bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occupational risk of COVID-19 in foreign-born employees in Denmark
Authors: Bonde J P E , Begtrup L M , Jensen J H , Flachs E M , Jakobsson K , Nielsen C , Nilsson K , Rylander L , Vilhelmsson A , Petersen K U , Tøttenborg S S
Published: May 2023

Background

Foreign-born workers in high-income countries experience higher rates of COVID-19 but the causes are only partially known.

Aims

To examine if the occupational risk of COVID-19 in foreign-born workers deviates from the risk in native-born employees in Denmark.

Methods

Within a registry-based cohort of all residents employed in Denmark (n = 2 451 542), we identified four-digit DISCO-08 occupations associated with an increased incidence of COVID-19-related hospital admission during 2020–21 (at-risk occupations). The sex-specific prevalence of at-risk employment in foreign born was compared with the prevalence in native born. Moreover, we examined if the country of birth modified the risk of a positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test and COVID-19-related hospital admission in at-risk occupations.

Results

Workers born in low-income countries and male workers from Eastern Europe more often worked in at-risk occupations (relative risks between 1.16 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.14–1.17] and 1.87 [95% CI 1.82–1.90]). Being foreign-born modified the adjusted risk of PCR test positivity (test for interaction P < 0.0001), primarily because of higher risk in at-risk occupations among men born in Eastern European countries (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 2.39 [95% CI 2.09–2.72] versus IRR 1.19 [95% CI 1.14–1.23] in native-born men). For COVID-19-related hospital admission, no overall interaction was seen, and in women, country of birth did not consistently modify the occupational risk.

Conclusions

Workplace viral transmission may contribute to an excess risk of COVID-19 in male workers born in Eastern Europe, but most foreign-born employees in at-risk occupations seem not to be at higher occupational risk than native born.
The ageing immune system as a potential target of senolytics
Authors: Du Peter Yandi , Gandhi Ankesh , Bawa Manraj , Gromala Justyna
Published: May 2023

Ageing leads to a sharp decline in immune function, precipitating the development of inflammatory conditions. The combined impact of these processes renders older individuals at greater risk of inflammatory and immune-related diseases, such as cancer and infections. This is compounded by reduced efficacy in interventions aiming to limit disease impact, for instance vaccines being less effective in elderly populations. This state of diminished cellular function is driven by cellular senescence, a process where cells undergo stable growth arrest following exposure to stressful stimuli, and the associated pro-inflammatory secretory phenotype. Removing harmful senescent cells (SnCs) using senolytic therapies is an emerging field holding promise for patient benefit. Current senolytics have been developed either to specifically target SnCs, or repurposed from cancer therapies or vaccination protocols. Herein, we discuss recent developments in senolytic therapies, focusing on how senolytics could be used to combat the age-associated diminution of the immune system. In particular, exploring how these drugs may be used to promote immunity in the elderly, and highlighting recent trials of senolytics in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and diabetic kidney disease. Novel immunotherapeutic approaches including chimeric antigen receptor T-cells or monoclonal antibodies targeting SnCs are being investigated to combat the shortcomings of current senolytics and their adverse effects. The flexible nature of senolytic treatment modalities and their efficacy in safely removing harmful SnCs could have great potential to promote healthy immune function in ageing populations.
The importance of embedding an inclusive culture within healthcare teamwork education; an evaluation of implementation methods
Authors: Langford Emily C , Jain Sunjay
Published: May 2023

Teamworking is a fundamental concept within most organisations and healthcare is no different. It is at the core of everything we do as professionals and has a multitude of impacts including on patient safety, the quality of care that we provide, and staff morale. This paper looks at why we should prioritize advancing teamwork education; argues the advantages of developing an all-encompassing, inclusive team training approach; and summarizes the different methods of how to implement teamwork education within your organisation.

Key messages Good teamworking processes have significant effects on patient safety and staff well-being. Inclusive training has wide-reaching benefits for staff morale, fostering colleague relationships and breaking down hierarchies. Teamwork education should be embedded within all healthcare organisations with the method used depending on organisational culture, hierarchy gradient and learners’ starting knowledge.
Does the halo count on temporal and axillary ultrasound predict time to relapse in giant cell arteritis?
Authors: Esperança Almeida Diogo , Smith Kate , Sarker Borsha A , Barr Andrew , Wakefield Richard J , Mackie Sarah L
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To determine whether the halo count (HC) on temporal and axillary artery US (TAUS) predicts time to relapse in giant cell arteritis (GCA).

Methods

We conducted a single-centre retrospective study of GCA patients. HC, the number of vessels with non-compressible halo on the TAUS at diagnosis, was determined by retrospective review of the US report and images. Relapse was defined as increase in GCA disease activity requiring treatment escalation. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to identify predictors of time to relapse.

