bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphometric and ultrasonographic determinants of difficult laryngoscopy in obese patients: A prospective observational study
Authors: Wu Yu-Ming , Su Yen-Hao , Huang Shih-Yu , Wang Chien-Wun , Shen Shih-Chiang , Chen Jui-Tai , Lo Po-Han , Cherng Yih-Giun , Wu Hsiang-Ling , Tai Ying-Hsuan
Published: April 2022

Background:

Obese people have a higher risk of difficult laryngoscopy due to their thick neck, large tongue, and redundant pharyngeal soft tissue. However, there is still no established predictive factor for difficult laryngoscopy in obese population.

Methods:

We conducted a prospective assessor-blind observational study to enroll adult patients with a body mass index of 30 kg·m-2 or higher undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy at a medical center between May 2020 and August 2021. Conventional morphometric characteristics along with ultrasonographic airway parameters were evaluated before surgery. The primary outcome was difficult laryngoscopy, defined as a Cormack and Lehane’s grade III or IV during direct laryngoscopy. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between included factors and difficult laryngoscopy. Discrimination performance of predictive factors was assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results:

A total of 80 patients were evaluated, and 17 (21.3%) developed an event of difficult laryngoscopy. Univariate analyses identified five factors associated with difficult laryngoscopy, including age, sex, hypertension, neck circumference, and cross-sectional area of tongue base. After adjusting for these variables, neck circumference was the only independent influential factor, adjusted odds ratio: 1.227 (95% confidence interval, 1.009–1.491). Based on Youden’s index, the optimal cutoff of neck circumference was 49.1 cm with AUC: 0.739 (sensitivity: 0.588, specificity: 0.889; absolute risk difference: 0.477, and number needed to treat: 3).

Conclusion:

Greater neck circumference was an independent risk factor for difficult laryngoscopy in obese patients. This finding provides a way of reducing unanticipated difficult airway in this high-risk population.
Impact of Stroke Survivors' Physical Disability on the Presence of Caregiver Burden: A Systematic Review
Authors: Shamoun Charles , Harris Margaret A.
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND: Caregiver burden associated with caring for stroke survivors remains a prominent issue in nursing. With stroke being a leading cause of disability worldwide, it is essential that the impact of the stroke survivor's physical disability be analyzed so interventions can be developed to relieve related caregiver burden. The purpose of this systematic review is to review the existing nursing and allied-health literature aimed at the impact of stroke survivors' physical disability on the presence of caregiver burden. METHODS: A systematic review of the CINAHL® and PubMed databases was conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines (searched on June 16, 2021). Study inclusion criteria for this review were as follows: (1) publication in the last 5 years, (2) examined the impact of stroke survivors' physical disability on caregiver burden, (3) caregiver-survivor dyads 18 years or older, (4) published in English, and (5) longitudinal study designs (an exception for reports that present findings not demonstrated in longitudinal studies). Data extracted from articles included sample characteristics, study design, instruments, analyses, and results. RESULTS: A total of 7 studies met the inclusion criteria and were synthesized for use in this systematic review. These studies implemented a variety of instruments to assess for both physical disability in the stroke patient and caregiver burden. A positive correlation between physical disability and caregiver burden was universally reported. CONCLUSION: Further nursing research is warranted to explore the aspects of physical disability that contribute to caregiver burden and to develop interventions to improve the physical functioning of stroke survivors, include social determinants of health, and specifically address the greatest contributors to caregiver burden.
Mesonephric-like Adenocarcinoma of the Female Genital Tract: From Morphologic Observations to a Well-characterized Carcinoma With Aggressive Clinical Behavior
Authors: McCluggage W. Glenn
Published: April 2022

Mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma (MLA) was introduced as a new tumor type in the endometrium and the ovary in the 2020 World Health Organization (WHO) Classification. This is a rare recently described (2016) and clinically aggressive carcinoma with a propensity for distant spread, especially to the lungs. MLA has a characteristic morphology and immunophenotype (hormone receptor negative; TTF1 and/or GATA3 positive). These neoplasms are commonly associated with KRAS and PIK3CA mutations and in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) molecular classification of endometrial carcinomas fall into the copy number low/no specific molecular profile category. Although they show significant morphological, immunophenotypic and molecular overlap with cervical mesonephric adenocarcinomas, there are other parameters which suggest a Mullerian origin and, as such, the term MLA seems apt. MLA can be added to the list of endometriosis-associated ovarian neoplasms. In this paper, I outline the series of events which lead to the first description of MLA and review the subsequent literature on this tumor type which has expanded on the morphologic features and immunophenotype, discovered the molecular underpinnings and elucidated the clinical behavior. The discovery of MLA represents an example of “new” entities still to this day being discovered through careful morphologic observations and referral of cases for specialist opinion.
Total Lesion Glycolysis on 18F-FDG PET/CT Is a Better Prognostic Factor Than Tumor Dose on 90Y PET/CT in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated With 90Y Transarterial Radioembolization
Authors: Hwang Sang Hyun , Hong Hye-Suk , Kim Dongwoo , Kim Gyoung Min , Lee Hye Won , Lee Misu , Kim Do Young , Park Mi-Ae , Yun Mijin
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of metabolic parameters on 18F-FDG PET/CT and tumor dose (TD) on posttreatment 90Y PET/CT in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent 90Y transarterial radioembolization (TARE).

