bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic Repair of Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea Due to Trauma by a Bamboo Stick in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Li Jiani , Zhao He , Cao Zhiwei , Gu Zhaowei
Published: November 2023

Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea (CSFR) is a condition in which the cerebrospinal fluid flows out of the nasal cavity due to rupture of the arachnoid, dura, and nasal membranes because of bone defects in the skull base. The authors report a rare case of CSFR in a 2-year-old girl who experienced trauma in the nasal cavity by a bamboo stick. She underwent endoscopic repair for the CSFR. During surgery, a bulged vesicle was observed at the left cribriform plate with a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid draining from the surrounding area. Postoperative recovery was good. Endoscopic CSFR repair in pediatric patients is minimally invasive, effective, and safe as demonstrated in this case. Prevention of CSFR in children is important. Parents and caretakers of children need to be more aware, and potentially dangerous objects should not be kept within reach of children.
The Association Between Solid Organ Transplant and Recurrence of Acute Diverticulitis
Authors: Harrison Noah J. , Samuels Lauren R. , Dusetzina Stacie B. , Alexopoulos Sophoclis P. , Ziogas Ioannis A. , Hawkins Alexander T.
Published: November 2023

Objective:

The aim of this study was to compare rates and severity of recurrent acute diverticulitis in patients with and without solid organ transplant.

Background:

Immunocompromised solid organ transplant recipients have been considered higher risk for both recurrence and severity of acute diverticulitis. Current guidelines recommend an individualized approach for colectomy in these patients, but these are based on single-center data.

Methods:

We identified patients with acute diverticulitis using the Merative MarketScan commercial claims data from 2014 to 2020. Patients were classified by history of solid organ transplant. The primary outcome was recurrence of acute diverticulitis with an associated antibiotic prescription ≥60 days from the initial episode. Secondary outcomes included hospitalization, colectomy, and ostomy in patients with recurrence. Analyses used inverse probability weighting to adjust for imbalances in covariates.

Results:

Of 170,697 patients with evidence of acute diverticulitis, 442 (0.2%) had a history of solid organ transplantation. In the weighted cohort, among people who had not been censored at 1 year (n=515), 112 (22%; 95% CI: 20%–25%) experienced a recurrence within the first year. Solid organ transplantation was not significantly associated with a risk of recurrence (hazard ratio=1.19; 95% CI: 0.94–1.50). There was also no statistically significant difference in the hospitalization rate for recurrent diverticulitis. Restricting the analysis to hospitalized recurrences, there was no statistically significant difference observed in either length of stay or discharge status.

Conclusions:

In this national analysis of commercially insured patients with acute diverticulitis we found no statistically significant differences in recurrence between those with and without a history of solid organ transplant. We do not support an aggressive colectomy strategy based on concern for increased recurrence rate and severity in a solid organ transplant population.
Timing, triage, and mode of emergency general surgery interfacility transfers in the United States: A scoping review
Authors: Silver David S. , Teng Cindy , Brown Joshua B.
Published: November 2023

Interfacility transfer of emergency general surgery (EGS) patients continues to rise, especially in the context of ongoing system consolidation. This scoping review aims to identify and summarize the literature on triage, timing, and mode of interfacility emergency general surgery transfer. While common, EGS transfer systems are not optimized to improve outcomes or ensure value-based care. We identified studies investigating emergency general surgery interfacility transfer using Ovid Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library between 1990 and 2022. English studies that evaluated EGS interfacility timing, triage or transfer mode were included. Studies were assessed by two independent reviewers. Studies were limited to English-language articles in the United States. Data were extracted and summarized with a narrative synthesis of the results and gaps in the literature. There were 423 articles identified, of which 66 underwent full-text review after meeting inclusion criteria. Most publications were descriptive studies or outcomes investigations of interfacility transfer. Only six articles described issues related to the logistics behind the interfacility transfer and were included. The articles were grouped into the predefined themes of transfer timing, triage, and mode of transfer. There were mixed results for the impact of transfer timing on outcomes with heterogeneous definitions of delay and populations. Triage guidelines for EGS transfer were consensus or expert opinion. No studies were identified addressing the mode of interfacility EGS transfer. Further research should focus on better understanding which populations of patients require expedited transfer and by what mode. The lack of high-level data supports the need for robust investigations into interfacility transfer processes to optimize triage using scarce resources and optimized value-based care.
Injury pattern and clinical outcome in patients with and without chest wall injury after cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Authors: Hadesi Parsa , Rossi Norrlund Rauni , Caragounis Eva-Corina
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), although lifesaving may cause chest wall injury (CWI) because of the physical force exerted on the thorax. The impact of CWI on clinical outcome in this patient group is unclear. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of CPR-related CWI and the secondary aim to study injury pattern, length of stay (LOS), and mortality in patients with and without CWI.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of adult patients who were admitted to our hospital due to cardiac arrest (CA) during 2012 to 2020. Patients were identified in the Swedish CPR Registry and those undergoing CT of the thorax within 2 weeks after CPR were included. Patients with traumatic CA, chest wall surgery prior or after CA were excluded. Demographic data, type and length of CPR, type of CWI, LOS on mechanical ventilator (MV), in intensive care unit (ICU) and in hospital (H), and mortality were studied.

