bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and severity of pulmonary embolism in COVID-19 infection: Ancestral, Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants
Authors: Wada Noriaki , Li Yi , Gagne Staci , Hino Takuya , Valtchinov Vladimir I. , Gay Elizabeth , Nishino Mizuki , Hammer Mark M. , Madore Bruno , Guttmann Charles R. G. , Ishigami Kousei , Hunninghake Gary M. , Levy Bruce D. , Kaye Kenneth M. , Christiani David C. , Hatabu Hiroto
Published: December 2023

Little information is available regarding incidence and severity of pulmonary embolism (PE) across the periods of ancestral strain, Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants. The aim of this study is to investigate the incidence and severity of PE over the dominant periods of ancestral strain and Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants. We hypothesized that the incidence and the severity by proximity of PE in patients with the newer variants and vaccination would be decreased compared with those in ancestral and earlier variants. Patients with COVID-19 diagnosis between March 2020 and February 2022 and computed tomography pulmonary angiogram performed within a 6-week window around the diagnosis (−2 to +4 weeks) were studied retrospectively. The primary endpoints were the associations of the incidence and location of PE with the ancestral strain and each variant. Of the 720 coronavirus disease 2019 patients with computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (58.6 ± 17.2 years; 374 females), PE was diagnosed among 42/358 (12%) during the ancestral strain period, 5/60 (8%) during the Alpha variant period, 16/152 (11%) during the Delta variant period, and 13/150 (9%) during the Omicron variant period. The most proximal PE (ancestral strain vs variants) was located in the main/lobar arteries (31% vs 6%–40%), in the segmental arteries (52% vs 60%–75%), and in the subsegmental arteries (17% vs 0%–19%). There was no significant difference in both the incidence and location of PE across the periods, confirmed by multivariable logistic regression models. In summary, the incidence and severity of PE did not significantly differ across the periods of ancestral strain and Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants.
Dual outflow upper arm arteriovenous fistula: An effective technique to prevent cephalic arch stenosis
Authors: Hwang Hong Pil , Yu Hee Chul , Do Yang Jae , Lee Mi Rin , Chung Byeoung Hoon
Published: December 2023

Cephalic arch stenosis (CAS) is critical point to maintain functional arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in patients undergoing hemodialysis with brachio-cephalic AVFs. In this study, we aimed to determine the effectiveness of dual outflow (cephalic and basilic veins) as a surgical method to prevent CAS. Between July 2016 and December 2019, 369 patients underwent upper arm AVF creation. Among them the 251 patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. Two hundred seven underwent brachio-cephalic arteriovenous fistula (BCAVF) and 44 underwent brachio-cephalicbasilic arteriovenous fistula (BCBAVF). From the 251 patients, diabetes mellitus (66.7% vs 36.4%, P < .001) and hypertension (91.3% vs 75%, P = .002) were more common in the patient group who underwent BCAVF surgery; however, the difference in volume flow to the fistula did not differ between the 2 groups. CAS (30.4% vs 9.1%, P = .004) and fistula occlusion (15.9% vs 4.5%, P = .048) were likely to occur in the BCAVF group. The primary patency rates at 12 months were 74.3% and 86.4% for the BCAVFs and BCBAVFs, respectively (P = .075). The primary-assisted patency rates at 12 months were 87.0% for BCAVFs and 93.2% for BCBAVFs, respectively (P = .145). Secondary patency rates at 12 months were 92.2% for BCAVFs and 93.2% for BCBAVFs, respectively (P = .023). Compared to BCAVF, traditional upper arm AVF, upper arm AVF with cephalic and basilic vein dual drainage can be optimal surgical method to preventing CAS.
Robot-assisted versus fluoroscopy-guided pedicle screw fixation of thoracolumbar compression fractures
Authors: Li Yongjun , Wei Xing , Liang Yonghui , Song Guangze
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study is to compare the clinical outcomes and accuracy of robot-assisted (RA) versus fluoroscopy-guided (FG) pedicle screw fixation of thoracolumbar compression fractures. We retrospectively enrolled 85 patients with surgically treated thoracolumbar compression fractures in our study (RA group, 45 patients; FG group, 40 patients). We analyzed the accuracy of pedicle screw placement by using the Gertzbein-Robbins classification, and calculated the one-time success rate (i.e., the rate of screws successfully inserted in the first attempt). We also evaluated volume of blood loss, operative time, visual analogue scale scores for pain, Cobb angle, and postoperative complications. The rates of grade A screw placement (96% vs 68.5%; P < .005), clinically acceptable screw placement (98.2% vs 86%; P < .005), and the one-time success rate (97.3% vs 82.5%; P < .005) were all significantly higher in the RA group than in the FG group. No differences were observed in sex, age, body mass index, volume of blood loss, operative time, visual analogue scale scores, Cobb angle, and postoperative complications between the 2 groups. Compared to FG surgery, RA surgery yielded greater accuracy and one-time success rates of pedicle screw fixation of thoracolumbar compression fractures, with comparable clinical outcomes.
Biomimetic urine flow control can preserve bladder function in patients with indwelling catheterization
Authors: Xu Minrong , Zhang Wei , Sheng Lingxiang , Hu Mahong , Xu Xiujuan
Published: December 2023