Patients and Methods

Forty-seven HCC patients treated with 90Y TARE were retrospectively enrolled between January 2013 and October 2018. 18F-FDG PET/CT was performed before treatment. Maximum tumor SUV–to–mean normal liver SUV ratio (TLR), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) were measured for each patient. Voxel dosimetry was performed on 90Y PET/CT images to measure TD. The prognostic significance of metabolic parameters on 18F-FDG PET/CT, TD on 90Y PET/CT, and clinical factors for overall survival (OS) was evaluated. In addition, TD on 90Y PET/CT was analyzed in relation to the administered dose of 90Y-labeled microspheres and metabolic parameters on 18F-FDG PET/CT.

Results

The median patient age was 57 years, and 37 patients (78.7%) were men. During the follow-up period, 25 patients (53.2%) died. In univariable analysis, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage C, Child-Pugh score, TD on 90Y PET/CT, TLR, MTV, and TLG were significant prognostic factors affecting OS (P < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage C and high TLG on 18F-FDG PET/CT were independent prognostic factors for OS (P < 0.05). The 1-year OS rates were 72.9% in patients with low TLG and 33.3% in patients with high TLG (P < 0.05). We also found that TD on 90Y PET/CT was not correlated with the administered dose of 90Y-labeled microspheres, but negatively correlated with TLG on pretreatment 18F-FDG PET/CT (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

TLG, a parameter incorporating both the degree of 18F-FDG uptake and amount of metabolically active tumor volume on pretreatment 18F-FDG PET/CT, is a better prognostic factor than TD on 90Y PET/CT for predicting OS in HCC patients treated with 90Y TARE.
Peritoneal Tuberculosis Mimicking Peritoneal Carcinomatosis on 68Ga-FAPI-04 and 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Alçın Göksel , Tatar Gamze , Şahin Rahime , Baloğlu Mehmet Can , Çermik Tevfik Fikret
Published: April 2022

We report a case of tuberculosis peritonitis in a 26-year-old woman who presented with abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss for the last 4 months. Abdominal US and CT demonstrated intra-abdominal massive ascites, misty mesentery, and diffuse peritoneal thickening. In addition, 3 nodular lesions were detected in the right lung. 18F-FDG PET/CT showed hypermetabolism in lung nodules, mesenteric area, peritoneal thickening, and ascites. 68Ga-FAPI-04 (fibroblast activation protein–specific inhibitor) PET/CT imaging was also performed; high uptakes were detected in the same regions of 18F-FDG PET/CT. Tuberculosis diagnosis was made after histopathological examination of wedge resection of the right lung.
Characterization of biocompatible scaffolds manufactured by fused filament fabrication of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-
co
-3-hydroxyhexanoate)
Authors: Volpini Valentina , Giubilini Alberto , Corsi Lorenzo , Nobili Andrea , Bondioli Federica
Published: April 2022

We characterize poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-
co
-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBH) scaffolds for tissue repair and regeneration, manufactured by three-dimensional fused filament fabrication (FFF). PHBH belongs to the class of polyhydroxyalkanoates with interesting biodegradable and biocompatible capabilities, especially attractive for tissue engineering. Equally, FFF stands as a promising manufacturing technology for the production of custom-designed scaffolds. We address thermal, rheological and cytotoxicity properties of PHBH, placing special emphasis on the mechanical response of the printed material in a wide deformation range. Indeed, effective mechanical properties are assessed in both the linear and nonlinear regime. To warrant uniqueness of the material parameters, these are measured directly through digital image correlation, both in tension and compression, while experimental data fitting of finite-element analyses is only adopted for the determination of the second invariant coefficient in the nonlinear regime. Mechanical data are clearly porosity dependent, and they are given for both the cubic and the honeycomb infill pattern. Local strain spikes due to the presence of defects are observed and measured: those falling in the range 70–100% lead to macro-crack development and, ultimately, to failure. Results suggest the significant potential attached to FFF printing of PHBH for customizable medical devices which are biocompatible and mechanically resilient.
Individual risk-aversion responses tune epidemics to critical transmissibility (
R
= 1)
Authors: Manrubia S. , Zanette D. H.
Published: April 2022

