bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive Modeling of New-Onset Postoperative Diplopia Following Orbital Decompression for Thyroid Eye Disease
Authors: Nair Archana A. , Ediriwickrema Lilangi S. , Dolman Peter J. , Law Geoffrey , Harrison Andrew R. , Mokhtarzadeh Ali , Stewart Krista , Men Clara , Lucarelli Mark J. , van Landingham Suzanne , Wingelaar Maxwell , Verma Rohan , Chen Allison , Selva Dinesh , Garrity James , Eckel Laurence , Kazim Michael , Godfrey Kyle , Baxter Sally L. , Korn Bobby S. , Kikkawa Don O.
Published: May 2022

Purpose:

To identify risk factors for the development of new-onset, postoperative diplopia following orbital decompression surgery based on patient demographics, clinical exam characteristics, radiographic parameters, and surgical techniques.

Methods:

We conducted a multi-center retrospective chart review of patients who underwent orbital decompression for thyroid eye disease (TED). Patient demographics, including age, gender, smoking history, preoperative exophthalmometry, clinical activity score (CAS), use of peribulbar and/or systemic steroids, and type of orbital decompression were reviewed. Postoperative diplopia was determined at a minimum of 3 months postoperatively and before any further surgeries. Cross-sectional area ratios of each extraocular muscle to orbit and total fat to orbit were calculated from coronal imaging in a standard fashion. All measurements were carried out using PACS imaging software. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was performed using Stata 14.2 (StataCorp, College Station, TX).

Results:

A total of 331 patients without preoperative diplopia were identified. At 3 months postoperatively, 249 patients had no diplopia whereas 82 patients developed diplopia. The average postoperative follow-up was 22 months (range 3–156) months. Significant preoperative clinical risk factors for postoperative diplopia included older age at surgery, proptosis, use of peribulbar or systemic steroids, elevated clinical activity score, and presence of preoperative compressive optic neuropathy. Imaging findings of enlarged cross-sectional areas of each rectus muscle to the overall orbital area also conferred a significant risk of postoperative diplopia. Regarding surgical factors, postoperative diplopia was more common among those undergoing medial wall decompression, bilateral orbital surgery, and balanced decompression, whereas endoscopic medial wall decompression was found to be relatively protective.

Conclusions:

This study identifies risk factors associated with the development of diplopia following orbital decompression using multivariable data. This study demonstrates that several characteristics including age, clinical activity score, the cross-sectional muscle to orbit ratios, in addition to the type of orbital decompression surgery, are predictive factors for the development of new-onset postoperative diplopia.
Cortical function and sensorimotor plasticity are prognostic factors associated with future low back pain after an acute episode: the Understanding persistent Pain Where it ResiDes prospective cohort study
Authors: Jenkins Luke C. , Chang Wei-Ju , Buscemi Valentina , Liston Matthew , Humburg Peter , Nicholas Michael , Graven-Nielsen Thomas , Hodges Paul W. , McAuley James H. , Schabrun Siobhan M.
Published: May 2022

Predicting the development of chronic low back pain (LBP) at the time of an acute episode remains challenging. The Understanding persistent Pain Where it ResiDes study aimed to identify neurobiological and psychological risk factors for chronic LBP. Individuals with acute LBP (N = 120) participated in a prospective cohort study with 6-month follow-up. Candidate predictors were selected from the neurobiological (eg, sensorimotor cortical excitability assessed by sensory and motor-evoked potentials and brain-derived neurotrophic factor genotype), psychological (eg, depression and anxiety), symptom-related (eg, LBP history), and demographic domains. Analyses involved multivariable linear regression models with pain intensity or disability degree as continuous variables. Secondary analyses involved a multivariable logistic model with the presence of LBP at 6 months (thresholding pain intensity and disability degree) as a dichotomous variable. Lower sensory cortex and corticomotor excitability, higher baseline pain intensity, higher depression, stress, and pain catastrophizing were the strongest predictors (R
2 = 0.47) of pain intensity at 6 months. Older age and higher pain catastrophizing were the strongest predictors (R
2 = 0.30) of disability at 6 months. When the LBP outcome was dichotomised, sensory cortex and corticomotor excitability, brain-derived neurotrophic factor genotype, depression and anxiety, LBP history and baseline pain intensity, discriminated between those who did and did not report LBP at 6 months (C-statistic 0.91). This study identifies novel risk factors for the development of future LBP. Neurobiological risk factors, when added to a multivariable linear regression model, explained a further 15% of the variance in the 6-month pain intensity.
Lessons Learned From Rapid Deployment of 100% Mortality Review for Patients With COVID-19 Across a Health System
Authors: Herzke Carrie A. , Holzmueller Christine G. , Dutton Michael , Kachalia Allen , Hill Peter M. , Haut Elliott R.
Published: May 2022

