bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case Series: Avoidable Blindness after Inappropriate Ophthalmic Self-medication in Ghana
Authors: Aboagye-MacCarthy Asantewaa , Abraham Carl Halladay
Published: December 2022

SIGNIFICANCE

Inappropriate ophthalmic self-medication continues to plague Sub-Saharan Africa because of lack of public health education and inaccessibility to eye care services. This case series describes three cases of blindness (two monocular, one binocular) in Ghana, because of self-treatment of ocular conditions using improper drugs or homemade herbal mixtures. The article highlights the consequences of misinterpretation of symptoms and use of traditional home remedies, leading to delayed professional eye care and avoidable blindness.

PURPOSE

This case series aims to report three separate cases of avoidable blindness after inappropriate ophthalmic self-medication to draw attention to the need for intense public health education in Ghana.

CASE REPORTS

Three men aged 25, 79, and 35 years, respectively, reported severe reduction in visual acuity in one eye for two cases and both eyes for one case. All patients reported ophthalmic self-medication either with an inappropriate drug bought from the drug store or a homemade herbal mixture made from leaves assumed to treat eye infections. Professional care did not yield any improvement in visual acuity because their corneas were already decompensated at the onset of management. The eye of one patient had to be enucleated.

CONCLUSIONS

These cases highlight the importance of eye health promotion and education. It is recommended that intense sensitization is carried out at all levels.
SWI/SNF-deficient Sinonasal Carcinomas
Authors: Agaimy Abbas
Published: December 2022

The classification of poorly differentiated sinonasal carcinomas and their nonepithelial mimics has experienced tremendous developments during the last 2 decades. These recent developments paved the way for an increasingly adopted approach to a molecular-based or etiology-based refined classification of the many carcinoma variants that have been historically lumped into the sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma category. Among these new achievements, recognition of carcinoma subtypes driven by defects in the Switch/Sucrose nonfermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complex represents a major highlight. This resulted in a new definition of 4 sinonasal entities driven solely or predominantly by Switch/Sucrose nonfermentable complex deficiency: (1) SMARCB1(INI1)-deficient sinonasal carcinoma (lacking gland formation and frequently displaying a non-descript basaloid, and less frequently eosinophilic/oncocytoid morphology, but no features of other definable subtypes), (2) SMARCB1-deficient sinonasal adenocarcinoma (with unequivocal glands or yolk sac-like pattern), (3) SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated (sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma-like) carcinoma (lacking glandular or squamous immunophenotypes), and (4) SMARCA4-deficient subset (~80%) of sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma. Fortunately, diagnostic loss of all these proteins can be detected by routine immunohistochemistry, so that genetic testing is not mandatory in routine practice. This review summarizes the main demographic, clinicopathological, and molecular features of these new entities.
Retrospective Evaluation of Characteristics of Patients with Burn Injuries Treated at the Largest Reference Hospital in Brazil
Authors: Carvalho Elisangela Nunes , Paggiaro André Oliveira , Nicolosi Júlia Teixeira , Gemperli Rolf , de Carvalho Viviane Fernandes
Published: December 2022

Burn injuries are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the Brazilian population. We conducted this study in a tertiary hospital in Brazil to discover the epidemiological characteristics of patients with burn injuries. We conducted a cohort review of patients admitted to the burn unit of our institute during a 5-year period. For each patient, we collected data that included age, gender, total percentage of burned body surface area, burn location, burn mode, and burn cause. We analyzed the data using the R programming language. We included a total of 496 patients in our study. The mean age of the patients was 28 ± 14.7 years. The median length of hospital stay was 2 weeks. We found a significant correlation between the total percentage of burned body surface area and the length of hospitalization (p < .001) and the length of hospitalization in the intensive care unit (p < .001). A total of 427 patients (86%) were discharged from the hospital after successful treatment. In contrast, 43 patients (8.67%) died. The mortality rate was highest in patients who had more than 70% of their total body surface area burned. The average length of hospitalization aligned with global and national statistics presented in the literature. The main causes of the burn injuries were thermal (e.g., fire, hot liquids). We found inhalation injuries present in more than one third of the patients who were hospitalized in the intensive care unit with thermal burns.
Anemia and Erythrocyte Indices Are Associated With Neurocognitive Performance Across Multiple Ability Domains in Adults With HIV
Authors: Okwuegbuna Oluwakemi K. , Kaur Harpreet , Jennifer Iudicello , Bush William S. , Bharti Ajay , Umlauf Anya , Ellis Ronald J. , Franklin Donald R. , Heaton Robert K. , McCutchan J. Allen , Kallianpur Asha R. , Letendre Scott L.
Published: December 2022

Background:

Anemia is linked to neurocognitive impairment (NCI) in people with HIV (PWH), but its impact within specific ability domains, and in diverse populations with HIV, is uncertain.

