bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reducing Opioid Prescriptions after Common Outpatient Pediatric Urologic Surgeries: A Quality Improvement Assessment
Authors: Stout Megan , Alpert Seth , Kersey Kelly , Ching Christina , Dajusta Daniel , Fuchs Molly , McLeod Daryl , Jayanthi Rama
Published: February 2023

Introduction:

Pediatric patients undergoing outpatient surgeries often receive prescriptions for postoperative pain, including opioid medications. As a result, the American Academy of Pediatrics formally challenged all pediatric surgeons to decrease opioid prescribing for common specialty-specific outpatient procedures at discharge. To meet this challenge, we designed a quality improvement project to decrease the average number of opioid doses administered to pediatric patients undergoing 3 common outpatient urologic surgeries: circumcision, orchiopexy, and inguinal hernia repair (IHR).

Methods:

We formally challenged providers at our institution to reduce opioid doses per prescription and administration to patients overall. We performed a retrospective chart review at our single pediatric institution to establish baseline opioid prescribing values from July 2017 to March 2018. We aimed to reduce this value by 50% in 6 months and sustain this decrease throughout the project duration.

Results:

We performed 1,518 orchiopexies, 1,505 circumcisions, and 531 IHRs. The percent change in the average number of opioid doses prescribed per patient from baseline values assessed to 2021 was statistically significant for orchiopexies (P < 0.0001), IHRs (P < 0.0001), and circumcisions (P < 0.0001). In addition, the change in the percentage of patients prescribed opioids from baseline was statistically significant for all 3 procedures (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

This project demonstrated that through an organized quality improvement initiative, the average number of opioid medications prescribed and the total percentage of patients prescribed opioids following common outpatient pediatric urologic procedures can be decreased by at least 50% and sustained through project duration.
Interprofessional Immersive Virtual Reality Training on Sepsis Recognition
Authors: Zackoff Matthew W. , Cruse Bradley , Sahay Rashmi D. , Zhang Bin , Sosa Tina , Schwartz Jerome , Depinet Holly
Published: February 2023

Introduction:

The implementation of evidence-based care relies on timely recognition of sepsis. Virtual reality (VR) represents a new simulation modality that can evaluate pediatric sepsis situation awareness.

Methods:

We evaluated situation awareness through a multiuser immersive VR experience (Fig. 1). A physician/APRN and nurse donned VR headsets to assess and provide initial management for a pediatric patient with sepsis during a team-based clinical simulation scenario. Participants were paused at 3 time points and asked to independently complete open-ended questions, including “what is the most likely cause for the patient’s clinical condition?” We compared experienced providers (nurses with ≥5 years’ experience and critical care or emergency medicine APRNs, fellows, or attendings) and novice providers (nurses with <5 years’ experience and pediatric residents) recognition of sepsis. Odds ratios were calculated for sepsis recognition with group differences assessed via the T test.

Results:

From January to July of 2021, 144 participants (72 physicians/APRNs and 72 nurses) participated in the experience (Table 1). When assessing for recognition of sepsis at the 2-minute time point, 81% of experienced nurses (N = 48) and 50% of novices (N = 24) recognized sepsis for, on odds ratio (OR) of 4.37 (1.28–14.96), P = 0.019. For physicians/APRNs, 92% of experienced (N = 37) compared to 71% of novices (N = 35) recognized sepsis [OR, 4.61 (0.87–14.97), P = 0.078]. When combined, 85.9% of experienced clinicians (N = 85) and 62.7% of novices (N = 59) recognized sepsis [OR, 3.70 (1.15–9.07), P = 0.004].

Conclusions:

These data provide validity evidence for use of this immersive VR experience for assessment and training; potentially addressing a remaining barrier to improving pediatric sepsis outcomes.
SARS-CoV-2 Spike-specific IFN-γ T-cell Response After COVID-19 Vaccination in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease, on Dialysis, or Living With a Kidney Transplant
Authors: Imhof Céline , Messchendorp A. Lianne , van der Heiden Marieke , Baan Carla C. , van der Molen Renate G. , Remmerswaal Ester B. M. , de Vries Rory D. , Diavatopoulos Dimitri A. , Boerma Annemarie , Bakker Femke J. , Oosterhout Emily , Bemelman Frederike J. , Hilbrands Luuk B. , Reinders Marlies E. J. , Gansevoort Ron T. , Sanders Jan-Stephan , van Baarle Debbie ,   on behalf of RECOVAC Consortium
Published: February 2023

Background.

Studies have shown that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination is associated with a lower humoral response in vulnerable kidney patients. Here, we investigated the T-cell response following COVID-19 vaccination in kidney patients compared with controls.

Methods.

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage G4/5 [estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73 m2], on dialysis, or living with a kidney transplant and controls received 2 doses of the mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated at baseline and 28 d after the second vaccination. In 398 participants (50% of entire cohort; controls n = 95, CKD G4/5 n = 81, dialysis n = 78, kidney transplant recipients [KTRs] n = 144)‚ SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells were measured using an IFN-γ enzyme-linked immune absorbent spot assay.