RESULTS

Of 1,715 CA patients, 245 met the criteria for inclusion. The majority (79%) of the patients suffered from CWI. Chondral injuries and rib fractures were more common than sternum fractures (95% vs. 57%), and 14% had a radiological flail segment. Patients with CWI were older (66.5 ± 15.4 vs. 52.5 ± 15.2, p < 0.001). No difference was seen in MV-LOS (3 [0–43] vs. 3 [0–22]; p = 0.430), ICU-LOS (3 [0–48] vs. 3 [0–24]; p = 0.427), and H-LOS (5.5 [0–85] vs. 9.0 [1–53]; p = 0.306) in patients with or without CWI. Overall mortality within 30 days was higher with CWI (68% vs. 47%, p = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

Chest wall injuries are common after CPR and 14% of patients had a flail segment on CT. Elderly patients have an increased risk of CWI, and a higher overall mortality is seen in patients with CWI.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level IV.
The effect of early or late initiation of long-acting antipsychotics on the caregiver burden in schizophrenia
Authors: Çırakman Dilara , Karslıoğlu Ersin Hatice , Bal Neşe Burcu , Çayköylü Ali
Published: November 2023

The effective treatment in the early stages of schizophrenia is of critical importance to improve the prognosis. Schizophrenia affects patients’ relatives too. The effects of early or late initiation of long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAI-APs) on the patient have been shown, yet their effects on the caregiver are still unknown. We aimed to determine how the time of initiation of LAI-APs affects the caregiver burden by comparing the patients who were started on LAI-APs in the first 5 years of diagnosis and those who were started at a later period. Patients were classified as ‘early-LAI’ and ‘late-LAI’ according to the time of initiation of a LAI-AP. Their caregivers were also classified as the same way, as ‘caregiver-early’ and ‘caregiver-late’ and were compared in terms of caregiver burden. The quality of life, depression, anxiety, and caregiver burden scores of the caregiver-late group were significantly worse. The time of initiation of LAI-APs and the functioning levels of the patients were found to be determinant factors for the caregiver burden. This is the first study to investigate the effects of LAI-AP’s initiation time on the caregivers to our knowledge. The use of LAI-APs in the early stages is associated with better outcomes for the caregiver.
Preface to the theme issue ‘Physics-informed machine learning and its structural integrity applications (Part 2)’
Authors: Zhu Shun-Peng , De Jesus Abílio M. P. , Berto Filippo , Michopoulos John G. , Iacoviello Francesco , Wang Qingyuan
Published: November 2023

As an emerging research field, physics-informed machine learning and its structural integrity applications may bring new opportunities to the intelligent solution of engineering problems. Pure data-driven approaches have some limitations when solving engineering problems due to lack of interpretability and data hungry applications. Therefore, further unlocking the potential of machine learning will be an important research direction in the future. Knowledge-driven machine learning methods may have a profound impact on future engineering research. The theme of this special issue focuses on more specific physics-informed machine learning methods and case studies. This issue presents a series of practical ideas to demonstrate the huge potential of physics-informed machine learning for solving engineering problems with high precision and efficiency.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Physics-informed machine learning and its structural integrity applications (Part 2)’.
Paenibacillus caseinilyticus sp. nov., isolated forest soil
Authors: Lee Hyosun , Chaudhary Dhiraj Kumar , Lim Oung Bin , Lee Ki Eun , Cha In Tae , Chi Won Jae , Kim Dong-Uk
Published: November 2023

A milky-white-coloured, aerobic, Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped and motile bacterial strain (GW78T) was isolated from forest soil. GW78T was catalase-positive and oxidase-negative. The strain was able to grow optimally at 37 °C and at pH 7.0 in Reasoner's 2A media. The phylogenetic and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis of GW78T showed its affiliation with the genus

Paenibacillus

. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of GW78T revealed 98.3 % similarity to its nearest neighbour

Paenibacillus mucilaginosus

VKPM B-7519T. Its chemotaxonomic properties included MK-7 as the sole menaquinone, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine and phosphatidylethanolamine as major polar lipids, and anteiso-C15 : 0, C16 : 1
 ω11c and anteiso-C17 : 0 as predominant fatty acids. Digital DNA–DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity results with its closest relatives were <74.0 % and <14.0 %, respectively. Overall, 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons, phylogenetic and genomic evidence, and phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data allow the differentiation of GW78T from other members of the genus