Mortality review is one approach to systematically examine delivery of care and identify areas for improvement. Health system leaders sought to ensure hospitals were adapting to the rapidly changing medical guidance for COVID-19 and delivering high-quality care. Thus, all patients with a COVID-19 diagnosis within the 6-hospital system who died between March and July 2020 were reviewed within 72 hours. Concerns for preventability advanced review to level 2 (content experts) or 3 (hospital leadership). Reviews included available autopsy and cardiac arrest data. Overall health system mortality for COVID-19 patient admissions was 12.5% and mortality for mechanically ventilated patients was 34.4%. Significant differences in mortality rates were observed among hospitals due to demographic variations in patient populations at hospitals. Mortality reviews resulted in the dissemination of evolving knowledge among sites using an electronic medical record order set, implementation of proning teams, and development of checklists for converting COVID-19 floors and units.
Effect of supraglottic airway devices versus endotracheal intubation general anesthesia on outcomes in patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy
Authors: Zhao Jing , Zhu Wenchao , Qi Yingying , Xu Guangjun , Liu Lei , Liu Jingjing
Published: May 2022

Background:

There are still controversies about the optimal anesthesia protocol for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT). The aim of this study was to explore the effect of supraglottic airway device (SAD) versus endotracheal intubation (EI) general anesthesia on clinical and angiographic outcomes in patients with AIS undergoing MT.

Methods:

One hundred sixteen patients with large-vessel occlusion stroke were randomized to receive either SAD or EI general anesthesia. The primary outcome was the rate of occurrence of >20% fall in mean arterial pressure (MAP). Secondary outcomes included hemodynamics, successful recanalization, time metrics, satisfaction score of neurointerventionalist, number of passes performed, the conversion rate from SAD to EI, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, and Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score before and 24 hours after surgery, length of stay in the stroke unit and hospital, complications and functional independence at discharge, and 90 days after stroke.

Results:

Both the lowest systolic blood pressure and lowest diastolic blood pressure were significantly lower in the EI group (P = .001). The consumption of vasoactive agents, the occurrence of >20% reduction in MAP and time spent with >20% fall in MAP were significantly higher in the EI group (P < .05). Compared with the EI group, the time for door-to-puncture was significantly shorter in the SAD group (P = .015). There were no significant differences with respect to puncture-to-reperfusion time, number of passes performed, rates of successful recanalization, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, and Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score 24 hours after surgery. The satisfaction score of neurointerventionalist was significantly lower in the EI group (P = .043). Conversion rate from SAD to EI was 7.41%. There were no significant differences with respect to complications, mortality, and mean Modified Rankin Scale scores both at discharge and 90-day after stroke. However, length of stroke unit and hospital stays were significantly shorter in the SAD group (P < .05).

Conclusion:

AIS patients undergoing MT with SAD general anesthesia led to more stable hemodynamics, higher satisfaction score of neurointerventionalist, shorter door-to-puncture time, length of stroke unit, and hospital stay. However, there were no significant differences between the 2 groups on the angiographic and functional outcomes both at discharge and 90 days after stroke.
Comparing the accuracy between shear wave elastography and strain elastography in the diagnosis of breast tumors
Authors: Wu Huayu , Zhang Shengnan , Wang Cong , Yan Yumei
Published: May 2022

Background:

Shear wave elastography and strain elastography are two new ultrasonic techniques developed rapidly in recent years. Changes in tissue elasticity occur after normal tissue changes. Elastography technique transforms the elastic information of tissue into optical information for display. Thus more intuitive display of tissue elasticity. Due to the differences in principles and related imaging parameters between the two elastic imaging methods, and the acquisition and interpretation of image data in strain elastic imaging method largely depends on the experience of inspectors, and due to the significant differences between the techniques of inspectors, As a result, conflicting results have been obtained in different scholars’ studies on the accuracy comparison of the two elastography techniques in the diagnosis of breast tumors. This meta-analysis aims to compare the accuracy of the two elastography methods in the diagnosis of breast tumors, so as to provide more accurate diagnostic means for patients with breast tumors. The final results will show which elastography method is more accurate in the diagnosis of breast tumors, reduce unnecessary biopsies and provide a reference for clinical decision making.

Methods:

We will examine published and unpublished randomized controlled trials, observational studies and abstracts without publication type or language restrictions, and search relevant literatures in PubMed, Web of Science, Wanfang Database, CNQI and other databases until December 30, 2020. The authors will independently search relevant literature records, scan titles and abstracts, full text, collect data and assess the risk of bias. Data will be analyzed by using Meta Disc1.4 software and Stata14.0 software. Heterogeneity tests and combined sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve will be performed by using Meta Disc1.4 software. Stata14.0 software will be used for sensitivity analysis and publication bias test.