Results.

A significantly lower SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell response was observed after vaccination of patients on dialysis (54.5%) and KTRs (42.6%) in contrast to CDK G4/5 (70%) compared with controls (76%). The use of calcineurin inhibitors was associated with a low T-cell response in KTRs. In a subset of 20 KTRs, we observed waning of the cellular response 6 mo after the second vaccination, which was boosted to some extent after a third vaccination, although T-cell levels remained low.

Conclusion.

Our data suggest that vaccination is less effective in these patient groups, with humoral nonresponders also failing to mount an adequate cellular response, even after the third vaccination. Given the important role of T cells in protection against disease and cross-reactivity to SARS-CoV-2 variants, alternative vaccination strategies are urgently needed in these high-risk patient groups.
The association between a genetic variant in the SULF2 gene, metabolic parameters and vascular disease in patients at high cardiovascular risk
Authors: Heidemann Britt E , Visseren Frank LJ , van Setten Jessica , Marais A David , Koopal Charlotte ,   on behalf of the UCC-SMART Study Group
Published: February 2023

Background

Clearance of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) is mediated by several receptors, including heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). Sulfate glucosamine-6-O-endosulfatase-2 is a gene related to the regulation of HSPG. A variant in this gene, rs2281279, has been shown to be associated with triglycerides and insulin resistance.

Objective

To determine the relationship between rs2281279, metabolic parameters and vascular events, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in patients at high cardiovascular risk and whether APOE genotype modifies this relationship.

Methods

Patients (n = 4386) at high cardiovascular risk from the Utrecht Cardiovascular Cohort-Second Manifestations of Arterial Disease study were stratified according to their imputed rs2281279 genotype: AA (n = 2438), AG (n = 1642) and GG (n = 306). Effects of rs2281279 on metabolic parameters, vascular events and T2DM were analyzed with linear regression and Cox models.

Results

There was no relationship between imputed rs2281279 genotype and triglycerides, non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, insulin and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index. During a median follow-up of 11.8 (IQR, 9.3–15.5) years, 1026 cardiovascular events and 320 limb events occurred. The presence of the G allele in rs2281279 did not affect the risk of vascular events [hazard ratio (HR), 1.03; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.94–1.14] or limb events (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.77–1.10). The presence of the G allele in rs2281279 did not affect the risk of T2DM (HR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.94–1.27). The presence of the minor G allele of rs2281279 was associated with a beneficial risk profile in ε2ε2 patients, but not in ε3ε3 patients.

Conclusions

Imputed rs2281279 genotype is not associated with metabolic parameters and does not increase the risk of vascular events or T2DM in patients at high risk for cardiovascular disease.
Building blocks of biofilms – an engaging and hands-on microbiology outreach activity for school children and the general public
Authors: Pincott Hayley , Hughes Megan , Cummins Thomas , Morse Daniel J.
Published: February 2023

Biofilms are naturally occurring communities of micro-organisms, attached to a surface and often embedded in a matrix of self-produced polymeric substances. Biofilms are widely implicated in human infections, particularly on prostheses and medical implants. Such biofilms are difficult to eradicate, often leading to replacement of the prosthesis and resulting in a significant burden to healthcare. Here we present a fun and engaging interactive activity targeted toward primary school/early secondary school children, introducing the concept of natural and healthcare-associated biofilms, using dental plaque as an archetypal example. Dental plaque forms as a result of poor oral/dental hygiene, and develops according to a typical series of defined stages: attachment and adherence to the surface, followed by colonization and maturation of the biofilm structure, and eventually, dispersal. This activity uses dental disclosing tablets to visualize real biofilms (plaque) on the participants teeth, and uses interlocking building-blocks to represent microorganisms, where children build three-dimensional ‘biofilms’ of varying shapes and structural integrities. Each of the stages of development are discussed in detail, and after building the biofilms, balls of different shapes, sizes and weights can be used as ‘antimicrobials’ to disrupt the biofilm structure. The outcomes of the activity are to enhance knowledge and general understanding of biofilms; their ubiquitous presence in the natural environment, development, implications in healthcare, and challenges of treatment. The various ‘antimicrobial’ balls also provide a basis to introduce and discuss drug selection for infections, and the importance of using the correct antimicrobial for different infections to avoid development of resistance.
Investigating Klebsiella pneumoniae biofilm preservation for scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Fleeman Renee M. , Mikesh Michelle , Davies Bryan W.
Published: February 2023

Klebsiella pneumoniae

biofilm formation is associated with chronic and relapsing infections. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is a powerful tool for characterizing biofilm structure and studying their formation. Reliable visualization of biofilm structure requires careful sample preservation, otherwise there may be loss of non-covalent interactions that are susceptible to damage during the dehydration and washing preparation steps. However, no standard procedure has been adopted in the literature to fix

