bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Balance Ability and Occupational Performance in Patients With Parkinson’s Disease and On-Medication-State Freezing of Gait
Authors: Cabrera-Martos Irene , Escamilla-Sevilla Francisco , Marín-Romero Bartolomé , Muñoz-Vigueras Natalia , Rodríguez-Torres Janet , López-López Laura , Prados-Román Esther , Valenza Marie Carmen
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to examine balance ability and occupational performance in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and on-medication-state freezing of gait (FOG).

Design

A cohort study with three groups was conducted.

Methods

Seven patients with PD and on-medication-state FOG with optimized pharmacological therapy; seven patients with PD matched by age, gender, length of time since diagnosis, and Hoehn and Yahr stage; and seven controls were included. Outcomes included balance and occupational performance. Nonparametric analyses were used.

Findings

Significant differences were found between the two subgroups of patients with PD in the Timed Up & Go Test when adding a cognitive task, dual-task interference, and self-confidence in balance.

Conclusions

Patients with PD and on-medication-state FOG had lower scores on dual-task interference and self-confidence than matched PD patients.

Clinical Relevance

The assessment and rehabilitation approach for patients with PD and on-medication-state FOG should include balance confidence and dual-task interference.
Foreign Membership of the Royal Society: Schrödinger and Heisenberg?
Authors: Clary David C.
Published: March 2022

Two pioneers of quantum mechanics, Erwin Schrödinger and Werner Heisenberg, were both nominated by Paul Dirac for election to the Royal Society in 1945. At first there was considerable opposition to Heisenberg's election from Max Born, Rudolf Peierls and Francis Simon. These three physicists were all refugees from Germany who had reservations about Heisenberg's activities in World War II. Born gave strong support to Schrödinger's nomination but this was not the case with Peierls and Simon. In time, the opposition became more muted and Schrödinger was elected a Foreign Member in 1949. Heisenberg's subsequent efforts to rebuild science in West Germany and in Europe after the war were welcomed, and he was eventually elected a Foreign Member in 1955.
Integrated phylogenomics and fossil data illuminate the evolution of beetles
Authors: Cai Chenyang , Tihelka Erik , Giacomelli Mattia , Lawrence John F. , Ślipiński Adam , Kundrata Robin , Yamamoto Shûhei , Thayer Margaret K. , Newton Alfred F. , Leschen Richard A. B. , Gimmel Matthew L. , Lü Liang , Engel Michael S. , Bouchard Patrice , Huang Diying , Pisani Davide , Donoghue Philip C. J.
Published: March 2022

Beetles constitute the most biodiverse animal order with over 380 000 described species and possibly several million more yet unnamed. Recent phylogenomic studies have arrived at considerably incongruent topologies and widely varying estimates of divergence dates for major beetle clades. Here, we use a dataset of 68 single-copy nuclear protein-coding (NPC) genes sampling 129 out of the 193 recognized extant families as well as the first comprehensive set of fully justified fossil calibrations to recover a refined timescale of beetle evolution. Using phylogenetic methods that counter the effects of compositional and rate heterogeneity, we recover a topology congruent with morphological studies, which we use, combined with other recent phylogenomic studies, to propose several formal changes in the classification of Coleoptera: Scirtiformia and Scirtoidea
sensu nov
., Clambiformia
ser. nov.
and Clamboidea
sensu nov.
, Rhinorhipiformia
ser. nov
., Byrrhoidea
sensu nov.
, Dryopoidea
stat. res.
, Nosodendriformia
ser. nov.
and Staphyliniformia
sensu nov
., and Erotyloidea
stat. nov
., Nitiduloidea
stat. nov
. and Cucujoidea
sensu nov.,
alongside changes below the superfamily level. Our divergence time analyses recovered a late Carboniferous origin of Coleoptera, a late Palaeozoic origin of all modern beetle suborders and a Triassic–Jurassic origin of most extant families, while fundamental divergences within beetle phylogeny did not coincide with the hypothesis of a Cretaceous Terrestrial Revolution.
Translation and validation of the Cultural Competence Self-assessment Checklist of Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society for Health Professionals
Authors: Argyriadis Alexandros , Asimakopoulou Evanthia , Patelarou Evridiki , Andriopoulos Ioannis , Patelarou Athina , Paoullis Panagiotis , Zografakis-Sfakianakis Michalis , Argyriadi Agathi
Published: March 2022

The World Health Organisation emphasizes the importance of training future healthcare practitioners to practice respectful and person-centred health care. The importance of this can be demonstrated in the example of cultural competence, which has been observed to be associated with improved patient satisfaction and concordance with recommended treatment. The aim of this study was to translate and validate in the Greek language the Cultural Competence Self-assessment Checklist of the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society and test it in the population of health scientists in Cyprus.
A cross-sectional analysis took place between October 2021 and January 2022 in 300 health scientists in Cyprus using convenient sampling. The sample consisted of doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers and physiotherapists. In order to test the questionnaire internal consistency reliability we used the Cronbach coefficient alpha.
After the translation of the Cultural Competence Self-assessment Checklist there was a Cronbach alpha indication of 0.7 in all three thematic units of the checklist. 300 participants filled in the research tool, 241 women (80.3%) and 59 men (19.6). Only 2% of the sample had attended a cultural competence training before or had an expertise.
The Greek version of the Cultural Competence Self-assessment Checklist of the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society is a valid instrument that can be used in the Greek language referring to health scientists both in Cyprus and Greece.