Methods:

Participants included 1339 PWH enrolled in observational HIV cohort studies with a mean of 3 comprehensive neurocognitive assessments over 30 months. Global and domain-specific neurocognitive function were assessed by the global deficit score and domain deficit score (GDS and DDS, respectively) or as GDS-defined or DDS-defined NCI (GDS ≥ 0.5, DDS > 0.5). Time-dependent associations of anemia or red-cell indices with neurocognitive function were evaluated by multivariable regression.

Results:

The mean age at entry was 43.6 years (85% male, 23.9% Hispanic, 16.7% African ancestry by self-report, and 69.8% virally suppressed). Anemia occurred at entry in 297 (22.2%) and developed subsequently in another 129 (9.6%). Anemia (present in 26.8% of cognitively impaired PWH at entry) and lower hemoglobin were associated with higher (worse) GDS values; the association for anemia persisted after multivariable adjustment and in virally suppressed persons (P < 0.0001). Anemia was also associated with reduced processing speed, motor function, learning, delayed recall, working memory (all P < 0.01), executive function (P = 0.021), and verbal fluency (P = 0.035), and these findings persisted in longitudinal analyses (adjusted P < 0.01 for all domains, except verbal fluency). Higher mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin were associated with less impairment in learning and recall (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Anemia in diverse and virally suppressed PWH associates with reduced neurocognitive performance in multiple domains, cross-sectionally and over time. The impact of identifying and treating anemia to prevent or slow neurocognitive decline in PWH should be prospectively evaluated.
Order of Occurrence of COVID-19 Symptoms
Authors: Wojtusiak Janusz , Bagais Wejdan , Vang Jee , Roess Amira , Alemi Farrokh
Published: December 2022

Background and Objectives:

COVID-19 symptoms change after onset—some show early, others later. This article examines whether the order of occurrence of symptoms can improve diagnosis of COVID-19 before test results are available.

Methods:

In total, 483 individuals who completed a COVID-19 test were recruited through Listservs. Participants then completed an online survey regarding their symptoms and test results. The order of symptoms was set according to (a) whether the participant had a “history of the symptom” due to a prior condition; and (b) whether the symptom “occurred first,” or prior to, other symptoms of COVID-19. Two LASSO (Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator) regression models were developed. The first model, referred to as “time-invariant,” used demographics and symptoms but not the order of symptom occurrence. The second model, referred to as “time-sensitive,” used the same data set but included the order of symptom occurrence.

Results:

The average cross-validated area under the receiver operating characteristic (AROC) curve for the time-invariant model was 0.784. The time-sensitive model had an AROC curve of 0.799. The difference between the 2 accuracy levels was statistically significant (α < .05).

Conclusion:

The order of symptom occurrence made a statistically significant, but small, improvement in the accuracy of the diagnosis of COVID-19.
Combined Symptom Screening and At-Home Tests for COVID-19
Authors: Alemi Farrokh , Vang Jee , Bagais Wejdan Hassan , Guralnik Elina , Wojtusiak Janusz , Moeller F. Gerard , Schilling Josh , Peterson Rachele , Roess Amira , Jain Praduman
Published: December 2022

Background and Objective:

At-home rapid antigen tests provide a convenient and expedited resource to learn about severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection status. However, low sensitivity of at-home antigen tests presents a challenge. This study examines the accuracy of at-home tests, when combined with computer-facilitated symptom screening.

Methods:

The study used primary data sources with data collected during 2 phases at different periods (phase 1 and phase 2): one during the period in which the alpha variant of SARS-CoV-2 was predominant in the United States and another during the surge of the delta variant. Four hundred sixty-one study participants were included in the analyses from phase 1 and 374 subjects from phase 2. Phase 1 data were used to develop a computerized symptom screening tool, using ordinary logistic regression with interaction terms, which predicted coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results. Phase 2 data were used to validate the accuracy of predicting COVID-19 diagnosis with (1) computerized symptom screening; (2) at-home rapid antigen testing; (3) the combination of both screening methods; and (4) the combination of symptom screening and vaccination status. The McFadden pseudo-R
2 was used as a measure of percentage of variation in RT-PCR test results explained by the various screening methods.

Results:

The McFadden pseudo-R
2 for the first at-home test, the second at-home test, and computerized symptom screening was 0.274, 0.140, and 0.158, respectively. Scores between 0.2 and 0.4 indicated moderate levels of accuracy. The first at-home test had low sensitivity (0.587) and high specificity (0.989). Adding a second at-home test did not improve the sensitivity of the first test. Computerized symptom screening improved the accuracy of the first at-home test (added 0.131 points to sensitivity and 6.9% to pseudo-R
2 of the first at-home test). Computerized symptom screening and vaccination status was the most accurate method to screen patients for COVID-19 or an active infection with SARS-CoV-2 in the community (pseudo-R
2 = 0.476).