For patients with long-term indwelling catheterization, bladder function will be affected. It is necessary to explore whether biomimetic urine flow control (BUFC) can improve bladder function in patients undergoing indwelling catheterization. A retrospective, data-only, cohort study was carried out. The patients admitted to the intensive care unit, who had retained catheter and been continuously using a urodynamic monitoring system for over 30 days were selected. They were divided into 2 groups based on whether they were using BUFC function. The urodynamic monitoring data of the 2 groups were compared and analyzed. A total of 30 patients were included in the final analysis, including 15 in the BUFC group and 15 in the unobstructed group. The Urinary Volume and maximal urinary flow rate of the unobstructed group showed a continuous downward trend, while the BUFC group remained stable, and there was a statistical difference (P < .05) between the 2 groups since day 20. The bladder ultrasound imaging showed that the bladder volume of the BUFC group did not decrease significantly on the 30th day. BUFC technology, which provided by a urodynamic monitoring system, has potential protective effects of the bladder function after indwelling catheterization.
Early versus delayed cholecystectomy in biliary pancreatitis: Experience from a Local Acute Care Surgery Unit in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alburakan Ahmed A. , Alshunaifi Aljoharah I. , AlRabah Razan N. , Alshammari Sulaiman A. , Aloraini Abdullah M. , Nouh Thamer A. , AlShahwan Nawaf A.
Published: December 2023

Biliary pancreatitis is a common complication of gallstones. Although most patients experience mild disease, around 20% may develop severe pancreatitis with an increased risk of serious complications during recurrent attacks. The objective of our study is to compare the surgical outcomes and length of stay for early versus delayed cholecystectomy, performed within the same admission, for mild pancreatitis in a Saudi tertiary center with an established Acute Care Surgey Unit. This retrospective cohort study included all patients who underwent cholecystectomy during the index admission for biliary pancreatitis between January 2017 and January 2020. Surgical outcomes and hospital length of stay were collected and analyzed to assess overall outcomes for early and delayed cholecystectomy groups. The early group was defined as surgery performed within 72 hours of presentation. Eighty-six patients were included and allocated to the early and delayed cholecystectomy groups. The median length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the early cholecystectomy group (4 days, IQR 3–5) compared to the delayed group (7 days, IQR 6–9) (P < .001). There was no significant difference in operative time and postoperative complications. Early cholecystectomy for mild biliary pancreatitis appears safe and feasible and may result in a shorter hospital stay.
Predictive factors of distal radioulnar joint instability after surgical treatment of distal radius fractures
Authors: Li Chenfei , Kong Lingde , Shi Xuyang , Zhang Zuzhuo , Lu Jian , Zhang Bing
Published: December 2023

Distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability is a common postoperative complication of distal radius fractures, seriously impacting patients’ quality of life. This study investigated its possible influencing factors to determine prognosis and to guide treatment better. We retrospectively included a series of patients with distal radius fractures that underwent volar locking plate fixation. Basic patient information and imaging parameters were collected. The incidence of DRUJ instability during follow-up was recorded, and factors associated with DRUJ instability were determined using univariate analysis and multifactorial logistic regression analysis. A total of 159 patients were enrolled in this study. At 6 months of follow-up, 54 patients (34.0%) had DRUJ instability, and multivariate analysis showed coronal plane displacement (OR, 1.665; 95% CI, 1.091–2.541), fracture classification (OR, 0.679; 95% CI, 0.468–0.984) and DRUJ interval (OR, 1.960; 95% CI, 1.276–3.010) were associated with DRUJ instability after volar locking plate. DRUJ interval, coronal plane displacement, and fracture classification are associated with DRUJ instability during follow-up. Therefore, preoperative risk communication and intraoperative attention to recovering relevant imaging parameters are necessary for these patients.
High expression of NADH Ubiquinone Oxidoreductase Subunit B11 induces catheter-associated venous thrombosis on continuous blood purification
Authors: Ma Yanhong , Guo Suzhi
Published: December 2023