Results:

The results of this systematic review will demonstrate the accuracy of the two elastography methods in the diagnosis of breast tumors.

Discussion:

The results will provide useful evidence for the comparison of the diagnostic accuracy of shear wave elastography and strain elastography in breast tumors.

Other:

This study was not funded. Register name: PROSPERO. Registration number: CRD42021251110.
Clinical course and outcomes of COVID-19 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Bai Yang , Wen Liang , Zhao Yulong , Li Jianan , Guo Chen , Zhang Xiaobin , Yang Jiaming , Dong Yushu , Ma Litian , Liang Guobiao , Kou Yun , Wang Enxin
Published: May 2022

Information about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with pre-existing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is still lacking. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical course and the outcome of COVID-19 patients with comorbid COPD.

This retrospective study was performed at Wuhan Huoshenshan Hospital in China. Patients with a clear diagnosis of COVID-19 who had comorbid COPD (N = 78) were identified. COVID-19 patients without COPD were randomly selected and matched by age and sex to those with COPD. Clinical data were analyzed and compared between the two groups. The composite outcome was the onset of intensive care unit admission, use of mechanical ventilation, or death during hospitalization. Multivariable Cox regression analyses controlling for comorbidities were performed to explore the relationship between comorbid COPD and clinical outcome of COVID-19.

Compared to age- and sex-matched COVID-19 patients without pre-existing COPD, patients with pre-existing COPD were more likely to present with dyspnea, necessitate expectorants, sedatives, and mechanical ventilation, suggesting the existence of acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD). Greater proportions of patients with COPD developed respiratory failure and yielded poor clinical outcomes. However, laboratory tests did not show severer infection, over-activated inflammatory responses, and multi-organ injury in patients with COPD. Kaplan–Meier analyses showed patients with COPD exhibited longer viral clearance time in the respiratory tract. Multifactor regression analysis showed COPD was independently correlated with poor clinical outcomes.

COVID-19 patients with pre-existing COPD are more vulnerable to AECOPD and subsequent respiratory failure, which is the main culprit for unfavorable clinical outcomes. However, COPD pathophysiology itself is not associated with over-activated inflammation status seen in severe COVID-19.
On Covid-19 and mental health
Authors: El Haj Mohamad , Boutoleau-Bretonnière Claire , Allain Philippe , Kapogiannis Dimitrios , Chapelet Guillaume , Gallouj Karim
Published: May 2022

While visiting and socialization restrictions during lockdowns were instituted to cope with the Covid-19 spread and to prolong the life of residents of retirement homes, these measures could have been expected to decrease the quality of life of their residents.

We assessed longitudinal effects of the two successive lockdowns, as implemented in France, on mental health (i.e., depression, anxiety, and loneliness) in 62 retirement home residents with Alzheimer disease (AD).

Analysis demonstrated higher levels of depression, anxiety, and loneliness during the second lockdown than during the first lockdown.

The increased levels of depression, anxiety, and loneliness during the second lockdown can be attributed to the longer duration of the restrictive measures, especially the restriction of visits, that were implemented in retirement homes. In addition, the increased workload of geriatric healthcare workers leading to higher levels of burnout and decreased quality of care may help explain the increased loneliness, depression, and anxiety of retirement home residents with AD, which were observed during the second Covid-19 era lockdown.
The effect of 0.01% atropine and orthokeratology on ocular axial elongation for myopia children
Authors: Yu Yan , Liu Jiasu
Published: May 2022

Objectives

This meta-analysis aimed to identify the therapeutic effect of 0.01% atropine with orthokeratology on ocular axial elongation for myopia children.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and CBM databases from inception to July 1st, 2021. Meta-analysis was conducted using STATA version 14.0 and Review Manager version 5.3 softwares. We calculated the weighted mean differences to analyze the change of ocular axial length (AL) between orthokeratology combined with 0.01% atropine (OKA) and) alone. The Cochran's Q-statistic and I
2 test were used to evaluate potential heterogeneity between studies. To evaluate the influence of single studies on the overall estimate, a sensitivity analysis was performed. We also performed sub group and meta-regression analyses to investigate potential sources of heterogeneity. We conducted Begger funnel plots and Egger linear regression tests to investigate publication bias.

Results

Nine studies that met all inclusion criteria were included in this meta-analysis. A total of 191 children in OKA group and 196 children in orthokeratology (OK) group were assessed. The pooled summary weighted mean differences of AL change was -0.90 (95% CI = −1.25−0.55) with statistical significance (t = −5.03, P < .01), which indicated there was obvious difference between OKA and OK in myopic children. Subgroup analysis also showed that OKA treatment resulted in significantly less axial elongation compared to OK treatment alone according to SER. We found no evidence for publication bias.