Conclusion:

Computerized symptom screening could either improve, or in some situations, replace at-home antigen tests for those individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
A Phylogenetic Profiling Approach Identifies Novel Ciliogenesis Genes InDrosophilaAndC. elegans
Authors: Dobbelaere Jeroen , Su Tiffany Y. , Erdi Balazs , Schleiffer Alexander , Dammermann Alexander
Published: December 2022

Cilia are cellular projections that perform sensory and motile functions in eukaryotic cells. A defining feature of cilia is that they are evolutionarily ancient yet not universally conserved. In this study we have used the resulting presence and absence pattern in the genomes of diverse eukaryotes to identify a set of 386 human genes associated with cilium assembly or motility. Comprehensive tissue-specific RNAi inDrosophilaand mutant analysis inC. elegansrevealed signature ciliary defects for 70-80% of novel genes, a percentage similar to that for known genes within the cluster. Further characterization identified different phenotypic classes, including a set of genes related to the cartwheel component Bld10/Cep135 and two highly conserved regulators of cilium biogenesis. We believe this dataset to define the core set of genes required for cilium assembly and motility across eukaryotes, an invaluable resource for future studies of cilium biology and associated disorders.
TheC. elegansAnchor Cell Transcriptome: Ribosome Biogenesis Drives Cell Invasion through Basement Membrane
Authors: Costa Daniel S. , Kenny-Ganzert Isabel W. , Chi Qiuyi , Park Kieop , Kelley Laura C. , Garde Aastha , Matus David Q. , Park Junhyun , Yogev Shaul , Goldstein Bob , Gibney Theresa V. , Pani Ariel M. , Sherwood David R.
Published: December 2022

Cell invasion through basement membrane (BM) barriers is important in development, immune function, and cancer progression. As invasion through BM is often stochastic, capturing gene expression profiles of cells actively transmigrating BMin vivoremains elusive. Using the stereotyped timing ofC. elegansanchor cell (AC) invasion, we generated an AC transcriptome during BM breaching. Through a focused RNAi screen of transcriptionally enriched genes, we identified new invasion regulators, including TCTP (Translationally Controlled Tumor Protein). We also discovered gene enrichment of ribosomal proteins. AC-specific RNAi, endogenous ribosome labeling, and ribosome biogenesis analysis revealed a burst of ribosome production occurs shortly after AC specification, which drives the translation of proteins mediating BM removal. Ribosomes also strongly localize to the AC’s endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the endomembrane system expands prior to invasion. We show that AC invasion is sensitive to ER stress, indicating a heightened requirement for translation of ER trafficked proteins. These studies reveal key roles for ribosome biogenesis and endomembrane expansion in cell invasion through BM and establish the AC transcriptome as a resource to identify mechanisms underlying BM transmigration.
Blue economy and aquaculture before and during the pandemic era: a systematic literature review
Authors: Silvestri Raffaele , Morrone Domenico , Del Vecchio Pasquale , Mele Gioconda
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The paper provides a contribution of systematisation to the literature on the blue economy and aquaculture as challenging issues for achieving sustainable growth and a circular economy. The growing scientific interest in recent years and the increased attention in political agendas make the blue economy and aquaculture as promising fields for scientific investigation. The latter has been confirmed during a particular period too as the pandemic times. To identify those areas of specialisation emerging from the intersection of such topics, the paper embraces a systematic literature review for inspiring future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The study covers a period of 20 years by including 85 papers extracted from the Scopus database. Through the adoption of VOSviewer, the investigation explores the main descriptive statistics, while content analysis has been embraced to identify thematic areas.

Findings

The main results of this study are about statistics (i.e. publication trends, geographic distribution, most frequent keywords and most influential authors, etc.). Three main thematic areas have been identified in this study: SDGs and policies for sustainable development, food and energy, business models and managerial issues.

Practical implications

Practical implications arise both for firms and policymakers. About the firsts, interesting insights can be derived in terms of business model innovation, collaborative approaches and technological exploration. About policymakers, inspiration in terms of renewal of strategic guidelines, creation of enabling contextual conditions and evidences for new regulations can be noted.

Originality/value

Elements of original contributions can be identified in the adoption of an SLR to verify the advancement of the debate till the recent pandemic.
Bibliometric review on human resources management and big data analytics
Authors: Fauzi Muhammad Ashraf , Kamaruzzaman Zetty Ain , Abdul Rahman Hamirahanim
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study aims to provide an in-depth understanding of big data analytics (BDA) in human resource management (HRM). The emergence of digital technology and the availability of large volume, high velocity and a great variety of data has forced the HRM to adopt the BDA in managing the workforce.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper evaluates the past, present and future trends of HRM through the bibliometric analysis of citation, co-citation and co-word analysis.