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common vascular disease of venous return disorders, including deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (PE), with high morbidity and high mortality. However, the relationship between oxidative phosphorylation and NDUFB11 and venous thromboembolism is still unclear. The venous thromboembolism datasets GSE48000 and GSE19151 were downloaded, and the differentially expressed Genes (DEGs) were screened. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were used for functional enrichment analysis. The comparative toxicogenomics database (CTD) was used to identify the diseases most associated with the core genes. TargetScan was used to screen miRNA regulating central DEGs. Western blotting (WB) experiment and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) experiment were performed. A total of 500 DEGs were identified. GO analysis showed that the DEGs were mainly enriched in ATP synthesis coupled electron transport, respiratory electron transport chain, cytoplasm, enzyme binding, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, oxidative phosphorylation, and Alzheimer disease. Enrichment items were similar to GO and KEGG enrichment items of DEGs. The result of CTD showed that 12 genes (RPS24, FAU, RPLP0, RPS15A, RPS29, RPL9, RPL31, RPL27, NDUFB11, RPL34, COX7B, RPS27L) were associated with chemical and drug-induced liver injury, inflammation, kidney disease, and congenital pure red cell aplasia. WB and RT-qPCR results showed that the expression levels of 12 genes in venous thromboembolism were higher than normal whole blood tissue samples. NDUFB11 is highly expressed in catheter-related venous thromboembolism during continuous blood purification, which may lead to the formation of venous thrombosis through oxidative phosphorylation pathway.
Hyoid Bone and Thyroid Cartilage Fractures at Forensic Autopsies
Authors: Büyük Yalçın , Arslan Murat Nihat , Yalçınkaya Selahattin , Gökşen Muhammed Emin
Published: December 2023

Fractures of the hyoid bone (HB) and thyroid cartilage (TC) are important findings in emergency medicine and forensic pathology. This study aimed to determine the occurrence and anatomical localization of HB and TC fractures and to evaluate the etiological and risk factors.

A total of 315 patients with HB and/or TC fractures were included over a 3-year period. Data regarding the incident type, cause of death, age, sex, body mass index, regional trauma findings, location of fractures, resuscitation, and toxicological analyses were collected. Injury severity scores were calculated using the Abbreviated Injury Scale.

The study found that HB and TC fractures were associated with trauma severity. The hanging cases exhibited the highest number of fractures. A significant association was observed between neck trauma localization and HB and TC fractures. Fractures of the HB and TC horns were more commonly associated with neck trauma than fractures of the corpus. Hyoid bone and TC fractures can occur without direct trauma, emphasizing the importance of thorough examination and diagnosis, particularly after cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

This study provides valuable insights into HB and TC fractures and contributes to the understanding and identification of these fractures in forensic autopsies and clinical settings.
COVID-19 infection prevention and control management during hyperbaric oxygen therapy: a best practice implementation project
Authors: Hájek Michal , Chmelař Dittmar , Rozložník Miroslav , Lochmanová Alexandra , Tlapák Jakub , Vrbová Tereza , Klugar Miloslav , Klugarová Jitka
Published: December 2023

Objective:

This implementation project compared standard operating procedures, accepted preventive measures, and disinfection procedures between the initial stage of the COVID-19 pandemic (first wave: March 15 to May 31, 2020) and the later stages of the pandemic (second and third waves: September 1, 2020 to January 31, 2021).

Introduction:

This project sought to improve compliance with international evidence-based guidelines and clinical standards for the prevention and control of COVID-19 infection during hyperbaric oxygen therapy taking into account the conditions of the local hospital.

Methods:

Guided by the JBI evidence implementation framework, seven evidence-based audit criteria were developed for the prevention and control of COVID-19 infection during hyperbaric oxygen therapy. A questionnaire was used to measure compliance in baseline and follow-up audits.

Results:

Differences between the baseline and follow-up audits were noted for criteria 6 and 7. Criterion 6 increased from 0% to 100% as the hyperbaric facility was equipped with certified ultraviolet-C radiation for air disinfection during the later period, but this equipment was not available in the initial period of the pandemic. Criterion 7 dropped from 100% in the baseline audit to 0% in the follow-up audit because of a significant increase in the operational burden of the treatment capacity of the facility, which made it impossible to comply with the recommended distancing between patients.

Conclusions:

Differences were found in preventive measures, disinfection procedures, work organization, and approach to care strategy. The project objectives were met and the implementation strategies proved effective. Larger sample sizes would need be needed to confirm the reproducibility of the results.
Decoupling Dopamine Synthesis from Impulsive Action, Risk-related Decision-Making, and Propensity to Cocaine Intake: A Longitudinal [18F]-FDOPA PET Study in Roman High- and Low-avoidance Rats
Authors: Urueña-Méndez Ginna , Arrondeau Chloé , Bellés Lidia , Ginovart Nathalie
Published: December 2023

Impulsive action and risk-related decision-making (RDM) are two facets of impulsivity linked to a hyperdopaminergic release in the striatum and an increased propensity to cocaine intake. We previously showed that with repeated cocaine exposure, this initial hyperdopaminergic release is blunted in impulsive animals, potentially signaling drug-induced tolerance. Whether such dopaminergic dynamics involve changes in dopamine (DA) synthesis as a function of impulsivity is currently unknown. Here, we investigated the predictive value of DA synthesis for impulsive action, RDM, and the propensity to take cocaine in a rat model of vulnerability to cocaine abuse. Additionally, we assessed the effects of cocaine intake on these variables. Rats were tested sequentially in the rat Gambling Task (rGT) and were scanned with positron emission tomography and [18F]-FDOPA to respectively assess both impulsivity facets and striatal DA synthesis before and after cocaine self-administration (SA). Our results revealed that baseline striatal levels of DA synthesis did not predict impulsive action, RDM, or a greater propensity to cocaine self-administration (SA) in impulsive animals. Besides, we showed that impulsive action, but not RDM, predicted higher rates of cocaine-taking. However, chronic cocaine exposure had no impact on DA synthesis nor affected impulsive action and RDM. These findings indicate that the hyperresponsive DA system associated with impulsivity and a propensity for cocaine consumption, along with the reduction in this hyperresponsive DA state in impulsive animals with a history of cocaine use, is not mediated by dynamic changes in DA synthesis.