Keywords: Cultural Competence, health professionals, validation in Greek, self assessment.
Vegetable intake and cardiovascular risk: genetic evidence from Mendelian randomization
Authors: Feng Qi , Grant Andrew J , Yang Qian , Burgess Stephen , Besevic Jelena , Conroy Megan , Omiyale Wemimo , Sun Yangbo , Allen Naomi , Lacey Ben
Published: March 2022

Background: Observational studies have demonstrated inverse associations between vegetable intake and cardiovascular diseases. However, the results are prone to residual confounding. The separate effects of cooked and raw vegetable intake remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the association between cooked and raw vegetable intake with cardiovascular outcomes using Mendelian randomization (MR).
Methods: We identified 15 and 28 genetic variants associated statistically and biologically with cooked and raw vegetable intake, which were used as instrumental variables to estimate the associations with coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF). In one sample analysis using individual participant data from UK Biobank, we adopted two stage least square approach. In two sample analysis, we used summary level statistics from genome-wide association analyses. The independent effects of cooked and raw vegetable intake were examined with multivariable MR analysis. The one sample and two sample estimates were combined via meta analysis. Bonferroni correction was applied for multiple comparison.
Results: In the meta analysis of 1.2 million participants on average, we found null evidence for associations between cooked and raw vegetable intake with CHD, HF, or AF. Raw vegetable intake was nominally associated with stroke (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] 0.82 [0.69, 0.98] per 1 serving increase daily, p = 0.03), but this association did not pass corrected significance level.
Conclusions: Cooked and raw vegetable intake was not associated with CHD, AF or HF. Raw vegetable intake is likely to reduce risk of stroke, but warrants more research. Solely increasing vegetable intake may have limited protection, if any, on cardiovascular health. This calls for more rigorous assessment on health burden associated with low vegetable consumption.
Rapid genotyping of viral samples using Illumina short-read sequencing data
Authors: Varadi Alex , Kaszab Eszter , Kardos Gabor , Prepost Eszter , Szarka Krisztina , Laczko Levente
Published: March 2022

The most important information about microorganisms might be their accurate genome sequence. Using current Next Generation Sequencing methods, sequencing data can be generated at an unprecedented pace. However, we still lack tools for the automated and accurate reference-based genotyping of viral sequencing reads. This paper presents our pipeline designed to reconstruct the dominant consensus genome of viral samples and analyze their within-host variability. We benchmarked our approach on numerous datasets and showed that the consensus genome of samples could be obtained reliably without further manual data curation. Our pipeline can be a valuable tool for fast identifying viral samples. The pipeline is publicly available on the project's github page (https://github.com/laczkol/QVG).
A potent SARS-CoV-2 antibody neutralizes Omicron variant by disassembling the spike trimer
Authors: Sun Lei , Zhan Wuqiang , Tian Xiaolong , Zhang Xiang , Xing Shenghui , Song Wenping , Liu Qianying , Hao Aihua , Hu Yuxia , Zhang Meng , Chen Zhenguo , Ying Tianlei , Lan Fei
Published: March 2022

The continuous emergence of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants poses new challenges to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The newly emerging Omicron strain caused serious immune escape and raised unprecedented concern all over the world. The development of antibody targeting conserved and universal epitope is urgently needed. A subset neutralizing antibody(nAbs) against COVID-19 from convalescent patients were isolated in our previous study. Here in this study, we investigated the accommodation of these nAbs to SARS-CoV-2 variants of concerns (VOCs), revealing that IgG 553-49 neutralizes pseudovirus of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. In addition, we determined the cryo-EM structure of SARS-CoV-2 spike complexed with three antibodies targeting different epitopes, including 553-49, 553-15 and 553-60. Notably, 553-49 targets a novel conserved epitope and neutralizes virus by disassembling spike trimers. 553-15, an antibody that neutralizes all the other VOCs except omicron, cross-links two spike trimers to form trimer dimer, demonstrating that 553-15 neutralizes virus by steric hindrance and virion aggregation. These findings suggest the potential to develop 49 and other antibody targeting this highly conserved epitope as promising cocktail therapeutics reagent for COVID-19.
Venous Thromboembolism in Ambulatory Covid-19 patients: Clinical and Genetic Determinants
Authors: Xie Junqing , Prats-Uribe Albert , Feng Qi , Wang Yunhe , Gill Dipender , Paredes Roger , PRIETO-ALHAMBRA DANIEL
Published: March 2022