Results

A total of 72 patients with confirmed GCA were followed up for a median of 20.9 months. Thirty-seven of 72 (51.4%) relapsed during follow-up, at a median prednisolone dose of 9 mg (range 0–40 mg). Large-vessel (axillary artery) involvement did not predict relapse. On univariable analysis, a higher HC was associated with shorter time to relapse (per-halo hazard ratio 1.15, 95% CI 1.02, 1.30; P = 0.028). However, statistical significance was lost when the 10 GCA patients with an HC of zero were excluded from analysis.

Conclusion

In this real-world setting, relapse occurred at a wide range of glucocorticoid doses and was not predicted by axillary artery involvement. GCA patients with a higher HC at diagnosis were significantly more likely to relapse, but significance was lost on excluding those with HC of zero. HC is feasible in routine care and may be worth incorporating into future prognostic scores. Further research is required to determine whether confirmed GCA patients with negative TAUS represent a qualitatively different subphenotype within the GCA disease spectrum.
Relationship Between Platelets and the Clinical Efficacy of Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells for HBV-Related Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure and Liver Cirrhosis: A Preliminary Clinical Study
Authors: Zhang Ka , Jia Yifan , Shu Xin , Yang Xiaoan , Sun Haixia , Cao Hong , Mei Yongyu , Xiao Canhui
Published: May 2023

Background

Previous studies have found that the production of platelets could enhance the therapeutic effects of stem cells. Nevertheless, there are still no articles reporting on the relationship between platelets and the clinical efficacy of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) for HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) and liver cirrhosis (LC).

Methods

In this retrospective observational study, patients who met the criteria were included. Patients were divided into subgroups according to the aims of this study. In the first part, the platelet count changes of ACLF and patients with LC after UCMSC therapy were compared and analyzed. Subgroup analysis based on UCMSC infusion times and patient age was also performed. In the second part, patients in the ACLF group and LC group were further divided into subgroups according to their platelet levels. Their clinical characteristics, demographics, and biochemical factors were compared.

Results

This study enrolled 64 patients with ACLF and 59 patients with LC. In both groups, platelet levels declined similarly. Compared with the short-course UCMSC treatment group (≤4 times), patients with ACLF and patients with LC with long-course UCMSC treatment (>4 times) showed an overall increasing trend. Younger patients with LC (<45 years) had significantly higher platelet levels than older patients with LC (≥45 years). However, this age difference was not present in the ACLF group. The median TBIL decrease and cumulative TBIL decrease were not significantly different between patients with high PLT and patients with low PLT after UCMSC transfusions. For patients with ACLF, the cumulative TBIL decrease and the median TBIL decrease were significantly greater than those of patients with LC at the same platelet level after UCMSC treatment. However, this difference was not observed at all time points.

Conclusion

Trend of the platelet levels for HBV-related patients with ACLF and LC after UCMSC treatment did not parallel and varied according to treatment times and patients’ age. Platelet levels did not affect the efficacy of MSCs for patients with ACLF or LC.
New material of Parabrachyodus hyopotamoides from Samane Nala, Bugti Hills (Pakistan) and the origin of Merycopotamini (Mammalia: Hippopotamoidea)
Authors: Gernelle Killian , Lihoreau Fabrice , Boisserie Jean-Renaud , Marivaux Laurent , MéTais Grégoire , Antoine Pierre-Olivier
Published: May 2023

Revision of the anthracothere Parabrachyodus hyopotamoides, endemic to the Lower Miocene of the Indian subcontinent and thus far confused with Brachyodus, is made possible by the description of unpublished specimens from the Samane Nala fossil-bearing deposits of the Bugti Hills (Pakistan). This is the first biochronologically constrained occurrence for a comprehensive series of this species. The analysis of cranial and dental morphological variations based on all known specimens of Parabrachyodus allows us to provide diagnostic characters for this monotypic genus. These include a four-crested upper molar protocone unique among artiodactyls and several convergences with subfamily Anthracotheriinae, like the two puzzling distal cristae on the last upper premolar protocone. A phylogenetic analysis at the hippopotamoid level, including Parabrachyodus and the enigmatic genera Telmatodon and Gonotelma (both also endemic to the Bugti Hills), is performed for the first time. These phylogenetically related taxa turn out to be basal to the tribe Merycopotamini, leading us to propose a more inclusive definition of the diagnosis of this tribe. Our results formally establish Elomeryx as the sister-group of Merycopotamini in Bothriodontinae, and definitely locate the early evolutionary history of Merycopotamini on the Indian subcontinent.
Effect of Pedicle Screw Size on Surgical Outcomes Following Surgery for 412 Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients
Authors: Sarwahi Vishal , Hasan Sayyida , Koutsogiannis Petros , Visahan Keshin , Rao Himanshu , Patil Aravind , Lo Yungtai , Amaral Terry , DiMauro Jon-Paul
Published: May 2023

Study Design.