Significance statement

Impulsive behaviors are associated with a heightened presynaptic dopamine (DA) function and vulnerability to the rewarding effects of cocaine. However, with repeated drug exposure, the initially high DA release decreases, probably reflecting the development of drug tolerance. Whether such DA dynamics involve changes in DA synthesis is currently unknown. Using in vivo neuroimaging in rats before and after chronic cocaine use, our study reveals that DA synthesis does not predict impulsivity or vulnerability to cocaine, nor is it affected by chronic drug exposure. Our results suggest that the heightened presynaptic function underlying impulsivity and the cocaine-induced tolerance to drugs depend on alternative mechanisms to DA synthesis, such as those controlling DA reactivity to stimulation and DA reuptake.
Development of a sequence-basedin silicoOspA typing method forBorrelia burgdorferisensu lato
Authors: Lee Jonathan T. , Li Zhenghui , Nunez Lorna D. , Katze Daniel , Perrin B. Scott , Raghuraman Varun , Rajyaguru Urvi , Llamera Katrina E. , Andrew Lubomira , Anderson Annaliesa S. , Hovius Joppe W. , Liberator Paul A. , Simon Raphael , Hao Li
Published: December 2023

Lyme disease (LD), caused by spirochete bacteria of the genusBorrelia burgdorferisensu lato, remains the most common vector-borne disease in the northern hemisphere.Borreliaouter surface protein A (OspA) is an integral surface protein expressed during the tick cycle, and a validated vaccine target. There are at least 20 recognizedBorreliagenospecies, that vary in OspA serotype. Traditional serotyping ofBorreliaisolates using OspA-specific monoclonal antibodies is technically challenging and reagent-constrained. This study presents a newin silicosequence-based method for OspA typing using next-generation sequence data. Using a compiled database of over 400Borreliagenomes encompassing all major genospecies, we characterized OspA diversity in a manner that can accommodate existing and new OspA types and then defined boundaries for classification and assignment of OspA types based on the sequence similarity. To accommodate potential novel OspA types, we have developed a new nomenclature: OspAin silicotype (IST). Beyond the ISTs which corresponded to existing OspA serotypes (ST1-8), we identified nine additional ISTs which cover new OspA variants inB. bavariensis(IST9-10),B. garinii(IST11-12), and otherBorreliagenospecies (IST13-17). Compared to traditional OspA serotyping methods, this new computational pipeline provides a more comprehensive and broadly applicable approach for characterization of OspA type andBorreliagenospecies to support vaccine development.

Impact Statement

As the incidence of LD continues to rise, so does the need to maintain genomic surveillance of disease-causingBorrelia spp.and support clinical development of new vaccines. Towards this goal, introducing the OspAin silicotype (IST) nomenclature scheme, as well as the open-source release of this OspA analysis pipeline, will enable characterization of novelBorreliaOspA types using NGS data without the need for traditional, antibody-based serotyping systems.
Single-cell 5’ RNA sequencing of camelid peripheral B cells reveals cellular basis of heavy-chain antibody production
Authors: Yi Li , Guo Xin , Liu Yuexing , Jirimutu  , Wang Zhen
Published: December 2023

Camelids are capable of producing both conventional tetrameric antibodies (Abs) and dimeric heavy-chain antibodies (HCAbs). While B cells generating these two types of Abs exhibit distinct B-cell receptors (BCRs), it remains unclear whether these two B cell populations differ in their phenotypes and developmental processes. Here, we collected eight PBMC samples before and after immunization from four Bactrian camels and conducted single-cell 5’ RNA sequencing. We characterized the functional subtypes and differentiation trajectories of circulating B cells in camels, including native B cells, memory B cells, intermediate B cells, atypical B cells, and plasma cells. Additionally, we reconstructed single-cell BCR sequences and revealed the IGHV and IGHC gene types. We found that B cells expressing variable genes of HACbs (VHH) were widely present in various functional subtypes and showed highly overlapping differentiation trajectories to B cells expressing variable genes of conventional Abs (VH). After immunization, the transcriptional changes in VHH+ and VH+ B cells were also largely consistent. Our study elucidates the cellular context of HCAb production in camels, and lays the foundation for the development of single B cell-based nanobody screening.
The receptor VLDLR binds East Equine Encephalitis virus through multiple distinct modes
Authors: Cao Duanfang , Ma Bingting , Cao Ziyi , Xu Xiaoyu , Zhang Xinzheng , Xiang Ye
Published: December 2023

Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV) is an alphavirus that can cause severe diseases in infected humans. The very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) was recently identified as a receptor of EEEV. Herein, we performed cryo-electron microscopy structural and biochemistry studies on the specific interactions between EEEV and VLDLR. Our results show that VLDLR binds EEEV at three different sites A, B and C through its membrane-distal 8 LDLR class A (LA) repeats (LA1-8). Site A is located in the cleft in between the E1-E2 heterodimers of the surface trimeric spikes. Site B is located near the connecting β ribbon in between the B and A-C domains of E2 and is in proximity to site A, while site C is on the domain B of E2. LA1 and LA5 specifically recognize site A, whereas LA2, LA3 and LA6 can bind both sites A and C. The binding of VLDLR LAs to EEEV is in complex modes. The LA1-2 mediated binding plays a critical role in mediating virus entry. The mutation W132G of VLDLR impairs the binding of LA3, drives the switch of the binding modes, and significantly enhances the attachment of EEEV to the cell. The W132G variant of VLDLR could be identified in human genome and SNP sequences, implying that people with similar mutations in VLDLR may be highly susceptible to EEEV infection.
Fairness, profits and social welfare: the implications of pay-what-you-want in online food delivery
Authors: Shroff Arvind , Shah Bhavin J. , Gajjar Hasmukh
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Pay-what-you-want (PWYW) is a pricing strategy implemented in a variety of settings like supermarkets and museums, in which consumers determine the price they are willing to pay for a product or service based on their perceived utility. The authors propose an analytical model to investigate the impact of PWYW delivery pricing on the online food delivery (OFD) platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a game-theoretic model, the authors characterize the equilibrium as a function of the platform's average delivery cost and the consumer's social preferences parameters like fairness and reciprocity. The authors derive the parametric conditions under which PWYW generates higher profits for the platform compared to the traditional pay-as-asked delivery pricing.

Findings

For the PWYW strategy to be profitable, the average delivery cost to the platform should be low. Therefore, OFD platform managers should focus on reducing delivery costs. The authors also identify the feasible region in which the platform managers need to maintain the consumer's social preferences.

Practical implications

Under PWYW, the authors recommend that the platform managers impose a minimum delivery fee which consumers can use as a benchmark to minimize zero delivery fee payments and consumers' free-riding tendencies simultaneously. This allows OFD platforms to extract online orders from highly price-conscious consumers.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to explore the innovative application of PWYW to a particular segment of delivery pricing in OFD platforms. The authors establish that the overall consumer surplus and social welfare are higher under the PWYW strategy, forming a solid ground for its implementation in OFD platforms.
Stochastic frontier leanness and firm performance: evidence from India
Authors: Gogoi Anannya , Srivastava Jagriti , Sensarma Rudra
Published: December 2023

Purpose

While firms in developing countries are increasingly adopting lean practices of inventory management, there is limited evidence showing the impact of lean practices on firm performance in countries such as India. Lean practices improve the financial performance of the firms through superior cost-reduction measures and operational efficiencies. This paper examines the impact of inventory leanness in Indian manufacturing firms on their financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors measure inventory leanness based on stochastic frontier analysis (SLA), apart from using conventional measures available in the literature. The authors analyze the impact of inventory leanness on the financial performance of firms by examining data for 12,334 unique Indian manufacturing firms for the period 2009–2018. The authors present a comparative analysis using different methods of inventory leanness and study the effects on firm performance.

Findings

First, the authors find that only 68 industries out of 411 industries follow lean practices, i.e. most industries do not follow lean practices. Second, the estimation results show that there exists a positive relationship between inventory leanness and firm performance. The results suggest that an inverted U-shaped relationship exists between inventory leanness and firm performance for the entire sample. In particular, 17% of the industries in the sample exhibit such a relationship, and it is sufficiently strong to show up in the average regression results for the entire sample.

Originality/value

The authors introduce a novel measure of inventory leanness named stochastic frontier leanness based on the SFA method used in production economics. It measures leanness by benchmarking the inventory levels against the industry “frontier”. Furthermore, the authors conduct an empirical study of the lean-financial performance relationship with a large panel dataset of Indian firms instead of the survey-based methods that were previously used in the literature.
Changing context, changing work? Comparing rural and urban contexts in social services provision in Italy
Authors: Pagiotti Susanna
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The study compares the social services functioning in two local contexts, one urban and one rural, in the same Italian region, to understand how contextual features affect frontline workers' work.

Design/methodology/approach

By applying the framework of the street-level bureaucracy theory (SLB) and proposing a framing of the spatial contexts under analysis, the present study adopts a qualitative approach. In particular, semi-structured interviews were conducted among street-level workers, decision-makers and privileged witnesses.

Findings

The study shows how the typical features of the rural and urban Italian contexts analyzed impact differently on the working conditions of frontline workers, leading to substantive differences in the possibility of exercise their role at the street-level.