Paenibacillus

. Thus, we propose that strain GW78T represents a novel species of the genus

Paenibacillus

, with the name Paenibacillus caseinilyticus sp. nov. The type strain is GW78T (=KCTC 43430T=NBRC 116023T).
A study of machine learning techniques for Automated Karyotyping System
Authors: Kaur Kamalpreet , Dhir Renu
Published: November 2023

Genetic abnormalities constitute a considerable share of all the existing societal healthcare issues. There has been a dire need for the automation of chromosomal analysis, hence supporting laboratory workers in effective classification and identifying such abnormalities. Nevertheless, with many modern image processing techniques, like Karyotyping, improved the life expectancy and the quality of life of such cases. The standard image-based analysis procedures include Pre-processing, Segmentation, Feature extraction, and Classification of images. When explicitly considering Karyotyping, the processes of Segmentation and Classification of chromosomes have been the most complex, with much existing literature focusing on the same. Various model-based machine learning models have proven to be highly effective in solving existing issues and building an artificial intelligence-based, autonomous-centric karyotyping system. An autonomous Karyotyping System will connect the pre-processing, Segmentation, and classification of metaphase images. The review focuses on machine learning-based algorithms for efficient classification accuracy. The study has the sole motive of moving towards an effective classification method for karyotype metaphase images, which will eventually predict the fetus’s abnormalities more effectively. The study’s results shall benefit future researchers working in this area.
Insight into the gut virome in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bokoliya Suresh C , Russell Jordan , Yuan Hanshu , Xia Zongqi , Piccio Laura , Zhou Yanjiao
Published: November 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition associated with dysbiosis in the bacterial element of microbiome, yet limited information exists regarding dysbiosis in the virome. In this study, we examined the virome in 20 relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients and 22 healthy controls (HC). We extracted virus-like particles (VLP) genomic DNA through sequential filtration, followed by deep metagenomic sequencing approaches with and without multiple displacement amplification (MDA). We found significantly lower diversity in the gut virome of RRMS patients relative to HC, consistent across both sequencing methods. MDA method identified reduced relative abundance ofMicroviridaeandMyoviridaebacteriophage, and eukaryotic virus such asHerpesviridaeandPhycodnaviridaein RRMS patients compared to HC. Non-MDA methods showed reduction in relative abundance ofSiphoviridaebacteriophage and eukaryotic viruses such asAckermannviridae,Demerecviridae,Dicistroviridae,Herelleviridae,Mesnidovirineaein RRMS patients. Cluster analysis revealed that the whole virome family was dominated byPodoviridaeandSiphoviridaeclusters. Comparing dietary metadata between these clusters, RRMS patients in theSiphoviridae-dominated Cluster B showed significantly higher consumption of refined grains and salad dressings compared to those in thePodoviridae-dominated Cluster A. Correlation analysis between gut viruses and bacteria demonstrated thatSiphoviridaeexhibited positive correlations with many different bacterial genera. Conversely,Microviridaedisplayed negative correlations with many different bacterial genera. These findings underscore the alterations in viral diversity and taxonomic composition of the gut virome in RRMS patients. Our study represents the first step in understanding the gut virome in MS patients, providing a groundwork for future research on the role of the gut virome in the context of MS.
Mediator Subunit Med4 Enforces Metastatic Dormancy in Breast Cancer
Authors: Bae Seong-Yeon , Ling Hsiang-Hsi , Chen Yi , Chen Hong , Kumar Dhiraj , Zhang Jiankang , Viny Aaron D. , DePinho Ronald A. , Giancotti Filippo G.
Published: November 2023

Long term survival of breast cancer patients is limited due to recurrence from metastatic dormant cancer cells. However, the mechanisms by which these dormant breast cancer cells survive and awaken remain poorly understood. Our unbiased genome-scale genetic screen in mice identifiedMed4as a novel cancer-cell intrinsic gatekeeper in metastatic reactivation.MED4haploinsufficiency is prevalent in metastatic breast cancer patients and correlates with poorer prognosis. Syngeneic xenograft models revealed thatMed4enforces breast cancer dormancy. Contrary to the canonical function of the Mediator complex in activating gene expression,Med4maintains 3D chromatin compaction and enhancer landscape, by preventing enhancer priming or activation through the suppression of H3K4me1 deposition.Med4haploinsufficiency disrupts enhancer poise and reprograms the enhancer dynamics to facilitate extracellular matrix (ECM) gene expression and integrin-mediated mechano-transduction, driving metastatic growth. Our findings establishMed4as a key regulator of cellular dormancy and a potential biomarker for high-risk metastatic relapse.
DL4MicEverywhere: Deep learning for microscopy made flexible, shareable, and reproducible
Authors: Hidalgo-Cenalmor Iván , Pylvänäinen Joanna W , Ferreira Mariana G , Russell Craig T , Arganda-Carreras Ignacio ,   AI4Life Consortium, Jacquemet Guillaume , Henriques Ricardo , Gómez-de-Mariscal Estibaliz
Published: November 2023

