bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of CYP2C19 genetic variants on bleeding and major adverse cardiovascular events in a cohort of Arab patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention and stent implantation
Authors: Ali Zainab Omer , Bader Loulia , Mohammed Shaaban , Arafa Salaheddin , Arabi Abdulrahman , Cavallari Larisa , Langaee Taimour , Mraiche Fatima , Rizk Nasser , Awaisu Ahmed , Shahin Mohamed H. , Elewa Hazem
Published: April 2022

Introduction

One-third of patients have clopidogrel resistance that may lead to major adverse cardiac events (MACEs). By contrast, it was found that some clopidogrel-treated patients have hyperresponsive platelets that are associated with higher bleeding risk. Several studies have shown that polymorphisms in the gene encoding the CYP2C19 contribute to the variability in response to clopidogrel. Data on genetic and nongenetic factors affecting clopidogrel response in the Arab population are scarce. In this prospective cohort study, we sought to assess the association between the increased function allele (CYP2C19*17) and bleeding events, and validate the effect of the CYP2C19 genetic variants and nongenetic factors on the incidence of MACEs.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from patients that were undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention and receiving clopidogrel at the Heart Hospital, a specialist tertiary hospital in Doha, Qatar. Patients were followed for 12 months. Genotyping was performed for CYP2C19*2, *3, and *17 using TaqMan assays.

Results

In 254 patients, the minor allele frequencies were 0.13, 0.004, and 0.21 for *2, *3, and *17, respectively. Over a 12-month follow-up period, there were 21 bleeding events (8.5 events/100 patient-year). CYP2C19*17 carriers were found to be associated with increased risk of bleeding (OR, 21.6; 95% CI, 4.8–96.8; P < 0.0001). CYP2C19*2 or *3 carriers were found to be associated with increased risk of baseline and incident MACE combined (OR, 8.4; 95% CI, 3.2–23.9; P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

This study showed a significant association between CYP2C19*17 allele and the increased risk of bleeding, and CYP2C19*2 or *3 with MACE outcomes.
Composite CYP3A phenotypes influence tacrolimus dose-adjusted concentration in lung transplant recipients
Authors: Liu Michelle , Shaver Ciara M. , Birdwell Kelly A. , Heeney Stephanie A. , Shaffer Christian M. , Van Driest Sara L.
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Interpatient variability in tacrolimus pharmacokinetics is attributed to metabolism by cytochrome P-450 3A4/5 isoenzymes (encoded by CYP3A4 and CYP3A5). Guidelines for adjusting tacrolimus based on CYP3A5 test results are published; however, CYP3A4 variants also contribute to the variability in tacrolimus pharmacokinetics. The effects of composite phenotypes incorporating CYP3A5 and CYP3A4 increased (*1G, *1B) and decreased (*22) function variants have not been evaluated. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of both increased and decreased function CYP3A variants on weight and dose-adjusted tacrolimus concentration (C0/D).

Methods

We performed a single-center retrospective cohort study of lung transplant recipients to evaluate the median tacrolimus C0/D by composite CYP3A phenotype groups during the index transplant hospitalization. CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 alleles were used to classify patients into four CYP3A groups from least to most CYP3A activity. Exploratory analyses of ABCB1 and additional candidate genes were also assessed.

Results

Of the 92 included individuals, most (58) were CYP3A Group 2. The median tacrolimus C0/D differed significantly between CYP3A groups (P = 0.0001). CYP3A Group 2 median tacrolimus C0/D was 190.5 (interquartile range: 147.6–267.5) (ng/ml)/(mg/kg/d) and significantly higher than Group 4 [107.9 (90.4–116.1), P = 0.0001)]. Group 2 median tacrolimus C0/D did not significantly differ from Group 1 and Group 3 [373.5 (149.2–490.3) and 81.4 (62.6–184.1), respectively]. No significant differences in tacrolimus C0/D were found for the ABCB1 diplotypes.

Conclusion

These data indicate that a composite CYP3A phenotype incorporating both increase and decrease variant information from CYP3A4 in addition to CYP3A5 may significantly influence tacrolimus C0/D during the early postoperative period.
Management of Late Descemet's Membrane Detachment After Penetrating Keratoplasty in Keratoconus
Authors: Weller Julia M. , Kruse Friedrich E. , Schloetzer-Schrehardt Ursula , Tourtas Theofilos
Published: April 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to describe the feasibility of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) as a treatment modality for spontaneous detachment of DM (DMD) decades after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) for keratoconus.

Methods:

We describe the clinical characteristics and therapeutic surgical approach in 6 eyes of 5 patients with DMD. Clinical images, anterior segment optical coherence tomography scans, and histological findings are presented.

