitochondrial quality control. We show that inhibition of proteins involved in the ADA pathway significantly accelerates Parkin recruitment onto depolarized mitochondria. Addressing the mechanism by which ADA resists Parkin recruitment onto depolarized mitochondria, we found that ADA disrupts ER- mitochondrial contacts in an Arp2/3 complex-dependent manner. Interestingly, over-expression of ER-mitochondrial tethers overrides the effect of ADA, allowing rapid recruitment of not only Parkin but also LC3 after mitochondrial depolarization. During chronic mitochondrial dysfunction, Parkin and LC3 recruitment are completely blocked, which is reversed rapidly by inhibiting ADA. Taken together we show that ADA acts as a protective mechanism, delaying mitophagy following acute damage, and blocking mitophagy during chronic mitochondrial damage.
The intersection of endocrine signaling and neuroimmune communication regulates neonatal nociception
Authors: Fadaka Adewale O. , Dourson Adam J. , Hofmann Megan C. , Gupta Prakriti , Raut Namrata G.R. , Jankowski Michael P.
Published: July 2024

Neonatal pain is a significant clinical issue but the mechanisms by which pain is produced early in life are poorly understood. Our recent work has linked the transcription factor serum response factor downstream of local growth hormone (GH) signaling to incision-related hypersensitivity in neonates. However, it remains unclear if similar mechanisms contribute to inflammatory pain in neonates. We found that local GH treatment inhibited neonatal inflammatory myalgia but appeared to do so through a unique signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) dependent pathway within sensory neurons. The STAT1 transcription factor appeared to regulate peripheral inflammation itself by modulation of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1) release from sensory neurons. Data suggests that STAT1 upregulation, downstream of GH signaling, contributes to neonatal nociception during muscle inflammation through a novel neuroimmune loop involving cytokine release from primary afferents. Results could uncover new ways to treat muscle pain and inflammation in neonates.

Graphical Abstract
Optimization of flight conditions based on performance sensitivity analysis for jet transport aircraft
Authors: Jiang Wei , Guo Hun , Zhu Danye , Chang Ray C.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to enhance the fuel efficiency of jet transport aircraft based on mathematical models and flight crew operating manual (FCOM) for the purpose to assist the civil aviation industry in improving flight safety and operational efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

The research applies flight data mining and fuzzy logic modeling technologies to set up lift-to-drag ratio (L/D) models and nine models of thrust, Mach number, engine pressure ratio and fuel flow rate to estimate the deviation of each flight parameter. All performance deviations are calculated based on the values of flight data recorded in the quick access recorder and FCOM at the observed flight conditions. The L/D model can obtain the influence of each flight parameter and estimate the insufficient amount of each parameter by averaging it with the least square method. In the estimation of optimal altitude, nine models are built based on data from FCOM to estimate the optimal altitude and complete comparative analysis of the airspeed, Mach number and fuel flow rate at the optimal altitude.

Findings

Analyze 11 relevant parameters from the sensitivity derivative of L/D model to obtain how each parameter affected fuel consumption and explore the causes of additional fuel consumption. Complete the estimation of the optimal cruise altitude of the aircraft, and calculate the comparative analysis of the altitude, speed, Mach number and other parameters with the sensitivity derivative of the L/D. The estimation of the optimal cruise altitude of the aircraft can meet the analysis of the sensitivity derivative.

Research limitations/implications

This study is to enhance the fuel efficiency of jet commercial transport based on mathematical model and FCOM. FCOM is required to conduct this study. The estimation of the optimal cruise altitude through the nine models of the aircraft could meet the analysis of the sensitivity derivative.

Practical implications

The object of present research is to demonstrate the effectiveness of optimization of flight conditions through model analysis to get knowledge of the effects of each influencing flight variable to L/D for future flight operations’ reference.

Social implications

The model-based derivative analysis had the ability to perform derivative prediction analysis on any input parameters, more flight parameters could be optimized in future research to help airlines improve flight safety and operational efficiency.