Background
Substantial evidence suggests that severe Covid-19 leads to an increased risk of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE). We aimed to quantify the risk of VTE associated with ambulatory Covid-19, study the potential protective role of vaccination, and establish key clinical and genetic determinants of post-Covid VTE.
Methods
We analyzed a cohort of ambulatory Covid-19 patients from UK Biobank, and compared their 30-day VTE risk with propensity-score-matched non-infected participants. We fitted multivariable models to study the associations between age, sex, ethnicity, socio-economic status, obesity, vaccination status and inherited thrombophilia with post-Covid VTE.
Results
Overall, VTE risk was nearly 20-fold higher in Covid-19 vs matched non-infected participants (hazard ratio [HR] 19.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 11.50 to 33.05). However, the risk was substantially attenuated amongst the vaccinated (HR: 2.79, 95% CI 0.82 to 9.54). Older age, male sex, and obesity were independently associated with higher risk, with adjusted HRs of 2.00 (1.61 to 2.47) per 10 years, 1.66 (1.28 to 2.15), and 1.85 (1.29 to 2.64), respectively. Further, inherited thrombophilia led to an HR 2.05, 95% CI 1.15 to 3.66.
Conclusions
Ambulatory Covid-19 was associated with a striking 20-fold increase in incident VTE, but no elevated risk after breakthrough infection in the fully vaccinated. Older age, male sex, and obesity were clinical determinants of Covid-19-related VTE. Additionally, inherited thrombophilia doubled risk further, comparable to the effect of 10-year ageing. These findings reinforce the need for vaccination, and call for targeted strategies to prevent VTE during outpatient care of Covid-19
Performance of Gazelle COVID-19 point-of-care test for detection of nucleocapsid antigen from SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Mehta Amrish , Spencer Bri , Garg Ashok , Kalmorge Pradeep , Ocasio Gonzalez Raúl A. , Taussig Kate , Fortna Ryan R.
Published: March 2022

SARS-CoV-2 antigen assays offer simplicity and rapidity in diagnosing COVID-19. We assessed the clinical performance of Gazelle COVID-19 test, a fluorescent lateral flow immunoassay with an accompanying Reader utilizing image-recognition software for detection of nucleocapsid antigen from SARS-CoV-2. We performed a prospective, operator-blinded, observational study at 2 point-of-care (POC) sites. Nasal swab specimens from symptomatic patients were tested with Gazelle COVID-19 test and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-P CR) assay. Overall, data from 1524 subjects was analyzed, and 133 were positive by RT-PCR. Mean (range) age of participants was 34.7 (2-94) years and 570 (37.4%) were female. The sensitivity and the specificity of the Gazelle COVID-19 test were 96.3% and 99.7%. The PPV of Gazelle COVID-19 test was 97.0%, NPV 99.6%, and accuracy 99.4%. In POC settings, Gazelle COVID-19 test had high diagnostic accuracy for detection of SARS-CoV-2 in nasal swab samples of symptomatic subjects suspected of COVID-19.
Topologically engineered antibodies and Fc-fusion proteins: a new class of multifunctional therapeutic candidates for SARS-CoV-2, cancer, and other disease
Authors: Capon Daniel J. , Troitskaya Larisa , Chan Nelson Lap Shun , Fomin Marina , Edman Ursula , Frank Brendon , Jin Jing , Martinelli Rachel , Capon Benjamin Z. , Ferguson Ginger A. , Gefter Malcolm L. , Simmons Graham
Published: March 2022

The ability of antibodies and Fc-fusion proteins to bind multiple targets cooperatively is limited by their topology. Here we describe our discovery that ACE2 Fc-fusion proteins spontaneously cross-dimerize, forming topologically distinct “superdimers” that demonstrate extraordinary SARS-CoV-2 intra-spike cooperative binding and potently neutralize Omicron B.1.1.529 at least 100-fold better than eight clinically authorized antibodies. We also exploited cross- dimerization to topologically engineer novel superdimeric antibodies and Fc-fusion proteins with antibody-like plasma half-lives to address cancer and infectious disease therapy. These include bispecific ACE2-antibody superdimers that potently neutralize all major SARS-CoV-2 variants, and bispecific anti-cancer and anti-viral antibody superdimers that are more potent than two-antibody cocktails. Superdimers are efficiently produced from single cells, providing a new therapeutic approach to many disease indications.
How much workload is workload? A human neurophysiological and affective-cognitive performance measurement methodology for ATCOs
Authors: Zamarreño Suárez María , Arnaldo Valdés Rosa María , Pérez Moreno Francisco , Delgado-Aguilera Jurado Raquel , López de Frutos Patricia María , Gómez Comendador Víctor Fernando
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Air traffic controllers (ATCOs) play a fundamental role in the safe, orderly and efficient management of air traffic. In the interests of improving safety, it would be beneficial to know what the workload thresholds are that permit ATCOs to carry out their functions safely and efficiently. The purpose of this paper is to present the development of a simulation platform to be able to validate an affective-cognitive performance methodology based on neurophysiological factors applied to ATCOs, to define the said thresholds.