Changes in human behaviour are a major determinant of epidemic dynamics. Collective activity can be modified through imposed control measures, but spontaneous changes can also arise as a result of uncoordinated individual responses to the perceived risk of contagion. Here, we introduce a stochastic epidemic model implementing population responses driven by individual time-varying risk aversion. The model reveals an emergent mechanism for the generation of multiple infection waves of decreasing amplitude that progressively tune the effective reproduction number to its critical value
R
= 1. In successive waves, individuals with gradually lower risk propensity are infected. The overall mechanism shapes well-defined risk-aversion profiles over the whole population as the epidemic progresses. We conclude that uncoordinated changes in human behaviour can by themselves explain major qualitative and quantitative features of the epidemic process, like the emergence of multiple waves and the tendency to remain around
R
= 1 observed worldwide after the first few waves of COVID-19.
Crowdlending for renewable energy projects: key factors to improve performance
Authors: Vásquez-Ordóñez Luis René , Lassala Carlos , Ulrich Klaus , Ribeiro-Navarrete Samuel
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The importance of crowdfunding has grown considerably in recent years. Its potential as a source of financing has captured the attention of academia. In view of the challenge of creating a cleaner energy system and the considerable investments required to reach this goal, the literature has pointed to crowdlending as a viable alternative due to its social qualities. However, the literature on this regard is still scarce. This paper aims to contribute to this gap by examining some of the critical factors that determine the performance of financing renewable energy projects through crowdlending.

Design/methodology/approach

The data collected from the ECrowd! platform is studied through fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) as research method.

Findings

The results emphasize the importance of the founders’ presence in social networks and the amount of information provided in the description. They also suggest that investors do not react negatively to projects of larger amounts and terms and that giving rewards does not have a significant impact on the campaigns results.

Originality/value

The literature linking crowdfunding and sustainability is still scarce, which is why this paper contributes to filling this gap by identifying some of the factors that have a significant impact on the performance of campaigns. Critical conditions used are grouped into three categories: loan characteristics, project description and social capital. Conclusions help promoters and platforms to know what actions they should take in order to enhance their campaigns performance.
Systems based approach to a small scale dairy farm (Goshala): a case study
Authors: Darwai Vivek Radheshyam , Mandavgane Sachin Arvind , Lohia Prakash
Published: April 2022

Purpose

One of the objectives of smart village is the efficient use of regional resources by local people to improve economic, social and environment conditions. Small-scale dairy farm (SDFs) exist in every village of India, contributing significantly to local economy and welfare of few families. The purpose of this work is to develop a mechanism to make SDF not only efficient but effective in operations.

Design/methodology/approach

A systems thinking approach is used to identify the variables influencing a SDF and develop a general framework – RAMHI (resources, alternate revenue, manpower, herd and infrastructure) comprising endogenous and exogenous variables. A representative SDF as a case study was chosen to implement RAMHI and assess its implementation feasibility and economic benefits.

Findings

Implementation of RAMHI gradually improves the economic benefits of a SDF. The key performing indicators like average milk produced/day; milk revenue/fodder cost; number of successful artificial insemination (AI) of herd/number of AI of herd; milking cow/dry cow; and milking cow/total cow, increased substantially in two successive years.

Originality/value

The literature reported and discussed individual variables influencing functioning of SDF while there are few conceptual frameworks proposed, comprising not more than three variables. This paper not only presents a comprehensive generalized framework – RAMHI, which comprises five variables like resources, alternate revenue, manpower, herd and infrastructure but also explains the implementation strategy and its benefits using a case study.
Healthiness, naturalness and sustainability perception of adolescents toward chocolate snack bars
Authors: Damen Femke , Verkerk Ruud , Steenbekkers Bea
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Adolescence is a period in which autonomy grows and where children develop into independent and active consumers and a period in which their food choices are also becoming more autonomous. Snacking is known to increase during the period of adolescence and the snack choice of adolescents is often unhealthy. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to know when adolescents perceive a snack as healthy. As healthiness perception could be linked to the perception of naturalness and sustainability of a snack, these are interesting product characteristics to study as well.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews with 20 adolescents were conducted to characterize their perception of healthiness, naturalness and sustainability. Chocolate snack bars were used as a stimulus product.

Findings

All participants mentioned consuming snacks because they like them. Healthiness was seen as important but was not always a priority in adolescents' snack choices. Naturalness and sustainability were concepts which the adolescents were not aware of or did not perceive as important during snack choice. The adolescents mentioned experiencing natural products to be healthier compared to not natural products. The consequences of the discerned dimensions time, impact and effect of choices were rather limited for this target group.