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis indicates 0.01% atropine atropine is effective in slowing axial elongation in myopia children with orthokeratology.
Zhengqing fengtongning sustained-release tablets prevents gout flares in the process of ULT
Authors: Jia Ertao , Hu Shasha , Geng Hongling , Zhu Haiqiong , Xie Jingjing , Xiao Yuya , Jiang Yubao , Xiao Min , Zhang Jianyong
Published: May 2022

Introduction:

When initiating urate-lowering therapy, using anti-inflammatory prophylaxis therapy for at least 3 to 6 months is strongly recommended. Previous studies have found that zhengqing fengtongning sustained-release tablets (sinomenine) can improve inflammation in the acute phase of gout; however, the efficacy of urate-lowering therapy in reducing frequency of acute flares still needs to be investigated. The aim of the present study is to explore the efficacy and safety of sinomenine for prophylaxis of acute flares when initiating urate-lowering therapy.

Methods and analysis:

This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded trial will include a total of 210 gout patients who meet the study criteria. The patients will be randomized (1:1) to the test group and the control group. The intervention is planned to be performed for 12 weeks with a follow-up of 12 weeks. All patients would be administered febuxostat (40 mg/d) and concomitant anti-inflammatory prophylaxis therapy. Sinomenine and colchicine placebo are administered in the sinomenine group, sinomenine placebo and colchicine are administered in the colchicine group. The primary outcome is the rate of acute gout flares in subjects within 12 weeks of the treatment period. The secondary outcomes include the times of acute gout flares and the duration of each acute flares within 12 weeks; the compliance rate in patients whose UA levels ≤6.0 mg/dL (360 μmol/L) at the weekend of 2nd, 4th, 8th, and 12th week in each group; the proportion of patients with ≥1 and ≥2 gout flares within 12 weeks; average visual analogue scale/score pain score during gout flares; and the oral dose of etoricoxib will be used to control the onset of acute flares within 12 weeks.

Ethics and dissemination:

The Institutional Medical Ethics Committee have approved the trial protocol. We plan to publish the results of this study in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration:

ChiCTR, ChiCTR2100045114, Registered 8 April 2021 http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=124688
Primary salivary gland-type polymorphous adenocarcinoma in the lung
Authors: Xu Hong-Bo , Yang Mai-Qing , Wang Jing-Ru , Qi Hong-Feng , Lin Xu-Yong , Zhang Hai-Ning , Xu Hong-Tao
Published: May 2022

Rationale:

Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma is a low-risk infiltrative malignant tumor of the salivary glands. However, some of these tumors are more malignant than the low-grade tumors and therefore, according to the most recent recommendation of the World Health Organization, they are renamed as polymorphous adenocarcinomas (PACs). Primary polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinomas/PACs of the lungs are rare. Herein, we report a case of primary PAC of the lung with bronchial cartilage and perineural invasion, and lymph node metastasis.

Patient concerns:

A 58-year-old man had developed fever half a month prior, without chills or other accompanying symptoms, and the underlying reasons were unknown. His self-measured temperature was up to 39°C, accompanied by cough and expectoration, yellow and thin sputum, and shortness of breath. The patient's general state was normal, and respiratory sounds originating from the right lung were weak. Enhancement computed tomography revealed that the bronchial lumen of the basal segment of the lower lobe of the right lung was narrow; soft tissue density nodules were seen, with a range of approximately 2.4 cm × 1.3 cm.

Diagnosis:

Based on clinical information, morphological features, and immunohistochemistry results, the pathological diagnosis was primary PAC of the lungs.

Intervention:

Thoracoscopic resection of the middle and lower lobes of the right lung was performed, further extended dissection of the mediastinal lymph nodes was performed.

Outcomes:

The postoperative course was uneventful.

Lessons:

Primary PAC of the lung is rare and may cause misdiagnosis. When encountering a lung tumor with diverse tissue structures, uniform cell type and nerve invasion, we should consider the possibility of PAC. Morphological and immunohistochemical features can be useful for diagnosing primary PAC of the lungs.
The 68Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT for the differential diagnosis of solitary fibroma of pleura from other chest disease with low uptake of 18F-FDG
Authors: Zhang Annan , Meng Xiangxi , Zhou Xin , Wang Shuailiang , Zhang Yan , Li Nan
Published: May 2022

Objective

We conducted a prospective study using 68Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 PET/computed tomography (CT) to differentiate solitary fibromas of pleura (SFP) from other chest similar masses showing low uptake of 18F-FDG.

