bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the performance of Lyoplant® Onlay for duraplasty. An observational, multi-center Post Market Clinical Follow-up study
Authors: Greifzu Franziska , Breuskin David , Prajsnar Anna , Geletneky Karsten , Bode Frank , Tuettenberg Jochen , Oertel Joachim , Stadie Axel
Published: September 2022

Objective

Duraplasty with a dura mater substitute can become necessary after cranial or spinal surgery. Several dura grafts from different materials are available. The goal of this study was to assess the clinical performance of a suturable onlay dura substitute composed of bovine collagen.

Methods

A prospective, observational, multicenter, single-arm clinical study with the dura substitute Lyoplant® Onlay was performed. Different performance parameters for safety and performance were assessed. Additionally, postoperative MRI / CT images were evaluated.

Results

Data of 61 patients recruited by three study centers were included. Lyoplant® Onlay was used by a variety of surgeons with different levels of experience. Cranial and spinal cases with a wide range of dura defect sizes were included. No reoperation due to a cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred until discharge (primary endpoint), as well as to the follow-up (about four months postoperatively). The incidence rate of cerebrospinal fluid leakages was 6.6%. All of these adverse events were reported as non-serious complications without the need of a surgical intervention and were resolved without sequelae. The handling properties of Lyoplant® Onlay were positively rated. In external radiologic analysis of postoperative MRI / CT images at discharge and follow-up, additional fluid collection, edema, and swelling were observed. However, they were clinically inapparent and considered normal postsurgical findings.

Conclusions

The incidence rate of cerebrospinal fluid leakages was 6.6% and ranged in the values reported in the literature.

These results show that Lyoplant® Onlay is a safe and efficient dura substitute.

Highlights

Lyoplant® Onlay is a safe and effective bovine dura substitute

Universal product for onlay or suturable application, cranial and spinal surgeries

No re-operations because of CSF leakage

Very good handling characteristics

Prospective study with 61 patients, 3 study centers and 4 months follow-up
Multivariate analysis of a missense variant inCREBRFreveals associations with measures of adiposity in people of Polynesian ancestries
Authors: Zhang Jerry Z. , Heinsberg Lacey W. , Krishnan Mohanraj , Hawley Nicola L. , Major Tanya J. , Carlson Jenna C. , Harré Hindmarsh Jennie , Watson Huti , Qasim Muhammad , Stamp Lisa K. , Dalbeth Nicola , Murphy Rinki , Sun Guangyun , Cheng Hong , Naseri Take , Reupena Muagututi’a S. , Kershaw Erin E. , Deka Ranjan , McGarvey Stephen T. , Minster Ryan L. , Merriman Tony R. , Weeks Daniel E.
Published: September 2022

Background

The Pacific-specific minor allele of rs373863828, a missense variant in CREB3 Regulatory Factor (CREBRF), is associated with several cardiometabolic phenotypes in Polynesian peoples, but the variant’s function remains poorly understood. To broaden our understanding of this variant, we used joint multivariate and network analyses to examine the relationships between rs373863828 and a panel of correlated anthropometric and lipid phenotypes.

Methods

We tested the association of rs373863828 with a panel of phenotypes (body mass index [BMI], weight, height, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol) under a multivariate Bayesian association model in a cohort from Samoa (N = 1 632), a Māori and Pacific Island (Polynesian) cohort from Aotearoa New Zealand (N = 1 419), and the combined cohort (N = 2 976). An expanded set of phenotypes (adding estimated fat and fat-free mass, abdominal circumference, hip circumference, and abdominal-hip ratio) was also tested in the Samoa cohort (N = 1 496). Bayesian networks were learned to further understand the structure of the relationships.

Results

In the Samoa cohort, significant associations (log10Bayes factor ≥5.0) were found between rs373863828 and the overall phenotype panel (7.97), weight (8.35) and BMI (6.39). In the Aotearoa New Zealand cohort, suggestive associations (log10Bayes factor between 1.5 and 5) were found between rs373863828 and the overall phenotype panel (3.64), weight (3.30), and BMI (1.79). In the combined cohort, concordant signals with stronger magnitudes were observed. In the expanded phenotype analyses among the Samoa cohort, significant associations were also observed between rs373863828 and fat mass (5.68), abdominal circumference (5.37), and hip circumference (5.15).

Bayesian networks provided evidence for a direct association of rs373863828 with weight and indirect associations with height and BMI.

Conclusions

When correlation structures were considered, multivariate Bayesian analyses provided additional evidence of rs373863828’s pleiotropic effects and highlighted a strong direct effect only on weight.
Reduced stress perfusion in myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries
Authors: Johansson Rebecka Steffen , Tornvall Per , Sörensson Peder , Nickander Jannike
Published: September 2022

Background

Myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) is a working diagnosis with several possible underlying causes. Early cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is recommended, however cannot provide a diagnosis in 25% of cases. One pathophysiological mechanism may be coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) not possible to detect using standard CMR. Quantitative stress CMR perfusion mapping can be used to identify CMD, however it is currently unknown if CMD is present during long-term follow-up of MINOCA patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate presence of CMD during long-term follow-up in MINOCA patients with an initial normal CMR scan.