Results:

Mean age of patients at time of diagnosis was 60 years (range 56–66 years). Mean interval between PK and occurrence of DM detachment was 36 years (range 29–45 years). In 4 of 6 eyes, air injections into the anterior chamber were initially attempted to reattach DM to the stroma but without long-lasting effect. Two eyes underwent repeat PK because of pronounced ectasia after long-standing DMD and stromal scars. DMEK was performed successfully in 4 eyes leading to an increase in visual acuity and a reduction in central corneal thickness. Electron microscopy showed abnormal vacuolar inclusions and collagenous material in the posterior nonbanded layer and a separation of the anterior banded layer from the posterior nonbanded layer.

Conclusions:

This case series provides evidence that DMEK is a viable option in eyes with spontaneous DM detachment after PK. Visual outcome is limited by the persisting high astigmatism in the ectatic cornea. Illustrated by a small series of patients, the results of DMEK in this condition are presented and new findings about the pathophysiology are given.
Gastrointestinal Tract Injury by Yttrium-90 Appears Largely Restricted to Resin Microspheres But Can Occur Years After Embolization
Authors: Feely Michael , Tondon Rashmi , Gubbiotti Maria , Stashek Kristen M. , Numbere Numbereye , Huber Aaron R. , Sharma Ashwani K. , Geller Brian S. , Salaria Safia N. , Gonzalez Raul S.
Published: April 2022

Radioembolization therapy utilizes yttrium-90 (Y90) impregnated resin (SIR-Spheres) or glass (TheraSpheres) microspheres to selectively target hepatic lesions via transarterial radioembolization. Occasional cases of gastrointestinal tract injury, secondary to nontargeted delivery of microspheres, have been reported, but large descriptive pathology series are lacking. We identified 20 cases of histologically confirmed mucosal injury associated with Y90 from 17 patients and assessed the corresponding clinical and pathologic sequelae. The mucosal biopsies were obtained from 1 to 88 months following Y90 therapy (median: 5 mo). Most cases were gastric (17, 85%), while the remaining were duodenal. Endoscopic ulceration was seen in the majority of cases (16, 80%), and mucosal erythema in the remaining 4. Histologically, a majority (19, 95%) of cases showed rounded, dark blue to purple microspheres measuring 4 to 30 µm, consistent with resin microspheres. A single case with glass microspheres demonstrated 26 µm translucent beads. Histologic evidence of ulceration was appreciated in 14 (70%) cases, and the microspheres were clearly intravascular in 6 (30%). A foreign body giant cell reaction to the microspheres was uncommon (3 cases, 15%). We additionally performed a retrospective review of all gastrointestinal tissue obtained postprocedure from 784 sequential patients treated with Y90 microspheres. Three patients (0.4%) demonstrated the presence of resin microspheres upon histologic examination. No cases involving glass-based Y90 were identified (P=0.0078), despite the majority of patients having received glass radioembolization (630, 80%). This increased risk of secondary sphere dissemination is likely related to the increased number of particles required per activity for resin versus glass microspheres. We conclude that Y90 microspheres may be encountered in the gastrointestinal tract years after initial liver-targeted therapy and, when present, are often associated with mucosal ulceration. This finding is less likely to be encountered in patients who received Y90 radioembolization utilizing glass microspheres.
Elucidating a Silent Illness: Hepatitis B Knowledge Among Asian Individuals in an Urban Center
Authors: Stahl Heidi J. , Wu Anna K. , Li Henry , Hu David , Liu Wei , Lam Suet Kam
Published: April 2022

Background:

Despite comprising less than 6% of the US population, Asian individuals make up more than half of the approximately 1.6 million chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections in the United States. The purpose of this investigation was to identify characteristics associated with HBV knowledge in this disproportionately affected population.

Methods:

A cross-sectional, multilingual survey study using convenience sampling was conducted in a Midwestern urban city to collect information on respondents' demographics, health care access, and HBV knowledge. Hepatitis B virus knowledge was categorized into epidemiology, natural history, transmission, and vaccination. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman correlation tests.

Results:

Of the 174 individuals who completed surveys, 139 (79.9%) were Asian. Characteristics of univariate analyses associated with higher knowledge scores included younger age (18-49 years), proficiency in reading English, college education, current employment status, physician using preferred language, last physician's visit in 2018 or prior, perceived lack of time to see a physician, use of emergency department, prior HBV vaccination, prior HBV testing, higher level of self-reported knowledge about HBV, and acquiring health information from the Internet, messaging applications, friends, and family (P < .05). In the multivariable analysis, shorter residency in the United States (0-10 years), current employment status, having heard of HBV, and confidence in their HBV knowledge were associated with higher knowledge scores.

Conclusion:

Knowledge deficits existed in our study population regarding HBV transmission, vaccination, and epidemiology, while knowledge was higher regarding HBV natural history. Education efforts should be designed to improve knowledge deficits about HBV for individuals with risk factors using culturally sensitive Internet and social media platforms.
Unique associations of pain frequency and pain-related worry with health-related quality of life in survivors of childhood cancer
Authors: Heathcote Lauren C. , Cunningham Sarah J. , Patton Michaela , Schulte Fiona
Published: April 2022

Introduction:

Pain is common during childhood cancer treatment, can persist into survivorship, and can negatively affect health-related quality of life in survivors of childhood cancers (SCCs).