Originality/value

The article contributes to a wider understanding of social services provision in a highly fragmented system like the Italian one by taking into consideration contexts that are usually little investigated in SLB and welfare studies in the Mediterranean Europe area: those rural and, in particular, those belonging to the so-called “inner areas”.
Understanding the process of building institutional trust among digital payment users through national cybersecurity commitment trustworthiness cues: a critical realist perspective
Authors: Krishna Ben , Krishnan Satish , Sebastian M.P.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The current body of empirical research regarding the impact of trust in the cybersecurity commitment of institutions on digital payment usage has focused solely on a macro-level analysis, overlooking the intricate dynamics between institutions' cybersecurity commitments and the trust levels of digital payment users. In light of this limitation, this study aims to offer a more comprehensive understanding of this complex relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study was conducted on digital payment users in India through the critical realist lens. To gather data, interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with digital payment users from various regions of the country.

Findings

The citizen-centric outcomes of the national cybersecurity commitment (performance and responsiveness) are the most prominent and impactful trust indicators. These outcomes play a crucial role in shaping digital payment users' perception and trust in the cybersecurity commitment of public institutions. Individuals' value positions also influence trust judgments, as it is essential to recognize the value tensions that may arise due to security implementation and their congruence with citizens' values.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study have significant implications for policymakers. They are potentially an artifact of the security and perception of digital payment users and the cultural uniqueness of digital payment users in India.

Originality/value

The study proposes a holistic understanding of the relationship between institutions' cybersecurity commitments and the trust levels of digital payment users. It offers a qualitative evaluation of how digital payment users perceive and construe efficient information security management implemented by public institutions.
Fiscal adjustments and TFP dynamics: addressing reverse causality within a heterogeneous panel framework with global shocks
Authors: Carvelli Gianni
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide new insights into the relationship between fiscal policy and total factor productivity (TFP) while accounting for several economic and econometric issues of the phenomenon like non-stationarity, fiscal feedback effects, persistence in productivity, country heterogeneity and unobserved global shocks and local spillovers affecting heterogeneously the countries in the sample.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is empirical. It builds an Error Correction Model (ECM) specification within a dynamic heterogeneous framework with common correlated effects and models both reverse causality and feedback effects.

Findings

The results of this study highlight some new findings relative to the existing related literature. The outcomes suggest some relevant evidence at both the academic and policy levels: (1) the causal effects going from fiscal deficit/surplus to TFP are heterogeneous across countries; (2) the effects depend on the time horizon considered; (3) the long-run dynamics of TFP are positively impacted by improvements in fiscal budget, but only if the austerity measures do not exert slowdowns in aggregate growth.

Originality/value

The main originality of this study is methodological, with possible extensions to related phenomena. Relative to the existing literature, the gains of this study rely on the way econometric techniques, recently proposed in the literature, are adapted to the economic relationship of interest. The endogeneity due to the existence of reverse causality is modelled without implying relevant performance losses of the models. Moreover, this is the first article that questions whether the effects of fiscal budget on productivity depend on the impact of the former on aggregate output growth, thus emphasising the importance of the quality of fiscal adjustments.
Post-fire behavior of geopolymer concrete with sodium silicate waste as an alternative to conventional river sand
Authors: Kanagaraj Balamurali , Anand N. , Alengaram Johnson , Andrushia Diana
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The present work focuses on evaluating the physical and mechanical characteristics of geopolymer concrete (GPC) by replacing the sodium silicate waste (SSW) in place of traditional river sand. The aim is to create eco-friendly concrete that mitigates the depletion of conventional river sand and conserves natural resources. Additionally, the study seeks to explore how the moisture content of filler materials affects the performance of GPC.

Design/methodology/approach

SSW obtained from the sodium silicate industry was used as filler material in the production of GPC, which was cured at ambient temperature. Instead of the typical conventional river sand, SSW was substituted at 25 and 50% of its weight. Three distinct moisture conditions were applied to both river sand and SSW. These conditions were classified as oven dry (OD), air dry (AD) and saturated surface dry (SSD).

Findings

As the proportion of SSW increased, there was a decrease in the slump of the GPC. The setting time was significantly affected by the higher percentage of SSW. The presence of angular-shaped SSW particles notably improved the compressive strength of GPC when replacing a portion of the river sand with SSW. When exposed to elevated temperatures, the performance of the GPC with SSW exhibited similar behavior to that of the mix containing conventional river sand, but it demonstrated a lower residual strength following exposure to elevated temperatures.

Originality/value

Exploring the possible utilization of SSW as a substitute for river sand in GPC, and its effects on the performance of the proposed mix. Analyzing, how varying moisture conditions affect the performance of GPC containing SSW. Evaluating the response of the GPC with SSW exposed to elevated temperatures in contrast to conventional river sand.
What's love got to do with it? Exploring the role of universities and third places in supporting human mate choice
Authors: Zimbatu Alexandra , Whyte Stephen
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The growing cost and difficulty related to “finding someone” suggests that the role of service organisations in explicitly supporting and designing opportunities for love between customers merits further attention. This study employs a multidisciplinary approach of both services marketing and the economics of mate choice to understand how service organisations can exercise the third place effect and facilitate human mate choice (love) opportunities for consumers in extended service encounters.