Methods

MINOCA patients from the second multicenter Stockholm Myocardial Infarction with Normal Coronaries study (SMINC-2), with a normal CMR scan a median 3 days after hospitalization were investigated with comprehensive stress CMR median 5 years after the acute event, together with age- and sex-matched volunteers without symptomatic ischemic heart disease. Cardiovascular risk factors, medication and symptoms of myocardial ischemia measured by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire 7, were registered.

Results

In total, 15 patients with MINOCA and an initial normal CMR scan (59±7 years old, 60% female), and 15 age- and sex-matched volunteers, underwent CMR. Patients with MINOCA and an initial normal CMR scan had lower global stress perfusion compared to volunteers (2.83±1.8 vs 3.53±0.7 ml/min/g,p=0.02). There were no differences in other CMR parameters including global rest perfusion and myocardial perfusion reserve, hemodynamic parameters, or cardiovascular risk factors, except for a higher statin use in the MINOCA patient group compared to volunteers.

Conclusions

Global stress perfusion is lower in MINOCA patients during follow-up, compared to age- and sex-matched volunteers, suggesting CMD as a possible pathophysiological mechanism in MINOCA.

Clinical Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.govidentifierNCT02318498. Registered 2014-12-17.
The Nanog epigenetic remodeling complex was essential to vertebrate mesoderm evolution
Authors: Simpson Luke A. , Crowley Darren , Forey Teri , Acosta Helena , Ferjentsik Zoltan , Chatfield Jodie , Payne Alexander , Simpson Benjamin S. , Redwood Catherine , Dixon James E. , Holmes Nadine , Sang Fei , Alberio Ramiro , Loose Mathew , Johnson Andrew D.
Published: September 2022

Pluripotency defines the unlimited potential of cells in the primitive ectoderm of vertebrate embryos, from which all adult somatic cells and germ cells are derived. Understanding how the programing of pluripotency evolved has been obscured by the study of early development in models from lower vertebrates in which pluripotency is not conserved. Here we investigated how the axolotl ortholog of the mammalian core pluripotency factor NANOG, programs pluripotency during axolotl development to model the tetrapod ancestor from which terrestrial vertebrates evolved. We show that in axolotl primitive ectoderm (animal caps; AC) NANOG synergizes with NODAL activity and the epigenetic modifying enzyme DPY30 to direct the deposition of H3K4me3 in chromatin prior to the waves of transcription required for lineage commitment and developmental progression. We show that the interaction of NANOG and NODAL with DPY30 is required to direct development downstream of pluripotency and this is conserved in axolotls and human. These data demonstrate that the interaction of NANOG and NODAL signaling represents the basal state of vertebrate pluripotency.
A novel fluorobenzothiazole RBx 10080758 as a dual inhibitor against bacterial GyraseB (GyrB) and Topoisomerase IV (parE) of Gram-positive pathogens causing skin and respiratory infections
Authors: Barman Tarani Kanta , Kumar Manoj , Chaira Tridib , Singhal Smita , Mathur Tarun , Kalia Vandana , Gangadharan Ramkumar , Rao Madhvi , Pandya Manisha , Bhateja Pragya , Sood Ruchi , Upadhyay Dilip J. , Varughese Shibu , Yadav Ajay , Sharma Lalima , Kumar Naresh , Sattigeri Jitendra , Bhatnagar Pradip K. , Raj V. Samuel
Published: September 2022

Development of a novel inhibitor targeting Gyrase B and Topoisomerase IV offers a potential opportunity to combat the drug resistance. In the present study, we extensively investigated the efficacy of RBx 10080758, a novel fluorobenzothiazole, against skin and respiratory infections caused by Staphylococci and Streptococci in in vitro and in vivo models. RBx 10080758 showed a potent IC50 of 0.06 μM against Gyrase and Topoisomerase IV and also exhibited a strong whole cell in vitro activity with MIC ranges of 0.015-0.06, 0.015-0.03, 0.008-0.03, 0.008-0.03, 0.008-0.0.06, 0.015-0.06 μg/ml against Staphylococcus. aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Coagulase negative Staphylococci, Streptococcus viridans, Streptococcus pyogenes and Enterococcus, respectively. As expected from the novel class of molecule, it retains potent even against linezolid and vancomycin resistant strains. Interesting, in mouse systemic infection 10 mg/kg, IV dose protected 100% mice from lethal infections. In rat thigh infection model with MRSA WCUH29 at 45 mg/kg exhibited >3-log10 cfu reduction in thigh muscles. RBx 10080758 displayed potent in vitro and in vivo activity against a panel of MDR Gram-positive bacteria. As a novel chemical class, the fluorobenzothiazoles have the potential to become clinically viable antibiotics, to address the drug resistance problem by its unique dual targeting mechanism of action.
Increasing number of long-lived ancestors associates with up to a decade of healthspan extension and a healthy metabolomic profile in mid-life
Authors: van den Berg Niels , Rodríguez-Girondo Mar , van Dijk Ingrid K , Slagboom P. Eline , Beekman Marian
Published: September 2022