Originality/value

The present enhancement method of fuel efficiency is an innovation to examine the abnormal aircraft performance and its flight operations, thereby to explore the causes of additional fuel consumption. The present method can become an auxiliary tool for flight operations quality assurance to improve fuel efficiency for the airlines.
Fiscal policy and poverty reduction in sub-Saharan Africa: is the relationship influenced by the business cycle?
Authors: Olaoye Olumide O. , Zerihun Mulatu Fekadu , Tabash Mosab I.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The study examined the effect of fiscal policy on poverty in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) while accounting asymmetric (captured by economic downturns) and spillover effects.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a fixed effect (within regression) IV model to account for country-specific characteristics. The study also adopts a cross-sectional and spatial dependence-consistent model to account for the potential cross-sectional and temporal dependence in panel data modeling.

Findings

The study discovered that the effect of fiscal policy on poverty is dependent on the state of the economy. Specifically, we find that fiscal policy helps to reduce the level of poverty during an economic downturn, more than at any other time. More specifically, the findings indicate that the fiscal policy lowers the rate of poverty in SSA, following macroeconomic shocks (captured by the COVID-19 epidemic, the Global Financial Crisis, and the commodity terms of trade shocks). Our findings suggest that fiscal policy is an important policy tool to mitigate the effects of macroeconomic shocks in SSA. Further, the findings also demonstrate that there is a spillover effect of poverty in the region. This implies coordinated, constructive actions by the regional governments can help to lessen the detrimental effects of extreme poverty.

Originality/value

The study examined the effectiveness of fiscal policy to reduce poverty in the event of an economic downturn.
Construction waste reduction measures for high-rise buildings in India – a stakeholder’s perspective
Authors: Viswalekshmi B. R. , Bendi Deepthi
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Construction waste reduction (CWR) plays a vital role in achieving sustainability in construction. A good CWR practice can result in optimizing material usage, conserving natural resources, limiting environmental pollution, protecting the environment and enhancing human health. In this regard, the purpose of the current study is to identify the most relevant organizational policies that aid in waste reduction and concurrently explores the congruent measures to be adopted during the construction process in the Indian high-rise building sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The research findings were obtained through a mixed- method approach. Content analysis was used to identify waste reduction measures (variables) targeting on the two domains of construction – “waste-efficient execution” and “waste – mitigating organizational policies.” Furthermore, the authors explored and documented the key measures from the identified waste reduction measures using the constraint value of the relative importance index. As the next step, the study listed the theoretical hypothesis based on expert interviews and tested the theory through confirmatory factor analysis.

Findings

The results revealed that “waste sensitive construction techniques and strategies” as the most significant category under the domain “Execution” with a path coefficient of 0.85. Concurrently, the study has also determined that “control procedures for budget, quality and resources” as the most effective organizational approach in reducing construction waste in the Indian building industry, with a path coefficient of 0.83.

Originality/value

The current research is context-sensitive to the Indian construction sector. It presents the stakeholder’s perspective on construction waste reduction and the relevant measures to be implemented to reduce construction waste in high-rise building projects in India. It can also act as a concordance for decision-makers to further focus on CWR management and aid in formulating policies suitable for the Indian context.
Tribological properties of oil-impregnated porous PTFE composites using CA as a novel pore-forming agent
Authors: Fan Xiaobing , Pan Bingli , Liu Hongyu , Zhao Shuang , Ding Xiaofan , Gao Haoyu , Han Bing , Liu Hongbin
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to prepare an oil-impregnated porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composite with advanced tribological properties using citric acid as a novel pore-forming agent.

Design/methodology/approach

Citric acid (CA) was used to form pores in PTFE, and then oil-impregnated PTFE composites were prepared. The pore-forming efficiency of CA was evaluated. The possible mechanism of lubrication was proposed according to the tribological properties.