Findings

Findings from the analysis present significant research clusters that imply the knowledge structure and mapping of research streams in HRM. Challenges in BDA application and firm performances appear in all three bibliometric analyses, indicating this subject’s past, current and future trends in HRM.

Practical implications

Implications on the HRM landscape include fostering a data-driven culture in the workplace to reap the potential benefits of BDA. Firms must strategically adapt BDA as a change management initiative to transform the traditional way of managing the workforce toward adapting BDA as analytical tool in HRM decision-making.

Originality/value

This study presents past, present and future trends in BDA knowledge structure in human resources management.
Does financial inclusion impact socio-economic stability? A study of social safety net in Indian slums
Authors: Singh Jaskirat , Singh Manjit
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The study aims to examine the impact of social assistance schemes introduced by the Indian government on poverty alleviation in urban slums.

Design/methodology/approach

To accomplish the study's objectives, primary data were collected from 585 beneficiaries of government schemes operating in India's northwestern state using a multistage sampling technique (Punjab). The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) technique reduced the total dataset to its minimum factors. Then, using second-order confirmatory factor analysis, the data's validity and reliability were determined. The data were analyzed using statistical techniques such as one-way ANOVA, t-test and structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

The study's findings indicate that social assistance provided by the Government of India has a direct and substantial influence on poverty alleviation in urban slums. The study demonstrates how access to basic credit financial services through social assistance programmes has improved the lives of urban poor households living in slums and assisted them in escaping poverty.

Research limitations/implications

The investigation was undertaken among a few limitations. First, the in-depth investigation of the study is restricted to only the northwestern state of India solely because of limited resources and time availability. Second, the study focuses primarily on the perspectives of beneficiaries of the social assistance schemes in India. Still, it might be expanded in the future to include additional stakeholders such as bank executives, business colleagues and municipal town panchayats.

Practical implications

Due to policymakers' increased emphasis on poor households living in urban slums, this topic is critical for studying many issues.

Social implications

The research explores gaps in social welfare schemes to direct policymakers and government authorities to take appropriate steps to aid the urban poor people in sliding out of poverty.

Originality/value

By examining the influence of the Indian government's social welfare schemes on poverty reduction in slums, this study contributes to the literature on public assistance schemes and poverty alleviation. This article can assist policymakers in developing nations in increasing financial capability among disadvantaged urban families on a national and international level.
How online collaboration software shapes control at work? Evidence from news organizations
Authors: Omidi Afshin , Dal Zotto Cinzia
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Online collaboration software (OCS), such as Slack and Microsoft Teams, has become widespread among news organizations as these tools help news workers collaborate across different locations and make communication more efficient inside newsrooms. While such technologies are increasingly employed as teamwork productivity boosters, the authors’ knowledge of their potential role in shaping control mechanisms and power dynamics within news work is limited. This paper addresses how different types of control may emerge within virtual newsrooms being operated by OCS. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs an interview-based qualitative method and provides evidence gathered from 20 interviews with digital journalists and media managers representing 11 online news media in Switzerland.

Findings

The findings reveal how OCS could lead to various control mechanisms in the workplace by directing, evaluating and disciplining journalists in specific ways. This study suggests that while OCS can be valuable in boosting collaborations among news staff, it might create a situation where journalists are less able to focus on their work and creative activities. Most importantly, OCS bolsters an “always-on” work culture in news media and removes obstacles for employers and managers to invade journalists' space, time and mind.

Originality/value

By focusing on three aspects of control mechanisms, including direction, evaluation and discipline, this paper contributes to a better understanding of the role of OCS in shaping control and power dynamics within news media organizations.
Elementary and secondary school students' perceptions toward the use of e-learning under the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Xu Kaifei , Bao Xin , Lu Lu
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The lockdown of schools to control the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has adversely affected elementary and secondary school students in China. However, little evidence is available that documents their perceptions toward the use of e-learning under the pandemic context. This study aims to explore (1) the underlying determinants influencing the students' intentions to continue e-learning and (2) the role that the COVID-19 pandemic plays in this decision. This study extends the expectation–confirmation model (ECM) through a mixed-methods study.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a mixed-methods approach. Phase 1 draws conclusions and extracts significant elements related to e-learning during the pandemic by analyzing students' user reviews from platforms. Based on the findings, the authors identify the relevant variables and develop an extended ECM by integrating attitudes and the perceived threat of COVID-19. In Phase 2, the research model is empirically validated using data collected from 36,920 elementary and secondary school students in China. This study uses a mixed-methods approach. Phase 1 draws conclusions and extracts significant elements related to e-learning during the pandemic by analyzing students' user reviews from platforms. Based on the findings, the authors identify the relevant variables and develop an extended ECM by integrating attitudes and the perceived threat of COVID-19. In Phase 2, the research model is empirically validated using data collected from 36,920 elementary and secondary school students in China.