Retrospective Review.

Objective.

The objective of this study was to determine differences in surgical and post-operative outcomes in AIS patients undergoing spinal deformity correction surgery using standard or large pedicle screw size.

Summary of Background.

Use of pedicle screw fixation in spinal deformity correction surgery is considered safe and effective. Still, the small size of the pedicle and the complex 3D anatomy of the thoracic spine makes screw placement challenging, with improper pedicle screw fixation leading to catastrophic complications including injuries to nerve roots, spinal cord, and major vessels. Thus, insertion of larger diameter screw sizes has raised concerns amongst surgeons, especially in the pediatric population.

Materials and Methods.

AIS patients undergoing PSF between 2013 and 2019 were included. Demographic, radiographic, and operative outcomes collected. Patients in the large screw size group (GpI) received 6.5 mm diameter screw sizes at all levels while standard screw size group (GpII) received 5.0 to 5.5 mm diameter screw sizes at all levels. Kruskall-Wallis and Fisher’s exact test performed for continuous and categorical variables respectively.

Subanalyses included (1) screw accuracy in patients with available CT scans, (2) stratified analysis of large- and standard-screw patients with ≥60% flexibility rate, (3) stratified analysis of large- and standard-screw patients with <60% flexibility rate, and (4) matched analysis of large- and standard-screw patients by surgeon and year of surgery.

Results.

GpI patients experienced significantly higher overall curve correction (P<0.001), with 87.6% experiencing at least one grade reduction of apical vertebral rotation from preoperative to postoperative visit(P=0.008).

Patients with larger screws displayed higher postoperative kyphosis. No patient experienced medial breaching.

Conclusion.

Large screw sizes have similar safety profiles to standard screws without negatively impacting surgical and perioperative outcomes in AIS patients undergoing PSF. Additionally, coronal, sagittal, and rotational correction is superior for larger-diameter screws in AIS patients.
Implementation of digital home monitoring and management of respiratory disease
Authors: Pinnock Hilary , Hui Chi Yan , van Boven Job F.M.
Published: May 2023

Purpose of review

Digital respiratory monitoring interventions (e.g. smart inhalers and digital spirometers) can improve clinical outcomes and/or organizational efficiency, and the focus is shifting to sustainable implementation as an approach to delivering respiratory care. This review considers key aspects of the technology infrastructure, discusses the regulatory, financial and policy context that influence implementation, and highlights the over-arching societal themes of equity, trust and communication.

Recent findings

Technological requirements include developing interoperable and connected systems; establishing stable, wide internet coverage; addressing data accuracy and monitoring adherence; realising the potential of artificial intelligence; and avoiding clinician data overload. Policy challenges include concerns about quality assurance and increasingly complex regulatory systems. Financial barriers include lack of clarity over cost-effectiveness, budget impact and reimbursement. Societal concerns focus on the potential to increase inequities because of poor e-health literacy, deprivation or lack of available infrastructure, the need to understand the implications for patient/professional interactions of shifting care to remote delivery and ensuring confidentiality of personal data.

Understanding and addressing the implementation challenges posed by gaps in policy, regulatory, financial, and technical infrastructure is essential to support delivery of equitable respiratory care that is acceptable to patients and professionals.
Effects of response format on achievement and aptitude assessment results: multi-level random effects meta-analyses
Authors: Breuer Sonja , Scherndl Thomas , Ortner Tuulia M.
Published: May 2023

Psychological achievement and aptitude tests are fundamental elements of the everyday school, academic and professional lives of students, instructors, job applicants, researchers and policymakers. In line with growing demands for fair psychological assessment tools, we aimed to identify psychometric features of tests, test situations and test-taker characteristics that may contribute to the emergence of test bias. Multi-level random effects meta-analyses were conducted to estimate mean effect sizes for differences and relations between scores from achievement or aptitude measures with open-ended (OE) versus closed-ended (CE) response formats. Results from 102 primary studies with 392 effect sizes revealed positive relations between CE and OE assessments (mean
r
= 0.67, 95% CI [0.57; 0.76]), with negative pooled effect sizes for the difference between the two response formats (mean
d
av
= −0.65; 95% CI [−0.78; −0.53]). Significantly higher scores were obtained on CE exams. Stem-equivalency of items, low-stakes test situations, written short answer OE question types, studies conducted outside the United States and before the year 2000, and test-takers' achievement motivation and sex were at least partially associated with smaller differences and/or larger relations between scores from OE and CE formats. Limitations and the results’ implications for practitioners in achievement and aptitude testing are discussed.
First insights into the shortfin mako shark (
Isurus oxyrinchus
) fine-scale swimming behaviour
Authors: Saraiva Bruno M. , Macena Bruno C. L. , Solleliet-Ferreira Silvio , Afonso Pedro , Fontes Jorge
Published: May 2023