Findings

The results show CA is an efficient pore-forming agent and completely removed, and the porosity of the PTFE increases with the increase of the CA content. The oil-impregnated porous PTFE exhibits an excellent tribological performance, an increased wear resistance of 77.29% was realized in comparison with neat PTFE.

Originality/value

This study enhances understanding of the lubrication mechanism of oil-impregnated porous polymers and guides for their tribological applications.
Brand innovativeness and brand equity: the mediating role of brand attitude and the moderating role of perceived brand ethicality
Authors: Yang Mengxi , Wang Mengyang
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between brand innovativeness, brand attitude and brand equity within the service industry. Despite the prior literature’s acknowledgement of the importance of brand innovativeness, the previous studies on its impact on brand equity have yielded inconsistent results. This study also explores the moderating effect of perceived brand ethicality on the relationship between brand innovativeness, brand attitude and brand equity.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected the self-administered survey data of 402 respondents in the Chinese retail banking sector and employed a moderated mediation analysis to examine the research hypotheses.

Findings

Brand innovativeness positively influences brand equity, and brand attitude mediates the effect. Perceived brand ethicality strengthens the positive association between brand innovativeness and brand equity.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the extant brand literature by demonstrating how the positive impact of brand innovativeness transcends brand evaluation to impact overall brand equity; it also reveals the mechanism through which brand innovativeness affects brand equity. The findings advance the under-researched issue of whether consumer perceptions of a brand’s ethical conduct affect the efficacy of brand innovativeness in brand equity.
A community center to mobilize public policies and human rights in mental health: “the door is always open”
Authors: Agudelo-Hernández Felipe , Moreno-Reales Jhasny , Plata-Casas Lauta Inés
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to describe the perceptions of some participants from a community mental health center in the Department of Chocó, Colombia.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study with a qualitative approach was carried out in 2023. Focus groups were conducted with mental health leaders and members of a community mental health center. The data were analyzed using a thematic analysis.

Findings

Two categories emerged: characterize the Community Mental Health Center of Chocó and Reaffirm human rights. In the first category, the community center is described as a place of recovery that mobilizes social services and works to increase agency capacity. In the second category, the human rights were assumed as part of community services, not only to eliminate coercive practices but also to support the increase of autonomy.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of this study are the analysis of strategies from the perspective of global politics, without delving into the structure of community actions themselves, which are not necessarily based on global recommendations.

Practical implications

Despite the design and development of public policies the study of their implementation still poses several challenges. The strategies carried out by regions that follow evidence-based practices and participation routes are not officially recognized as good practices in mental health and, therefore, independently supported to be sustained.

Originality/value

A community mental health center is described that manages to be implement and deliver a service despite not being able to be financed by current national regulations. This indicates, apart from a need, the capacity of the regions to build their solutions beyond regulations.
Exploring the social media advertising avoidance behavior through the lens of avoidance motivation theory
Authors: Pahari Subhajit , Bandyopadhyay Anupam , Manna Atanu
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study investigates advertising avoidance behavior among consumers, specifically in the realm of meta-platforms. It explores the impacts of digital burnout, advertising clutter, perceived advertising risk, and goal impediment on cognitive and behavioral ad avoidance.

Design/methodology/approach

With a sample of 410 respondents, the research employs a comprehensive analysis approach with SEM and CFA, integrating Avoidance Motivation Theory. It examines direct and indirect influences on ad avoidance, mediated by consumer emotions and attitudes. The study highlights the moderating role of content quality in shaping these relationships.

Findings

Significant links were found between digital burnout, clutter, perceived advertising risk, and goal impediment with cognitive and behavioral ad avoidance. The study emphasizes the importance of content quality and suggests strategies that focus on emotional resonance, user alignment, and reduced intrusion.

Practical implications

For advertisers and marketers in digital spaces, the findings recommend strategies promoting healthy technology usage, streamlined advertising content, transparent communication aligned with user goals, and emotionally resonant campaigns to mitigate ad avoidance behaviors.