Originality/value

Understanding the healthiness, naturalness and sustainability perception of chocolate snack bars by adolescents may help to better understand drivers for adolescents' snack choices.
A conceptual model for marine oil spills management in South Africa
Authors: Sabela-Rikhotso Phindile Tiyiselani Zanele , van Niekerk Dewald , Nemakonde Livhuwani David
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Traditionally, management of disasters, particularly those emanating from environmental hazards, have been reactive with efforts focussed on technical response issues. Drawing from incident command system (ICS) theory, this paper proposes a conceptual model for managing marine oil spills in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative biased sequential mixed-based research method was applied for this study. The technical processes undertaken in instituting a incident management system (IMS) for marine oil spills through Operation Phakisa Oil and Gas initiative were observed from November 2016 to November 2019. Preliminary findings were subsequently explored quantitatively in 54 semi-structured questionnaires conducted with experts in the marine pollution environment.

Findings

Findings presented in this paper demonstrate an integrative coordination continuum with a stringent focus on coherent multi-stakeholders' incident management collaborations. Qualitative findings stipulated limitations to the efficient application of oil spill risk minimisation policies, especially in the provincial and local spheres of government. Quantitative findings established that some local municipalities have mainstreamed and have budgets for inter-organisational planning and preparedness. Regardless, several informants continue to perceive disaster risk management and offshore-related activities as “unfunded mandates”, especially where response operation and sustainable rehabilitation programmes are concerned.

Originality/value

In integrating the organisational theory and the incident command tools, the value of this study dwells in recommending a conceptual model that mainstreams inter- and intra-organisational planning, preparedness and response to the marine oil spill risk. The model is valuable because it focusses beyond the traditional emergency response tool but is fundamental in effecting adherence to reporting lines, performance standards and information integration.
Witnessing interparental violence and leader role occupancy: the roles of insecure attachment and gender
Authors: Cloutier Anika , Barling Julian
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Given the role leaders play in organizational effectiveness, there is growing interest in understanding the antecedents of leader emergence. The authors consider parental influence by examining how witnessing interparental violence during adolescence indirectly affects adult leader role occupancy. Drawing on the work–home resources (W-HR) model, the authors hypothesize that witnessing interparental violence serves as a distal, chronic contextual demand that hinders leader role occupancy through its effects on constructive personal resources, operationalized as insecure attachment. Based on role congruity theory, the authors also predict that the relationship between attachment style and leader role occupancy will differ for women and men.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the hypotheses, the authors used data from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R) (n = 1,665 full-time employees).

Findings

After controlling for age, education, childhood socioeconomic status and experienced violence, results showed that the negative indirect effects of witnessing interparental violence on leader role occupancy through avoidant attachment was significant for females only, while the negative effects of anxious attachment hindered leader role occupancy across sexes.

Originality/value

Results identify novel distal (interparental violence) and proximal (attachment style) barriers to leader role occupancy, showing empirical support for the life-span approach to leadership and the persistent effects of home demands on work.
Estimating the returns to education in a chronically depressed labour market: the case of Kosovo
Authors: Gashi Ardiana , Adnett Nicholas J.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate whether the conventional approach to estimating the private and social rates of return to education generates reliable findings when used in economies with chronically depressed labour markets.

Design/methodology/approach

Conventional techniques (the Mincer earnings function and the discounting method) are used to provide initial estimates of the private and social returns to education in Kosovo. However, this study argues that in countries with chronically depressed labour markets, such as in Kosovo, the conventional approach is likely to significantly underestimate the private and social returns from achieving a higher level of educational attainment. This study extends the estimation approach to take into account the greater probability of more highly educated Kosovars being: employed, employed in the formal and public sectors and having longer job tenure.

Findings

The extended approach to estimating rates of return to schooling generates higher private and social rates of return to education than the conventional approach. Moreover, in contrast to the findings of the conventional approach, the revised approach suggests that private and social rates of return are highest from completion of upper secondary and tertiary education.

Research limitations/implications

The results indicate that if governments in economies with chronically depressed labour markets decide upon their educational priorities based on unadjusted rates of return, then resources may be misallocated.

Originality/value

The analysis presented in this paper suggests that conventional approaches to estimating private and social rates of return to education are not suitable for use in economies with chronically depressed labour markets. In addition, the paper provides the first comprehensive analysis of the rates of return to education in Kosovo. These results are used to provide a critique of the Kosovo Government’s recent educational priorities.
Predictions through Lean startup? Harnessing AI-based predictions under uncertainty
Authors: Raneri Santo , Lecron Fabian , Hermans Julie , Fouss François
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Artificial intelligence (AI) has started to receive attention in the field of digital entrepreneurship. However, few studies propose AI-based models aimed at assisting entrepreneurs in their day-to-day operations. In addition, extant models from the product design literature, while technically promising, fail to propose methods suitable for opportunity development with high level of uncertainty. This study develops and tests a predictive model that provides entrepreneurs with a digital infrastructure for automated testing. Such an approach aims at harnessing AI-based predictive technologies while keeping the ability to respond to the unexpected.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on effectuation theory, this study identifies an AI-based, predictive phase in the “build-measure-learn” loop of Lean startup. The predictive component, based on recommendation algorithm techniques, is integrated into a framework that considers both prediction (causal) and controlled (effectual) logics of action. The performance of the so-called active learning build-measure-predict-learn algorithm is evaluated on a data set collected from a case study.