K. pneumoniae

biofilm for scanning electron microscopy studies. This lack of standardization makes it challenging to compare results between studies and determine the degree to which native structures have been preserved. To advance this critical area of study, we investigated different scanning electron microscopy fixation methods for

K. pneumoniae

biofilm preservation. Our study reveals the impact preparation steps can have on retaining in biofilm architecture observed using scanning electron microscopy. Using fixation methods developed through our studies, we show that although species that overproduce capsular extracellular polysaccharides produced more robust biofilms,

K. pneumoniae

can form a developed biofilm in the absence of capsular polysaccharides.
Determinants of COVID-19 vaccine uptake in the Netherlands: an ecological analysis
Authors: Labuschagne Lisanne J.E. , Smorenburg Naomi , van de Kassteele Jan , Bom Ben , de Weerdt Anne , de Melker Hester E. , Hahné Susan J.M.
Published: February 2023

Background

While overall COVID-19 vaccine uptake is high in the Netherlands, it lags behind in certain subpopulations.

Aim

We aimed to identify determinants associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake at neighbourhood level to inform the strategy to improve uptake and guide research into barriers for vaccination. We focused on those aged 50 years and older, since they are at highest risk of severe disease.

Methods

We performed an ecological study using national vaccination register and socio-demographic data at neighbourhood level. Using univariate and multivariable generalized additive models we examined the (potentially non-linear) effect of each determinant on uptake.

Results

In those over 50 years of age, a higher proportion of individuals with a non-Western migration background and higher voting proportions for right-wing Christian and conservative political parties were at neighbourhood level univariately associated with lower COVID-19 vaccine uptake. In contrast, higher socioeconomic status and higher voting proportions for right-wing liberal, progressive liberal and Christian middle political parties were associated with higher uptake. Multivariable results differed from univariate results in that a higher voting proportion for progressive left-wing political parties was also associated with higher uptake. In addition, with regard to migration background only a Turkish background remained significant.

Conclusion

We identified determinants associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake at neighbourhood level and observed heterogeneity between different subpopulations. Since the goal of the vaccination campaign is not only to reduce suffering and death by improving the average uptake, but also to reduce health inequity, it is important to focus on these hard-to-reach populations.
Covid-19 Vaccination in India: An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Agarwal Sandip K. , Naha Maharnab
Published: February 2023

Our study is designed to explore the patterns in covid vaccination coverage in India at the district level. We use data from the first six months of covid vaccination drive in India that we combine with several other administrative data to create a unique data set that facilitates heterogeneity analysis across different vaccination phases and districts. We find evidence of past reported infection rates positively correlated with higher first dose covid vaccination outcomes. Higher Deaths as a proportion of district population is associated with lower vaccination uptake but as a percentage of reported infection was positively correlated with first dose covid vaccination. Districts that on average had higher population burden per health centre also had lower covid vaccination rates. Vaccination rates were lower in rural areas relative to urban areas whereas the association with literacy rate was positive. A higher vaccination rate among the population with higher blood pressure and hypertension (one of the comorbidities with covid infection) was observed while vaccination rates were lower among pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. Districts with higher percentage of children with complete immunisation were associated with higher covid vaccination rates whereas low vaccination rates were observed in districts that reported relatively higher percentage of wasted children.
Development and validation of a novel mobility test for IRDs, from reality to virtual reality
Authors: Authié Colas , Poujade Mylène , Talebi Alireza , Defer Alexis , Zenouda Ariel , Coen Cécilia , Mohand-Said Saddek , Chaumet-Riffaud Philippe , Audo Isabelle , Sahel José-Alain
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To validate a novel mobility test (MOST, MObility Standardized Test) and performance outcomes in real (RL) and virtual (VR) environments to be used for interventional clinical studies in order to characterize vision impairment in rod-cone dystrophies, also known as retinitis pigmentosa (RP).

Design

Prospective, interventional, non-invasive, longitudinal study (test-retest).

Participants

89 participants in three experimental phases: 15 non visually impaired (controls) in Phase 1 (average age, 27.4 years; 66% women), 14 participants with RP in Phase 2 (average age, 45.2 years, 36% women), and 60 participants (30 RP; average age, 47.4; 44.6% women; and 30 controls, average age, 47.6 years; 45.4% women) in Phase 3.

Methods

We designed a mobility test (MOST) to be used in both VR and RL and ran three experimental studies to (1) validate the difficulty of the mobility courses, (2) determine the optimal number of light levels and training trials, and (3) validate the reproducibility (test-retest), reliability (VR/RL), sensitivity, and construct, and content validity of the test. A comprehensive ophthalmologic examination was performed in all subjects.