Design/methodology/approach

Three qualitative co-design workshops were conducted with actors (students, casual and professional staff) from the Australian university ecosystem (n = 36) to identify consumer expectations related to mate selection in third place service contexts. A quantitative online survey of (n = 1207) current Australian university students was used to rank the importance of core and enhancing service elements.

Findings

The authors find that love holds a status in the minds of some consumers as an implicitly expected by-product of participation within the core service consumption experience in third places. For service providers to facilitate mate choice opportunities in third places, the results suggest that the design of the connective mechanism(s) should maximise opportunities for informal consumer-to-consumer interaction to allow prospective partners to ascertain compatibility. Further, consumers expect the organisational facilitation of engagement in order to clarify expected etiquette and support goal congruence. In the tertiary education marketplace for love, there is an increased preference for interpersonal engagement by those studying on campus (compared to externally), and a positive relationship between duration of enrolment and increased priority for mate choice service provision.

Originality/value

This research makes a novel theoretical and empirical contribution by being the first exploration of the economics of third place love in the tertiary education sector, also being a research primer for the field of services marketing to consider service design in third places to support mate choice.
Upper echelons in college sport: the impact of athletic directors on organizational performance and revenues
Authors: Skinner Tyler , Salaga Steven , Juravich Matthew
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Using the lens of upper echelons theory, this study examines the degree to which National Collegiate Athletic Association athletic department performance outcomes are associated with the personal characteristics and experiences of the athletic director leading the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors match organizational performance data with athletic director and institutional characteristics to form a robust data set spanning 16 years from the 2003–04 to 2018–19 seasons. The sample contains 811 observations representing 136 unique athletic directors. Fixed effects panel regressions are used to analyze organizational performance and quantile regression is used to analyze organizational revenues.

Findings

The authors fail to uncover statistically significant evidence that athletic director personal characteristics, functional experience and technical experience are associated with organizational performance. Rather, the empirical modeling indicates organizational performance is primarily driven by differentiation in the ability to acquire human capital (i.e. playing talent). The results also indicate that on average, women are more likely to lead lower revenue organizations, however, prior industry-specific technical experience offsets this relationship.

Originality/value

In opposition to upper echelons research in numerous settings, the modeling indicates the personal characteristics and experiences of the organization's lead executive are not an economically relevant determinant of organizational performance. This may indicate college athletics is a boundary condition in the applicability of upper echelons theory.
Determination of Bisphenol a (BPA) migration in Şavak brine cheese stored in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging by HPLC method
Authors: Tan Sait , Demir Pelin , Arslan Ali
Published: December 2023

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical compound widely used especially in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. BPA is a carcinogen and comes into foods due to plastic materials that come into contact with foodstuffs. The aim of this research was to determine the change in the BPA level in Savak brined white cheese during cold storage in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packages. For this purpose, two groups were assigned as control (standard cheese produced by raw cow's milk) and BPA (cheese produced from the raw cow milk with 1 mg/L BPA added). The cheese samples were packed in PET packages containing, an 18% brine solution, and stored at +4°C for 270 days. The statistically significant difference was found in BPA levels between the control and BPA‐added group in PET packages (P ≤ 0.05). The BPA levels in the brine solution and cheese of the control group were determined between 0.443–0.747 μg/L and 0.927–1.237 μg/kg, respectively. BPA levels in the brine and cheeses of the BPA‐added group were between 1387–1894 μg/L and 3702–4205 μg/kg, respectively. The results showed that the using of BPA in cheese production leads to very high levels of BPA even during long storage and poses a risk to consumer health.
Three dimensional printed biofilms: Fabrication, design and future biomedical and environmental applications
Authors: Lazarus Emily , Meyer Anne S. , Ikuma Kaoru , Rivero Iris V.
Published: December 2023

Three dimensional printing has emerged as a widely acceptable strategy for the fabrication of mammalian cell laden constructs with complex microenvironments for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. More recently 3D printed living materials containing microorganisms have been developed and matured into living biofilms. The potential for engineered 3D biofilms as in vitro models for biomedical applications, such as antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and environmental applications, such as bioleaching, bioremediation, and wastewater purification, is extensive but the need for an in‐depth understanding of the structure–function relationship between the complex construct and the microorganism response still exists. This review discusses 3D printing fabrication methods for engineered biofilms with specific structural features. Next, it highlights the importance of bioink compositions and 3D bioarchitecture design. Finally, a brief overview of current and potential applications of 3D printed biofilms in environmental and biomedical fields is discussed.
Collectivistic orientation moderates the effect of personal control on evaluations of societal disease‐control measures: During and beyond the COVID‐19 crisis in China
Authors: Zhu Nan , Li Yang , Chang Lei
Published: December 2023