As regional endotherms, lamnid sharks can sustain high cruising speeds and perform frequent speed bursts. However, since endothermy comes with high energetic costs, lamnids may adopt different swimming strategies to manage their energy budget. Understanding such strategies is essential to provide behavioural and physiological context to their broader movement ecology. The endangered shortfin mako (
Isurus oxyrinchus
) possibly has the highest energy requirements among lamnids, but our understanding of its swimming behaviour is still limited. We equipped three shortfin mako sharks with high-resolution multi-sensor tags to measure their swimming kinematics in the wild. While swimming horizontally, individuals favoured tail-beat frequencies around 0.6 Hz at speeds comparable to those of ectothermic sharks (
ca
0.5 m s
−1
). All individuals displayed yo-yo-like diving patterns where, for a given tail-beat frequency, speeds were higher during descents, as expected for a negatively buoyant fish. Contrary to what was expected, gliding was almost absent (less than 1.31%). Speed bursts reaching up to 3.6 m s
−1
were observed during the day but ceased shortly after dusk, implying a diel change in swimming behaviour. As large-scale research efforts are hindered by this species' increasing rarity, opportunistic high-resolution datasets, like the present, are fundamental to improve our understanding of shortfin mako's behaviour and ecology.
Approximating the parallel transport of an induced connection
Authors: Harland Derek
Published: May 2023

Efficient numerical methods to approximate the parallel transport operators of the induced connection on a sub-bundle of a vector bundle are presented. These methods are simpler than naive applications of a Runge–Kutta algorithm and have accuracy up to order 4. They have the desirable property of being insensitive to choices of trivialization of the sub-bundle. The methods were developed to solve a problem of computing skyrmions using the Atiyah–Manton–Sutcliffe and Atiyah–Drinfeld–Hitchin–Manin constructions, but are applicable to a broader range of problems in computational geometry.
Ecological network analysis of traits reveals variable response capacity to stress
Authors: Gladstone-Gallagher Rebecca V. , Hewitt Judi E. , Siwicka Ewa , Gammal Johanna M. , Brustolin Marco C. , Norkko Alf , Pilditch Conrad A. , Thrush Simon F.
Published: May 2023

Response diversity increases the potential ‘options’ for ecological communities to respond to stress (i.e. response capacity). An indicator of community response diversity is the diversity of different traits associated with their capacity to be resistant to stress, to recover and to regulate ecosystem functions. We conducted a network analysis of traits using benthic macroinvertebrate community data from a large-scale field experiment to explore the loss of response diversity along environmental gradients. We elevated sediment nutrient concentrations (a process that occurs with eutrophication) at 24 sites (in 15 estuaries) with varying environmental conditions (water column turbidity and sediment properties). Macroinvertebrate community response capacity to nutrient stress was dependent on the baseline trait network complexity in the ambient community (i.e. non-enriched sediments). The greater the complexity of the baseline network, the less variable the network response to nutrient stress was; in contrast, more variable responses to nutrient stress occurred with simpler networks. Thus, stressors or environmental variables that shift baseline network complexity also shift the capacity for these ecosystems to respond to additional stressors. Empirical studies that explore the mechanisms responsible for loss of resilience are essential to inform our ability to predict changes in ecological states.
Demographic and socioeconomic determinants of access to care: A subgroup disparity analysis using new equity-focused measurements
Authors: Qi Miao , Santos Henrique , Pinheiro Paulo , McGuinness Deborah L. , Bennett Kristin P.
Published: May 2023

Disparities in healthcare access and utilization associated with demographic and socioeconomic status hinder advancement of health equity. Thus, we designed a novel equity-focused approach to quantify variations of healthcare access/utilization from the expectation in national target populations. We additionally applied survey-weighted logistic regression models, to identify factors associated with usage of a particular type of health care. To facilitate generation of analysis datasets, we built an NHANES knowledge graph to help automate source-level dynamic analyses across different survey years and subjects’ characteristics.

We performed a cross-sectional subgroup disparity analysis of 2013-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) on U.S. adults for receipt of diabetes treatments and vaccines against Hepatitis A (HAV), Hepatitis B (HBV), and Human Papilloma (HPV). Results show that, in populations with hemoglobin A1c level≥6%, patients with non-private insurance were less likely to receive newer and more beneficial antidiabetic medications; being Asian further exacerbated these disparities. For widely used drugs such as insulin, Asians experienced insignificant disparities in odds of prescription compared to White patients but received highly inadequate treatments with regard to their distribution in U.S. diabetic population. Vaccination rates were associated with some demographic/socioeconomic factors but not the others at different degrees for different diseases. For instance, equity scores increase with rising education levels for HBV while decrease with rising wealth levels for HPV. Among women vaccinated against HPV, minorities and poor communities usually received Cervarix while non-Hispanic White and higher-income groups received the more comprehensive Gardasil vaccine.