Methods

A prospective study including 13 patients was divided into two groups: five cases of SFP and eight of thoracic lesions resembling SFP on general imaging examination. Except for CT and MRI, all patients underwent both 18F-FDG and 68Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT examinations. Compare the differences of lesions in CT net enhancement value and the uptake of 18F-FDG and 68Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 between the two groups. The values of CT and PET/CT for differential diagnosis were calculated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

The uptake of 68Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 in SFP was significantly higher than the others in chest, SUVmean (8.10 ± 5.57) versus (1.11 ± 0.38); and SUVmax (15.46 ± 8.16) versus (3.96 ± 2.43), and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The 68Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 could effectively distinguish SFP from other lesions, and the accuracies of SUVmax and SUVmean for differential diagnosis were 92.31 and 100%, the corresponding cutoff value being 7.19 and 2.26. The uptake of 18F-FDG in SFP was slightly lower than other lesions, SUVmean (1.63 ± 0.30) versus (1.88 ± 1.02); and SUVmax (2.51 ± 0.54) versus (3.60 ± 1.57), and the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The SFP showed significant enhancement in the venous phase, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The 68Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 has potential application value in differentiating SFP from lesions with low 18F-FDG uptake, in addition, 68Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 may specifically target SFP.
Factors Influencing Older Adults' End-of-Life Care Preferences
Authors: Ke Li-Shan , Hu Wen-Yu , Dai Yu-Tzu , Chen Ching-Yu
Published: May 2022

The objective of this study was to explore factors influencing Taiwanese older adults' end-of-life (EOL) care preferences. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted in 2 geriatric wards of a veterans' hospital. Fifty-five older adults aged 65 years or older were included. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data regarding demographic characteristics, EOL care preferences, stages of change for advance care planning behaviors, and reluctance to burden others. The study revealed that nearly 60% of the participants preferred to let their spouses, adult children, or health care professionals make the decisions. Furthermore, 83.6% of the participants lived with their family members and were moderately to severely disabled with a certain degree of dependence on their family members. Sex, independence, discussion of advance care planning with family members, and completion of advance directives were significantly correlated with EOL care preferences. The regression model showed that the participants' discussion of advance care planning with their family members influenced their EOL care preferences. The results demonstrate that family is an essential consideration for older adults choosing EOL care. Accordingly, because Chinese culture focuses on family harmony, improving communication between older adults and their family members is crucial for promoting advance care planning.
Beyond Turmeric and Yoga
Authors: Daniel John Miriam , Taylor Elizabeth J.
Published: May 2022

Hinduism is the fourth largest religion in the United States; an understanding of Hindu beliefs and practices will help health care providers deliver culturally sensitive care while discussing advance care planning and end-of-life care for adult patients. For many Westerners, the practice of yoga, Ayurveda, and vegetarianism is used by people striving to live healthfully. However, what might be unfamiliar to Westerners is how for Hindus, these practices reflect their millennia-old spirituality and religiosity. Knowing the Hindu beliefs of atman, Brahman, karma, and moksha will help nurses connect to Hindus' various end-of-life wishes. In addition, getting familiar with interrelating factors such as lack of knowledge on palliative care and advance care planning, family dynamics, acculturation, and personal preferences will allow nurses to provide culturally competent care. By facilitating end-of-life conversations at an early stage, nurses can promote confidence and self-efficacy for patients who may fear that their religiosity and personal priorities are trivialized by acculturated family members or disregarded by their adopted homeland. This clinical article provides nurses with information about Asian Indian American Hindus' beliefs and practices, clinical implications for assessment, and suggestions to support patients' and families' end-of-life wishes.
Pseudoneobacillus rhizosphaerae gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from maize root rhizosphere
Authors: Kämpfer Peter , Glaeser Stefanie P. , Busse Hans-Jürgen , McInroy John A. , Clermont Dominique , Criscuolo Alexis
Published: May 2022

A facultative anaerobic, Gram-stain-positive, endospore-forming bacterium, isolated from the rhizosphere of maize roots (Zea mays), was taxonomically studied. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity comparisons, strain JJ-79T clustered only loosely with

Neobacillus

species and showed the highest similarity to

Neobacillus soli

(97.9%). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to the sequences of the type strains of other

Neobacillus

species were 97.5 % and below. Chemotaxonomic features supported the grouping of the strain to the

Neobacillus

group, e.g. the major fatty acids were C15 : 0 anteiso, C15 : 0 iso and C16 : 0, the polar lipid profile contained the major components diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and an unidentified glycolipid, the major quinone was menaquinone MK-7, and major compound in the polyamine pattern was spermidine. However, the JJ-79T genome assembly did not share most of the 11 conserved signature indels that are indicative of the genus

Neobacillus

. The average nucleotide identity, average amino acid identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between the JJ-79T genome assembly and those of the closest relative

Bacillaceae

type strains were <71, <71 and <25 %, respectively. Physiological and biochemical test results were also different from those of the most closely related