Findings

In Phase 1, the results reveal that students' most concern elements in the COVID-19 pandemic are user perceptions toward e-learning and threat perceptions of COVID-19. In Phase 2, the results reveal that perceived usefulness and attitude are the most significant factors in students' intention to continue. The perceived threat of COVID-19 indirectly influences their intention to continue.

Originality/value

The study extends the ECM with a mixed-methods study to understand students' perceptions toward e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study can be helpful in related studies in the context of COVID-19-related diseases or other novel scenarios.
The Russia–Ukraine conflict and foreign stocks on the US market
Authors: Clancey-Shang Danjue , Fu Chengbo
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The authors investigate how market quality diverges between foreign firms and domestic firms on the US stock market in response to the Russia–Ukraine conflict.

Design/methodology/approach

With an event study approach, the authors compare foreign firms with domestic firms in their market responses over the three-day window around the outbreak of the war. Further, with Difference-in-Difference (DID) analyses, the authors study the change in foreign firms' market quality upon this outbreak in comparison with their domestic counterparts. Finally, the authors compare the foreign firms across firm specific characteristics and home country characteristics.

Findings

The authors find that foreign stocks listed in the US experience more severe market quality deterioration compared to the stocks' domestic counterparts. This effect is especially strong for companies from countries considered friendlier towards Russia and companies that are not cross-listed. The authors' findings are consistent with the information asymmetry hypothesis concerning market quality. Moreover, US market investors have more concerns over political risks with non-US-aligned political standings during war times.

Research limitations/implications

The authors' findings are consistent with the information asymmetry hypothesis concerning market quality. Moreover, US market investors have more concerns over political risks over non-US-aligned political standings during war time.

Practical implications

Since both countries in the conflict are in Europe, the US stock market, to a certain degree, becomes a safe haven for capital from Europe and other countries. In the meantime, American Depository Receipts (ADRs) have been important for US investors to create a globally diversified portfolio, and the knowledge regarding ADRs' vulnerability to international geopolitical events is valuable. The author' results are informative for stock market investors to understand the market dynamics for international and domestic companies during this extremely uncertain time.

Originality/value

This is the first study that examines the market quality divergence between foreign firms and domestic firms on the US stock market in response to the Russia–Ukraine conflict. The authors provide novel evidence on the change in ADRs' market quality associated with significant political uncertainty. The authors show that ADRs' market quality is more vulnerable to international geopolitical risks relative to otherwise comparable domestic firms.
Residential design for adults on the autism spectrum: a scoping review
Authors: Nguyen Phuong , d'Auria Viviana , Heylighen Ann
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This scoping review aims to (1) summarize research and design writings on residential design for adults on the autism spectrum in peer-reviewed and grey literature, (2) identify research gaps in this field and (3) understand the concept of independent living based on this literature.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic search was conducted in seven databases using 47 search terms related to residence, design and autism. It was supplemented with a manual search for recommended authors and architectural websites.

Findings

A final review of 37 sources highlighted that existing residential design guidelines are supported by weak evidence due to the lack of methods for involving and limited direct contact with autistic adults. Moreover, the needs of people living or working with them tend to be overlooked. Finally, the role of independent living has received little attention in the literature on residential design for adults on the spectrum.

Research limitations/implications

The findings show a need for taking on board autistic people's understanding of independent living. Future research about residential design for autistic adults should be conducted with them, in diverse housing settings, providing nuanced insight into their housing needs and those of the people around them.

Originality/value

This scoping review is the first to provide an overview of what is known about residential design for autistic adults with a focus on the concept of independent living.
Design and 3D printing of a modular phantom of a uterus for medical device validation
Authors: Candidori Sara , Graziosi Serena , Russo Paola , Osouli Kasra , De Gaetano Francesco , Zanini Alberto Antonio , Costantino Maria Laura
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe the design and validation of a three-dimensional (3D)-printed phantom of a uterus to support the development of uterine balloon tamponade devices conceived to stop post-partum haemorrhages (PPHs).

Design/methodology/approach

The phantom 3D model is generated by analysing the main requirements for validating uterine balloon tamponade devices. A modular approach is implemented to guarantee that the phantom allows testing these devices under multiple working conditions. Once finalised the design, the phantom effectiveness is validated experimentally.

Findings

The modular phantom allows performing the required measurements for testing the performance of devices designed to stop PPH.