Globally, the lifespan of populations increases but the healthspan is lagging behind. Previous research showed that survival into extreme ages (longevity) clusters in families as illustrated by the increasing lifespan of study participants with each additional long-lived family member. Here we investigate whether the healthspan in such families follows a similar quantitative pattern using three-generational data from two databases, LLS (Netherlands), and SEDD (Sweden). We study healthspan in 2,143 families containing index persons and two ancestral generations, comprising 17,539 persons with 25 follow-up years. Our results provide strong evidence that an increasing number of long-lived ancestors associates with up to a decade of healthspan extension. Further evidence indicates that members of long-lived families have a delayed onset of medication use, multimorbidity and, in mid-life, healthier metabolomic profiles than their partners. We conclude that in longevity families, both lifespan and healthspan are quantitatively linked to ancestral longevity, making such families highly suitable to identify protective mechanisms of multimorbidity.
Systematic analysis of microtubule plus-end networks defines EB-cargo complexes critical for mitosis in budding yeast
Authors: Kornakov Nikolay , Westermann Stefan
Published: September 2022

Microtubules are ubiquitous cytoskeletal polymers with essential functions in chromosome segregation, intracellular transport and cellular morphogenesis. End-binding proteins (EBs) form the nodes of intricate microtubule plus-end interaction networks. Which EB binding partners are most critical for cell division, and how cells manage to organize a microtubule cytoskeleton in the absence of an EB protein, are open questions. Here we demonstrate that the budding yeast EB protein Bim1 executes its key mitotic functions as part of two cargo complexes-Bim1-Kar9 in the cytoplasm and Bim1-Cik1-Kar3 in the nucleus. Lack of Bim1-Kar9 during spindle orientation is compensated by accumulation of the CLIP-170 homolog Bik1 on the lattice of long cytoplasmic microtubules, which upregulates the Dynein-Dynactin nuclear migration pathway. In the nucleus a Bim1-Bik1-Cik1-Kar3 complex acts during initial metaphase spindle assembly and supports sister chromatid bi-orientation. Lack of Bim1 alters spindle association timing and the level of the microtubule crosslinkers Ase1/PRC1 and Slk19, which become essential for bi-orientation. Engineered plus-end targeting of Kinesin-14 Cik1-Kar3 efficiently restores major spindle-relatedbim1τιphenotypes. In addition to defining the key Bim1-cargo complexes our study also reveals compensatory mechanisms that allow cells to proliferate in the absence of Bim1.
The m6A reader IGF2BP2 directs immune-metabolic reprogramming in Leishmania amazonensis-infected macrophages
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Lecoeur Hervé , Varet Hugo , Legendre Rachel , Mahtal Nassim , Proux Caroline , Aulner Nathalie , Shorte Spencer , Granjean Capucine , Bousso Philippe , Prina Eric , Späth Gerald F.
Published: September 2022

Macrophages are the major host cells of the protozoan parasiteLeishmaniain mammalian infection. These key innate immune cells display remarkable phenotypic plasticity ranging from pro-inflammatory M1 to anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages that can control infection and tissue homeostasis, respectively. It has been recognized thatLeishmaniaexploits macrophage phenotypic plasticity to establish chronic infection. However, the current notion that these parasites simply trigger an M2-like phenotype seems over-simplified considering the immunopathology observed during leishmaniasis – in particular in response toLeishmania amazonensis- which is often characterized by a mixed Th1/Th2 immune response. Here we combined a series of systems-level analyses to shed new light on the phenotype ofLeishmania-infected macrophages (LIMs) during short- and long-term infection,in vitroandin vivo. Immuno-metabolic profiling by RNA-seq, RT-qPCR, cytokine immunoassays, and real-time bioenergetic flux analysis ofL. amazonensis-infected bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) revealed a highly complex and unique phenotypic and bioenergetic signature.In vitroLIMs were characterized by co-expression of both M1 and M2 markers at RNA and protein levels and increased expression of glycolytic genes that matched a progressive metabolic switch from a M2-like respiratory to a M1-like glycolytic energy production observed for both long-termin vitroandin vivoinfected macrophages. Unlike in M1 macrophages, glycolytic gene expression did not correlate with increased expression of its key regulatory HIF-1α. In contrast, siRNA knock down experiments in primary BMDMs uncovered an essential role of the m6A reader protein IGF2BP2 in stabilizing m6A modified transcripts of the glycolytic pathway, contributing to HIF-1α-independent induction of glycolysis. In conclusion,L. amazonensisestablishes a complex and unique phenotypic shift in infected macrophagesin vitroandin vivothat combines M1-like and M2-like immuno-metabolomic characteristics and implicates differential mRNA stability in induction of aerobic glycolysis. Our data thus uncover epi-transcriptomic regulation as a novel target forLeishmaniaimmune subversion to establish a host cell phenotype beneficial for intracellular parasite development and chronic infection.
Mediator 1 ablation induces enamel-to-hair lineage conversion through enhancer dynamics
Authors: Thaler Roman , Yoshizaki Keigo , Nguyen Thai , Fukumoto Satoshi , Besten Pamela Den , Bikle Daniel D. , Oda Yuko
Published: September 2022