Design/methodology/approach

The process followed in setting up the simulation platform is explained, with particular emphasis on the design of the program of exercises. The tools designed to obtain additional information on the actions of ATCOs and how their workload will be evaluated are also explained.

Findings

To establish the desired methodology, a series of exercises has been designed to be simulated. This paper describes the project development framework and validates it, taking preliminary results as a reference. The validation of the framework justifies further study to extend the preliminary results.

Research limitations/implications

This paper describes the first part of the project only, i.e. the definition of the problem and a proposed methodology to arrive at a workable solution. Further work will concentrate on carrying out a program of simulations and subsequent detailed analysis of the data obtained, based on the conclusions drawn from the preliminary results presented.

Originality/value

The methodology will be an important tool from the point of view of safety and the work carried out by ATCOs. This first phase is crucial as it provides a solid foundation for later stages.
The profitability implications of sales through local food markets for beginning farmers and ranchers
Authors: Jablonski Becca B.R. , Hadrich Joleen , Bauman Allison , Sullins Martha , Thilmany Dawn
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 directed the US Secretary of Agriculture to report on the profitability and viability of beginning farmers and ranchers. Many beginning operations use local food markets as they provide more control, or a premium over commodity prices, and beginning operations cannot yet take advantage of economies of scale and subsequently have higher costs of production. Little research assesses the relationship between beginning farmer profitability and sales through local food markets. In this paper, the profitability implications of sales through local food markets for beginning farmers and ranchers are explored.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilize 2013–2016 USDA agricultural resource management survey data to assess the financial performance of US beginning farmers and ranchers who generate sales through local food markets.

Findings

The results point to four important takeaways to support beginning operations. (1) Local food channels can be viable marketing opportunities for beginning operations. (2) There are differences when using short- and long-term financial performance indicators, which may indicate that there is benefit to promoting lean management strategies to support beginning operations. (3) Beginning operations with intermediated local food sales, on average, perform better than those operations with direct-to-consumer sales. (4) Diversification across local food market channel types does not appear to be an indicator of improved financial performance.

Originality/value

This article is the first to focus on the relationship beginning local food sales and beginning farmer financial performance. It incorporates short-term and long-term measures of financial performance and differentiates sales by four local food market type classifications: direct-to-consumer sales at farmers markets, other direct-to-consumer sales, direct-to-retail sales and direct-to-regional distributor or institution sales.
A new recursive scheme for solving the general fractional differential equation of the nonlinear Lienard’s equation
Authors: Mennouni Abdelazizi , Bougoffa Lazhar
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to solve an initial-value problem for the general fractional differential equation of the nonlinear Lienard's equation.

Design/methodology/approach

A new recursive scheme is presented by combining the Adomian decomposition method with a magnificent recurrence formula and via the solutions of the well-known generalized Abel equation.

Findings

It is shown that the proposed method may offer advantages in computing the components yn; n = 1; 2; … in an easily computed formula. Also, the numerical experiments show that with few iterations of the recursive method, this technique converges swiftly and accurately.

Originality/value

The approach is original, and a reasonably accurate solution can be achieved with only two components. Moreover, the proposed method can be applied to several nonlinear models in science and engineering.
Exploring the relationship between managerial emotional intelligence and environmental performance in energy sector: a mediated moderation analysis
Authors: Ezzi Ferdaws , Salhi Bassem , Jarboui Anis
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to focus on the important role of chief executive directors (CEOs’) emotional intelligence to explain the interactive relationship between research and development (R&D) investment and environmental performance in the energy sector and also to explain how the diversification into new energy technology provides explanations for environmental problems.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was realised through the completion of a questionnaire-type inquiry structured around table-based analysis. Two five-scale questionnaires were completed by CEOs relating to oil and gas industry. The first instrument reflects the level of emotional intelligence. The second instrument indicates elements of environmental performance. A total of 158 firms were approached using a questionnaire, where 112 responses were received and 108 valid responses were used for analysis. The data were analyzed by the partial least squares method.

Findings

The results confirm the positive effect of CEOs’ emotional intelligence on the interaction between R&D, energy and recycling. In addition, the diversification strategy further influences the role of CEOs’ emotional intelligence to provide explanations into a R&D investment for the environmental problems in the Tunisian energy sector. The findings reveal challenges and opportunities for Tunisia’s energy industry to increase R&D investment that will enable the economy to use more environment-friendly devices and technologies that will be reducing pollution.