Social implications

PPH is the leading obstetric cause of maternal death worldwide, mainly in low- and middle-income countries. The proposed phantom could speed up and optimise the design and validation of devices for PPH treatment, reducing the maternal mortality ratio.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the 3D-printed phantom represents the first example of a modular, flexible and transparent uterus model. It can be used to validate and perform usability tests of medical devices.
There are just too many labours: productivity improvement in collecting waste at ASL
Authors: Vichoray Chandan , Deogaonkar Anant , Pais Rupesh , Dhote Sunita
Published: December 2022

Research methodology

One of the major reasons of layout-related difficulties faced by manufacturing industries is non-value-adding and redundant work. Plant layout study aims at economic production with larger volumes and variety as well. Method studies focus on the effectiveness with efficiency by a systematic critical scrutiny of work being done. The intention is to identify logical sequence of activities highlighting and eliminating the unnecessary mudas. Time and motion study is a combination of time study and motion study analysing and eliminating any unnecessary movement for productivity optimization of that job or process. Thus, through the elimination of unnecessary motions, times for performing the processes may be reduced and productivity increased. The intention is to subdivide the different operations of a job or process into measurable elements. Hence this case has been developed based on the primary data. The primary data was collected using Industrial Engineering Studies like layout study, method study and time and motion study. This case has been classroom tested with MBA students in their Lean Management Course.

Case overview/synopsis

Arin Synthetics Ltd. (ASL) though had installed modern machinery in its facility, process efficiency and optimization were a concern. Top Brass at ASL believed that ASL was overstaffed and its processes had creep as far as efficiency is concerned. This case focuses on ways to improve the process efficiency to rationalize the manpower at ASL. Presence in large growing global markets put cost pressure on ASL, thus mandating improvement in the efficiency of its processes through manpower rationalization. This case, therefore, discusses one of the highly staffed process of waste collection. Could ASL achieve reduction in the manpower in waste reduction without affecting the overall process? Was there a strategic mistake in the thought process of disposing of the waste generated by the manufacturing complex?

Complexity academic level

Operations management, Productivity and performance, Quality management, Lean management.
Knowledge-related tensions in remote work arrangements during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Matikainen Tanja , Kianto Aino , Olander Heidi
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study aims to identify knowledge-related tensions in remote work in higher education institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic and increase understanding of how such tensions can be managed.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted as an inductive, qualitative study in the field of higher education in Finland. The data were collected using semi-structured interviews of 34 managers in two higher education institutions and analyzed using an inductive and interpretive analysis method.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that the knowledge-related challenges and opportunities during the remote work period of the COVID-19 pandemic in Finnish higher education institutions can be conceptualized as tensions involved in knowledge codification, knowledge silos and creating new knowledge. The study contributes to research by presenting a framework for managing knowledge-related tensions in remote work arrangements to benefit remote and hybrid work in knowledge-intensive organizations.

Practical implications

This paper increases the understanding of the tensions in remote work arrangements; the results can help managers understand the challenges and opportunities of remote knowledge work concerning their organization and thereby assist them in management and decision-making in complex operational environments.

Originality/value

This study adopted the little-used perspective of tensions to examine knowledge management issues. By examining the various affordances that remote work may allow for knowledge-intensive work and higher education institutions, the study contributes to a deepened understanding of knowledge work in remote contexts, the related tensions and their management.
Effects of supplier selection and supplier monitoring on public procurement efficiency in Tanzania: a cost-reduction perspective
Authors: Changalima Ismail Abdi , Ismail Ismail Juma , Mchopa Alban Dismas
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the role of supplier selection and supplier monitoring in public procurement efficiency in terms of cost reduction in Tanzania.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire was used to collect cross-sectional survey data from 179 public procuring entities in Tanzania. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the collected data.

Findings

The findings revealed that supplier selection and supplier monitoring are positive and significant predictors of public procurement efficiency in terms of cost reduction.

Research limitations/implications

This study was conducted in Tanzanian public procurement contexts, so generalisations should be made with caution. Also, this study collected cross-sectional data; other studies may consider longitudinal data.

Practical implications

This study provides procurement practitioners with insights into selecting the proper suppliers and embracing supplier monitoring to achieve procurement efficiency in terms of cost reduction.