Objective:

The objective of this brief report was to assess pain frequency, pain-related worry, and their (unique) associations with health-related quality of life in SCCs.

Methods:

One hundred eleven SCCs (52% female individuals, M age: 17.67 years, range 8–25 years) completed self-report measures of pain frequency, pain-related worry, and health-related quality of life.

Results:

More than two-thirds (70%) of SCCs reported pain in the previous month (M = 1.39, SD = 1.17), and 15% reported experiencing pain often or almost always. More than one-third (39%) reported worrying about pain as a sign of cancer recurrence (M = 0.73, SD = 1.07), and 9% reported worrying about pain a lot or a whole lot. In multivariate regression models that controlled for sex, age at diagnosis, and time off treatment, both pain frequency and pain-related worry were significantly associated with physical health-related quality of life, indicating that they contribute unique variance to health-related quality of life after childhood cancer. For emotional health-related quality of life, pain frequency was no longer a significant predictor once pain-related worry was added to the model, indicating that pain-related worry may be particularly important for understanding emotional health-related quality of life.

Conclusion:

Postcancer pain may contribute to health-related quality of life through multiple mechanisms, including by triggering concerns of recurrence. There is a need for clinical interventions that target both the frequency of pain (eg, behavioral interventions) and pain-related worry (eg, psychoeducation and cognitive interventions) to improve health-related quality of life after childhood cancer.
Halorussus halobius sp. nov., Halorussus marinus sp. nov. and Halorussus pelagicus sp. nov., isolated from salted brown alga Laminaria
Authors: Han Dong , Cui Heng-Lin
Published: April 2022

Four halophilic archaeal strains, designated HD8-83T, LYG-36T, DLLS-82 and RC-68T, were isolated from the salted brown alga Laminaria of three different origins (Dalian, Lianyungang, Dalian and Rongcheng) in PR China. All strains had pleomorphic rod cells that were motile, lysed in distilled water, stained Gram-negative, and formed red-pigmented colonies on agar plate (except for DLLS-82, which formed white colonies). Based on phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rRNA genes, strain HD8-83T was closely related to

Halorussus litoreus

HD8-51T (97.9 % similarity), strain LYG-36T and DLLS-82 to

Halorussus rarus

TBN4T (94.4 % and 94.7 % similarities, respectively), and strain RC-68T to

Halorussus salinus

YJ-37-HT (96.9 % similarity). Results of phylogenetic analyses based on rpoB′ genes and 728 concatenated single-copy orthologous clusters also showed that these strains formed three different branches and clustered tightly with the

Halorussus

members. The average nucleotide identity, average amino acid identity and in silico DNA–DNA hybridization values between strains LYG-36T and DLLS-82 were 98.9, 98 and 92.4%, showing that they were different strains of the same species. While those values between the isolates and other

Halorussus

members were below 84.7, 82.9 and 28.9 %, respectively. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties, strains HD8-83T, LYG-36T, DLLS-82 and RC-68T represent three novel species of the genus

Halorussus

for which the names Halorussus halobius sp. nov. (type strain: HD8-83T=CGMCC 1.15334T=JCM 31110T), Halorussus marinus sp. nov. (type strain: LYG-36T=CGMCC 1.13606T=JCM 32952T; reference strain: DLLS-82=CGMCC 1.13604=JCM 32951) and Halorussus pelagicus sp. nov. (type strain: RC-68T=CGMCC 1.13609T=JCM 32953T) are proposed.
Linking private health sector to public COVID-19 response in Kisumu, Kenya: Lessons Learnt
Authors: Omollo M. , Odero I. A. , Barsosio H.C. , Kariuki S. , ter Kuile F. , Okello S.O. , Oyoo K. , K’Oloo A. , Otieno K. , van Duijn S. , Onsongo S. N. , Houben N. , Milimo E. , Aroka R. , Oluoch F. , de Wit T.F. Rinke
Published: April 2022

Background

COVID-19 is overwhelming health systems universally. Increased capacity to combat the epidemic is important, while continuing regular healthcare services. This paper describes an innovative Public Private Partnership (PPP) against COVID-19 that from the onset of the epidemic was established in Kisumu County, Western Kenya.

Methods

An explanatory research design was used. Qualitative in-depth interviews (n=49) were conducted with purposively selected participants including patients, health workers, and policy makers. Thematic analysis was undertaken on interview transcripts and triangulation was performed.

Results

The PPP hinged through the provision of central diagnostic COVID-19 services through a parastatal institute (KEMRI). Complementary tasks were divided between Kisumu Department of Health and public and private healthcare providers, supported by an NGO. Facilitators to this PPP included implementation of MoH Guidelines, digitalization of data, strengthening of counseling services and free access to COVID-19 testing services in private facilities. Barriers included, data accessibility, sub optimal financial management.