Bacillaceae

species. As a consequence, JJ-79T represents a novel genus for which we propose the name Pseudoneobacillus rhizosphaerae gen. nov., sp. nov., with JJ-79T (=CIP 111885T=CCM 9045T) as the type strain.
Growth forms of grid tilings
Authors: Demski Daniel , Hilgers Peter , Shutov Anton
Published: May 2022

Growth forms of tilings are an interesting invariant of tilings. They are fully understood in the periodic case but there are very few examples in the quasiperiodic case. Here this problem is studied for quasiperiodic tilings obtained by the grid method. It is proven that such tilings have polygonal/polyhedral growth forms that can be obtained as projections of central sections of orthoplexes. Furthermore, properties of the obtained growth forms in 2D and 3D cases are studied. This work contributes to a wider understanding of growth forms which can be used to study coordination numbers of grid tilings and in the calculation of topological densities.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of (E)-3-benzylidene-4-oxopentanoic acid
Authors: Assila Hamza , Zaoui Younes , Ameziane El Hassani Issam , El Ghammarti Samira , Mague Joel T. , Taoufik Jamal , Ramli Youssef , Ansar Mhammed
Published: May 2022

The asymmetric unit of the title molecule, C12H12O3, contains two independent molecules having opposite conformations and each forming self-dimers through complementary O—H...O hydrogen bonds. These dimers are linked by weak C—H...π interactions and C—H...O hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional structure in which one can discern layers parallel to the bc plane. A Hirshfeld surface analysis of the intermolecular interactions is included.
LaTe1.9: a tenfold superstructure of the ZrSSi type
Authors: Poddig Hagen , Doert Thomas
Published: May 2022

Single crystals of LaTe1.9 (lanthanum telluride) have been obtained by chemical transport reactions with iodine as transport agent. LaTe1.9 adopts the CeSe1.9 structure type and crystallizes in the space group P42/n with lattice parameters a = 10.1072 (3) Å and c = 18.2874 (6) Å. The crystal structure comprises an alternating stacking of puckered [LaTe] slabs and planar [Te] layers along [001]. The planar [Te] layer is dominated by dumbbell-shaped Te2
2− anions along an isolated Te2− anion and a vacancy. The Te2
2− anions form an eight-membered ring enclosing the vacancy in the centre.
Factors affecting learners’ perception of e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Perera R.H.A.T. , Abeysekera Nalin
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors affecting learners' perception of e-learning during the Coronavirus-2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. Furthermore, it investigates mechanisms that enhance students' engagement in e-learning, especially under the constraints created by the pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative research approach was used, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The sample consisted of 163 undergraduates registered at the Faculty of Management Studies of the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL). The structured questionnaire was designed taking into consideration learners attached to different regional centers and study centers of the OUSL.

Findings

As per the findings, performance expectancy, social influence, effort expectancy and service quality are the factors which have significant effects on students' “intention to use” e-learning as a method of pursuing education. Furthermore, it was observed that 65.6% of the students had access to technology through mobile phones, while 53.4% of the students had engaged in e-learning for the first time. This was mainly due to restrictions that were imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Practical implications

The study will help in formulating policies and introducing procedures in relation to online teaching-learning models to be used by both teachers and learners, especially in similar pandemic situations in the future.

Originality/value

This study will assist to determine the effectiveness of the e-learning system used by the OUSL. The findings highlighted the importance of improving information technology (IT) facilities available at all the regional and study centers across Sri Lanka.
Performance of small businesses in Tangier: the perceptual role of location
Authors: Sefiani Yassine , Davies Barry , Bown Robin
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study seeks to investigate perceptions of the role of location on the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Tangier, as understood by local owner-managers.

Design/methodology/approach

To explore perceptions of the performance/location relationship for SMEs in Tangier, 20 in-depth online semi-structured interviews were conducted with selected owner-managers of SMEs. The judgement sample was selected to explore their experiences, beliefs and attitudes with respect to their performance and location.

Findings

Findings of the study revealed that “location” is a salient factor that, in the minds of respondents, materially influences the performance of SMEs in Tangier. Location was mentioned extensively in the interviews, in relation to the “free zones”. Findings showed that firms located within the free zones enjoyed favourable economic conditions, in particular those related to taxation and competition, compared to their counterparts located outside the free zones, which were excluded from these benefits. Furthermore, perceived unfair competition (financial and fiscal incentives in the free zones) damages the performance of the SMEs in Tangier. These findings suggest that the placement of the business in relation to the free zones and in respondents' perception thus became an important financial and emotionally significant perspective on equality in relation to success.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of the study could encourage the government to adopt policies that will assist indigenous firms to benefit from advantages that are comparable to those that are available to those in the free zones. Greater attention to the perceptual effects of location would be advantageous. However, the exploratory nature of the study means that results cannot necessarily be generalised beyond the setting in which the data were collected. Future research should examine the impact of location for SMEs in a broader sample of countries.