Main outcomes measures

The primary outcome is the performance score in the mobility test. The secondary outcomes include visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, dark adaptation thresholds, static and kinetic visual field parameters, and ellipsoid zone from optical coherence tomography. Correlation between the performance score in the mobility tests and visual function were assessed.

Results

Results revealed that the mobility courses developed exhibited statistically similar difficulty, and that five trials are sufficient to control for the learning effect in a session. MOST is highly reproducible (test-retest intra-class correlations > .98) and reliable (correlation VR/RL = .98). MOST achieved a discrimination between RP participants and controls (accuracy larger than 95% in all conditions) and between early and late stages of the disease (mean accuracy of 82.3%). The performance score is correlated with visual function parameter (.57 to .94).

Conclusion

MOST is a tool offering validated mobility test, a controlled learning effect, which demonstrates excellent reproducibility and high agreement between real and virtual conditions, as well as sensitivity and specificity to measure disease progression and therapeutic benefit in IRD.
Sharp/Needlestick Injuries Among Clinical Students at A Tertiary Hospital in Eastern Uganda
Authors: Elisa Ndyamuhakyi , Ssenyonga Lydia , Iramiot Jacob Stanley , Nuwasiima Doreck , Nekaka Rebecca
Published: February 2023

Background

Clinical students, like health workers, are at risk of sharp/needle stick injuries and potential percutaneous exposure to blood and body fluids. They acquire infections like Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) through injuries. This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with sharp injuries among clinical students at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital.

Methods

Across sectional study was carried out at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, a teaching hospital located along Pallisa road, Mbale City, Eastern Uganda. Ethical approval was obtained, Printed and soft copy questionnaires eliciting demographics, injury occurrence and associated factors were randomly and conveniently distributed respectively to 322 clinical students. Data was entered in Microsoft excel, cleaned and exported to STATA version 14 for analysis.

Results

One hundred sixty (55.2%) clinical students had sustained a sharp injury in their clinical practice with a self-reported prevalence of 46.6% in the last year. The majority of the students 93(68.9%), sustained multiple sharp injuries. The common cause and site of injury were solid needles 72(45%) and finger (83.1%). Most students, 197(67.9%) reported ward procedures not being supervised and 124(42%) students worked on 15 and above patients daily. Final year clinical students were more likely to sustain sharp injuries than semi-finalists (P=0.000, OR 3.195% CI 1.7-5.5). Students who worked on ≥15 patients were more likely to sustain a sharp injury than those who attended to < 15 patients daily (P=0.000, OR 6.3 95% CI 3.7-10.8%). Students’ knowledge about sharp/infection control was limited.

Conclusion

This study showed a high prevalence of needle stick injuries among clinical students. The associated factors were; the year of study, having not learned about infection control, the number of patients attended to daily. Students should attend to a manageable number of patients, carry out procedures not rushing while supervised. It is important to create awareness and train students on infection control before and during their deployment in clinical areas as their health and the future of the health sector depend on them.
Piloting a pragmatic clinical audit tool for quality improvement in rural paediatric care in northern Sierra Leone
Authors: Afolabi Muhammed O. , Ayieko Philip , Njie Yusupha , Kowuor Dickens , Adetola Hammed H. , Kamara Bomposseh , Jalloh Abdulai Berber , Swaray Ernest , Odeny Lazarus , Pearce Richmonda M. , Samai Mohamed H. , Deen Gibrilla Fadlu , Koedoyoma Songor , Sesay Isaac G. , Ishola David , Leigh Bailah , Watson-Jones Deborah , Greenwood Brian
Published: February 2023

Hospital admissions and their clinical outcomes can reflect the disease burden in a population and can be utilised as effective surveillance and impact monitoring tools. Inadequate documentation of admissions and their outcomes have contributed to the poor quality of paediatric care in many health care settings in sub-Saharan Africa. We have developed and piloted a simple tool for documentation of basic, standardised patient-level information on causes of admissions, diagnoses, treatments and outcomes in patients admitted to the paediatric ward of a district hospital in a rural community in Sierra Leone.

From 1 August 2019 to 31 July 2021, we used this tool to document the admissions, treatments and clinical outcomes of 1,663 children admitted to this hospital. The majority of the children (1015, 62%) were aged between 12-59 months, were boys (942, 57%), were wasted (516, 31%), stunted (238 14%) or underweight (537, 32%). More than half of the children lived more than 1 km distance from the hospital (876/1410, 62%). Most were admitted before 4pm (1171/1626, 72%) and during weekdays (1231/1662, 74%). The highest number of paediatric admissions occurred in November 2019 and the lowest in April 2020. Severe malaria was the leading cause of admission. More than 80% of the children were successfully treated and discharged home (1356/1663, 81.5%) while 122/1663 (7.3%) died. Children aged under-five years who were underweight, and those who presented with danger signs (e.g. signs of breathing difficulty, dehydration, head injury or severe infections) had a higher risk of death than children without these features (p<0.01; p=0.03; p=0.011 and p= 0.009, respectively).