Conclusion

Coordinated PPP can rapidly enhance capacity and quality of COVID-19 epidemic management in African settings. Our PPP model appears scalable, as proven by current developments. Lessons learnt from this initial PPP in Kisumu County will be beneficial to expanding epidemic preparedness to other Counties in Kenya and beyond.
Comparing phrenic nerve stimulation using three rapid coils: implications for mechanical ventilation
Authors: Boyle Kyle G. , Eichenberger Philipp A. , Schön Patrick , Spengler Christina M.
Published: April 2022

Rationale

Rapid magnetic stimulation (RMS) of the phrenic nerves may serve to attenuate diaphragm atrophy during mechanical ventilation. With different coil shapes and stimulation location, inspiratory responses and side-effects may differ.

Objective

To compare the inspiratory and sensory responses of three different RMS-coils either used bilaterally on the neck or on the chest, and to determine if ventilation over 10min can be achieved without muscle fatigue and coils overheating.

Methods

Healthy participants underwent bilateral anterior 1-s RMS on the neck (RMSBAMPS) (n=14) with three different pairs of magnetic coils (parabolic, D-shape, butterfly) at 15, 20, 25 and 30Hz stimulator-frequency and 20% stimulator-output with +10% increments. The D-shape coil with individual optimal stimulation settings was then used to ventilate participants (n=11) for up to 10min. Anterior RMS on the chest (RMSaMS) (n=8) was conducted on an optional visit. Airflow was assessed via pneumotach and transdiaphragmatic pressure via esophageal and gastric balloon catheters. Perception of air hunger, pain, discomfort and paresthesia were measured with a numerical scale.

Main results

Inspiration was induced via RMSBAMPS in 86% of participants with all coils and via RMSaMS in only one participant with the parabolic coil. All coils produced similar inspiratory and sensory responses during RMSBAMPS with the butterfly coil needing higher stimulator-output, which resulted in significantly larger discomfort ratings at maximal inspiratory responses. Ten of 11 participants achieved 10min of ventilation without decreases in minute ventilation (15.7±4.6L/min).

Conclusions

RMSBAMPS was more effective than RMSaMS, and could temporarily ventilate humans seemingly without development of muscular fatigue.
Effect of reduction in brain amyloid levels on change in cognitive and functional decline in randomized clinical trials: an updated instrumental variable meta-analysis
Authors: Pang Menglan , Zhu Ling , Gabelle Audrey , Gafson Arie R. , Platt Robert W , Galvin James E , Krolak-Salmon Pierre , Rubino Ivana , de Moor Carl , Belachew Shibeshih , Shen Changyu
Published: April 2022

Objective

To update a recently published analysis exploring the causal association between positron emission tomography (PET)-measured change in brain β-amyloid plaque and cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) enrolled in randomized clinical trials (RCTs).

Design

Updated instrumental variable meta-analysis.

Setting

Sixteen RCTs were included in this updated meta-analysis versus 14 in the original publication by Ackley et al.1 Data sources were ClinicalTrials.org, Alzheimer Research Forum (alzforum.org), PubMed and clinical study reports from 2015 to March 1, 2022. Three researchers extracted data from the data sources independently and subsequently resolved any discrepancy.

Population

RCTs that evaluated β-amyloid targeting therapies and enrolled adult patients with AD dementia or mild cognitive impairment due to AD with data on β-amyloid as measured by PET and clinical outcome measures.

Main outcome measures

An instrumental variable meta-analysis was performed to compute trial and drug-specific estimates and pooled estimates of the effect of change in PET β-amyloid standard uptake value ratio (SUVR) on cognitive and functional decline with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and associated p-values. This analysis updated and expanded a prior meta-analysis by Ackley et al.1 using the same methodology and clinical outcome measures: Clinical Dementia Rating–Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB), Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale–Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog), and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).

Results

The reduction of PET-measured β-amyloid induced a statistically significant reduction in cognitive and functional decline. The effect size was characterized by an estimated change (95% CI) of 0.09 (0.034, 0.15) on the CDR-SB; 0.33 (0.12, 0.55) on the ADAS-Cog; and 0.13 (0.017, 0.24) on the MMSE for each decrease of 0.1-unit in PET β-amyloid SUVR.