Postnatal cell fate has been postulated to be primarily determined by the local tissue microenvironment. Here, we found that Mediator 1 (Med1) dependent epigenetic mechanisms dictate tissue-specific lineage commitment and progression of dental epithelia. Deletion ofMed1, a key component of the Mediator complex linking enhancer activities to gene transcription, provokes a tissue extrinsic lineage shift, causing hair generation in the dental environment.Med1deficiency gives rise to unusual hair growth via primitive cellular aggregates on incisors. Mechanistically, we found that Med1 establishes super-enhancers that control enamel lineage transcription factors in dental stem cells and their progenies. However,Med1deficiency reshapes the enhancer landscapes and causes a switch from the dental epithelial transcriptional program towards hair and epidermis on incisorsin vivo, and in dental epithelial stem cellsin vitro. Med1loss also provokes an increase in the number and size of enhancers. Interestingly, control dental epithelia already exhibit enhancers for hair and epidermal key transcription factors; these expand in size and transform into active super-enhancers uponMed1loss suggesting that these epigenetic mechanisms cause the transcriptomic and phenotypic shift towards epidermal and hair lineages. Thus, we propose a role for Med1 in safeguarding lineage specific enhancers, highlight the central role of enhancer accessibility and usage in lineage reprogramming and provide new insights into ectodermal regeneration.
Evolution of predictive memory in the hippocampus
Authors: Miller Adam M. P. , Jacob Alex D. , Ramsaran Adam I. , De Snoo Mitchell L. , Josselyn Sheena A. , Frankland Paul W.
Published: September 2022

The brain organizes experiences into memories that can be used to guide future behavior. Hippocampal CA1 population activity may reflect the retrieval of predictive models that contain information about future events, but little is known about how these kinds of memories develop with experience. We trained mice on a series of tone discrimination problems with or without a common statistical structure to observe how memories are formed and updated during learning. Mice that learned structured problems integrated their experiences into a predictive model that contained the solutions to upcoming novel problems. Retrieving the model during learning improved discrimination accuracy and facilitated learning by decreasing the amount of new information that needed to be acquired. Using calcium imaging to track the activity of thousands of CA1 neurons during learning on this task, we observed the emergence of a persistent hippocampal ensemble at the same time that mice formed a predictive model of their environment. This ensemble was reactivated during training and incorporated new neuronal activity patterns from each training problem. Interestingly, the degree to which mice reactivated the ensemble was related to how well their model predicted the content of the current problem, ensuring that the model was only updated with congruent information. In contrast, mice trained on unstructured problems did not form a predictive model or engage a persistent ensemble. These results show how hippocampal activity supports building predictive models by organizing newly learned information according to its congruence with existing memories.
Detailed evaluation of chromatic pupillometry and full-field stimulus testing to assess ultra-low vision in retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Yamamoto Midori , Matsuyama Take , Maeda Tadao , Takagi Seiji , Motozawa Naohiro , Sakai Daiki , Hirami Yasuhiko , Maeda Akiko , Kurimoto Yasuo , Takahashi Masayo , Mandai Michiko
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Novel therapeutic options, such as regenerative medicine and gene therapy are now emerging as viable treatment options for patients with severe visual impairments, such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Gradable assessment of patients’ visual function is essential to consider treatment options and to evaluate treatment outcomes, however, evaluation of visual function in advanced low vision patients is often challenging due to patients’ poor and sometimes unpredictable responses. In this study, we attempted to accurately assess the visual capabilities and disease stage in RP patients with visual acuity of 0.01 or lower, using chromatic pupillometry and full-field stimulus testing (FST), combined with retinal structural features, as determined by spectral-domain OCT.

Design

Retrospective analysis of visual function tests in 84 eyes of 43 patients with advanced RP with visual acuity of 0.01 and lower visited Kobe City Eye Hospital from 2019 to 2021.

Methods

Eighty-four eyes of 43 patients with advanced RP with visual acuity of 0.01 and lower were evaluated by chromatic pupillometry, FST, BCVA (best-corrected visual acuity), and OCT (optical coherence tomography). Hierarchical (multilevel) Bayesian modeling was used to estimate individual eye’s pupil response and FST, taking into account the ambiguity and randomness often observed in ultra-low vision patients. Using the estimated abilityobtained from each test, the correlation between each test and retinal thickness was further analyzed to make a comprehensive assessment of the data.