Lack of systematic documentation of medical histories and poor record keeping of hospital admissions and outcomes can be overcome by using a simple tool. Continuous use of the tool with regular audits could improve delivery of paediatric care in resource-limited settings.
Microbial sensor variation across biogeochemical conditions in the terrestrial deep subsurface
Authors: Goldman Annelise L. , Fulk Emily M. , Momper Lily , Heider Clinton , Mulligan John , Osburn Magdalena , Masiello Caroline A. , Silberg Jonathan J.
Published: February 2023

Microbes can be found in abundance many kilometers underground. While microbial metabolic capabilities have been examined across different geochemical settings, it remains unclear how changes in subsurface niches affect microbial needs to sense and respond to their environment. To address this question, we examined how two component systems (TCS) vary across metagenomes in the Deep Mine Microbial Observatory (DeMMO). TCSs were found at all six subsurface sites, the service water control, and the surface site, with an average of 0.88 sensor histidine kinases (HKs) per 100 genes across all sites. Abundance was greater in subsurface fracture fluids compared with surface-derived fluids, and candidate phyla radiation (CPR) bacteria presented the lowest HK frequencies. Measures of microbial diversity, such as the Shannon diversity index, revealed that HK abundance is inversely correlated with microbial diversity (r2= 0.81). Among the geochemical parameters measured, HK frequency correlated the strongest with variance in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) (r2= 0.82). Taken together, these results implicate the abiotic and biotic properties of an ecological niche as drivers of sensor needs, and they suggest that microbes in environments with large fluctuations in organic nutrients (e.g., lacustrine, terrestrial, and coastal ecosystems) may require greater TCS diversity than ecosystems with low nutrients (e.g., open ocean).

IMPORTANCE

The ability to detect environmental conditions is a fundamental property of all life forms. However, organisms do not maintain the same environmental sensing abilities during evolution. To better understand the controls on microbial sensor abundance, which remain poorly understood, we evaluated how two-component sensor systems evolved within the deep Earth across sampling sites where abiotic and biotic properties vary. We quantify the relative abundances of sensor proteins and find that sensor systems remain abundant in microbial consortia as depth below the Earth’s surface increases. We also observe correlations between sensor system abundances and abiotic (dissolved organic carbon variation) and biotic (consortia diversity) properties across the DeMMO sites. These results suggest that multiple environmental properties drive sensor protein evolution and diversification and highlight the importance of studying metagenomic and geochemical data in parallel to understand the drivers of microbial sensor evolution.
Exosomes derived from BMSCs with miR-124-3p inhibitor protects against LPS-induced endometritis through regulation of DUSP6, p-p65 and p-ERK
Authors: Chen Yihong , Zheng Shan , Zhao Xiumei , Zhang Yi , Yu Suchai , Wei Juanbing
Published: February 2023

Endometritis seriously affects women’s normal life and work. It has been found that microRNA-123-3p (miR-124-3p) expression is abnormally high expression in the patients of chronic endometritis. However, the underlying mechanism for miR-124-3p regulation of endometritis development remains unclear. In our study, we treated human endometrial epithelial cells (HEECs) with LPS to simulate endometrial injuryin vitro. Then, HEEC was treated with miR-124-3p mimics and miR-124-3p inhibitor. Next, exosomes were separated from bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). In addition, BMSCs were co-cultured with HEEC. Later on, dual-luciferase reporter assay was carried out to validate the regulation between miR-124-3p and DUSP6. Results indicated that LPS inhibited the viability of HEEC in time and dose dependent manner. MiR-124-3p inhibitor reversed apoptosis and viability inhibition of HEEC which were induced by LPS. In addition, we also found exosomes could transfer miR-124-3p from BMSCs to HEEC. Besides, BMSCs/anti-miR-124-3p Exo was observed to abolish LPS-induced viability and proliferation inhibition of HEEC by inducing the apoptosis of HEEC. Moreover, BMSCs/anti-miR-124-3p Exo alleviated inflammation of HEEC induced by LPS via upregulating DUSP6 and downregulating p-p65 and p-ERK. Furthermore, BMSCs/anti-miR-124-3p Exo protected against LPS-induced endometritisin vivoby upregulating DUSP6 and downregulating p-p65 and p-ERK. In conclusion, we found that BMSCs/anti-miR-124-3p Exo might be a promising new alternative to treat endometritis.
Cryo-EM Unveils the Processivity Mechanism of Kinesin KIF1A and the Impact of its Pathogenic Variant P305L
Authors: Benoit Matthieu P.M.H. , Rao Lu , Asenjo Ana B. , Gennerich Arne , Sosa Hernando
Published: February 2023