Originality/value

This study examines the effects of supplier selection and supplier monitoring on procurement cost reduction as a measure of public procurement efficiency in the Tanzanian context. Consequently, it provides empirical evidence of supplier management practices in the public procurement context.
SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine‐triggered conversion from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) to bullous SLE and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors‐associated bullous pemphigoid
Authors: Nakahara Yukiko , Yamane Mariko , Sunada Midori , Aoyama Yumi
Published: December 2022

Bullous systemic lupus erythematosus (BSLE) is a rare blistering disease in patients with SLE. BSLE is a heterogenous disease caused by autoantibodies to the basement membrane, mainly type VII collagen. The pathogenesis of the development of autoantibodies in BSLE remains unknown. We report a case of SLE taking dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP4i) who developed tense blister lesions after administration of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine. Initial erythematous lesion before administration of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine had not shown IgG deposition at basement membrane both direct and indirect immunofluorescence (IIF). However, the result of those examinations became positive after the administration of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine. Furthermore, IIF test results using NaCl split skin had shown positive against epidermal side. These observations suggest that SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination triggered production of autoantibodies that cause bullous SLE. The present case fulfills the diagnostic criteria for both BSLE and DPP4i‐associated bullous pemphigoid. Skin lesions were cleared after withdrawal of DPP4i. Therefore, physicians should ask patients who develop blisters after the vaccination whether they are taking DPP4i.
BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE: Heterogeneous Governance, Claims Making and Forced Eviction in a Megacity
Authors: Castro Brianna
Published: December 2022

Residents of informal settlements worldwide face challenges defending their land tenure. In contexts with overlapping systems of governance these challenges are even more complex and claims to land tenure more precarious. How do heterogeneous systems of governance, a characteristic of some global South megacities, affect evictions? This article presents an in‐depth case study of the informal Otodo Gbame waterfront settlement's struggle to defend its customary land tenure through multiple authorities in Lagos, Nigeria. The analysis reveals how a heterogeneous system of governance disempowers citizens by obscuring the locus of power and creating confusion when communities make claims on the state. Communities find themselves claiming rights to the city that receive varying degrees of recognition from the many authorities within the heterogeneous system. In Lagos, the state weaponizes this heterogeneous system in pursuit of modern development and urban growth.
Promoting dairy products through the web: The case of Pecorino Siciliano PDO during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Borsellino Valeria , Pecoraro Nicola , Schimmenti Emanuele
Published: December 2022

This study analyses the digital marketing tools that companies producing Pecorino Siciliano with a protected designation of origin (PDO) are implementing on the web through their corporate website and their brand page on Facebook. It aims to verify whether companies are adapting (or not) to new trends in web marketing and e‐commerce. The quality of corporate websites was assessed during the COVID‐19 pandemic in terms of usability and amount of activity on Facebook brand pages by Pecorino Siciliano PDO‐producing companies. Analysed data show that the companies producing Pecorino Siciliano PDO fell short in developing their web‐marketing tools, demonstrating their poor adaptation to the new digitalisation trends driven by the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Uncertainty premia in REIT returns
Authors: Lotz Marton , Ruf Daniel , Strobel Johannes
Published: December 2022

We provide a systematic study of how financial and real estate uncertainty affect the aggregate return performance of the U.S. REIT market from 1994 to 2017. A temporal causality analysis reveals a negative uncertainty impact on REIT returns. The asset pricing analysis confirms the predictive relation and suggests that REITs are statistically significantly exposed to changes in market‐wide uncertainty, for which investors require a return compensation. We also identify economic state variables to explain time‐varying uncertainty exposures as well as periodic hedging characteristics of REITs. Finally, we find evidence that the source of uncertainty matters for compensating expected REIT returns.
Veteran knowledge, perceptions, and receipt of care following visits to VA emergency departments for ambulatory care sensitive conditions
Authors: Cordasco Kristina M. , Gable Alicia R. , Tan Gracielle J. , Yuan Anita H. , Yip Kathleen , Khafaf Mana , Hays Ron D. , Faiz Jessica P. , Chawla Neetu , Ganz David A.
Published: December 2022

Objective

Receipt of follow‐up care after emergency department (ED) visits for chronic ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs)—asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, diabetes, and/or hypertension—is crucial. We assessed Veterans' follow‐up care knowledge, perceptions, and receipt of care after visits to Veterans Health Administration (VA) EDs for chronic ACSCs.

Methods

Using explanatory sequential mixed methods, we interviewed Veterans with follow‐up care needs after ACSC‐related ED visits, and manually reviewed ED notes, abstracting interviewees' documented follow‐up needs and care received.

Results

We interviewed and reviewed ED notes of 35 Veterans, 12–27 (mean 19) days after ED visits. Follow‐up care was completely received/scheduled in 20, partially received/scheduled in eight, and not received in seven Veterans. Among those who received care, it was received within specified time frames half the time. However, interviewees often did not recall these time frames or reported them to be longer than specified in the ED notes. Veterans who had not yet received or scheduled follow‐up care commonly did not recall follow‐up care instructions, believed that they did not need this care since they were not currently having symptoms, or thought that such care would be difficult to obtain due to appointment unavailability and/or difficulties communicating with follow‐up care providers. Among the 28 Veterans in whom all or some follow‐up care had been received/scheduled, for 25 cases VA staff reached out to the Veteran or the appointment was scheduled prior to or during the ED visit.