Our study identified and quantified the impact of determinants of healthcare utilization for antidiabetic medications and vaccinations. Our new methods for semantics-aware disparity analysis of NHANES data could be readily generalized to other public health goals to support more rapid identification of disparities and development of policies, thus advancing health equity.
Ambient nitrogen dioxide in 47,187 neighborhoods across 326 cities in eight Latin American countries: population exposures and associations with urban features
Authors: Kephart Josiah L. , Gouveia Nelson , Rodriguez Daniel A. , Indvik Katy , Alfaro Tania , Texcalac José Luis , Miranda J. Jaime , Bilal Usama , Diez Roux Ana V.
Published: May 2023

Background

Health research on ambient nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is sparse in Latin America, despite the high prevalence of NO2-associated respiratory diseases in the region. This study describes within-city distributions of ambient NO2concentrations at high spatial resolution and urban characteristics associated with neighborhood ambient NO2in 326 Latin American cities.

Methods

We aggregated estimates of annual surface NO2at 1 km2spatial resolution for 2019, population counts, and urban characteristics compiled by the SALURBAL project to the neighborhood level (i.e., census tracts). We described the percent of the urban population living with ambient NO2levels exceeding WHO Air Quality Guidelines. We used multilevel models to describe associations of neighborhood ambient NO2concentrations with population and urban characteristics at the neighborhood and city levels.

Findings

We examined 47,187 neighborhoods in 326 cities from eight Latin American countries. Of the ≈236 million urban residents observed, 85% lived in neighborhoods with ambient annual NO2above WHO guidelines. In adjusted models, higher neighborhood-level educational attainment, closer proximity to the city center, and lower neighborhood-level greenness were associated with higher ambient NO2. At the city level, higher vehicle congestion, population size, and population density were associated with higher ambient NO2.

Interpretation

Almost nine out of every 10 residents of Latin American cities live with ambient NO2concentrations above WHO guidelines. Increasing neighborhood greenness and reducing reliance on fossil fuel-powered vehicles warrant further attention as potential actionable urban environmental interventions to reduce population exposure to ambient NO2.

Funding

Wellcome Trust, National Institutes of Health, Cotswold Foundation
Reversal of an existing hearing loss inSpns2mutant mice
Authors: Martelletti Elisa , Ingham Neil J. , Steel Karen P.
Published: May 2023

Hearing loss is highly heterogeneous but one common form involves a failure to maintain the local ionic environment of the sensory hair cells reflected in a reduced endocochlear potential. We used a genetic approach to ask if this type of pathology can be reversed, using theSpns2tm1amouse mutant known to show this defect. By activatingSpns2gene transcription at different ages after the onset of hearing loss we found that an existing auditory impairment can be reversed to give close to normal thresholds for an Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR), at least at low to mid stimulus frequencies. Delaying the activation ofSpns2led to less effective recovery of ABR thresholds suggesting there is a critical period for intervention. Early activation ofSpns2not only led to improvement in auditory function but also to protection of sensory hair cells from secondary degeneration. The genetic approach we have used to establish that this type of hearing loss is in principle reversible could be extended to many other diseases using available mouse resources.

Significance statement

Neurological diseases are often thought to be irreversible, including hearing loss. In this study we found that one type of hearing loss can be reversed as long as the treatment is delivered within a critical period early in disease progression. This result is a proof-of-concept that hearing loss not only can be avoided but also may be reversed. This genetic approach can be used for a wide range of diseases using existing mouse resources.
Prokaryotic Gabija complex senses and executes nucleotide depletion and DNA cleavage for antiviral defense
Authors: Cheng Rui , Huang Fengtao , Lu Xueling , Yan Yan , Yu Bingbing , Wang Xionglue , Zhu Bin
Published: May 2023

The Gabija antiviral system consists of the GajA and GajB proteins. We previously revealed that GajA is a DNA nicking endonuclease. In this work, we found that the DNA binding of GajA is strictly inhibited by NTP. Furthermore, the antiviral defense of GajA requires the assistance from GajB, which senses DNA termini produced from the DNA nicking by GajA to hydrolyze (d)A/(d)GTP. The synergy between the DNA cleavage by GajA and the nucleotide hydrolysis by GajB results in an efficient abortive infection defense against virulent bacteriophages. GajA binds to GajB to form stable complexesin vivoandin vitro. However, a functional Gabija complex requires the molecular ratio between GajB and GajA below 1:1. Through (i) sequential sensing and executing the nucleotide depletion and DNA cleavage to cause a cascade suicide effect and (ii) stoichiometry regulation of the DNA/nucleotide processing complex, the Gabija system exhibits a unique mechanism distinct from other known prokaryotic antiviral systems.
A multivariate regression analysis of barriers to digital technologies adoption in the construction industry
Authors: Chen Xichen , Chang-Richards Alice Yan , Yiu Tak Wing , Ling Florence Yean Yng , Pelosi Antony , Yang Nan
Published: May 2023