Originality/value

First, this study indicates the important role of managerial emotional intelligence to explain the impact of R&D investment and help Tunisian energy enterprises look for means to minimise their environmental expenses through raising energy efficiencies, reducing pollution and encouraging reuse and recycling. Second, this study explains how a diversification strategy can mediate the interaction effect of CEO emotional intelligence. The Tunisia oil and gas sector has not been subjected to extensive research and this paper, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, represents a first attempt to provide an overview of the sector.
Role of resilient leadership and psychological capital in employee engagement with special reference to COVID-19
Authors: Singh Rakhi , Sihag Priyanka , Dhoopar Aastha
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an unseen crisis lately, which has put organizational leadership and employee engagement (EE) to test. Resilient leadership (RL) helps an organization survive and keep employees engaged in the risky environment. Similarly, psychological capital (PsyCap) is known to exert an influence on EE, but PsyCap and EE have not been investigated together during the period of crisis. To address this gap, the present study aims to outline the importance of RL and PsyCap to keep the employees engaged in the information technology (IT) industry.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 265 samples of IT professionals were collected by using an online survey questionnaire pan India. The collected data was analyzed using regression analysis, structural equation modeling along with bootstrapping technique for mediation analysis and model fit indices analysis.

Findings

The results of the analysis confirm the positive impact of RL on EE and the partial mediation impact of PsyCap on the RL–EE relationship, and the findings exhibit that employees with a higher level of PsyCap contribute favorably to EE during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originality/value

This study aims to assist IT practitioners in effectively incorporating RL to plan mitigation strategies. EE is an outcome of enhanced PsyCap of employees. To develop necessary skills and coping mechanisms to combat disruptions of such massive outbreaks, RL and PsyCap are crucial.
Maintenance of an environmental management system based on ISO 14001 in a Brazilian private university, seeking sustainable development
Authors: Gomes Luciana Paulo , Caetano Marcelo Oliveira , Brand Susana Margarida , Dai-Prá Léa Beatriz , Pereira Brenda Natalia
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to present the environmental management system implemented at UNISINOS and demonstrate some of the main results obtained in more than 15 years carrying out the environmental management of the campuses in São Leopoldo and Porto Alegre. The focus is on the main environmental impacts: electricity consumption, water consumption and solid waste management.

Design/methodology/approach

Sustainable development of universities has gradually become a common practice, as the knowledge shared in the higher education institutions reflects in the behavior of society. In a university, an environmental management system is used to plan, implement and manage processes referring to the environmental, social and economic aspects, so as to improve their performance and comply with legal requirements. For this, national or international standards and/or methodologies can be followed, which serve as a guide for the institution to reach sustainability in a staggered manner, according to the availability of data and resources for environmental management.

Findings

After 16 years of certification, based on the monitoring performed, positive performance was observed, reflecting a better and attentive university, with an environmental policy that goes beyond the borders of the campuses and transmits solid concepts of environmental education to the academic community, under the rigid control of the ISO 14001 tool.

Originality/value

In 2004, UNISINOS became the first Latin American university with an ISO 14001 certification. In 2018, the certification was extended to the UNISINOS Campus in Porto Alegre, capital of the state of Rio Grande do Sul. All the support activities conducted and implemented in the campuses (São Leopoldo and Porto Alegre) follow the same rules implemented by the UNISINOS environmental management system. After the experience of implementing the ISO 14001 requirements, UNISINOS included other normative requirements in 2013, adopting an integrated management system.
Effects of governance on crowdsourcer satisfaction in crowdsourcing: moderating roles of task and environment complexities
Authors: Liu Shan , Guan Shiqian , Zhu Qing , Fang Chao
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore how relational and contractual governance affect crowdsourcer satisfaction under boundary conditions, including internal (i.e. task complexity) or external (i.e. environmental complexity) factors.

Design/methodology/approach

We empirically validate the hypotheses using survey data collected from 255 crowdsourcers on a leading platform (i.e. Zhubajie.com). Partial least squares technique and hierarchical regression analysis are used to test the research model.

Findings

Both forms of governance mechanisms positively affect crowdsourcer satisfaction. Task complexity negatively moderates the linkage of relational governance and crowdsourcer satisfaction. However, environmental complexity weakens the positive effect of contractual governance but enhances the effect of relational governance on satisfaction.

Originality/value

This study deepens the current understanding of governance mechanism in crowdsourcing by discovering the effectiveness of contractual and relational governance. We also contribute to the governance and crowdsourcing literature by revealing the mechanisms of how governance takes effect under task and environmental complexities.
An intelligent control system for robot massaging with uncertain skin characteristics
Authors: Zhai Jingmei , Zeng Xianwen , Su Ziqing
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To ensure accurate position and force control of massage robot working on human body with unknown skin characteristics, this study aims to propose a novel intelligent impedance control system.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a skin dynamic model (SDM) is introduced to describe force-deformation on the human body as feed-forward for force control. Then a particle swarm optimization (PSO) method combined with graph-based knowledge transfer learning (GKT) is studied, which will effectively identify personalized skin parameters. Finally, a self-tuning impedance control strategy is designed to accommodate uncertainty of skin dynamics, system delay and signal noise exist in practical applications.