Results

FST and pupillometry measurements were moderately correlated with visual acuity, but exhibited a wide range of values within the same visual acuity groups. FST was not correlated with central retinal thickness at CF/HM VA range and seemed to reflect overall remaining photoreceptor function including peripheral retina. Pupillometry seemed to distinguish different levels inner retinal function.

Conclusion

The combination of pupillometry and FST allowed for graded evaluation of visual function within patients grouped in the same visual acuity groups in advanced RP patients with ultra-low vision.
Modeling and characterization of capacitor storage circuit for piezoelectric vibration energy harvester
Authors: Wei Sheng
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to study a power management circuit for a piezoelectric vibration energy harvester. It presents how to accumulate energy and provide regulated DC voltage for practical applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Energy storage and extraction circuit are proposed. While the storage stage consists of a full wave rectifier and a storage capacitor, the extraction stage includes a voltage comparator and regulator, which may provide the load steady DC voltage when the voltage of the storage capacitor is higher than the threshold.

Findings

The numerical analysis and experimental results indicate that it takes a longer time to charge to a specified voltage for the greater storage capacitor and the net charge flowing into the storage capacitor during each period decreases when the voltage of the storage capacitor is higher. The higher threshold voltage of the capacitor has lower harvesting efficiency owing to the rate of charging of the storage capacitor slowing down over time.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the chosen research method, the power management circuit is only suitable for the piezoelectric vibration energy harvester under resonant conditions.

Practical implications

This study includes practically useful applications for users to build a power management circuit for piezoelectric energy harvester.

Originality/value

This study presents results that the charging efficiency of the storage circuit is relative to the storage capacitor and the threshold voltage.
Obstacles to the career progression of professional female project managers (PFPMs) in the Ghanaian construction industry
Authors: Agyekum Kofi , Amos-Abanyie Samuel , Kumah Victoria Maame Afriyie , Kukah Augustine Senanu Komla , Salgin Burcu
Published: September 2022

Purpose

There are significantly fewer women than men in managerial positions, mainly project management. This problem is noticeable in the construction and engineering sectors, traditionally male-dominated industries with leadership much dependent on masculine qualities. This study examines the obstacles to the career progression of professional female project managers (PFPMs) in the Ghanaian construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Twenty potential obstacles to women's career progression in the construction industry were identified from a comprehensive review of the literature. A questionnaire was prepared and administered among eighty project managers who work in large construction firms in Ghana. Data obtained were analysed using one sample t-test, Kendall's concordance test, Chi-square test and exploratory factor analysis.

Findings

The findings suggest the significance of all the twenty factors as potential obstacles to the career progression of PFPMs. The exploratory factor analysis identified five underlying grouped obstacles: “leadership and human capital related issues”, “issues related to discrimination of all forms”, “career aspiration and planning issues”, “female related role conflicts”, and “recruitment and selection issues”.

Research limitations/implications

The subjective nature of the views of the respondents could influence the evaluation of the obstacles. With this study only exploring the dimensions underlying the significant obstacles, future studies could examine the interrelationships between the various obstacles and move on to determine their impacts on the career progression of professional female PMs as well.

Practical implications

Having an in-depth understanding of these obstacles, stakeholders and other industry practitioners in Ghana could make informed decisions on measures to put in place to address some of these critical issues to raise the standard of professional female PMs in the construction industry. Policymakers and gender advocates in Ghana could also take up some of the critical obstacles identified and provide suitable strategies to educate and create the needed awareness of the industry on those obstacles. Practically, the findings from this study can be valuable for informing decision-making at different management levels in the construction industry.

Originality/value

With country-specific (Ghana) obstacles identified, the findings significantly contribute to the literature on the career advancement of females in the construction sector.
Age-performance consideration in the recruitment of tradespeople in Nigerian construction industry
Authors: Aka Adefemi , Bello Abdulkabir Opeyemi , Bamgbade Adebisi Abosede , Bilau Abdulquadri Ade
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Age is one of the critical factors used by many organizations to determine employees' performance. It is being considered in the retirement process of construction professionals. However, age as a critical factor is not considered in the recruitment of a specific set of workers in the construction industry. Therefore, this study investigated the significant relationship between the ages of tradespeople and their performance in construction projects. The study also explored the age at which performance begins to decline and proposes strategies that can be used to sustain their effectiveness before the official retirement age.

Design/methodology/approach

Mixed methods research designs were adopted in the study. To be precise, physical observations, interviews and questionnaires were the instruments used for data collection in the mixed methods research design.

Findings

The outcomes of the study revealed that the age groups of tradespeople in the Nigerian construction industry are 16–30 (group one), 31–45 (group two) and 46–58 (group three) respectively. Group three is the prevalent age group. It was also discovered that performance begins to decline at 53 years. The age-performance decline of tradespeople in Nigerian construction projects can be delayed through certain strategies such as regular strength training exercises and an adequate nutritional lifestyle.