Social implications

Understanding consumer sentiments aids policymakers in creating conducive advertising models, benefiting both consumers and businesses. This enhances user experiences in digital environments.

Originality/value

The paper distinctively applies the Avoidance Motivation Theory to the context of avoiding social media advertisements, thereby uncovering the causes of negative consumer emotions and attitudes, and highlighting the crucial role of content quality as a means to counteract these adverse reactions.
Police perceptions of BWCs by type of law enforcement agency: procedural justice, legitimacy, lawfulness, compliance and cooperation
Authors: Demir Mustafa
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study examined whether officers’ perceptions of the effect of BWCs on procedural justice, police lawfulness, police legitimacy, compliance with police and law, and cooperation with police differed by type of law enforcement agency.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from a survey administered to 152 police officers from State Police, City Police, University Police, and Sheriff’s Office.

Findings

The multivariate analyses found that City Police officers hold significantly more positive perceptions than University Police (on police legitimacy and cooperation with police), State Police (except for police lawfulness, on all other outcomes), and Sheriffs’ Office officers (on procedural justice and police legitimacy). Additionally, Sheriffs’ Office officers hold significantly more positive perceptions than University Police (on police legitimacy, cooperation with police, and compliance with police) and State Police (on police legitimacy, cooperation with police, compliance with police and law). No significant difference was found between University Police and State Police officers.

Originality/value

This is the first study that examines whether officers’ perceptions of the outcomes differ by type of law enforcement agency.
How lifelong learning shapes the professional development of staff in higher education institutions
Authors: Owusu-Agyeman Yaw
Published: July 2024

Purpose

As universities find new ways to implement professional development programmes (PDPs), very few scholarly studies have focused on how lifelong learning could serve as a tool to enhance the professional development of staff. To address this knowledge gap, this study aims to examine how the integration of lifelong learning modes into PDPs in a university setting in South Africa could enable professional staff to advance their knowledge and skills. Additionally, the study explores how the different PDPs could be conceptualised by way of lifelong learning to enhance the professional knowledge and competences of staff.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered from 41 professional staff in three campuses of the university. The narrative data gathered were evaluated using thematic analysis that consisted of a detailed process of identifying, analysing, organising, describing and reporting the themes that were generated from the data.

Findings

Findings suggest that when the university integrates lifelong learning approaches into its professional development programmes, it allows staff to develop their knowledge and skills through diverse learning approaches. When institutions adopt these diverse learning approaches, it enable staff to situate their learning needs along the different lifelong learning modes, negotiate suitable learning modes and flexible schedules with their heads of department, and learn the accepted norms and values of the university. These findings among others lead to further questions about how PDPs could be designed using the three lifelong learning modes to enable staff to prepare adequately for the future of work in higher education.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the scholarly discourse on lifelong learning by showing how higher education institutions could design PDPs along formal, informal and non-formal learning approaches to enhance the knowledge and skills of staff.
Parallel adaptive RBF neural network-based active disturbance rejection control for hybrid compensation of PMSM
Authors: Gao Peng , Su Xiuqin , Pan Zhibin , Xiao Maosen , Zhang Wenbo
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to promote the anti-disturbance and tracking accuracy performance of the servo systems, in which a modified active disturbance rejection control (MADRC) scheme is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

An adaptive radial basis function (ARBF) neural network is utilized to estimate and compensate dominant friction torque disturbance, and a parallel high-gain extended state observer (PHESO) is employed to further compensate residual and other uncertain disturbances. This parallel compensation structure reduces the burden of single ESO and improves the response speed of permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) to hybrid disturbances. Moreover, the sliding mode control (SMC) rate is introduced to design an adaptive update law of ARBF.

Findings

Simulation and experimental results show that as compared to conventional ADRC and SMC algorithms, the position tracking error is only 2.3% and the average estimation error of the total disturbances is only 1.4% in the proposed MADRC algorithm.