Purpose

With growing concern about sustainable development and increased awareness of environmental issues, digital technologies (DTs) are gaining prominence and becoming a promising trend to improve productivity, sustainability and project performance in the construction industry. Nonetheless, the uptake of DTs in the construction industry has been limited and plagued with roadblocks. This study aims to identify critical barriers for construction organisations to adopt DTs and to demonstrate relationships between organisational characteristics and the perceived DTs adoption barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted an explanatory sequential design by combining the advantages of quantitative and qualitative data. Data collection methods include literature review, a pilot study, questionnaire survey, and semi-structured interviews. Questionnaire data were analysed by using SPSS and multivariate regression technique. The interview data were processed by using content analysis to validate and supplement findings from the questionnaire.

Findings

Based on the survey and interview results, eight critical barriers were identified: the three top critical barriers are (1) “status quo industry standards”, (2) “lack of client interest” and (3) “lack of financial need/drive for using DTs”. The eight critical barriers were further classified into technical, environmental, and social dimensions to determine the major constructs that hinder DTs adoption. A theoretical framework articulating critical barriers with underlying components and root causes was also proposed. Furthermore, by using multivariate regression analysis, a model was developed to link the organisational characteristics with barriers to DTs adoption.

Practical implications

By referring to the framework and the model developed, academics, industry practitioners, and decision makers can identify pivotal areas for improvement, make informed decisions and implement remedial measures to remove the barriers to digitalisation transformation.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on construction innovations by investigating barriers to DTs adoption holistically as well as perceptions of the impact of organisational attributes on these barriers. It establishes the groundwork for future empirical research into the strategic consolidation of movement of DTs adoption and diffusion.
The interplay of servant leadership behaviors and Machiavellianism on perceived leader effectiveness: the role of team conflict management
Authors: Xiu Lin , Lv Feng , van Dierendonck Dirk
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the influence of the interplay between servant leadership behaviors and Machiavellianism on leader effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on trait activation theory and motivation to lead theory, the authors hypothesize that the effect of servant leadership behaviors on perceived leadership effectiveness is manifested differently in teams with high-Machiavellian vs. low-Machiavellian leaders. In teams with low-Machiavellian leaders, servant leadership behaviors are expected to be associated with a cooperative way of handling team conflicts, which enhances employees' leader effectiveness ratings. In contrast, in teams with high-Machiavellian leaders, this mediation role vanishes due to the incongruency between Machiavellian traits and the cooperative context. The authors conducted a two-wave survey-based study and tested the hypotheses with a matched supervisor-employee sample from 310 employees and their leaders in 91 teams.

Findings

The results showed that servant leadership behaviors positively impact leadership effectiveness and that this effect takes place through cooperative team conflict management (TCM) without controlling for leaders' Machiavellian trait. Further analysis shows this mediation mechanism is only strong and significant in teams led by low-Machiavellian leaders, but not high-Machiavellian leaders.

Originality/value

To the authors’ best knowledge, this is the first study that examines the interplay of servant leadership behaviors and Machiavellianism on perceived leader effectiveness.
Simulation-based education in classroom and clinical settings in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review
Authors: Msosa Annie , Msiska Masauko , Mapulanga Patrick , Mtambo Jim , Mwalabu Gertrude
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this systematic review was to explore the benefits and challenges in the implementation of simulation-based education (SBE) in the classroom and clinical settings in sub-Saharan Africa. The objectives of this systematic review were to identify the benefits of utilising SBE in the classroom and clinical practice in sub-Saharan Africa and to assess the challenges in the implementation of SBE in the classroom and clinical practice in sub-Saharan Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

Five databases were searched for existing English literature (Medline, CINAHL and Science Direct), including grey literature on the subject. Out of 26 eligible studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa between 2014 and 2021, six studies that used mixed-methods design were included. Hawker et al.’s framework was used to assess the quality of the studies. Quantitative data were presented using descriptive and inferential statistics in the form of means and standard deviations while qualitative data were analysed and presented thematically.

Findings

Quantitative findings showed that participants rated SBE highly in terms of teaching (93.2%), learning (91.4%) and skill acquisition (88.6%). SBE improved the clinical skill competency from 30% at baseline to 75% at the end. On the other hand, qualitative findings yielded themes namely: improved confidence and competence; knowledge acquisition and critical thinking; motivation and supervision; independent, self-paced learning; simulation equipment and work schedules; and planning and delivery of simulation activity. Pedagogical skills, competence and confidence are some of the elements that determine the feasibility of implementing SBE in the classroom and clinical settings.