Findings

The results show that the algorithm can predict the desirability level of newly implemented product design decisions (PDDs) in the context of a digital product. The main advantages, in addition to the prediction performance, are the ability to detect cases where predictions are likely to be less precise and an easy-to-assess indicator for product design desirability. The model is found to deal with uncertainty in a threefold way: epistemological expansion through accelerated data gathering, ontological reduction of uncertainty by revealing prior “unknown unknowns” and methodological scaffolding, as the framework accommodates both predictive (causal) and controlled (effectual) practices.

Originality/value

Research about using AI in entrepreneurship is still in a nascent stage. This paper can serve as a starting point for new research on predictive techniques and AI-based infrastructures aiming to support digital entrepreneurs in their day-to-day operations. This work can also encourage theoretical developments, building on effectuation and causation, to better understand Lean startup practices, especially when supported by digital infrastructures accelerating the entrepreneurial process.
Global and regional externalities of the Ukrainian energy sector
Authors: Skrypnyk Andrii , Klymenko Nataliia , Voloshyn Semen , Holiachuk Olha , Sabishchenko Oleksandr
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a methodology for assessing the effects of global and regional externalities that create traditional power generation industries and to propose a transition to a tariff strategy taking into account these consequences. The main purpose of the research is to analyze the current wholesale electricity tariffs in the energy market of Ukraine and propose their assessment taking into account external effects for other sectors of the economy.

Design/methodology/approach

At the first stage, according to observations for 2004–2019 on the amount of pollution and the cost of agricultural products in some regions of Ukraine, which is provided in 2010 prices, the impact of hazardous emissions on the cost of agricultural products was analyzed in each region. The use of panel regression allowed to combine spatial and temporal studies (12 separate areas and time interval 2004–2019). To assess the external effects of heat generation, panel regression was used, which made it possible to combine spatial and temporal data on the impact of pollution on the efficiency of agricultural production and add regional losses of agricultural business to the cost of heat generation. This paper uses optimization models to maximize the function of public utility of electricity generation, making allowances for externalities.

Findings

This research assesses the negative externalities of Ukraine's energy and confirms the need for a global transition to a low-carbon economy primarily through climate finance. The analysis revealed the presence of various influences of the factor of regional air pollution and time. The hypothesis of the existence of a negative impact of local air pollution on agricultural production has been confirmed. An increase in emissions by 1,000 tons leads to an average decrease in regional agricultural production by UAH 84 million (at the prices of 2010).

Originality/value

The optimization problem of the ratio of different types of generation is set on the basis of maximizing the function of social utility of electricity generation, taking into account external effects. The authors presented an optimization model of electricity generation, which corresponded to the state of the energy market for 2019, provides an opportunity to assess the contribution of the inverse external effects of each electricity sector and to estimate external tariffs for each electricity generation sector.
Barriers to education and employment among Arabic speaking refugee and immigrant women
Authors: Namak Shahla , Aboud Syriani Fadi , Singer Margaret , Ballard Parissa Jahromi
Published: April 2022

Purpose

During the refugee resettlement process, women are often subject to discriminatory policies, which may put them at risk of a difficult transition. This study aims to extend and contextualize previous findings documenting the barriers Arabic-speaking refugee and immigrant women face with regards to gaining education and employment.

Design/methodology/approach

Through telephone-based surveys, the authors examined the social situations, barriers and assets to gaining education and employment among Arabic speaking refugee and immigrant women (N = 50) in North Carolina.

Findings

Findings include barriers to education and employment such as the need for childcare, English proficiency and lack of transportation. Assets include connections to the community and special skills such as cooking and sewing.

Research limitations/implications

This study has limitations such as a lack of representation among asylees, reliance on self-report and small sample size. Implications: this study’s findings have implications for community and medical providers’ efforts to assist refugees and immigrant’s women in education and employment and to close the gap in the social determinants of health as well as for research in this area. Minimizing the barriers that prevent them from learning English or attaining employment will require coordinated efforts across the local community, county and even the state.

Practical implications

The findings from this study inform research that may be relevant to other communities seeking an understanding of the social challenges faced by Arabic-speaking refugees and immigrant women, Muslim and Christian.