Mutations in the microtubule-associated motor protein KIF1A lead to severe neurological conditions known as KIF1A-associated neurological disorders (KAND). Despite insights into its molecular mechanism, high-resolution structures of KIF1A-microtubule complexes remain undefined. Here, we present 2.7-3.4 Å resolution structures of dimeric microtubule-bound KIF1A, including the pathogenic P305L mutant, across various nucleotide states. Our structures reveal that KIF1A binds microtubules in one- and two-heads-bound configurations, with both heads exhibiting distinct conformations with tight inter-head connection. Notably, KIF1A’s class-specific loop 12 (K-loop) forms electrostatic interactions with the C-terminal tails of both α- and β-tubulin. The P305L mutation does not disrupt these interactions but alters loop-12’s conformation, impairing strong microtubule-binding. Structure-function analysis reveals the K-loop and head-head coordination as major determinants of KIF1A’s superprocessive motility. Our findings advance the understanding of KIF1A’s molecular mechanism and provide a basis for developing structure-guided therapeutics against KAND.
Research on the formation mechanism of product contribution in online product communities: content contribution as a mediating variable
Authors: Qin Min , Zhu Wei , Pan Jinxia , Li Shuqin , Qiu Shanshan
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Enterprises build online product community to expect users to contribute: opinion sharing (content contribution) and product consumption (product contribution). Previous literature rarely focused on both. The purpose of this paper is to explain user contribution mechanism by identifying content contribution and product contribution.

Design/methodology/approach

This research chose Xiaomi-hosted online product community (bbs.xiaomi.cn) and Huawei-hosted online product community (club.huawei.com) where users can freely share ideas and buy products at the same time. Data were crawled from 109,665 community users to construct dependent variable measurement, and 611 questionnaires were used to verify research hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicate that both cognitive needs and personal integration needs have a significant positive impact on browse behavior; social integration needs and hedonic needs have a significant positive impact on content contribution behavior. Browse behavior not only directly affects but also indirectly influences product contribution through content contribution behavior.

Research limitations/implications

Findings of this research provide community managers with useful insights into the relationship between content contribution and product contribution.

Originality/value

This study explains the formation mechanism of user product contribution and reveals the relationship between user content contribution and product contribution in online product community. This paper provides a different way of theorizing user contributions by incorporating uses and gratifications theory into the “Motivation-Behavior-Result” framework.
An algorithm for determining the inner and outer loops of arbitrary parametric surfaces
Authors: Ju Chuanming , Zhang J. , Zhang Yong , Du Xianfeng , Yuan Zheng , Liu Tangying
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an algorithm for determining the inner and outer loops of arbitrary parametric surfaces.

Design/methodology/approach

The algorithm considers two sub-algorithms: one for non-closed surfaces and another one for closed surfaces. The first sub-algorithm named by area positive and negative method (APNM), combines a curve discretization algorithm with the polygon direction judgment algorithm to judge the inner and outer loops of non-closed surfaces. The second sub-algorithm, called by cross-period number method (CPNM), combines a curve discretization algorithm with the periodicity of closed surfaces to judge the type of boundary loops.

Findings

The APNM can use less CPU time to determining the inner and outer loops of the non-closed parametric surfaces. The CPNM can also determine the inner and outer loops of closed parametric surfaces effectively. The judgment results of loops can ensure that the direction of meshes generated on these surfaces is right. And finally ensure the correctness of the numerical simulation results.

Originality/value

Several numerical examples presented have verified the robustness and efficiency of the proposed algorithm. Compared with the conventional algorithm, the more complex the model, the more time the APNM saves in the process of determining the inner and outer loops for non-closed surfaces. The CPNM is also a new method to determining the inner and outer loops for closed parametric surfaces. The single run-time of CPNM is very small and can reach the level of microseconds.
A sustainable–lean implementation methodology: a catalyst for sustainability enhancement of high-rise residential projects
Authors: Khanapure Vidya Umakant , Shastri Sameer S.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The importance of lean and sustainability integration in sustainable construction (SC) has been extensively studied. However, a practical and thorough implementation methodology addressing the project life cycle phases is still inadequate. The present study has developed a novel phase-wise sustainable–lean implementation methodology for high-rise residential projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study has identified the 50 direct conceptual interactions between 11 lean principles and 11 sustainability criteria encompassing 44 different attributes covering 174 sustainability actions. A panel of nine experts validated these interactions, and 50 integration vectors were proposed addressing different phases of the project life cycle of high-rise residential buildings. The experts also analysed the identified integration vectors for their current and likely future implementation in high-rise residential projects.

Findings

The interactions between lean and sustainability principles led to the development of a phase-wise implementation methodology. The experts' survey responses on the current level of implementation revealed that 40, 32 and 28% of integration vectors were implemented rarely, sometimes, and frequently, respectively. For likely future implementation, 28 and 72% integration vectors were reported as very likely and extremely likely to implement, respectively. This survey response highlighted the usefulness of identified integration vectors for enhancing the sustainability of high-rise residential projects.