Findings

Compared with traditional least square method, genetic algorithm and other kinds of PSO methods, combination of PSO and GKT is validated using experimental data to improve the accuracy and convergence of identification results. The force control is effective, although there are contour errors, control delay and noise problems when the robot does massage on human body.

Originality/value

Integrating GKT into PSO identification algorithm, and designing an adaptive impedance control algorithm. As a result, the robot can understand textural and biological attributes of its surroundings and adapt its planning activities to carry out a stable and accurate force tracking control during dynamic contacts between a robot and a human.
Examining the relationship between health professionals' organizational commitment and job satisfaction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Çınar Fadime , Çapar Hasim , Mermerkaya Samet
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This meta-analysis aimed to examine health professionals' job satisfaction and organizational commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was conducted using the meta-analysis method, one of the quantitative research methods. A preliminary literature search was conducted to determine keywords over the internet access network. With screening, keywords such as “Organizational commitment,” “Organizational loyalty,” “Job satisfaction,” “job satisfaction,” “Healthcare worker,” “Organizational commitment,” “Organizational faith,” “job satisfaction,” “Job saturation” keywords in Turkish and English were determined. Nine full-text articles published in peer-reviewed journals between 2014–2020 from the electronic databases of Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, EKUAL and Google Academic were included in the meta-analysis. The study's effect size and publication bias included in the meta-analysis were calculated using the CMA 3 (Comprehensive meta-analysis) program.

Findings

The total sample number of the studies included in the analysis is 7,218. According to the random effects model, the overall effect size between job satisfaction and organizational commitment was statistically significant, with a value of 0.544 (confidence interval [CI]; 0.445–0.629; p < 0.05). This effect size was found to be moderate, according to Cohen's classification.

Originality/value

As a result of this meta-analysis, it was determined that there is a mutual interaction between job satisfaction and organizational commitment based on the cause–effect relationship. The findings obtained determined that job satisfaction has more power to affect organizational commitment positively.
Towards inclusionary policing: a critical inquiry into the pre-trial treatment of suspects with intellectual disabilities in Ireland
Authors: Cusack Alan , Gulati Gautam , Dunne Colum P. , Kilcommins Shane
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to critically evaluate contemporary Irish police practice, with an emphasis on emergent procedural innovations, in light of the needs of suspects with intellectual disabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of published prevalence data in respect of people with intellectual disabilities in the Irish criminal justice system, of the Irish legal and policy landscape and the results of a recent empirical inquiry are used in critical evaluation.

Findings

In line with extant international research, the article identifies three sites of concern with respect to the protocols that exist within An Garda Síochána for identifying and responding to intellectual disability, including: (1) barriers to communication; (2) a need to build awareness and skills for police and persons with intellectual disabilities; and (3) a need for institutional change to secure equal access to justice for people with intellectual disabilities. Progress is being made at a systems level towards a human rights approach in Irish policing.

Originality/value

In representing the first international analysis of its kind, the article locates the barriers confronting suspects with intellectual disabilities in Ireland within a discourse that is sensitive to ongoing research-led, procedural reforms within An Garda Síochána (Ireland's national police service). Owing to the universalised nature of these barriers across policing systems internationally, the format of these reforms from this will be of relevance to many other policing states, in particular the 162 other signatories to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities.
Solar-powered smart urban furniture: preliminary investigation on limits and potentials of current designs
Authors: Premier Alessandro , GhaffarianHoseini Ali , GhaffarianHoseini Amirhosein
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This research is focused on solar-powered (smart) urban furniture, and it is aimed at providing a classification of it and to understand the main problems related to the adoption of these devices and where future design-led research should focus.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology involved a selection of international case studies in important urban contexts focussing on three main aspects: architectural integration, context sensitivity and system visibility of photovoltaic (PV) technologies applied to smart urban furniture.

Findings

The preliminary results indicate that potential limits to the application of these technologies are urban morphology and lack of design of some solutions.

Research limitations/implications

This research is focused on solar-powered (smart) urban furniture. Further investigation on built case studies may lead to a better understanding of the efficiency of the smart urban furniture and their appreciation by the people.

Practical implications

This study can be useful to understand the potential use and customization of these products in New Zealand.

Social implications

In Auckland’s central business district, these tools can be useful to help homeless people to recharge their phones and offer access to free Wi-Fi. Energy generation can be useful also for providing temporary heating during winter and so forth.