Originality/value

The disturbance parallel estimation structure proposed in MADRC algorithm is proved to significantly improve the performance of anti-disturbance and tracking accuracy.
Conceptual framework to explore artificial intelligence technology (AIT) readiness and adoption intention in records and information management (RIM) practices: a proposal
Authors: Shonhe Liah
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This research proposal aims to address the growing significance of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the field of records and information management (RIM) within the African context. Despite the increasing prevalence of AI, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the factors influencing AI readiness and adoption in RIM. The primary purpose of this paper is to explore these factors and propose an AI readiness and adoption conceptual framework.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify the proposed variables and support the hypothesis development. The theoretical foundation of the proposed conceptual framework is based on three theories: the technology acceptance model (TAM), the technology readiness index (TRI) and the cognitive appraisal theory (CAT).

Findings

The literature reveals that there is a lack of empirical investigation of AI readiness and adoption within the RIM context. Through the proposed conceptual model, the researcher anticipates uncovering critical insights into the factors influencing AI readiness and adoption in RIM practices across African nations.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed model is not yet empirically tested and the study's scope is limited to African nations.

Originality/value

The proposed model takes a pioneering approach to empirically investigate AI readiness and adoption within the RIM field, specifically in an African context which is understudied.
Effect of temperature gradient-induced periodic deformation of CRTS Ⅲ slab track on dynamic responses of the train-track system
Authors: Jijun Wang , Huanxin Zhang , Cheng Shi , Meng Wang
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Temperature is an important load for a ballastless track. However, little research has been conducted on the dynamic responses when a train travels on a ballastless track under the temperature gradient. The dynamic responses under different temperature gradients of the slab are theoretically investigated in this work.

Design/methodology/approach

Considering the moving train, the temperature gradient of the slab, and the gravity of the slab track, a dynamic model for a high-speed train that runs along the CRTS III slab track on subgrade is developed by a nonlinear coupled way in Abaqus.

Findings

The results are as follows: (1) The upward transmission of the periodic deformation of the slab causes periodic track irregularity. (2) Because of the geometric constraint of limiting structures, the maximum bending stresses of the slab occur near the end of the slab under positive temperature gradients, but in the middle of the slab under negative temperature gradients. (3) The periodic deformation of the slab can induce periodic changes in the interlayer stiffness and contact status, leading to a large vibration of the slab. Because of the vibration-reduction capacity of the fastener and the larger mass of the concrete base, the accelerations of both the slab and concrete base are far less than the acceleration of the rail.

Originality/value

This study reveals the influence mechanism of temperature gradient-induced periodic deformation in the dynamic responses of the train-track system, and it also provides a guide for the safe service of CRTS III slab track.
From plan to practice: Interorganizational crisis response networks from governmental guidelines and real‐world collaborations during hurricane events
Authors: Dinh Ly , Yang Pingjing , Diesner Jana
Published: July 2024

Crisis response involves extensive planning and coordination within and across a multitude of agencies and organisations. This study explores how on‐the‐ground crisis response efforts align with crisis response guidelines. These guidelines are key to the effectiveness of crisis response. To this end, we construct, analyse and compare emergency response networks by using network analysis and natural language processing methods. Differences between plans and practice, that is, false positives (actions delivered but not prescribed) and false negatives (actions prescribed but not delivered), can impact response evaluation and policy revisions. We investigate collaboration networks at the federal, state and local level extracted from official documents (prescribed networks) and empirical data (observed networks) in the form of situational reports (n = 109) and tweets (n = 28,050) from responses to major hurricanes that made landfall in the United States. Our analyses reveal meaningful differences between prescribed and observed collaboration networks (mean node overlap ~9.94%, edge overlap ~3.94%). The observed networks most closely resemble federal‐level networks in terms of node and edge overlap, highlighting the prioritisation of federal response guidelines. We also observed a high ratio of false positives, that is, nongovernmental, nonprofit and volunteer organizations, that play a critical role in crisis response and are not mentioned in response plans. These findings enable us to evaluate the current best practices for response and inform emergency response policy planning.