Originality/value

This study adds important information about the health and social lives of an understudied population. The authors’ discuss the implications of these findings for community members and health practitioners to better assist this population in a successful resettlement process.
Development of balanced scorecard for manufacturing using interpretive structural modeling and game theory
Authors: Abedian Mansour , Amindoust Atefeh , Jouzdani Javid , Hejazi Maryam
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to assess manufacturing firm performance indicators using a reasonably comprehensive integrated BSC-Game model to empirically determine the importance of the perspectives and indicators under evaluation and the best combination of indicators.

Design/methodology/approach

After identification of manufacturing indicators of the firm, the Shapley value index is used as the solution of the cooperative game to determine the importance of the perspectives and indicators under evaluation and the best combination of indicators to facilitate the achievement of target goals.

Findings

The game theory approach is used as a technique to rank BSC perspectives of the firm's manufacturing performance. The results reveal that the customers' perspective receives the highest ranking. The knowledge sharing, new technology, customer satisfaction and sale profitability are considered as the best combination of BSC indicators.

Originality/value

The integrated BSC-Game framework, approach and outcomes can be beneficial to practitioners and researchers who aim to select the proper indicators’ policy in manufacturing performance field.
Barriers to the implementation of the UNIDO’s program for export consortia: a case study of the Iranian handmade carpet industry
Authors: Shojaei Payam , Haqbin Arash , Amin Mohammad
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to identify and analyze the barriers to the implementation of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization’s programxk
for export consortia in the Iranian handmade carpet industry.

Design/methodology/approach

To accomplish its objectives, the study relied on a mixed (qualitative and quantitative) research method. Primarily, unstructured interviews were conducted to identify the effective barriers. Then, the validity of the barriers identified was evaluated through content validity ratio analysis. Finally, the interrelationships between the barriers were determined using the rough decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory technique (DEMATEL).

Findings

Results revealed that “a lack of leadership,” “a traditional business environment” and “a lack of awareness of consortium benefits” were the most significant causal barriers. Meanwhile, the most important effect barriers were “a lack of long-term vision,” “a lack of business ethics” and “a lack of motivation.”

Practical implications

The findings and results could help the stakeholders of the handmade carpet industry in Iran to improve existing export consortium programs, increasing the country’s share in the global markets in this industry.

Originality/value

This investigation seeks to fill an existing gap in the literature on export consortium formation in the handmade carpet industry by providing a network of barriers for the first time.
Design, integration and implementation of crypto cores in an SoC environment
Authors: Pandey Jai Gopal , Gupta Sanskriti , Karmakar Abhijit
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The paper aims to develop a systematic approach to design, integrate, and implement a set of crypto cores in a system-on-chip SoC) environment for data security applications. The advanced encryption standard (AES) and PRESENT block ciphers are deployed together, leading to a common crypto chip for performing encryption and decryption operations.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrated very large-scale integration (VLSI) architecture and its implementation for the AES and PRESENT ciphers is proposed. As per the choice, the architecture performs encryption or decryption operations for the selected cipher. Experimental results of the field-programmable gate array (FPGA) and application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) implementations and related design analysis are provided.

Findings

FPGA implementation of the architecture on Xilinx xc5vfx70t-1-ff1136 device consumes 19% slices, whereas the ASIC design is implemented in 180 nm complementary metal-oxide semiconductor ASIC technology that takes 1.0746 mm2 of standard cell area and consumes 14.26 mW of power at 50 MHz clock frequency. A secure audio application using the designed architecture on an open source SoC environment is also provided. A test methodology for validation of the designed chip using an FPGA-based platform and tools is discussed.

Originality/value

The proposed architecture is compared with a set of existing hardware architectures for analyzing various design metrics such as latency, area, maximum operating frequency, power, and throughput.
Can mild cognitive impairment with depression be improved merely by exercises of recall memories accompanying everyday conversation? A longitudinal study 2016-2019
Authors: Gong Chang-Hoon , Sato Shinichi
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to find out a simple cognitive intervention method to use MCI and suffering people with depression. As the elderly society increases around the world, the number of elderly people with diseases and dementia is increasing rapidly. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a pre-stage to dementia, is a critical treatment time to slow disease progression. However, there is currently no appropriate medication. Furthermore, MCI patients with depression are more difficult to treat.

Design/methodology/approach

To overcome these problems, the authors confirmed improvements and delayed effects in MCI patients in this study for three years through cognitive intervention, demonstrating its effectiveness. Cognitive interventions were conducted for memory retrieval and steadily stimulated the brain by performing tasks to solve problems during daily conversations.