Deep learning has revolutionised the analysis of extensive microscopy datasets, yet challenges persist in the widespread adoption of these techniques. Many lack access to training data, computing resources, and expertise to develop complex models. We introduce DL4MicEverywhere, advancing our previous ZeroCostDL4Mic platform, to make deep learning more accessible. DL4MicEverywhere uniquely allows flexible training and deployment across diverse computational environments by encapsulating methods in interactive Jupyter notebooks within Docker containers –a standalone virtualisation of required packages and code to reproduce a computational environment–. This enhances reproducibility and convenience. The platform includes twice as many techniques as originally provided by ZeroCostDL4Mic and enables community contributions via automated build pipelines. DL4MicEverywhere empowers participatory innovation and aims to democratise deep learning for bioimage analysis.
Optimization of synthetic oscillatory biological networks through Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Giannantoni Leonardo , Savino Alessandro , Di Carlo Stefano
Published: November 2023

In the expanding realm of computational biology, Reinforcement Learning (RL) emerges as a novel and promising approach, especially for designing and optimizing complex synthetic biological circuits. This study explores the application of RL in controlling Hopf bifurcations within ODE-based systems, particularly under the influence of molecular noise. Through two case studies, we demonstrate RL’s capabilities in navigating biological systems’ inherent non-linearity and high dimensionality. Our findings reveal that RL effectively identifies the onset of Hopf bifurcations and preserves biological plausibility within the optimized networks. However, challenges were encountered in achieving persistent oscillations and matching traditional algorithms’ computational speed. Despite these limitations, the study highlights RL’s significant potential as an instrumental tool in computational biology, offering a novel perspective for exploring and optimizing oscillatory dynamics within complex biological systems. Our research establishes RL as a promising strategy for manipulating and designing intricate behaviors in biological networks.
Engineering orthogonal ribosomes for real-time monitoring using fluorescence
Authors: Csibra Eszter , Klopprogge Bjarne , Sørensen Georgie Hau , Gorochowski Thomas E.
Published: November 2023

A promising route to tackle the trade-off in cellular resources between synthetic protein production and cellular growth is to use a separate dedicated pool of orthogonal ribosomes to produce synthetic proteins. However, the optimisation of strains containing two ribosomal pools – native for the host cell’s proteome and orthogonal for synthetic proteins – has yet to be thoroughly explored. Here, we address this by creating orthogonal ribosomes that fluoresce by inserting fluorescent RNA aptamers into tethered orthogonal ribosomal RNA (TO-rRNA). To study the tolerance of the engineered ribosomes to aptamer insertion, we assembled and screened a library of candidate insertion sites, identifying several sites in both the 16S and 23S TO-rRNA that enables ribosome labelling with minimal effect on translation activity. Serendipitously, we identify one site in 23S TO-rRNA, where insertion appears to not only be tolerated but to enhance orthogonal ribosome activity, across multiple bacterial strains and RNA insertions. Using bulk and single cell assays, we demonstrate that this variant allows us to label orthogonal ribosomes for dynamic tracking and across populations, making it a promising tool for optimising orthogonal translation in engineered cells. Ribosome engineering offers great potential, both for the development of next-generation microbial cell factories, as well as a tool to expand our understanding of ribosome function in living cells. This work provides a window into the assembly, localisation and function of these molecular machines to meet these aims.
Secreted antigen A peptidoglycan hydrolase is essential forEnterococcus faeciumcell separation and priming of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy
Authors: Klupt Steven , Fam Kyong Tkhe , Zhang Xing , Chodisetti Pavan Kumar , Mehmood Abeera , Boyd Tumara , Grotjahn Danielle , Park Donghyun , Hang Howard C.
Published: November 2023

Enterococcus faeciumis a microbiota species in humans that can modulate host immunity1, but has also acquired antibiotic resistance and is a major cause of hospital-associated infections2. Notably, diverse strains ofE. faeciumproduce SagA, a highly conserved peptidoglycan hydrolase that is sufficient to promote intestinal immunity3–5and immune checkpoint inhibitor antitumor activity6. However, the functions of SagA inE. faeciumwere unknown. Here we report that deletion ofsagAimpairedE. faeciumgrowth and resulted in bulged and clustered enterococci due to defective peptidoglycan cleavage and cell separation. Moreover, ΔsagAshowed increased antibiotic sensitivity, yielded lower levels of active muropeptides, displayed reduced activation of the peptidoglycan pattern-recognition receptor NOD2, and failed to promote cancer immunotherapy. Importantly, plasmid-based expression of SagA, but not its catalytically-inactive mutant, restored ΔsagAgrowth, production of active muropeptides and NOD2 activation. SagA is therefore essential forE. faeciumgrowth, stress resistance and activation of host immunity.
The Origin and Evolution of Sex Peptide and Sex Peptide Receptor Interactions
Authors: Peng Junhui , Svetec Nicolas , Molina Henrik , Zhao Li
Published: November 2023