Originality/value

The proposed sustainable–lean implementation methodology acts as a comprehensive guideline for implementing a lean approach to achieve the objectives of SC in high-rise residential projects. This may facilitate the transition from conventional to sustainable building practices using a lean approach.
Analyzing the impact of stock options on talent retention and knowledge product generativity at knowledge intensive firms
Authors: Talukder Md Farid , Wang Haibo
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Since the subject matters of human resources activities on knowledge intensive firms have been changed by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, this study aims to analyze the impact of stock options on talent retention (knowledge worker retention) and knowledge productivity (innovation) in terms of patents, which directly affect the financial performance of knowledge intensive firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on agency and contingency theory to design the causality model, this study analyzes the data obtained from 227 publicly traded knowledge intensive firms in information technology (IT) and healthcare sectors. Panel data analysis is used to determine the long run causal relationship between firm innovation, knowledge worker retention and financial performance, in addition to ANOVA for evaluating firm size as a lurking variable on the effect of stock options.

Findings

The results of this study demonstrate that, when firm size is taken into account, (1) stock options significantly affect knowledge worker retention and firms' financial performance, and this impact is stronger in a during-pandemic situation than in a pre-pandemic situation (2) firm innovation significantly affects firms' financial performance and this impact is stronger in a during-pandemic situation than in a pre-pandemic situation; (3) knowledge worker retention doesn't have a significant impact on firm innovation and firms' financial performance. Moreover, random effect regression analysis for long-term relationships also depicts the same results: knowledge worker retention has non-significant impact on firm innovation and financial performance, but firm innovation significantly affects financial performance.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, the authors are the first to compare the effects of stock options, knowledge worker retention and firm innovation in both pre- and during-pandemic scenarios where firm size is taken into consideration.
Fatigue reliability framework using enhanced active Kriging-based hierarchical collaborative strategy
Authors: Zhang Hong , Song Lu-Kai , Bai Guang-Chen , Li Xue-Qin
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to improve the computational efficiency and accuracy of fatigue reliability analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

By absorbing the advantages of Markov chain and active Kriging model into the hierarchical collaborative strategy, an enhanced active Kriging-based hierarchical collaborative model (DCEAK) is proposed.

Findings

The analysis results show that the proposed DCEAK method holds high accuracy and efficiency in dealing with fatigue reliability analysis with high nonlinearity and small failure probability.

Research limitations/implications

The effectiveness of the presented method in more complex reliability analysis problems (i.e. noisy problems, high-dimensional issues etc.) should be further validated.

Practical implications

The current efforts can provide a feasible way to analyze the reliability performance and identify the sensitive variables in aeroengine mechanisms.

Originality/value

To improve the computational efficiency and accuracy of fatigue reliability analysis, an enhanced active DCEAK is proposed and the corresponding fatigue reliability framework is established for the first time.
Can traders' meetings boost seed sales of new rice varieties and promote a market-driven seed system? Evidence from Nepal
Authors: Thapa Ganesh , Choudhary Dyutiman , Khanal Narayan Prasad , Gautam Shriniwas
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Farmers in developing countries are used to recycling and purchasing seeds of old and low-yielding varieties, leading to low seed and varietal replacement rates. Seed companies in Nepal have started to conduct traders' meetings (TMs) to promote new rice varieties. This paper aims to assess the effectiveness of this approach in promoting new rice varieties.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors assess the effectiveness of TMs by surveying 238 agrodealers from 7 districts of Nepal. The authors used the binary logit model to study the determinants of participation in TM and an instrumental variable approach to estimate the impact of TMs on sales of the promoted rice varieties.

Findings

Results indicate that the TM significantly influences traders' knowledge and increases the probability of selling new rice varieties promoted. However, TMs did not significantly increase the overall sales of promoted rice varieties.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on cross-section data; thus, unobserved fixed effects could not be accounted for. The study finds only one relevant and valid instrumental variable and therefore could not conduct any exogeneity test.

Originality/value

Seed companies in Nepal started to conduct TMs to promote new rice varieties since 2019. However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the usefulness of TMs and the impact of these events in changing traders' attitudes toward domestic rice seed varieties or in business performance (annual sales of the promoted varieties) have not been assessed. Therefore, the study findings will help to promote the market-driven seed system and increase the seed replacement rate.
Does the Centrual Economic Work Conference (CEWC) affect the stock market?
Authors: Wang Xian , Zhao Yijian , Wang Qingyi , Yixing Huang , George Gabedava
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This paper focuses on the orientation of the economy expressed in the communication of the Central Economic Work Conference (CEWC) of China and its relation with the stock market. This study seeks to explore which orientation of the economy may have a stronger impact on the rise of the stock market. It proposes words connoting orientation of the economy (WOE) that is closely related to the stock market, and different WOE has different impacts on the stock market in terms of intensity. The study aims to provide investors with better investment strategies by identifying the stronger developmental WOE.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for an exploratory study using the textual analysis approach, based on a corpus of 28 CEWC communications spanning from 1994 to 2021. The raw corpus amounted to 50,754 words in total that are treated with noise reduction method and record an effective corpus of 39,591.