Research limitations/implications

The study enables construction managers to have an adequate understanding of the negative influence of old age on the performance of tradespeople in construction projects. This will enable construction firm managers to recruit from the age range of 16–52 and stop retiring employees within this age bracket, consequently curbing the skills gap which is prevalent in the study context and the global construction industry. The study is limited to tradespeople performance in construction firms in Abuja, Nigeria where there are several ongoing projects on a daily basis.

Practical implications

The study enables project managers to estimate the number of tradespeople required for a particular task and consequently save the aged tradespeople from health risks associated with excessive workloads.

Originality/value

This paper is the first of its kind to be conducted in the study context, to establish the specific age at which performance begins to decline among construction tradespeople.
Key determinants of building maintenance in hospitals: the perspective of maintenance personnel
Authors: Wong Wai Fang , Olanrewaju AbdulLateef , Lim Poh Im
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The maintenance of hospital buildings is often acknowledged as challenging tasks yet inevitable to ensure effective delivery of health-care functions. This study aims to investigate the rationale behind the execution of maintenance which provides essential input for better prioritization of maintenance tasks.

Design/methodology/approach

This study evaluated the determinants of building maintenance of public hospitals in Malaysia from the perspectives of key personnel appointed to monitor, supervise and inspect the activities of the privatised support services in public hospitals. A total of 66 questionnaire survey responses were analysed.

Findings

Findings revealed that the maintenance practices in public hospitals are user-centric with high emphasis on user’s expectations and complaints. Comparatively, vandalism and improper use of facilities were less of concerns.

Originality/value

This paper reveals the key determinants that influence decision-making in building maintenance of the Malaysian public hospitals from the perspective of maintenance personnel. It adds value to the under-researched topic of privatised hospital support services, which is currently outsourced to five concession companies nationwide.
Renewable energy production and employment: comparative analysis on European and Asian countries
Authors: Osei Bismark , Kunawotor Mark Edem , Kulu Evans
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to undertake comparative analysis examining the effect of renewable energy production on employment focusing on European and Asian Countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilizes panel data from the period 2000 to 2018 and System Generalized Method of Moments (System GMM) for the analysis. This study focuses on 50 European and 40 Asian countries data used for the analysis.

Findings

The result of the study indicates that, renewal energy production has positively affected employment in both European and Asian countries. However, the positive effect result of European countries is stronger than that of Asian countries.

Practical implications

The study recommends that, governments among these countries should continue to show strong commitment towards investing in renewable energy production as stated in Paris Agreement (2015). This will have a strong effect towards increasing further employment creation among these countries.

Originality/value

Numerous empirical studies have been carried out examining the effect of renewable energy production on employment. This study contributes to existing empirical studies by undertaking comparative analysis to examine the subject matter focusing on European and Asian countries.
How does leader's knowledge hiding kill innovative work behavior
Authors: Mubarak Namra , Khan Jabran , Osmadi Atasya
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Numerous studies have linked the role of knowledge sharing with project success, while limited attention has been given to the consequences of knowledge hiding. The unwillingness of leaders to share information may cause the failure of assigned tasks, thus affecting the success of any project. Withholding information by leaders can potentially result in incomplete ideas, thus causing poor innovative work behaviour (IWB) among employees. Despite such knowledge-hiding behaviour, most employees continue working positively towards IWB.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to test these proposed hypotheses, data were collected from active information technology (IT) projects using purposive sampling technique. The purposive sampling method was selected to specifically focus on projects that require innovation. A total of 324 responses were considered for final analyses, which were collected in time lag.

Findings

The study outcomes amplified the important issue of knowledge-hiding behaviour among leaders that adversely affected the IT project industry and how such behaviour led to failure as a result of poor IWB. Apparently, IWB intervened between knowledge-hiding behaviour among leaders and project success. However, high curiosity among employees seemed to reduce the negative effects of knowledge-hiding behaviour among leaders.

Originality/value

This study substantially adds to the leadership literature and holds immense importance for project professionals by drawing their attention to the neglected area causing project failure.
Laser pointer for manual teaching of coating robot
Authors: Shang Zhiyong
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a novel laser pointer for manual coating robot teaching. The laser pointer has simple structure and no physical contact with substrate in teaching work. The sensitivity of visual detection in the design accuracy is guaranteed.

Design/methodology/approach

The strategy adopts two laser sources to form a triangle to achieve a fixed distance detection pointer for manual robot teaching. After optimizing the source, spot size and the incident angle of the lasers, the sensitivity of fixed-distance judgment is analyzed and compared with traditional pointers. In addition, the laser pointer adds the functions to simulate coating atomizer, including posture and overlap pitch. Finally, the laser pointer verified by coating application and measurement system analysis evaluation.

Findings

The laser pointer has been successfully applied to coating robot teaching by the authors’ team. From the simulation and experimental results, it can be concluded that the proposed approach is effective at improving manual teaching of coating robot, especially for the complex geometry.

Research limitations/implications

The main function of the laser pointer often used for manual teaching in other purposes; for example, sealer etc. The paper innovatively considered and tested the laser pointer on robotic coating process.