Practical implications

SBE could help to bridge the gap between theory and practice and improve the quality of care provided by nurses. Simulation-based training is effective in improving the clinical skills of midwives and increasing their confidence in providing care. However, SBE trainees require motivation and close supervision in classroom settings if simulation is to be successfully implemented in sub-Saharan Africa. Furthermore, careful planning of scenarios, students briefing and reading of content prior to implementation facilitate effective simulation.

Originality/value

While there may be a lack of literature on the use of SBE for training nurses and midwives in the developing world, there is growing evidence that it can be an effective way to improve clinical skills and quality of care. However, there are also significant challenges to implementing simulation-based training in resource-limited settings, and more research is needed to understand how best to address these challenges. This study fills this gap in the literature.
An evaluation of blood collection efficiency at the regional level: the case of Turkey
Authors: Agac Gokhan , Baki Birdogan , Atici Kazim Baris
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study is to analyze Turkey's blood collection efficiency at the regional level between 2018 and 2021 and discuss managerial implications.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilize data envelopment analysis (DEA) to evaluate the efficiency scores of the 18 regions for which the Turkish Red Crescent is responsible. The data set is obtained from the General Directorate of Blood Services in the Turkish Red Crescent.

Findings

The results reveal that the efficient regions over the years did not substantially change, and regions that were consistently efficient for a four-year period are identified. Another finding is that COVID-19 did not affect the blood collection efficiency of the regions. Moreover, the findings illustrate that concentrating on the operations would contribute more to the blood collection efficiency than changing the scale size. Furthermore, the authors observe that the service population is by far the most important variable in determining the efficiency of the regions.

Originality/value

In this study, the authors present a multi-dimensional perspective on the performance evaluation of blood collection operations. In addition, the authors present blood bank managers' feedback on the performance evaluation model, outlining managerial implications. Furthermore, the authors explore the effects of the pandemic on blood collection in Turkey and illustrate the changes in efficiency throughout a distinct period that incorporates the pandemic. The study would provide a guide for blood bank managers to improve the performance of their organizations.
Monetary policy, macroeconomic uncertainty and corporate liquid asset demand: a firm-level analysis for India
Authors: Priya Pragati , Sharma Chandan
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The study examines how the liquid assets holdings among non-financial Indian firms vary due to tightening monetary policy and increasing macroeconomic uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyze 5,640 firms for the period 2011–2021. The authors first estimate India’s monetary policy shocks by decomposing the exogenous shocks from the systematic component of monetary policy changes. The authors then examine the effects of the estimated monetary policy shocks and a range of macroeconomic and policy uncertainty indicators on companies’ cash and bank balances to asset ratios using two-step system generalized method of moments (GMM) estimators.

Findings

The authors find that monetary policy shocks cause the cross-sectional variances for the firms’ liquidity holdings to increase. In anticipation of macroeconomic volatility, companies respond to these shocks after taking into account all the firm-level information to minimize the opportunity costs of holding extra cash or too few cash balances that can hamper firms’ operations. Furthermore, compared to other shocks, the contribution of inflation-induced shocks is predicted to be the largest in the cross-sectional deviation of the firm’s cash holdings. The authors also find that low-growth, older and financially constrained firms observe lesser heterogeneity in their cash holdings as they tend to hold cash as a precautionary buffer.

Originality/value

The authors’ approach to the analysis is unique in many ways. To address potential transmission bias, the authors use nowcasts and forecasts of real gross domestic product (GDP) growth and inflation to generate a series of exogenous monetary policy shocks for identifying unanticipated changes in short-term interest rates. Subsequently, the authors estimate how these shocks affect the cross-sectional deviation of liquid assets. For estimating the effects of macroeconomic uncertainty on corporate cash demand, the authors utilize a range of proxies for uncertainty. Unlike previous attempts, the authors offer evidence for a developing and fast-emerging economy.
The role of sustainable development in the academic curriculum and prospective employment: a survey of information technology students in Bulgaria
Authors: Charkova Denitza Anguelova , Somova Elena
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The information technology (IT) sector is a powerful factor in present-day society, and its role in pro-sustainability policies is crucial. This study aims to gain insight into IT students' perspectives on the role of education for sustainable development (ESD) in their academic curriculum as well as to project their attitudes and actions to prospective employers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a cross-sectional survey design, involving 260 students majoring in IT at a public university in Bulgaria.

Findings

The majority of the students (67.30%) believed that their university education should promote students’ social and environmental skills. However, 55–65% thought that the current academic curriculum failed to connect subject matter with relevant environmental issues. The students held high expectations of prospective employers. There was a significant concordance between the participants' views on sustainability and their perceived workplace actions. The participants who believed that employers should reduce carbon emissions were significantly more likely to refuse to do any work that supports the fossil fuel industry [odds ratio (OR) = 4.82, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.04–11.37] or leave a job if the company provides products or services for the fossil fuel industry (OR = 3.10, 95% CI: 1.26–7.26). Such participants were more likely to opt for a lower salary in favor of environmental principles (OR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.32–4.28).