Findings

The paper provides empirical insights into the close relationship of the WOE of the CEWC to the stock market, and different WOE has different impacts on the stock market in terms of intensity. It suggests that WOE connoting development may forecast a rising stock market if it is nearly 40% higher than the other two WOEs by impact index.

Research limitations/implications

As WOE is only proven in the CEWC, this paper has its limitations in the scope of samples. It is necessary to apply WOE to more Central Bank communication (CBC) and countries. It is desirable to apply the Gunning–Fog index.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for investors to read out the orientation of the economy and the degree of different WOEs. Investors are keener to know “what” degree of the CEWC leads to the rise/fall of the stock market. The impact index can be an indicator of a tendency of the stock market, which upgrades the rationality of investment decisions.

Social implications

This paper fulfills words connoting the orientation of economy as an identified linguistic feature, which the impact of CEWC on stockmarket can be measured.

Originality/value

Previous academic research studies mostly focus on the impact on stock market from the language features of CBC, rather than that from the more influential body, CEWC communication. This study seeks to provide the relationship of CEWC communication and the time length of the impact on the stock prices.
Equity issues in the provision of online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic in Kenya
Authors: Malenya Francis Likoye , Ohba Asayo
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically review the well-intended plan by the government through the Ministry of Education to continue providing quality learning through online learning and in an equitable and inclusive manner during school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a review of the available literature including assessment reports, academic studies and media reports.

Findings

The paper revealed that despite the visionary plan by the government that the development and implementation of an emergency response plan would ensure equitable and inclusive continued learning for all students, those learners who were disadvantaged, including those living in remote areas and urban informal settlements, girls and learners from low–socio-economic households, found it even harder to access lessons. In fact, the existing digital divide on the part of the learners and schools served to reproduce or even widen inequities in learning. The COVID-19 pandemic evidently made these inequities more visible or even worse. What had been conceived as and intended to be an equitable and inclusive learning exercise ended up marginalising learners in already marginalised spaces.

Research limitations/implications

While the researchers made an attempt to search for as many documents as possible, the documents selected for the paper are limited to those that explored the online learning during COVID-19 in Kenya. These reports were critically examined with a view to providing a clear picture of what online teaching and learning was like and how this picture embraced notions of fairness and inclusivity hence equity. Despite all these, there was the possibility of having some biases in the used reports. However, the researchers carefully read them triangulating them with others with similar information in an attempt to filter biases.

Practical implications

The paper has demonstrated how the learning process can be influenced by the provision of the relevant teaching and learning materials, tools and infrastructure.

Social implications

This paper has clearly demonstrated the position that learning is a social process and which is affected by the social factors such as gender roles, socio-economic status and the social environment in which it occurs.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to ongoing discussion about the potentials and challenges of online learning particularly in a country like Kenya where equity in learning still remains a considerable challenge mainly as a result of the existing socio-economic, regional and gender disparities in learning. The paper makes a contribution in terms of an authentic mode of thinking that should guide the process of provision of “learning for all”.
Participatory budgeting in francophone Africa: a comparative perspective between Benin and Niger
Authors: Lassou Philippe J.C. , Ostojic Mladen , Barboza Jacky Ulrich , Moses Olayinka
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This research aims to examine the introduction of participatory budgeting (PB) in local governments in two Francophone countries, namely, Benin and Niger, and how local contextual factors influence its practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employs a multiple case study design with a comparative approach to analyze the introduction and practices of participatory budgeting across selected municipalities in Benin and Niger. Hopper (2017) and Lassou et al.’s (2018) notion of “pragmatism” within neopatrimonialism is mobilized to analyze the data from sources including interviews and documents. The analysis is conducted at both the country and local government levels.

Findings

Participatory budgeting took roots in a number of municipalities. Its introduction and adoption has promoted participatory governance especially from traditionally marginalized segments of society (e.g. women); albeit to varying degrees, in the face of the prevailing national neopatrimonial context. Furthermore, despite donor's push for a standardized model of PB implementation, actual practices took varying shapes, a consequence of differing local conditions and circumstances.

Research limitations/implications

In terms of limitation, it was not possible to access a number of research participants sought, particularly in Niger. But access to key documents from government, donors and civil society organizations help mitigate this to a large extent.

Practical implications

A major practical implication is the importance of adaptation to local socio-economic contexts and circumstances. As shown in the study, a blanket introduction and implementation of PB across societies based on a standardized model is unlikely to succeed and be sustained in the long run. A great deal of flexibility is required to accommodate indigenous realities on the grounds.

Originality/value

The study contributes to shed light on public sector budgeting regarding participatory budgeting practices in an under-researched setting: Francophone Africa.