Conclusion

This updated instrumental variable meta-analysis of 16 RCTs provides statistically significant evidence of a causal relationship between the reduction in brain β-amyloid plaque and the reduction in cognitive and functional decline in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
Accurate diagnosis of atopic dermatitis by applying random forest and neural networks with transcriptomic data
Authors: Zhou Weixin , Li Aimin , Zhang Caiyun , Chen Yongtao , Li Zifan , Lin Ying
Published: April 2022

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases. But the great heterogeneity of AD makes it difficult to design an accurate diagnostic pipeline based on traditional diagnostic methods. In other words, the AD diagnosis has suffered from an inaccurate bottleneck. Thus, it is necessary to develop a novel and accurate diagnostic model to supplement existing methods. The recent development of advanced gene sequencing technologies enables potential in accurate AD diagnosis. Inspired by this, we developed an accurate AD diagnosis based on transcriptomic data in skin tissue. Using these data of 149 subjects, including AD patients and healthy controls, from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, we screened differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of AD and identified six critical genes (PPP4R1, SERPINB4, S100A7, S100A9, BTC, and GALNT6) by random forest classifier. In a follow-up study of these genes, we constructed a neural network model (average AUC=0.943) to automatically distinguish subjects with AD from healthy controls. Among these critical genes, we found that PPP4R1 and GALNT6 had never been reported to be associated with AD. Although further replications in other cohorts are needed, our findings suggest that these genes may be developed into useful biomarkers of AD diagnosis and may provide invaluable clues or perspectives for further researches on the pathogenesis of AD.
Divergent LD-transpeptidase-independent effects of peptidoglycan carboxypeptidases on intrinsic β-lactam and vancomycin resistance
Authors: Park Si Hyoung , Choi Umji , Ryu Su-Hyun , Lee Han Byeol , Lee Jin-Won , Lee Chang-Ro
Published: April 2022

Vancomycin and β-lactams are clinically important antibiotics that inhibit the formation of peptidoglycan cross-links, but their binding targets are different. The binding target of vancomycin is D-alanine-D-alanine (D-Ala-D-Ala), whereas that of β-lactam is penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). In this study, we revealed the divergent effects of peptidoglycan (PG) carboxypeptidases on vancomycin and β-lactam resistance in Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. The deletion of PG carboxypeptidases induced sensitivity to most β-lactams, whereas it induced strong resistance toward vancomycin. Notably, both of two phenotypes did not have strong association with LD-transpeptidases, which are necessary for the formation of PG 3-3 cross-links and covalent bonds between PG and an Lpp outer membrane (OM) lipoprotein. Vancomycin resistance was induced by increased amount of decoy D-Ala-D-Ala residues within PG, whereas β-lactam sensitivity was associated with physical interactions between PG carboxypeptidase and PBPs. The presence of OM permeability barrier strongly strengthened vancomycin resistance, but it significantly weakened β-lactam sensitivity. Collectively, our results revealed two distinct LD-transpeptidase-independent functions of PG carboxypeptidases, which involved inverse modulation of bacterial resistance to clinically important antibiotics, β-lactams and vancomycin, and presented evidence for a link between PG carboxypeptidase and PBPs.

IMPORTANCE

Bacterial peptidoglycan (PG) hydrolases play important roles in various aspects of bacterial physiology, including cytokinesis, PG synthesis, quality control of PG, PG recycling, and stress adaptation. Of all the PG hydrolases, the role of PG carboxypeptidases is poorly understood, especially regarding their impacts on antibiotic resistance. To date, most studies on PG carboxypeptidases are focused on LD-transpeptidase-related roles. We have revealed two distinct LD-transpeptidase-independent functions of PG carboxypeptidases with respect to antibiotic resistance. The deletion of PG carboxypeptidases led to sensitivity to most β-lactams, while it caused strong resistance to vancomycin. The underlying molecular mechanisms of two phenotypes were not associated with LD-transpeptidases. Therefore, our study provides novel insights into the roles of PG carboxypeptidases in the regulation of antibiotic resistance and a potential clue for the development of a drug to improve the clinical efficacy of β-lactam antibiotics.

One sentence summary

Effect of peptidoglycan carboxypeptidase on antibiotic
Attentional rhythms are generated in binocular cells
Authors: Dong Bo , Zu Guangyao , Jia Jianrong , Chen Airui , Zhang Ming
Published: April 2022

Visual attention is intrinsically rhythmic and oscillates based on the discrete sampling of either single or multiple objects. Recently, studies employing transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and high-temporal behavioral approaches have found that the early visual cortex (V1/V2) modulates attentional rhythms. However, both monocular cells and binocular cells are in the early visual cortex, and whether the neural site of attentional rhythms is monocular cells or binocular cells remains poorly understood. In Experiment 1, we reset the phase of attentional rhythms in one monocular channel (left eye or right eye) by the dichoptic cue and tracked the temporal response function (TRF) of the monocular channel in the left and right eyes separately using time response tracking technology. We found no significant differences in the two TRFs of each monocular eye, suggesting that attention rarely switched between the two eyes, indicating that binocular cells, not monocular cells, are the neural site of attentional rhythms. These results were verified even when resetting the phases of attentional rhythms by a binocular cue in Experiment 2. These results constitute direct neural evidence supporting rhythmic attention theory.
Applying the sociotechnical systems theory to crowdsourcing food delivery platforms: the perspective of crowdsourced workers
Authors: Lee Somi , Chang Howook (Sean) , Cho Meehee
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Crowdsourcing food delivery represents great potential for future development and expansion of the restaurant business. Accordingly, job performance and retention of delivery workers are critical for success. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate how to enhance crowdsourced delivery workers’ job performance and intent to continue working by applying the sociotechnical systems theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The data analysis was conducted using responses obtained from crowdsourced food delivery workers. A structural equation model was developed to verify the hypothesized relationships. To test the proposed moderating roles of a three-dimensional concept of social capital within the research model, multi-group analyses were implemented.