Social implications

The IT sector is a powerful factor in present-day society, and its role in pro-sustainability policies is crucial. IT students’ perspectives on the gaps in current sustainability practices convey a message to the IT academic and employment communities that environmental issues matter and are important to this new generation of technologically savvy people.

Originality/value

There have been a few other studies in Bulgaria on the issue of ESD, but no other study has focused on the projection of students' attitudes toward the environment onto future employers. The study's results showed that the Bulgarian young people who were getting ready for jobs in the IT field had the same environmental values and concerns as their peers from different higher education areas in different parts of the world. They were interested in acquiring knowledge and competencies that would help propel pro-environmental actions in their academic institution and future workplace. Notwithstanding the overall low economic standards in their country, they tended to put carbon-free and environmentally friendly policies ahead of financial interests. Their critical perspectives on the gaps in current sustainability practices convey a message to the academic and job communities in IT that environmental issues matter to this new generation of technologically savvy people.
Examining the prospect of online education as drivers of effective and uninterrupted university education in the post-COVID-19 era
Authors: Ajibo Henry T. , Ene Jacinta C.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The impact of COVID-19 on the educational systems across the globe was characterized by the shutdown of university education systems. In the post COVID-19 era, examining the prospect of on-line education becomes demanding with emphasis on promoting effective and uninterrupted university education sector in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed phenomenological and descriptive research design. The sample size for the study was 15, comprising university lecturers, students and school social workers. In-depth Interview (IDI) interview was the instrument for data collection.

Findings

Findings revealed that university education in Nigeria was adversely disrupted by COVID-19 lockdown during the pandemic. Similarly, the study revealed that online education will facilitate effective and uninterrupted university education in post-COVID-19 era. Challenges such as lack of access to laptops, smartphones, reliable internet services, electricity etc. are major obstacles to an effective transition to online education in the post-COVID-19 University education era. The students lamented that poor knowledge of ICT by their lecturers and inclusivity of indigent/disabled students were major concerns.

Originality/value

Revitalizing the education sector is a core concern for low-income countries. Online education presents the lasting solution to the constant interruption of university education in Africa. Promoting effective and uninterrupted university education is pegged on an adequate government education budgetary allocation targeted towards providing an enabling environment for online education to thrive. The study recommends that school social workers' engagement in the educational sector would help advocate for the availability of technological infrastructures and mainstreaming of the poor and disabled in the online education dispensation.
COVID-19 and financial institution stability: stress testing the Eastern Caribbean currency union
Authors: DaSouza Dalano , Martin Kareem , Abraham Jr Peter , Davis Godson
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to simulate the potential impact of increasing non-performing loans (NPLs) on capital adequacy, interest income and firm value of banks and credit unions in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) using stress tests.

Design/methodology/approach

A financial stress testing model was deployed at the levels of individual financial intermediary (FI), sectoral loan portfolio composition, individual member country, and the ECCU collectively, to investigate the impact of NPL shocks on FI stability.

Findings

The authors find that shocks impact the capital adequacy of banks less than that of credit unions, but that firm value of banks is more susceptible to increases in NPLs. Interest income responses to NPL shocks were linked to credit exposure from the tourism sector, which also reduced capital adequacy more than other economic sectors. Findings show that while the COVID-19 pandemic occasioned some increase in NPLs, the magnitude of impact was significantly mitigated by pro-stability policies including loan repayment moratoria and restructuring, guidance on the distribution of profits and deleveraging by financial institutions leading up to 2020.

Originality/value

The paper is among the first to use stress testing on the Caribbean in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Past studies which have used stress test models in the region have not explicitly investigated the impact of credit shocks on risk-weighted assets or interest income as done herein, nor do they include credit unions in the modeling. The results offer novel evaluations as well as implications for FIs in other developing economies, especially those that share a comparable financial and economic architecture.
“We do employ some morons”: police trainers' opinions on recruitment procedures
Authors: Sweeting Fay Rachel , Cole Terri
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Police training is in a period of transition, requiring new recruits to already have, or work towards, a policing degree. However, recruitment procedures have not significantly changed in the past few decades. With psychometric testing commonplace in North America and Australasia to help ensure the right recruits are selected, this research seeks to understand if police trainers feel there is scope for a similar process in the United Kingdom (UK).

Design/methodology/approach

Twenty-five police training staff across four different police forces took part in a total of six focus groups to discuss views on this and other areas of recruitment.

Findings

Results indicated that police trainers are concerned about the quality and aptitude of recruits. Support was given for the introduction of formal psychometric testing to prevent unsuitable candidates from successfully joining and/or to give trainers better insight into the personalities of their students.

Originality/value

There was general concern from female trainers that the police environment new recruits entered still bore elements of covert sexism. Trainers' views on reforms to police recruitment, the implications of this and areas for future study are discussed.