Post-mating responses play a vital role in successful reproduction across diverse species. In fruit flies, sex peptide (SP) binds to the sex peptide receptor (SPR), triggering a series of post-mating responses. However, the origin of SPR predates the emergence of SP. The evolutionary origins of the interactions between SP and SPR and the mechanisms by which they interact remain enigmatic. In this study, we used ancestral sequence reconstruction, AlphaFold2 predictions, and molecular dynamics simulations to study SP-SPR interactions and their origination. Using AlphaFold2 and long-time molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we predicted the structure and dynamics of SP-SPR interactions. We show that SP potentially binds to the ancestral states of Diptera SPR. Notably, we found that only a few amino acid changes in SPR are sufficient for the formation of SP-SPR interactions. Ancestral sequence reconstruction and MD simulations further reveal that SPR interacts with SP through residues that are mostly involved in the interaction interface of an ancestral ligand, myoinhibitory peptides (MIPs). We propose a potential mechanism whereby SP-SPR interactions arise from the pre-existing MIP-SPR interface as well as early chance events both inside and outside the pre-existing interface that created novel SP-specific SP-SPR interactions. Our findings provide new insights into the origin and evolution of SP-SPR interactions and their relationship with MIP-SPR interactions.
Cross-cultural examination of successful entrepreneurial small and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Balhico Ana , Pereira Renato , Jarrar Hajer
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential variances in strategic entrepreneurial small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across different countries while also exploring the cultural implications that may arise.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a qualitative research approach was used, involving semi-structured interviews conducted with seven technology start-ups from two countries – Portugal and France.

Findings

The results of this study demonstrate significant differences in opportunity-seeking, performance and long-term orientation behaviors between the technology start-ups in Portugal and France.

Practical implications

This knowledge can help entrepreneurs and investors make informed decisions when developing strategies, entering new markets or seeking partnerships with start-ups from different countries. Furthermore, policymakers can use these findings to support entrepreneurship initiatives and foster an environment that encourages strategic entrepreneurship practices.

Originality/value

This study offers a unique perspective by focusing on the firm level of entrepreneurial SMEs and the strategic practices adopted by technology start-ups in Portugal and France. In contrast, prior studies have predominantly centred on analysing individual motivations for entrepreneurship, such as personal traits or attitudes, rather than exploring the actual strategic behaviors and practices of start-ups in various countries. By shifting the emphasis to the firm level, this study provides a more comprehensive understanding of how strategic entrepreneurship practices differ across different cultural contexts. As such, it represents a significant contribution to the existing literature on strategic entrepreneurship.
Developing a systematic performance measurement framework for benchmarking steel modular building construction
Authors: Ping Tianyao , Pan Wei , Zhang Zhiqian
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Modular construction is an innovative method that enhances the performance of building construction projects. However, the performance of steel modular construction has not been systematically understood, and the existing measurement methods exhibit limitations in effectively addressing the features of steel modular building construction. Therefore, this study aims to develop a new performance measurement framework for systematically examining the performance of steel modular construction in building projects.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted through a mixed-method research design that combines a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art practices of construction performance measurement and a case study with a 17-story steel modular apartment building project in Hong Kong. The case project was measured with data collected from the project teams and other reliable channels, and the measurement practices and findings were referenced to establish a systematic performance measurement framework for steel modular construction.

Findings

Considering steel modular construction as a complex socio-technical system, a systematic performance measurement framework was developed, which considers the features of steel modular construction, focuses on the construction stage, incorporates the views of various stakeholders, integrates generic and specific key performance indicators and provides a benchmarking process. Multifaceted benefits of adopting steel modular construction were demonstrated with case study, including improved economic efficiency (e.g. nearly 10% cost savings), improved environmental friendliness (e.g. approximately 90% waste reduction) and enhanced social welfare (e.g. over 60% delivery trips reduction).

Originality/value

This paper extends the existing performance measurement methods with a new framework proposed and offers experience for future steel modular construction. The measured performance of the case project also contributes in-depth understanding on steel modular construction with benefits demonstrated. The study is expected to accelerate an effective uptake of steel modular construction in building projects.
Multi-factor model of the antecedents of unplanned conversations at work
Authors: Mandhana Dron M.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

During everyday work, individuals often engage in unplanned conversations that help them develop relationships, share information and coordinate tasks. Unfortunately, the work-from-home mandates issued due to the pandemic have reduced the frequency of unplanned conversations among employees. So, as businesses reopen, organizations are considering post-pandemic workplace solutions that can facilitate unplanned conversations. To aid these efforts and move research and theory on unplanned conversations forward, this study proposes and tests a multi-factor model of the antecedents of unplanned conversations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a multi-methodological approach and collected data using automated sensing technology, structured observations and cross-sectional survey methods. A total of 5,297 unplanned conversations among 61 employees were recorded using the custom mobile application and structured observations. Cross-sectional survey data about these employees' work contexts were also collected.