Findings

This study confirmed the significant relationships between crowdsourcing risks related to workers’ low job commitment and technical systems, attributing to reduced job performance and intent to continue working. Results documented that social systems including networks, trust and shared vision mitigated the negative impact of the perceived difficulty and complexity of technical systems and job performance.

Originality/value

Although technology has contributed significantly to the effectiveness of online food delivery, the literature has mainly focused on its benefits and has ignored the critical aspects derived from a virtual and technology-based workplace. This gap was addressed by verifying the important roles of social factors (networks, trust and shared visions) in reducing the negative impacts of technology-driven risks (perceived difficulty of task requirements and technology complexity) within the crowdsourcing food delivery context.
Reintroducing rest: evaluation of a patient-guided sleep workbook in a community mental health team setting
Authors: Conlan-Trant Rebecca , Connolly Paula , O’Sullivan Alison , Nasa Anurag , Sammon Mary , Alexander Lauren
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Sleep disturbance is a common difficulty in the general population. It has become particularly prevalent in the context of disruption to routine brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to trial a patient-guided “sleep workbook” intervention, which was developed by multidisciplinary team members, combining principles of sleep hygiene education and cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia behavioural strategies, and to evaluate its efficacy in a mixed-methods study.

Design/methodology/approach

Service users of the community mental health service were invited to participate. A total of 30 service users agreed to participate. A total of 15 participants completed both the intervention and the mixed-methods survey. Four participated in the focus group. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed on the collected quantitative data. A thematic analysis was carried out of qualitative survey responses and focus group discourse.

Findings

There was a statistically and clinically significant improvement in quantity and quality of sleep following intervention. Mean hours of sleep prior to the intervention was 4.4 hours [standard deviation (SD) = 2.2], compared to 6.1 hours (SD = 2.2) afterwards (p = 0.003). Quality of sleep improved from a mean of 2.5 (SD = 2.1) to 6.1 (SD = 2.3) following the intervention (p = <0.001). Four themes were developed using the qualitative data: “under-recognition of sleep difficulties”, “ruminations”, “practical utility” and “therapeutic autonomy”.

Originality/value

There is a growing need for occupational therapists and clinicians to provide interventions for patients with sleep difficulties and to develop sleep management practice. This patient-guided sleep workbook may be an effective intervention for these patients.
Are LEED campus buildings universally designed? Assessments at Virginia Tech
Authors: Hopkins Erin Ann , Hwang Eunju
Published: April 2022

Purpose

As many of the next generation leaders are currently on college campuses, endorsing green buildings can foster environmental stewardship among the student body. However, marshalling in the social sphere of sustainability is also critical to cultivate more supportive and inclusive communities. With this in mind, a chief component of the social sphere within sustainability is equal opportunity. Relating equal opportunity to green campus buildings, the question presents itself: Do all campus users have accessibility to and within these green campus buildings from a social equity perspective?

Design/methodology/approach

To begin to answer this question, student team project deliverables were analyzed for building accessibility among a sample of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) buildings on the Blacksburg campus of Virginia Tech.

Findings

While findings suggest the vast majority of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements are being met overall within the sample of LEED buildings at Virginia Tech and in some cases exceeded, recommendations are put forward to foster an even more inclusive campus environment.

Originality/value

While the literature shows that ecological sustainability and accessibility can be considered together, no studies were found focusing on accessibility of green certified campus buildings. This is an important area of study, as all members of the campus community deserve full access to campus buildings, especially LEED buildings that have been shown to have increased occupant benefits. This study begins to fill the gap by examining LEED certified buildings at the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg, VA through a student lens.
Intangible investment and non-financial performance of Egyptian firms: the moderating role of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Sayed Emad , Mansour Karim , Hussainey Khaled
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of intangible investment on non-financial performance. This study also examines the moderating effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This study extracted data from annual reports for a sample of Egyptian firms from 2012 to 2020. This study used the generalized method of moment for testing research.

Findings

This study finds that intangible investment positively affects non-financial performance and the COVID-19 pandemic has weakened this positive effect.

Research limitations/implications

A small sample size is one of the limitations of this study. Furthermore, because of the lack of data in Egypt, the analysis does not include other measures of intangible investment. Finally, the sectoral analysis does not include all sectors because of the lack of observations in some sectors.