Findings

As a result, the intervention group retained mini-mental state examination and Montreal cognitive assessment scores on the domains of cognitive function and also instrumental activities of daily living in the domain of motion compared to the non-intervention group. Moreover, significant improvements in geriatric depression scales-15 and quality-of-life scales enabled the patients to maintain stable living compared to before the intervention. In addition, the intervention group showed a change in patterns that allowed them to voluntarily devote time to going out at the end of the study.

Research limitations/implications

This study was originally planned to compare the rates of transmission from MCI to dementia by tracking over five years (2016–2021). However, due to the impact of COVID-19, which began to spread around the world in 2020, further face-to-face visits and cognitive intervention became impossible. Thus, only half of the data in the existing plans were collected. Although it is difficult to present accurate results for the rate of transmission from MCI to dementia, the tendency was confirmed, indicating sufficient implications as an intervention.

Originality/value

This study was originally planned to compare the rates of transmission from MCI to dementia by tracking three years (2016–2019). The authors had studied for long-term effect.
Strong seasonal differences of bacterial polysaccharide utilization in the North Sea over an annual cycle
Authors: Giljan Greta , Arnosti Carol , Kirstein Inga V. , Amann Rudolf , Fuchs Bernhard M.
Published: April 2022

Marine heterotrophic bacteria contribute considerably to global carbon cycling, in part by utilizing phytoplankton‐derived polysaccharides. The patterns and rates of two different polysaccharide utilization modes – extracellular hydrolysis and selfish uptake – have previously been found to change during spring phytoplankton bloom events. Here we investigated seasonal changes in bacterial utilization of three polysaccharides, laminarin, xylan and chondroitin sulfate. Strong seasonal differences were apparent in mode and speed of polysaccharide utilization, as well as in bacterial community compositions. Compared to the winter month of February, during the spring bloom in May, polysaccharide utilization was detected earlier in the incubations and a higher portion of all bacteria took up laminarin selfishly. Highest polysaccharide utilization was measured in June and September, mediated by bacterial communities that were significantly different from spring assemblages. Extensive selfish laminarin uptake, for example, was detectible within a few hours in June, while extracellular hydrolysis of chondroitin was dominant in September. In addition to the well‐known Bacteroidota and Gammaproteobacteria clades, the numerically minor verrucomicrobial clade Pedosphaeraceae could be identified as a rapid laminarin utilizer. In summary, polysaccharide utilization proved highly variable over the seasons, both in mode and speed, and also by the bacterial clades involved.
Transcriptomic profile of longissimus thoracis associated with fatty acid content in Nellore beef cattle
Authors: Schettini Gustavo Pimenta , Peripolli Elisa , Alexandre Pâmela Almeida , dos Santos Wellington Bizarria , da Silva Neto João Barbosa , Pereira Angélica Simone Cravo , de Albuquerque Lúcia Galvão , Curi Rogério Abdallah , Baldi Fernando
Published: April 2022

The beef fatty acid (FA) profile has the potential to impact human health, and displays polygenic and complex features. This study aimed to identify the transcriptomic FA profile in the longissimus thoracis muscle in Nellore beef cattle finished in feedlot. Forty‐four young bulls were sampled to assess the beef FA profile by considering 14 phenotypes and including differentially expressed genes (DEG), co‐expressed (COE), and differentially co‐expressed genes (DCO) analyses. All samples (n = 44) were used for COE analysis, whereas 30 samples with extreme phenotypes for the beef FA profile were used for DEG and DCO. A total of 912 DEG were identified, and the polyunsaturated (n = 563) and unsaturated ω‐3 (n = 346) FA sums groups were the most frequently observed. The COE analyses identified three modules, of which the blue module (n = 1776) was correlated with eight of 14 FA phenotypes. Also, 759 DCO genes were listed, and the oleic acid (n = 358) and monounsaturated fatty acids sum (n = 120) were the most frequent. Furthermore, 243 and 13, 319 and seven, and 173 and 12 gene ontology terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways were enriched respectively for the DEG, COE, and DCO analyses. Combining the results, we highlight the unexplored GIPC2, ASB5, and PPP5C genes in cattle. Besides LIPE and INSIG2 genes in COE modules, the ACSL3, ECI1, DECR2, FITM1, and SDHB genes were signaled in at least two analyses. These findings contribute to understand the genetic mechanisms underlying the beef FA profile in Nellore beef cattle finished in feedlot.
Alcohol use and alcohol‐related consequences based on gender and sexual orientation among college students
Authors: Schipani‐McLaughlin Anne Marie , Nielsen Karen E. , Mosley Elizabeth A. , Leone Ruschelle M. , Oesterle Daniel W. , Orchowski Lindsay M. , Davis Kelly C. , Gilmore Amanda K.
Published: April 2022

Background and Objectives

Research has not yet investigated how the association between alcohol and alcohol‐related consequences differs across cisgender heterosexual women (CHW), cisgender heterosexual men (CHM), and sexual and gender minority (SGM) college students.