Findings

The study results showed that the model significantly predicted the frequency of unplanned conversations. Notably, technical expertise, perceived time pressure and team psychological safety significantly predicted the frequency of unplanned conversations. The study findings have both theoretical and practical significance.

Originality/value

Previous research studies have primarily focused on the influence of workplace designs on unplanned conversations. However, this study demonstrates that several other factors facilitate unplanned conversations. This research theorizes and empirically tests the relationship between unplanned conversations and several individual, team and organizational factors.
Major criteria of credible integrated development planning in local government: city of Mbombela, Ehlanzeni District, South Africa
Authors: Mulaudzi Dovhani Johannes , Francis Joseph , Zuwarimwe Jethro , Chakwizira James
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to determine the major criteria for a credible integrated development planning (IDP) process in Mbombela municipality, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilizes a combination of sequential exploratory and explanatory mixed methods. About 120 key informants participated in the structured questionnaire, and a further seven interviews were conducted as elite interviews. Four multistakeholder workshop sessions with up to sixty-six participants each were conducted.

Findings

To strengthen the integrated planning in local government, the study recommended “stakeholder participation and ownership,” “leadership and accountability,” “impact and outcome-based focus,” “a compact value chain” and “monitoring and evaluation.”

Originality/value

The IDP process is a tactical planning gadget designed to achieve transformation and introduce new systems of governance. IDPs currently tend to lack standard criteria to measure their performance in promoting public leadership and responding to community needs, which is a major challenge in many municipalities across South Africa. Since its introduction in 2000 to fast-track service delivery, concerns have been raised about why there are still constant protests alleged to be caused by poor service delivery.
Impact of debt on sustainability reporting: a meta-analysis of the moderating role of country characteristics
Authors: Singhania Monica , Chadha Gurmani
Published: November 2023

Purpose

As of 2022, the scope of the engagement and interest of debt capital providers in ESG reporting is mainly untapped. However, a vast amount of literature has produced conflicting findings about the importance of debt capital (leverage) as a factor in sustainability reporting (SR). This is the first meta-analysis reconciling the mixed results of 85 single country studies containing 131 effect sizes across 24,482 firms conducted over past three decades (1999–2022) investigating the influence of leverage on SR. The study emphasizes the significance of contextualizing research by identifying the macro-environmental elements modifying debt's impact on SR, through the use of the institutional theory. Eleven country variables were tested on the collected dataset, spread across 36 countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Meta-analysis technique for aggregation of existing extant empirical work. Continuous and categorical variable-based moderator analysis to demystify the influence of country characteristics affecting the leverage–SR relationship.

Findings

Results show positive significant impact of debt capital providers on SR. Country's level of development, GDP, extent of capital constraints in a country, financial sector development within a nation, country governance factors and corruption levels, country's culture, number of sustainability reporting instruments operational in a country and geographical location proved to be significant moderators.

Research limitations/implications

The study details relevant meaningful research gaps, worthy of uptake by researchers to produce targeted research.

Practical implications

Governments must increasingly go beyond their mandated disclosure role and acknowledge the important institutional factors that have contributed to the expansion of ESG reporting through the creation of nation-specific tools, incentive structures and disclosure-encouraging regulations. To secure a steady flow of funding and prevent negative effects on company value and cost of capital in the midst of prolonged global economic upheaval, businesses must address the information requirements of lenders. The limited total effect size emphasizes the necessity for debt providers to step up their ESG activism and exercise their maximum power and potential in stimulating extensive SR firm-level practices.

Originality/value

The present study is the first meta-analysis reconciling the mixed results of 85 single-country studies containing 131 effect sizes across 24,482 firms conducted over the past three decades (1999–2022) investigating the influence of leverage on SR and demystifying the macro-environmental factors affecting the leverage–SR association.
Historical prevalence of infectious diseases and entrepreneurship: evidence from 125 countries
Authors: Messono Omang Ombolo , Asongu Simplice
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effects of the historical prevalence of infectious diseases on contemporary entrepreneurship. Previous studies reveal numerous proximate causes of entrepreneurship, but little is known about the fundamental determinants of this widespread economic concern.

Design/methodology/approach

The central hypothesis is that historical pathogens exert persistent impacts on present-day entrepreneurship. The authors provide support for the underlying hypothesis using ordinary least squares and two-stage least squares with cross-sectional data from 125 countries consisting of the averages between 2006 and 2018.