Originality/value

Design proposals and research highlight public benefits of smart urban furniture without considering aspects like their integration with the surrounding context. This is also the first study that identifies lack of design in some of the solutions available in the market.
STAT5A modulated EndMT via upregulation of ELTD1 expression in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Tian Ye , Bi Zhenhua , Ge Shuaina , Ye Bo , Han Wenjie
Published: March 2022

Diabetic nephropathy (DN), one of microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus, results in renal dysfunction and end‐stage renal disease. Recently, endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EndMT) was reported to mediate glomerular endothelial dysfunction, therefore, participating in the progress of fibrosis in DN. As a special type of epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition, EndMT and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition may share corporate modulators. It was reported that epidermal growth factor (EGF), latrophilin and seven transmembrane domain containing 1 (ELTD1) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 5A (STAT5A) participate in epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition in some situations. In this work, we proposed that STAT5A participated in high glucose‐mediated EndMT via modulation of ELTD1 levels in DN. Our data indicated that hyperglycemia/high glucose‐induced ELTD1 and EndMT in DN rats and hyperglycemic human glomerular endothelial cells (HGECs). Additionally, high glucose mediated STAT5A nuclear translocation in HGECs. High glucose‐mediated EndMT was reversed by ELTD1 silencing. Moreover, STAT5A was found to be elevated in DN rats and hyperglycemic HGECs. The effect of high glucose‐mediated increase of ELTD1 expression and EndMT was reversed by STAT5A silencing in vitro. Further, STAT5A overexpression enhanced ELTD1 levels and EndMT, which was inhibited by si‐ELTD1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase assay represented that STAT5A directly regulated ELTD1 transcription. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 5A directly regulated ELTD1 transcription, therefore, participating in high glucose‐mediated EndMT in glomeruli of DN.
The association between police officers in schools and students’ longer term perceptions of police as procedurally just
Authors: Devlin Deanna N. , Rennó Santos Mateus
Published: March 2022

Research Summary

Much debate exists regarding the use of police inside schools and their impacts on students. Some argue that the use of School Resource Officers (SROs) could foster positive perceptions of police. However, no research exists examining whether SROs affect perceptions of police later in life. Further, research has not evaluated how differing SRO roles impacts lasting perceptions of police. Using a regression analysis on a sample of 328 college students, this study investigated whether there is a relationship between SRO presence during the middle‐ or high‐school years and current perceptions of local law enforcement in terms of procedural justice (neutrality, voice, trust, respect). Additionally, we compared the impacts of various SRO roles including an enforcement only approach, a mixed approach (i.e., law enforcement and an additional activity such as teaching) and a full triad approach (i.e., law enforcement, teaching, and mentoring) on these perceptions. The results reveal differential impacts on perceptions depending on whether the SRO was used in middle versus high school as well as the role typology of the SRO. Though small, there were mostly negative relationships between SRO presence in middle school and lasting perceptions of procedural justice for local police, though the use of a full triad model mitigates this negative effect. In contrast, SRO usage in high school has small yet positive effects on longer term perceptions of police, but only when performing a mixed or full triad approach.

Policy Implications

Policy makers and school administrators should reconsider the use of SROs in middle schools as the exposure to these officers early on is associated with more negative lasting impressions of police. However, the use of SROs in high schools can be beneficial for fostering long‐term perceptions of police so long as these officers are engaged in activities beyond pure law enforcement.
Sanguinarine synergistically potentiates aminoglycoside‐mediated bacterial killing
Authors: Lu Chang , Zhang Nian , Kou Sihoi , Gao Liangliang , Peng Bo , Dai Yunlu , Zheng Jun
Published: March 2022

Aminoglycosides are one of the oldest classes of antimicrobials that are being used in current clinical practice, especially on multi‐drug resistant Gram‐negative pathogenic bacteria. However, the serious side effects at high dosage such as ototoxicity, neuropathy and nephrotoxicity limit their applications in clinical practice. Approaches that potentiate aminoglycoside killing could lower down their effective concentrations to a non‐toxic dosage for clinical treatment. In this research, we screened a compound library and identified sanguinarine that acts synergistically with various aminoglycosides. By checkerboard and dynamical killing assay, we found that sanguinarine effectively potentiated aminoglycoside killing on diverse bacterial pathogens, including Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The mechanistic studies showed an elevated intracellular ROS and DNA oxidative level in the bacterial cells treated by a combination of sanguinarine with aminoglycosides. Furthermore, an enhanced level of sanguinarine was observed in bacteria in the presence of aminoglycosides, suggesting that aminoglycosides promote the uptake of sanguinarine. Importantly, sanguinarine was shown to promote the elimination of persister cells and established biofilm cells both in vivo and in vitro. Our study provides a novel insight for approaches to lower down the clinical dosages of aminoglycosides.
Complications associated with paediatric airway management during the COVID‐19 pandemic: an international, multicentre, observational study
Authors: Peterson M. B. , Gurnaney H. G. , Disma N. , Matava C. , Jagannathan N. , Stein M. L. , Liu H. , Kovatsis P. G. , von Ungern‐Sternberg B. S. , Fiadjoe J. E. ,   the PAWS‐COVID‐19 Group
Published: March 2022