Methods

Participants were N = 754 college students (34.5% CHW [n = 260]; 34.5% CHM [n = 260]; 31.0% SGM [n = 234]) between the ages 18 and 25 who completed a survey on sexual orientation, gender identity, alcohol use (i.e., average drinks per week), and alcohol‐related consequences.

Results

Among individuals who reported alcohol use, CHM reported significantly more drinks per week compared to CHW and SGM. The logistic model of a zero‐inflated negative binomial regression indicated that excess zeros in the alcohol‐related consequences were more likely among (1) nondrinkers and (2) SGM compared to CHM. The count portion of the model indicated that, among drinkers, there was a positive association between drinks per week and alcohol‐related consequences. Estimated alcohol‐related consequences per drink were 1.90% higher among CHW than CHM and 2.76% higher among SGM than CHM. Exploratory analyses did not find significant differences in outcomes between cisgender female and male sexual minority students.

Discussion and Conclusion

Findings suggest that although CHW and SGM students consume less alcohol than CHM, these students experience more alcohol‐related consequences per drink.

Scientific Significance

This study advances the field's knowledge of alcohol use patterns and consequences among SGM college students. There is a need for alcohol education programming that is tailored to the unique experiences, identities, and minority stressors of SGM college students.
The Montreal cognitive assessment as a cognitive screening tool in sickle cell disease: Associations with clinically significant cognitive domains
Authors: Early Macy L. , Linton Elizabeth , Bosch Allison , Campbell Timothy , Hill‐Briggs Felicia , Pecker Lydia H. , Lance Eboni I. , Lanzkron Sophie
Published: April 2022

Adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at risk for cognitive impairment, which causes significant morbidity. Guidelines support routine cognitive screening, but no screening test is validated in this population. We explored the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) as a possible screening test in SCD. We administered the MoCA; a literacy test, the Wide Range Achievement Test, fourth edition (WRAT‐4); and a health literacy test, the Shortened Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (S‐TOFHLA) to adults with SCD and gathered clinical variables through chart review. Spearman's rho, Mann–Whitney, and Kruskal–Wallis tests and quantile regression models were used. Among our sample of 49 adults with SCD, the median MoCA score was 25.0 [interquartile range (IQR) 22.0–28.0]. Higher educational attainment was associated with MoCA scores (p = 0.001). In multivariable models, MoCA scores were associated with S‐TOFHLA (p = 0.001) and WRAT‐4 Reading (p = 0.002) scores, and overt stroke (p = 0.03) at the median. This pilot study adds to the limited literature of cognitive screening tests in adults with SCD and demonstrates a relationship between MoCA scores and measures of literacy and health literacy. The MoCA is a promising option for briefly screening for cognitive impairment in adults with SCD, though further study is needed to confirm its validity.
Environmental controls of billfish species in the Indian Ocean and implications for their management and conservation
Authors: Thoya Pascal , Kadagi Nelly Isigi , Wambiji Nina , Williams Samuel Mackey , Pepperell Julian , Möllmann Christian , Schiele Kerstin Silke , Maina Joseph
Published: April 2022

Background and aim

Billfish are epipelagic marine predators facing increasing pressures such as overfishing and rising global temperatures. Overfishing is a major concern, as they are caught by industrial longline fishers targeting tuna. Billfish are targeted by multiple fishing sectors, which provides food, socio‐economic and cultural benefits. To support effective billfish management and conservation, it is essential to understand their spatial distribution and the environmental factors that may influence it.

Location

The focus of this study is the Indian Ocean (IO), where there are gaps in understanding the interactions between fisheries and billfish distribution. Three of six billfish species are at risk from overfishing. Therefore, determining their distribution is crucial to their management and conservation.

Methods

Using Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS) occurrence data, Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) catch data, and environmental covariates, we applied species distribution models to investigate the spatial extent of the realized niches of six billfish species in the IO. We also determined the role and relative importance of environmental drivers. Moreover, we evaluated the association between species’ spatial distribution and the fishing effort distribution.

Results

We found niche partitioning and overlap among the six species identified spatial distribution, with higher species richness in the northern region of the IO and off the East coast of Africa. Temperature, mixed layer depth and salinity were identified as the most important predictors of species distribution, with moderately warm and stable environments preferred by most billfish species. Areas with high species richness and high fishing effort overlap were primarily found in the Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ). In contrast, areas with high species diversity richness and low fishing effort were found mainly in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Main conclusion

Spatial overlap between fishing effort and billfish projected distribution suggests inadvertent fishing pressure on billfish populations as they are caught together with targeted tuna. Spatial distribution transcends maritime zones, reinforcing a need to formulate effective management policies for marine areas beyond national jurisdictions.