Findings

Past diseases reduce entrepreneurship both directly and indirectly. The strongest indirect effects occur through GDP per capita, property rights, innovation, entrepreneurial attitudes, entrepreneurial abilities, entrepreneurial aspirations and skills. This result is robust to many sensitivity tests. Policymakers may take these findings into account and incorporate disease pathogens into the design of entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

The novelty of this paper lies in the adoption of a historical approach that sheds light on the deep historical roots of cross-country differences in entrepreneurship.
Animal abuse recidivism: a narrative review
Authors: Reid Olivia , Alleyne Emma
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consolidate and evaluate the available research on animal abuse recidivism.

Design/methodology/approach

A narrative review of the animal abuse literature was conducted. Articles were included if they provided data/estimates of the rates of recidivism, findings regarding the static, dynamic and/or protective factors associated with animal abuse recidivism and available risk assessment tools, specifically for use with individuals who have a history of animal abuse.

Findings

The literature review highlighted high rates of reoffending amongst those who have harmed animals. Many risk and protective factors associated with animal abuse were common to the wider offending behaviour literature (e.g. antisocial attitudes, relationship issues), but more robust research is needed to highlight any distinct characteristics. Lastly, the review reports two risk assessment tools designed specifically for this offending group.

Practical implications

Clinicians and criminal justice personnel base their sentencing, detention and treatment decisions, at least in part, on the recidivism literature. This review provides a consolidation of the evidence base as an aide memoire for practitioners.

Originality/value

History of animal abuse is a risk factor for future animal harm specifically, and interpersonal violence more broadly. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first literature review that presents the key research evidence on risk/protective factors and relevant risk assessment tools that can inform intervention planning to reduce risk of reoffending towards animals and humans alike when practitioners encounter clients who have a history of harming animals.
“Humanitarian Aid Is Never a Crime”: Humanitarianism and Illegality in Migrant Advocacy
Authors: Cook Maria Lorena
Published: November 2023

I analyze the case of humanitarian pro-migrant activists in southern Arizona between 2000 and 2010 to explore how contending groups wield law and legality claims in a dynamic policy environment. Humanitarian activists both evade and engage the law. They appeal to a higher law to elude charges that they are acting illegally, while seeking assurances that their actions are within the law. Law enforcement agents rely on the authority and technical neutrality of the law in redefining humanitarian aid as illegal, while expanding their own claims to carry out humanitarian work. This case study of advocacy on behalf of “illegal” migrants highlights how both activists and those who enforce the law redefine legality in strategic ways.
Association of cesarean section delivery with childhood behavior: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Grisbrook Marie-Andrée , Letourneau Nicole , Hayden K. Alix , Ronksley Paul
Published: November 2023

Objective:

This review will evaluate the association between cesarean section delivery and child behavior problems.

Introduction:

Cesarean section (C-section) deliveries account for over 30% of deliveries in Canada and 21% of all births globally. Mode of delivery via C-section has been associated with altered maternal mental health in the postpartum period, and postpartum depression is linked to an increased risk of internalizing and externalizing behaviors in children. Given the high rates of C-section deliveries worldwide, it is important to determine how mode of delivery impacts child behavior.

Inclusion criteria:

The review will examine child behavior outcomes among preschool and school-aged children as determined by medical diagnosis or a standardized assessment tool. Multiple gestation pregnancies and pre-term delivery will be excluded.

Methods:

A search will be conducted using APA PsycINFO (Ovid), MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), and Scopus. This review will evaluate peer-reviewed primary observational research studies specifically looking at examining C-section delivery. Two reviewers will independently screen titles, abstracts, and full-text studies to determine alignment with the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data will be recorded using the standardized JBI data extraction tool and be presented using figures, tables, and a summary. Where feasible, we will conduct a meta-analysis and subgroup analysis of suitable populations. Critical appraisal of studies will be performed for included studies. The certainty of the evidence will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach.

Review registration:

PROSPERO CRD42022371294
IoT System for Monitoring of Workers at Height
Authors: Martínez-Martínez Damián Camilo , Riaño-Jaramillo María Catalina , Mendez-Chaves Diego , González-Correal Alejadra , Narducci-Marín Margarita
Published: November 2023