Respiratory adverse events in adults with COVID‐19 undergoing general anaesthesia can be life‐threatening. However, there remains a knowledge gap about respiratory adverse events in children with COVID‐19. We created an international observational registry to collect airway management outcomes in children with COVID‐19 who were having a general anaesthetic. We hypothesised that children with confirmed or suspected COVID‐19 would experience more hypoxaemia and complications than those without. Between 3 April 2020 and 1 November 2020, 78 international centres participated. In phase 1, centres collected outcomes on all children (age ≤ 18 y) having a general anaesthetic for 2 consecutive weeks. In phase 2, centres recorded outcomes for children with test‐confirmed or suspected COVID‐19 (based on symptoms) having a general anaesthetic. We did not study children whose tracheas were already intubated. The primary outcome was the incidence of hypoxaemia during airway management. Secondary outcomes included: incidence of other complications; and first‐pass success rate for tracheal intubation. In total, 7896 children were analysed (7567 COVID‐19 negative and 329 confirmed or presumed COVID‐19 positive). The incidence of hypoxaemia during airway management was greater in children who were COVID‐19 positive (24 out of 329 (7%) vs. 214 out of 7567 (3%); OR 2.70 (95%CI 1.70–4.10)). Children who had symptoms of COVID‐19 had a higher incidence of hypoxaemia compared with those who were asymptomatic (9 out of 51 (19%) vs. 14 out of 258 (5%), respectively; OR 3.7 (95%CI 1.5–9.1)). Children with confirmed or presumed COVID‐19 have an increased risk of hypoxaemia during airway management in conjunction with general anaesthesia.
De Ritis‐adjusted AST provides comparable efficacy to lactate dehydrogenase as a biomarker for detection of LVAD hemolysis or thrombosis
Authors: Schettle Sarah , Rosenbaum Andrew , Goodman Daniel , Stulak John
Published: March 2022

Background

Lactate hydrogenase (LDH) is a common biomarker utilized in the detection and monitoring of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) hemolysis and thrombosis. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) are common laboratory tests that can be used to calculate the De Ritis ratio and the De Ritis adjusted AST.

Methods

A retrospective review of LVAD patients was performed to identify three cohorts of patients: those with confirmed pump thrombosis after device exchange, those with LVAD‐related hemolysis who were medically managed without pump exchange, and those who did not meet these criteria and served as the control cohort. Evaluation of AST, AST/ALT ratio (referred to as the De Ritis ratio) as well as AST x (AST/ALT) or the De Ritis‐adjusted AST (DRA) was performed.

Results

There were 29 patients who underwent device exchange for thrombosis, 25 patients who were diagnosed with hemolysis and treated medically (clopidogrel (N = 6), heparin (N = 13), tirofiban (N = 8), eptifibatide (N = 2), and some received more than one of these treatments), and 425 control patients. A qualitatively comparable relative and absolute rise in DRA and LDH were found in both surgically managed pump thrombosis and suspected device‐related hemolysis.

Conclusions

Both AST and LDH as well DRA are significantly associated with pump

thrombosis (p < 0.0001 for each). DRA is a potential screening biomarker for hemolysis and device thrombosis in stable left ventricular assist device patients.
The impact of on‐site cardiac rhythm on mortality in patients supported with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Erdoes Gabor , Weber Daniel , Bloch Andreas , Heinisch Paul Philipp , Huber Markus , Friess Jan Oliver
Published: March 2022

Background

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is increasingly used in patients with out‐of‐hospital or in‐hospital cardiac arrest in whom conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation remains unsuccessful. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of initial cardiac rhythm—detected on‐site of the cardiac arrest—on mortality.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients who received ECPR in our tertiary care cardiac arrest center. Patients were divided into three groups depending on their cardiac rhythm: shockable rhythm, pulseless electrical activity, and asystole. The primary endpoint was mortality within the first 7 days after ECPR deployment. Secondary endpoints were mortality within 28 days and the impact of pre‐ECPR potassium, serum lactate, pH, and pCO2 on mortality. The association of the initial cardiac rhythm and the location of arrhythmia detection (patient monitored in hospital [category: monitored], not monitored but hospitalized [in‐hospital], not monitored, not hospitalized [out‐of hospital]) with the primary and secondary outcome was examined by means of univariable and multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Sixty‐five patients could be included in the final analysis. Thirty‐two patients (49.2%, 95%CI 36.6%–61.9%) died within the first 7 days. In terms of 7‐day‐mortality patients differed in the initial cardiac rhythm (p = 0.040) and with respect to the location of arrhythmia detection (p = 0.002). Shockable cardiac rhythm (crude OR 0.21; 95%CI 0.03–0.98) and pulseless electrical activity (0.13; 0.02–0.61) as the initial rhythm on‐site showed better odds for survival compared to asystole. However, this association did neither persist in adjusted analysis nor pairwise comparison.

Discussion

The study could not demonstrate a better outcome with shockable rhythm after ECPR. More homogeneous and adequately powered cohorts are needed to better understand the impact of cardiac rhythm on patient outcomes after ECPR.