Conclusions

VA should prioritize implementing processes for EDs to efficiently communicate Veterans' needs to follow‐up care providers and systems for reaching out to Veterans and/or arranging for care prior to Veterans leaving the ED. VA should also enhance practices using multimodal approaches for educating Veterans about recommended ED follow‐up care and improve mechanisms for Veterans to communicate with follow‐up care providers.
Fifteen years of shared care for paediatric oncology, haematology and palliative patients across Queensland: The role of Regional Case Managers
Authors: Slater Penelope , Hastings Yvonne , Nicholson Jessica , Noyes Michelle , Benitez Lori , Pollock Kobi , Peacock Rinnah , Cox Anita , Gunning Robbie , Caris Karen , Petersen Denise , Henry Catherine , Spanner Rachael , Beckett Karen , Chisholm Candace
Published: December 2022

Objective

A shared care model was implemented in 2006 in Queensland to facilitate paediatric oncology, haematology and palliative care patients receiving care as close to home as possible. Following initial diagnosis, care planning and treatment at the tertiary children's hospital, appropriate local care was coordinated by Regional Case Managers (RCMs) established at each of 10 Shared Care Units (SCUs). This enabled safe and quality regional care supported by a statewide network providing clinical governance and education. This paper examines learnings from 15 years of this shared care.

Setting

Ten hospitals throughout Queensland facilitated a statewide model of shared care for paediatric oncology, haematology and palliative care patients, supported by a tertiary hub in Brisbane.

Participants

Regional Case Managers in Shared Care Units and their supporting staff.

Design

Staff from SCUs were surveyed and focus group interviews conducted.

Results

The paper reviews the attributes, knowledge and experience required for RCMs. Standards of care were supported through education workshops, clinical placements, chemotherapy credentialing, guidelines and standards. RCMs facilitated communication and information sharing with the tertiary centre, advocated for their cohort of patients locally and streamlined and supported the family's experience of care.

Conclusion

The RCM role provided invaluable clinical leadership for the care of paediatric oncology, haematology and palliative patients across Queensland. As new treatments evolve, the expertise and coordination provided by the RCMs will be even more critical. Achieving high‐quality shared care outcomes is underpinned by the RCMs drive to achieve statewide safety and support for this cohort of children.
Fast Bayesian Inference for Large Occupancy Datasets
Authors: Diana Alex , Dennis Emily Beth , Matechou Eleni , Morgan Byron John Treharne
Published: December 2022

In recent years, the study of species' occurrence has benefited from the increased availability of large-scale citizen-science data. While abundance data from standardized monitoring schemes are biased toward well-studied taxa and locations, opportunistic data are available for many taxonomic groups, from a large number of locations and across long timescales. Hence, these data provide opportunities to measure species' changes in occurrence, particularly through the use of occupancy models, which account for imperfect detection. These opportunistic datasets can be substantially large, numbering hundreds of thousands of sites, and hence present a challenge from a computational perspective, especially within a Bayesian framework. In this paper, we develop a unifying framework for Bayesian inference in occupancy models that account for both spatial and temporal autocorrelation. We make use of the Pólya-Gamma scheme, which allows for fast inference, and incorporate spatio-temporal random effects using Gaussian processes (GPs), for which we consider two efficient approximations: subset of regressors and nearest neighbor GPs. We apply our model to data on two UK butterfly species, one common and widespread and one rare, using records from the Butterflies for the New Millennium database, producing occupancy indices spanning 45 years. Our framework can be applied to a wide range of taxa, providing measures of variation in species' occurrence, which are used to assess biodiversity change.
On the precariousness of address: What narratives of being called White can tell us about researching and re/producing social categories in research
Authors: Lukate Johanna M.
Published: December 2022

Social categories hold a steadfast place within social psychological research and theory. Reflecting on the use of social categories in everyday life as well as social psychological research and theory, this article critically interrogates the privileging of hegemonic Western ways of categorizing, addressing and locating people over how they are read and categorized in other socio‐cultural contexts. This article draws on four excerpts of women narrating experiences of being called White, Oborɔnyi or mzungu (engl. foreigner, wanderer, White person) during their travels to the African continent. The article first excavates, phenomenologically, the precariousness of being addressed as White, Oborɔnyi or mzungu. Next, a reflexive account is presented to contemplate how racialization happens in and through the research process. By bringing together phenomenological interpretation and reflexivity, the article explores the limits of researcher and researched positionality in making sense of White as a precarious address, and argues for a view that the meaning of White is established in a four‐way conversation between interviewee, African Other, interviewer and our own culture‐specific inner eyes. The article thus advocates for scholars to give more attention to how our inner eyes limit how we name, describe and theorize our research.