Practical implications

This study offers practical and social implications. It would help policymakers, regulators and shareholders to realize the importance of the intangible investment and also shed light on the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also offers managerial implications. It motivates managers to invest more in intangible investment as an important resource to increase customer satisfaction and loyalty, enhance the internal operating performance and improve learning and growth, which result in creating sustainable competitive advantage.

Originality/value

This study provides new empirical evidence on the impact of intangible investment on different dimensions of non-financial performance. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper offers the first empirical evidence on the moderating role of the COVID-19 pandemic in the relationship between intangible investment and non-financial performance.
Automobile insurance fraud detection in the age of big data – a systematic and comprehensive literature review
Authors: Benedek Botond , Ciumas Cristina , Nagy Bálint Zsolt
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to survey the automobile insurance fraud detection literature in the past 31 years (1990–2021) and present a research agenda that addresses the challenges and opportunities artificial intelligence and machine learning bring to car insurance fraud detection.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis methodology is used to analyze 46 peer-reviewed academic papers from 31 journals plus eight conference proceedings to identify their research themes and detect trends and changes in the automobile insurance fraud detection literature according to content characteristics.

Findings

This study found that automobile insurance fraud detection is going through a transformation, where traditional statistics-based detection methods are replaced by data mining- and artificial intelligence-based approaches. In this study, it was also noticed that cost-sensitive and hybrid approaches are the up-and-coming avenues for further research.

Practical implications

This paper’s findings not only highlight the rise and benefits of data mining- and artificial intelligence-based automobile insurance fraud detection but also highlight the deficiencies observable in this field such as the lack of cost-sensitive approaches or the absence of reliable data sets.

Originality/value

This paper offers greater insight into how artificial intelligence and data mining challenges traditional automobile insurance fraud detection models and addresses the need to develop new cost-sensitive fraud detection methods that identify new real-world data sets.
The relationship between the structure and electrical properties of a cuprammonium filament via coated graphene
Authors: Zhang Xinchao , Zhang Huanxia , Pan Danni , Wu Wen , Ma Hui , Cao Jianda , Xu Jia
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to determine whether application of graphene layers to cuprammonium filaments affords the latter with excellent mechanical properties and improves their electrical properties. At the same time, a circuit model was established to explore the conductive mechanism of the filament. The actual model is used to verify the correctness of the model.

Design/methodology/approach

The cuprammonium filaments were desizing, the graphene oxide layer-by-layer sizing and reduction integration process by a continuous sizing machine. The electrical properties of mono- and multifilaments in the static condition, as well as the dynamic–mechanical properties of multifilaments, were analysed, and the related conductive mechanism of the filaments was deduced.

Findings

Cuprammonium filaments coated with graphene layers showed good electrical conductivity, and their volume resistance decreased to 4.35 O·cm with increasing number of graphene coats. The X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis results showed that the graphene layer treatment changed the crystallinity of the copperammonia filaments and improved the thermal stability of the filaments. In the dynamic case, filament resistance was calculated using the equivalent resistance model, and the fitting difference observed was small. This result confirmed the high fit of this circuit model.

Originality/value

Up to the knowledge from literature review, there are no reports on theoretical research on the relation between the electro-mechanical property and structure of conductive filaments.
Supercapacitors based energy storage system for mitigating solar photovoltaic output power fluctuations
Authors: Saripalli Bhanu Prakash , Singh Gagan , Singh Sonika
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Non-linear power–voltage characteristics of solar cell and frequently changing output due to variation in solar irradiance caused by movement of clouds are the major issues need to be considered in photovoltaic (PV) penetration to maintain the power quality of the grid. It is important for a PV module to always function at its maximum available power point to increase the efficiency and to maintain the grid stability. A possible solution to mitigate these generation fluctuations is the use of an electric double-layer capacitor or supercapacitor energy storage device, which is an efficient storage device for power smoothing applications. This study aims to propose a power smoothing control approach to smoothen out the output power variations of a solar PV system using a supercapacitor energy storage device.

Design/methodology/approach

To extract the maximum possible power from a PV panel, there are several maximum power points tracking (MPPT) algorithms developed in literature. Fuzzy logic controller-MPPT method is used in this work as it is a very efficient and popular technique which responds quickly under varying ecological conditions, reduced computational complexity and does not depend on any system constraints. Fuzzy logic-based MPPT controller by Boost DC–DC converter is developed for operating the PV panels at available maximum power point. Fuzzy logic-proportional integral (PI) charge controller is implemented by Buck–Boost converter to provide the constant current and suitable voltage for supercapacitor and to achieve better power smoothing. PI charge controller is preferred in this work as it offers better outcomes and is very easy to implement.

Findings

Simulation results conclude that the proposed power smoothing control approach can efficiently smooth out the power variations under variable irradiance and temperature situations. To confirm the accurateness of the proposed system, it is validated for poly-crystalline PV module and comparison of results is done by using different case study with and without the use of an energy storage system under change in irradiance condition. The proposed system is developed and examined on MATLAB/Simulink environment.