Originality/value

This study is among those few studies located in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region that explore the performance of SMEs from the perceptions of owner-managers themselves and not based on aggregate or economic data. It supports previous findings of several studies and contributes additional evidence that suggests the significance of levelling the playing field and its impact on SME performance in the contemporary African business context.
Thermal performance and indoor air quality in new, medium density houses – Auckland, New Zealand
Authors: Birchmore Roger Clive , Berry Terri-Ann , Wallis Shannon L. , Tsai Steve , Hernandez German
Published: May 2022

Purpose

New Zealand’s historical housing stock comprises largely single-storey detached houses, characterised by poor winter comfort with high air infiltration. Challenges with affordability and land use are shifting New Zealand’s housing stock towards double-storey, conjoined medium-density housing (MDH). Reduced external surfaces in this typology should reduce winter heat loss and infiltration, improving winter comfort and health. New concerns arise, however, regarding summertime overheating and poor indoor air quality.

Design/methodology/approach

A field study was undertaken where temperature, humidity, airtightness, particulate matter (PM) and total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) were measured in two unoccupied, newly built double-storey, conjoined houses, for several weeks over summer.

Findings

The reduced surface area of this typology did not reduce infiltration and demonstrated significant periods of overheating. Internal PM concentrations generally exceeded outdoor concentrations but did not exceed annual average outdoor PM10 guidelines of 20 µg m-3. Infiltration factors (Finf) were closer to more traditional houses. TVOC readings varied widely, but frequently exceeded international guidelines.

Research limitations/implications

The small sample limits the applications of conclusions more widely. Recommendations to investigate a wider sample in different locations with more detailed VOC analysis over all seasons are made.

Practical implications

Improvements to internal environments cannot be guaranteed by housing typology changes alone and must still involve thoughtful environmental design.

Social implications

Housing typology changes may not improve internal living environments.

Originality/value

A move to the new MDH typology may not achieve expectations of airtightness and thermal improvement. New challenges arise from significant overheating and high TVOC levels, which may lead to new negative health effects.
Landscape planning and design by identifying areas for ecological restoration based on carbon fluxes
Authors: do Amaral Rubens , de Lima Bezerra Maria do Carmo , de Mello Baptista Gustavo Macedo
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Human actions on natural ecosystems have not only jeopardized human well-being but also threatened the existence of other species. On the other hand, the benefits resulting from a greater integration between the logic of nature and human occupations have been seen as motivating factors for the prevention and mitigation of environmental impacts in landscape planning, since it provides human well-being through the grant of resources, regulation of the environment and socio-cultural services called ecosystem services. This article highlights the relevance of using ecosystem integrity indicators related to the functioning of ecological support processes for landscape planning.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used the photosynthetic performance of vegetation through carbon fluxes in the landscape, defining areas where different approaches to green infrastructure can be applied, gaining over the majority of work in this area, in which low degrees of objectivity on measurement and consequent ecological recovery still prevail. Thus, using the conceptual support of restoration ecology and remote sensing, the work identified different vegetation performances in relation to the supporting ecological processes using the multispectral CO2flux index, linked to the carbon flux to identify the photosynthetic effectiveness of the vegetation and the Topographic Wetness Index (TWI).

Findings

With a study in the Distrito Federal (DF), the results of the different performances of vegetation for ecological support, through electromagnetic signatures and associated vegetation formations, allowed for the identification of hotspots of greater integrity that indicate multifunctional areas to be preserved and critical areas that deserve planning actions using green infrastructure techniques for their restoration and integration into the landscape.

Originality/value

This approach could be the initial step towards establishing clear and assertive criteria for selecting areas with greater potential for the development of supporting ecological processes in the territorial mosaic.
Fostering green service innovation perceptions through green entrepreneurial orientation: the roles of employee green creativity and customer involvement
Authors: Luu Tuan Trong
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Developing new green services is critical to a hospitality organization’s achievement of sustainable goals as well as competitive advantage. This study aims to unravel the mechanisms through which organizations with green entrepreneurial orientation (green EO) can foster green service innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The data set for testing these mechanisms was garnered from employees and managers who worked in hotels based in an Asia-Pacific market. A multilevel analysis was conducted on this data set.

Findings

The results revealed the positive nexus between organizational green EO and green service innovation perceptions. The results of the study further lent credence to employee green creativity as a mediation path for such a relationship. Furthermore, customer involvement was found to fortify the linkage of green EO with employee green creativity and the linkage of employee green creativity with green service innovation perceptions.

Practical implications

The results suggest to hotel organizations how to optimally translate their green entrepreneurial strategy into new green services that meet customer preferences and societal expectations.