Originality/value

Compared with the traditional hard straight stick pointer, the paper proposes a very simple construction for teaching pointer with laser feature. At the same time, the requirement of coating process simulation is considered.
Nature governance for collective well-being: reconciling holistic sustainability and human development
Authors: Londono-Escudero Carolina
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This article aims to contribute to the literature linking the three pillars of sustainable development with the human development field. To do so, it analyzes how a group of stakeholders that participate in collective action for nature governance in Segre–Rialb, Catalonia, build collective capabilities and reconcile a holistic sustainable development with human development and collective well-being. The analysis is performed using nature governance and the capability approach theories. In particular, the framework providing the lenses to examine the collective action for nature governance is based on Elinor Ostrom's Institutional and Analysis framework and the collective capabilities concept.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on documental analysis (legal document namely and online resources available in Catalonian website) and a few online interviews since all fieldwork was canceled due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Findings

The case study reveals that collective action for nature governance has a twofold function: it materializes holistic sustainability and produces capabilities, reconciling sustainable and human development. Therefore, the research proves that people who work together to govern nature can boost a holistic perspective of sustainability and reconcile sustainable and human development.

Originality/value

First, this work aims to reconcile sustainable and human development fields that have been usually separated in academia, contributing to the research body that has attempted to relate human development and sustainability. This analysis uses a holistic perspective of sustainability, including the social, economic and environmental aspects connecting them to human development; this was not deeply explored before. Finally, the rigorous documental analysis, namely legal texts that allow reaching conclusions, is relevant since all fieldworks were canceled in 2021.
Digitalization of office work – an ideological dilemma of structure and flexibility
Authors: Lindell Eva , Popova Irina , Uhlin Anna
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The ongoing “digitalization of work” is one of the major phenomena shaping contemporary organizations. The aim of this study is to explore linguistic constructs of white-collar workers (WCWs) related to their use of digital tools.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework of ideological dilemmas (Billig et al., 1988) is mobilized to investigate the conflicting demands WCW interviewees construct when describing the ongoing digitalization of their office work.

Findings

This study shows how “digitalization of work” is enforcing an organizational ideological dilemma of structure and flexibility for WCWs. In the digital workplace, this dilemma is linguistically expressed as the individual should be, or should want to be, both flexible and structured in her work.

Practical implications

The use of language exposes conflicting ideals in the use of digital tools that might increase work–life stress. Implications for managers include acknowledging the dilemmas WCWs face in digitalized organizations and supporting them before they embark upon a digitalization journey.

Originality/value

The study shows that the negotiation between competing organizational discourses is constructed irrespective of hierarchical positions; the organizations digital maturity; private or public sector; or country. The study confirms contradictory ideological claims as “natural” and unquestionable in digitalized officework.
Founding German vocational education: Kerschensteiner, Spranger and Fischer as key figures in the classical German VET theory
Authors: Kuhlee Dina , Steib Christian , Winch Christopher
Published: September 2022

This introduction familiarises the readers of this Special Issue with some important information and arguments that set the life and work of Georg Kerschensteiner, Eduard Spranger and Aloys Fischer in context. In addition, it shows their relevance to current debates and policies in vocational education and training (VET) in both Germany and the Anglophone countries. As a first step, some important concepts in German VET that may cause difficulty in the interpretation for English-speaking readers are introduced and explained. Following from that, an outline of the historical context in which modern German VET was developed is set out and then the place of Kerschensteiner, Spranger and Fischer within that context is described with particular reference to the continuation school, the focus of Kerschensteiner's contribution. Spranger's main contribution was to integrate concern for VET within broader academic issues about education, while Fischer was concerned with young people's transition into the labour force at a time of considerable social and economic change. The introduction concludes with a discussion of the relevance of these thinkers and German VET more generally to the current situation of VET in England, with reference to such topics as ‘academic drift’ and liberal and civic education.
Striving towards personalised obstetric care
Authors: Chien Patrick
Published: September 2022

Deputy Editor‐in‐Chief, Dr Patrick Chien, discusses his top articles from this issue in an audio podcast available at: https://soundcloud.com/bjog/October-editorial-2022
The role of family life‐cycle events on persistent and transient inefficiencies in less favoured areas
Authors: Barnes Andrew P.
Published: September 2022

Family farms dominate less favoured areas (LFAs) within Europe, and family life‐cycle conditions, such as succession and retirement, affects how these farms adapt to changing circumstances. Past studies of on‐farm technical efficiency have not directly addressed these conditions, but they may explain why some farms are more efficient than others, especially as the farm family model dominates most farming systems. Motivated by the UK's withdrawal from the EU and the debate around establishing replacement support policies, we apply a multi‐step model to measure both transient and persistent inefficiencies using a panel of LFA cattle and sheep farms in Scotland over the period 2003–2020. We find a greater prevalence of persistent compared to transient inefficiency, which suggests that structural problems still exist. Farms with planned succession are found to have higher persistent efficiencies, whereas farmers nearing retirement have lower levels. Other factors, such as dependence on subsidy, off‐farm activity and classification as severely disadvantaged tend to compound these lower efficiencies. We argue that life‐cycle conditions should not be ignored in studies of farm technical efficiency. Within the scope of framing a new agricultural policy for UK administrations, these results inform the debate on support for LFAs, as well as the promotion of support towards generational renewal to ease transition across farm family life‐cycle events.
The clean label trend: An ineffective heuristic that disserves both consumers and the food industry?
Authors: Chen Aidan , Kayrala Nicole , Trapeau Maëliss , Aoun Maria , Bordenave Nicolas
Published: September 2022