Originality/value

The performance comparison between PV power output with and without the use of a supercapacitor energy storage device under different Case Studies shows that the improved performance in smoothing of power output was achieved with the use of a supercapacitor energy storage device.
Top‐down cascading effects of seed‐feeding beetles and their parasitoids on plants and leaf herbivores
Authors: Cuny Maximilien A. C. , la Forgia Diana , Desurmont Gaylord A. , Bustos‐Segura Carlos , Glauser Gaetan , Benrey Betty
Published: April 2022

When feeding on a plant, herbivorous insects alter the quality of the plant as a food source. This affects other organisms interacting with the same plant. These so‐called ‘plant‐mediated interactions’ can be altered by parasitoids that attack the herbivores. So far, this research area has mainly focussed on interactions at the leaf level, and very little is known about plant‐mediated interactions via seeds. It is still poorly understood if seeds that survive insect damage have fewer resources to allocate to plant growth and defence against leaf herbivores, and whether parasitoids that kill seed‐feeding insects mitigate such negative effects.

Using seeds of wild lima bean plants Phaseolus lunatus, we studied the effect of the intensity of infestation by seed beetles Zabrotes subfasciatus and their parasitoids Stenocorse bruchivora on the following parameters under lab conditions: seed mass and germination, plant growth and defensive compounds (cyanogenic glycosides and flavonoids) and performance of a leaf herbivore species Spodoptera latifascia. In addition, we performed a field experiment using seeds with or without insect damage to investigate the consequences on plant performance and fitness in the wild.

Seed beetle infestation had an overall negative impact on seed germination. Lab experiments revealed that damaged seeds produced plants with slower growth and reduced concentration of defensive compounds, which increased the performance of the leaf herbivores. Effects of seed‐feeding on seed germination and plant growth were attenuated by parasitism, resulting in a net increase of the number of viable offspring. In the field, we observed that seed damage impaired germination, delayed flowering time and increased leaf herbivory.

Our results show that plant‐mediated interactions between insect herbivores are not limited to leaf herbivores, but extend to seed herbivores. In our study system, parasitoids had no apparent effect on these interactions, despite their strong beneficial effects on germination and plant performance. These findings confirm the long‐lasting consequences of indirect plant‐mediated interactions in a community‐wide ecological context. Furthermore, they contribute to a better understanding of the important but understudied effects of parasitoids on plant fitness.

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A data‐driven approach to mitigating food insecurity and achieving zero hunger: A case study of West African countries
Authors: Ntiamoah Evans Brako , Li Dongmei , Ameyaw Bismark , Sarpong Daniel Bruce , Twumasi Ankrah Martinson , Nyamah Edmond Yeboah
Published: April 2022

This study employed a data‐driven approach to analyze the long and short‐run nexus between food insecurity, climate and economic shocks, population growth, urbanization, and population displacement for all West African countries by using annual time series data spanning 2000–2016. While the results show a unidirectional causal relationship running from climate and economic shocks, population growth, and urbanization to food insecurity, there exists no causal relationship between population displacement and food insecurity. In accordance with the Sustainable Development Goal 2 of achieving zero hunger for sustainable development, we formulate long short‐term memory (LSTM) recurrent neural network (RNN) algorithm devoid of assumptions to forecast food insecurity for West African countries. Based on the result of our algorithm, we propose food insecurity mitigation pathways for the countries employed in this study. The food insecurity mitigation pathways reveal that strengthening current and future policies that mitigate food insecurity based on our projections is enough to mitigate the triggers of food insecurity in sustainable ways.
Multivitamin use and risk of preeclampsia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Christiansen Cecilie Holm , Høgh Stinne , Rode Line , Schroll Jeppe Bennekou , Hegaard Hanne Kristine , Wolf Hanne Trap
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Preeclampsia is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. It is unclear whether multivitamin use reduces the risk of preeclampsia. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the association between multivitamin use and the risk of preeclampsia.

Material and methods

We searched PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library from database inception to July 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), case–control and cohort studies assessing the association between multivitamin use and risk of preeclampsia were eligible. Studies of treatment with a single micronutrient were excluded. Relative risks and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using random‐effects models. RoB2, the Newcastle Ottawa Scale and GRADE were used to assess risk of bias and quality of evidence. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (no. CRD42021214153).

Results

Six studies were included (33 356 women). Only two RCTs were found, both showing a significantly decreased risk of preeclampsia in multivitamin users. These studies were not compatible for meta‐analysis due to clinical heterogeneity. A meta‐analysis of observational studies using a random‐effects model showed an unchanged risk of preeclampsia following multivitamin use (relative risk 0.85, 95% CI 0.69–1.03). The quality of evidence according to GRADE was very low.

Conclusions

Very weak evidence suggests that multivitamin use might reduce the risk of preeclampsia; however, more research is needed. Large RCTs should be prioritized. The results of this review do not allow any final conclusions to be drawn regarding a preventive effect of multivitamin use in relation to preeclampsia.