Originality/value

This inquiry extends the hospitality management literature by linking green EO to green service innovation of hospitality organizations as well as identifying the mediation and moderation mechanisms underlying this link.
Transformational leadership, integration and supply chain risk management in Vietnam's manufacturing firms
Authors: Phung Thi Bich Phuong , Kim Sungsu , Chu Chia Chia
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Due to an increase in vulnerability, supply chain risk management (SCRM) has gained the attention of both researchers and practitioners. Although different approaches have been widely used to discuss the implementation of risk management, the impacts of leadership factors on SCRM have received little attention. To fill this gap in the literature, this study aims to examine whether transformational leadership and integration facilitate SCRM and enhance performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Using 261 Vietnamese manufacturing companies as sample, this study applies partial least squares based structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

This study demonstrates three contributions for exist leadership and supply chain literature. First, the characteristics of transformational leadership effectively facilitate the internal and external integration in supply chain with higher responsiveness, visibility and integration. Second, transformational leadership has indirectly effect to supply chain risk management practice (SCRMP) throughout supply chain integration (SCI). Additionally, three dimensions of integration enable SCRM and partially mediate the relationship between transformational leadership and SCRM. Furthermore, SCRM not only plays a partially mediating role in the relationship between internal integration, customer integration and supply chain performance but also fully mediates the relationship between supplier integration and supply chain performance.

Practical implications

This study addresses that the paper extends the content of the relationship between transformational leadership and SCI by three integration dimensions among of exist literature. Transformational leadership should be literarily included into part of leadership strategy on SCRMPs since it is shown to have an indirectly positive improvement effect on SCRM. In addition, the paper is targeted the supply chain downstream performance (SCDP) with integration and risk management with the concept of considering downstream performance is a key section to confront the external stakeholder and customers, Finally, the authors emphasized companies should be aware of the importance about how to include transformational leadership, SCI and SCRMP into its supply chain management.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the SCRM literature by empirically examining the effect of transformational leadership and SCI on SCRM and performance in Vietnam, which is few and far better than that of developed countries.
Motivation, perceived authenticity and satisfaction of tourists visiting the monastery of Mor Hananyo-Mardin, Turkey
Authors: Seyitoğlu Faruk , Çakar Kadir , Davras Özgür
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between the dimensions of motivation, perceived authenticity and satisfaction of tourists visiting the Mor Hananyo Monastery as a heritage site.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative research method was implemented to test the proposed structural model. Accordingly, a self-administered questionnaire was applied to 341 tourists visiting the monastery of Mor Hananyo between April and May 2019. First, confirmatory factor analysis was performed to ensure the scales’ construct validity; then, the covariance-based structural equation model was established to test the research hypothesis with the help of path analysis.

Findings

The results showed that all motivation dimensions influence the objective authenticity perception of tourists. Heritage and ancestral motivations influence the constructive authenticity perception of tourists. However, the effect of educational motivation on the same variable was insignificant. Furthermore, only heritage motivation affects the existential authenticity perception of tourists.

Originality/value

The results of this study demonstrate that tourist satisfaction has causal relationships with travel motivations and authenticity perceptions. Additionally, although tourist satisfaction has been accepted as an essential and extensively discussed subject in the tourism literature, this study is the first to examine the structural relationships of travel motivations (ancestral, heritage and educational motivations), authenticity perceptions (objective, constructive and existential authenticity) and tourist satisfaction in the monastery context.
Research-informed teaching for assessing BIM courses during COVID-19 and beyond
Authors: Abanda Fonbeyin Henry
Published: May 2022

Purpose

In the COVID-19 era, where blended learning is gaining popularity, research-informed teaching could be one of the alternatives or options to assess students' progress in Higher Education institutions. In the past, educators have assessed students' research skills gained from research-informed teaching through coursework components or assignments. However, whether the assignments can be converted into peer-reviewed output acceptable in a reputable journal or conference has hardly been investigated. This study explores how research-informed teaching has been rolled out in undergraduate/postgraduate BIM related modules/programmes in the School of the Built Environment, Oxford Brookes University and which has culminated in high quality published outputs.

Design/methodology/approach

The method used is purely qualitative in-depth interviews, where students who have published were tracked and invited to share their experiences. In total, nine former students of the 12 invited, participated in the interviews. Inductive content analysis, a suitable qualitative data analysis technique was used in analysing the feedback from the interviews.

Findings

The main finding is that research-informed teaching can be done in a technical and complex BIM discipline and students' coursework components or assignments can further be converted into published outputs.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this study was that the sample was small. That notwithstanding, it has provided valuable insights into the understanding of student's ability to undertake research while studying and experiences of how educators can deliver research-informed teaching to students in Higher Education institutions.

Originality/value

The study adds to the existing body of literature about undergraduate and postgraduate research-informed teaching and goes further to provide strong evidence through published outputs thereby confirming that students at both levels can indeed conduct and publish peer-reviewed research articles while undertaking their studies.