Two pre‐registered studies examined people's psychological collectivism, personal control, and attitudes toward disease‐control measures in the context of the COVID‐19 crisis and more generalized contexts. Study 1 surveyed 819 residents in Shanghai in late May 2022 when they were undergoing a stringent city‐wide lockdown caused by an outbreak of the Omicron variant. We found that participants' psychological collectivism attenuated the negative association between experiences of COVID‐19 restrictions and personal control and enhanced the positive association between personal control and support for COVID‐19 restrictions. Study 2 (N = 403) recruited an online sample with diverse backgrounds and demographic characteristics and sought to extend the findings of Study 1 beyond the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Participants were exposed to a series of hypothetical scenarios depicting a fictitious virus with varying fatality and transmissibility. As in Study 1, participants higher in psychological collectivism exhibited a stronger positive association between personal control and endorsement of stricter societal disease‐control measures, but only in low‐fatality, high‐transmissibility situations. The implications of these findings for facilitating public support for disease‐control efforts are discussed.
Telehealth interventions for transition to self‐management in adolescents with allergic conditions: A systematic review
Authors: Sullivan Meg O' , Curtin Margaret , Flynn Rachel , Cronin Caoimhe , Mahony James O' , Trujillo Juan
Published: December 2023

Telehealth is an emerging approach that uses technology to provide healthcare remotely. Recent publications have outlined the importance of supporting the transition to self‐management of adolescents with allergic conditions. However, no synthesis of the evidence base on the use and impact of telehealth interventions for this purpose has been conducted to date. This review achieves these aims, in addition to exploring the language use surrounding these interventions, and their implementation. Four databases were searched systematically. References were independently screened by two reviewers. Methodological quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A narrative synthesis was undertaken. Eighteen articles were included, reporting on 15 telehealth interventions. A total of 86% targeted adolescents with asthma. Mobile applications were the most common telehealth modality used, followed by video‐conferencing, web‐based, virtual reality and artificial intelligence. Five intervention content categories were identified; educational, monitoring, behavioural, psychosocial and healthcare navigational. Peer and/or healthcare professional interaction, gamification and tailoring may increase engagement. The studies showed positive effects of the interventions or no difference from active controls, in self‐management outcomes such as knowledge, health outcomes such as quality‐of‐life, and economic outcomes such as healthcare utilization. The most common implementation outcomes reported were acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility and fidelity.
Telemedicine with special focus on allergic diseases and asthma—Status 2022: An EAACI position paper
Authors: Smolinska Sylwia , Popescu Florin‐Dan , Izquierdo Elena , Antolín‐Amérigo Darío , Price Oliver J. , Alvarez‐Perea Alberto , Eguíluz Gracia Ibon , Papadopoulos Nikolaos G. , Pfaar Oliver , Fassio Filippo , Hoffmann‐Sommergruber Karin , Dramburg Stephanie , Agache Ioana , Jutel Marek , Brough Helen A. , Fonseca João A. , Angier Elizabeth , Boccabella Cristina , Bonini Matteo , Dunn Galvin Audrey , Gibson Peter G. , Gawlik Radoslaw , Hannachi Farah , Kalayci Ömer , Klimek Ludger , Knibb Rebecca , Matricardi Paolo , Chivato Tomás
Published: December 2023

Efficacious, effective and efficient communication between healthcare professionals (HCP) and patients is essential to achieve a successful therapeutic alliance. Telemedicine (TM) has been used for decades but during the COVID‐19 pandemic its use has become widespread. This position paper aims to describe the terminology and most important forms of TM among HCP and patients and review the existing studies on the uses of TM for asthma and allergy. Besides, the advantages and risks of TM are discussed, concluding that TM application reduces costs and time for both, HCP and patients, but cannot completely replace face‐to‐face visits for physical examinations and certain tests that are critical in asthma and allergy. From an ethical point of view, it is important to identify those involved in the TM process, ensure confidentiality and use communication channels that fully guarantee the security of the information. Unmet needs and directions for the future regarding implementation, data protection, privacy regulations, methodology and efficacy are described.
Conspiracy theories, clinical decision‐making, and need for bioethics debate: A response to Stout
Authors: Varelius Jukka
Published: December 2023

Although people who endorse conspiracy theories related to medicine often have negative attitudes toward particular health care measures and may even shun the healthcare system in general, conspiracy theories have received rather meager attention in bioethics literature. Consequently, and given that conspiracy theorizing appears rather prevalent, it has been maintained that there is significant need for bioethics debate over how to deal with conspiracy theories. While the proposals have typically focused on the effects that unwarranted conspiracy theories have in the public health context, Nathan Stout's recent argument concentrates on the impacts that such theories have at the individual level of clinical decision‐making. In this article, I maintain that duly acknowledging the impacts of conspiracy theories that raise Stout's concern does not require bioethics debate over the proper response to the influence of conspiracy theories in healthcare. Having evaluated two possible objections, I conclude by briefly clarifying the purported import of the response to Stout.