Work at height is considered a high-risk task due to the exposure of personnel to non-daily or natural factors for the human being, such as changes in temperature, position and limited displacement, which might affect the person’s metabolism. In Colombia, over the years, this activity has represented a significant number of accidents and deaths. In order to be able to detect a possible eventuality or issue with the worker at height, this project proposed and developed an IoT prototype system to monitor biological variables, such as, heart rate and blood oxygen level, and variables of protection for the worker, such as the securing of the carabiner on the line of life and the height at which the worker is positioned. In the materials and methods section, the system architecture and its connections are explained. To measure heart rate and blood oxygen level, the plethysmography technique is selected, a high-resolution barometer is selected to measure the worker's height, and a pressure sensor is selected to measure carabiner securing. This section also explains the development of electronic instrumentation and the connection of the different modules to guarantee the acquisition of information and its sending to the cloud. The results of the characterization of the prototype indicated errors of 3.56% for the heart rate, 1.1% for the blood oxygen level and 10% for the carabiner securing measurement. As a conclusion the IoT system was designed, implemented and verified for the proposed variables. The system allows real-time measurements and connectivity between physical variables and the cloud.
Optimal Design of Thermal Cycling Reliability for Plastic Ball Grid Array Assembly Via Finite Element Method and Taguchi Method
Authors: Gao Chao , Huang Chunyue , Ying Liang
Published: November 2023

A finite element simulation analysis model was developed for a plastic ball grid array (PBGA) assembly to analyze its behavior under thermal cyclic loading conditions. The stress distribution in the SAC305 solder joints at different locations within the array was investigated by using ANAND constitutive equations. Subsequently, the thermal fatigue life of the key solder joints was quantified. The study also examined the influence of the solder joint diameter, substrate thickness, solder joint height, printed circuit board (PCB) thickness, and mold compound height on solder joint stress. Optimization of assembly parameters was achieved through the application of the Taguchi method. An extensive analysis was conducted using different assembly parameter combinations, employing the L9(34) orthogonal array design to explore the thermal cycling effects. The computed average Von Mises stress Δσ for the critical thin-layer elements of solder joints located in hazardous positions within the assembly was notably affected by variations in the solder joint height, substrate thickness, solder joint diameter, and mold compound height. This impact ranked in descending order of significance as solder joint height, substrate thickness, solder joint diameter, and mold compound height. The optimal parameter combination determined was a solder joint height of 0.70 mm, a solder joint diameter of 0.85 mm, a substrate thickness of 0.51 mm, and a mold compound height of 1.12 mm. Implementing this optimized configuration led to a significant 4.07% reduction in average stress Δσ for the critical thin-layer elements within hazardous solder joints. Moreover, the extension of the thermal fatigue life was notably improved, achieving an impressive 51.72% increase.
Model Verification and Experimental Study of the Turbomachinery Wake Flow Field Reconstruction
Authors: Gao Hanting , Dong Xu , Xu Ruize , Gao Lei , Sun Dakun , Sun Xiaofeng
Published: November 2023

A clear understanding of the turbomachinery wake flow field is one of the key problems in developing turbomachinery aerodynamics. The theoretical model of helical vortices is established in cylindrical coordinates (r,θ,z), and the model corresponds to the experimental scheme, which verifies the feasibility of reconstructing flow field by interpolation in r–z plane under different θ. This model shows that theta should not exceed 20 deg in order to reconstruct the flow field more accurately. Taking rotors as the representative of the turbomachinery, particle image velocimetry (PIV) is used to measure the velocity field in the rotor wake. Interpolating reconstruction of spacing between different measurement planes, the reconstruction results are relative to the theory, in which plane spacing should be less than 20 deg. Using the vorticity-weighted average method to calculate the central position of the vortex core, the wandering motion of the tip vortex is obtained. Through the analysis method of the circulation, it is proved that the point where the second derivative of the circulation with respect to the radius is 0 corresponds to the radius of the vortex core, and the evolution trend of the growth of the vortex core radius is proportional to the square root of the vortex ages. The results provide a reliable experimental method for the quantitative study of the spatio-temporal evolution of complex vortex structures in the three-dimensional flow of turbomachinery wakes.
Analytical and Numerical Models of a New Hybrid System of Earth Air Tunnel Integrated Solar Air Heater With Sensible Storage
Authors: Verma Sunirmit , Das Ranjan
Published: November 2023

A novel combination of an earth air tunnel (EAT) and a sensible thermal storage-aided solar air heater has been proposed when the sensible storage medium is taken to be rocks filled within the air flow passage. Both time-dependent and steady-state models are reported. The former describes the exact thermal performance of the system for a two-month wintertime for the city of Baghdad, Iraq. The latter describes average performance of the system. The implicit finite difference method and method of separation of variables have been used to solve the pertinent equations in the respective models. Acceptable level of accuracy was obtained between the steady-state numerical and analytical solutions as well as between the numerical and the published data. It is revealed that preheating by a sufficiently long EAT module improves the effective power as well as the output temperature from the rock bed solar air heater by about 35% and 9% respectively for the present set of parameters considered. It is also observed that for the present set of parameters considered, the temperature gradients in the direction normal to air flow in the solar air heater are insignificant and may be ignored. A parametric study is also carried out that assesses the impact of system parameters on the quality as well as quantity of the energy extracted from the system. This work is hence the first to couple an EAT with a sensible thermal storage equipped solar air heater and may pave the way for future studies.