What started around the late 2000s as the “Clean Label” (CL) trend has now become a meaningful segment of the food market, appealing to consumers who want foods made of a limited number of simple and recognizable ingredients. However, this description and tentative definitions of CL foods are vague, subject to multiple interpretations, and CL remains an informal denomination for foods, making consumers’ demands and food manufacturers’ offerings hardly compatible. Therefore, rather than attempting an illusory definition of CL foods, this narrative review aims to (1) show how CL appears to be a heuristic used by consumers to attempt to make safe and healthful food choices, (2) discuss how this heuristic overlooks many critical aspect of food safety and healthfulness and is consequently ineffective to guide consumers’ choices, and (3) discuss the implications of the CL trend on the food chain's stakeholders and their relationships.
Identification of aging‐associated immunotypes and immune stability as indicators of post‐vaccination immune activation
Authors: Cevirgel Alper , Shetty Sudarshan A. , Vos Martijn , Nanlohy Nening M. , Beckers Lisa , Bijvank Elske , Rots Nynke , van Beek Josine , Buisman Anne‐Marie , van Baarle Debbie
Published: September 2022

Immunosenescence describes immune dysfunction observed in older individuals. To identify individuals at‐risk for immune dysfunction, it is crucial to understand the diverse immune phenotypes and their intrinsic functional capabilities. We investigated immune cell subsets and variation in the aging population. We observed that inter‐individual immune variation was associated with age and cytomegalovirus seropositivity. Based on the similarities of immune subset composition among individuals, we identified nine immunotypes that displayed different aging‐associated immune signatures, which explained inter‐individual variation better than age. Additionally, we correlated the immune subset composition of individuals over approximately a year as a measure of stability of immune parameters. Immune stability was significantly lower in immunotypes that contained aging‐associated immune subsets and correlated with a circulating CD38 + CD4+ T follicular helper cell increase 7 days after influenza vaccination. In conclusion, immune stability is a feature of immunotypes and could be a potential indicator of post‐vaccination cellular kinetics.
Cannabinoid therapeutics in orofacial pain management: a systematic review
Authors: Votrubec C , Tran P , Lei A , Brunet Z , Bean L , Olsen BW , Sharma D
Published: September 2022

The objective of this paper was to investigate the published evidence regarding effects of cannabinoids (natural and synthetic) on post‐operative and/or out‐of‐office pain management in patients suffering from orofacial pain that presents in the dental setting. Three online databases (Ovid (MEDLINE), PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus) were searched (July 2021). Additional studies were sought through grey literature searching (Cochrane Library Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov) and hand‐searching the reference lists of included articles. All studies that analysed cannabinoid products and pain management of conditions that present in the general or specialist dental setting in the English language were included. Of the five articles included, one reported a significant effect on temporomandibular disorder pain relief using a topical cannabidiol formulation compared to a placebo. Four articles reported no significant effects of cannabinoids for pain management across various orofacial pain conditions. Although one study reported a positive effect, insufficient evidence exists to support a tangible clinical benefit of cannabinoids in managing orofacial pain, further research is recommended to investigate the benefits of cannabinoids’ use. © 2022 Australian Dental Association.
The dilemma of Pituri: a review and case report
Authors: Wan M , Quinn C , Butson C , Kingon A
Published: September 2022

Smokeless tobacco is the term used to describe a range of products found worldwide which individuals use to extract nicotine, but without smoking. Ways of achieving this include chewing, sniffing and placing in areas of the body where tissues are sufficiently thin for absorption to take place such as the oral mucosa or postauricular skin. In Central Australia, Aboriginal groups across a wide area have chewed wild tobacco plants, commonly known as Pituri, for countless generations. As well as inducing a sense of well‐being, the habit has strong cultural significance. While some smokeless tobacco products used outside Australia are known to have a detrimental effect on oral health, particularly malignant change, little is known about Pituri. To date, reports of adverse oral outcomes have been elusive. Most Pituri research seems to have focussed on obstetric issues, arguably unexpected as the tobacco seems to be in contact with the mouth for longer than any other body tissues. The following report describes a lesion on the anterior buccal mucosa resulting from prolonged Pituri use. The relevant literature is reviewed. A clinical and ethical management dilemma arises between respecting the associated cultural issues and ignoring an apparent pathological entity. © 2022 Australian Dental Association.