bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Green Cystoscopy: Does Minimizing the Use of Drapes Increase Infection Rates?
Authors: Melnyk Alexandra I. , Mowers Erin E. , Janmey Isabel , Meyn Leslie A. , Woods Noe , Moalli Pamela 
Published: November 2024

Importance
The U.S. health care system has an enormous carbon footprint made worse by the escalating use of single-use supplies. Emerging evidence suggests that smaller surgical fields (“green” draping) may represent a safe alternative to traditional draping.

Objectives
The aim of the study was to determine if the proportion of cases treated for culture-proven urinary tract infection (UTI) within 2 weeks of operating room cystoscopy after the green draping protocol implementation is noninferior to preprotocol cases. Secondary objectives included risk factors for UTI and waste and cost savings.

Study Design
A pre-post implementation noninferiority study was performed from 2021 to 2023 in a urogynecology division at an academic medical center. The green draping protocol eliminated the use of top drapes, leg drapes, and gowns; blue towels were permitted per the surgeon’s discretion. All minor cystoscopy cases were included.

Results
The cohort included 240 patients. Treatment of culture-proven UTI in the green cohort was noninferior to the preprotocol group (9 [7.5%] vs 7 [5.8%], P < 0.05). The odds of a culture-proven UTI were higher with history of recurrent UTI (odds ratio = 7.02), interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (odds ratio = 4.33), and older age (odds ratio per 5-year increase = 1.21). Approximately $1,403.92 (2023 USD) was saved, and 165 pounds of waste was diverted from the landfill.

Conclusions
A green draping protocol is noninferior to standard draping with respect to rates of postoperative culture-positive UTIs. Clinicians may use a smaller operating room field to decrease the carbon footprint without compromising quality of care.
Assessing Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Therapeutic Alpha-1-Microglobulin in First-in-Human Kidney Transplantation: A Noncomparative Open-Label Multiple-Dose Phase 1b Study
Authors: Nordström Johan E. A. , Wennberg Lars M. , Nowak Greg , Larsson Tobias E. , Thuresson Sara J. , Reusch Michael 
Published: November 2024

Background.
RMC-035 is a modified version of alpha-1-microglobulin, an endogenous protein developed as a renoprotective agent. Its intended use is to reduce the risk of irreversible loss of kidney function in cardiac surgery patients and to reduce delayed graft function in kidney transplant recipients. This first-in-human study aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and safety of RMC-035 in kidney transplant recipients.

Methods.
Eight living-donor kidney transplant recipients were included in 2 dose cohorts. The study drug RMC-035 was administered starting with the first dose during transplantation. Four additional doses were administered once daily following transplantation. In the first cohort, all 5 doses of RMC-035 were equal, whereas in the second cohort, the last 3 doses were doubled. Safety monitoring, laboratory tests, and pharmacokinetic measurements were performed according to protocol for 4 d post-transplantation and during the 90-d follow-up period.

Results.
All 5 administrations of the study drug were completed in 5 out of 8 treated participants. Pharmacokinetic concentrations were approximately dose proportional, and AUC0–24h decreased between the first and fifth doses, reflecting improved kidney function and RMC-035 renal clearance over time. No accumulation was observed between the administrations. No clinically significant changes were observed in the hematological or biochemical laboratory parameters, electrocardiogram findings, or vital signs. A total of 22 treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) were reported in 6 subjects. Mild and transient AEs suggestive of infusion-related reactions, such as chills, were reported in 5 patients. There was a clinically significant reduction in serum creatinine levels, reflecting post-transplant improvement in kidney function.

Conclusions.
Based on the safety data obtained from 8 subjects in the 2 dose cohorts treated with RMC-035, the drug was considered safe. Safety and AE profiles were in line with expectations of the target population, and infusion-related reactions were short-lived and manageable. Dose-limiting toxicity signals were not observed.
Stick of Sticks: Structural Features of the Amyloidogenic Peptide-DNA Complex
Authors: Arzamastsev G.A. , Zabrodskaya Y.A. , Garmay Yu.P. , Ivanova N.S. , Vinogradova D.S. , Arutyunyan A.V. , Verlov N.A. , Burdakov V.S. , Baymukhametov T.N. , Konevega A.L. , Ivankov O.I. , Gorshkova E.Yu. , Egorov V.V. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe search for peptides that can specifically bind to regulatory regions in DNA is a necessary step for creating drugs that can regulate gene expression. The work studies the peculiarities of binding of a model peptide, which carries an ionic self-complementary motif and is capable of forming amyloid-like fibrils, with model double-stranded DNA. The stoichiometric ratios of the components of the complex were found using the retardation method in agarose gel. Using microscale thermophoresis, it was shown that the peptide in the oligomeric amyloid-like state is capable of binding to model 45-bp double-stranded DNA, with a micromolar equilibrium dissociation constant. Using electron and atomic force microscopy, the morphology of peptide-DNA complexes was studied; using dynamic light scattering and nanoparticle tracking analysis, as well as small-angle neutron scattering, the spatial parameters of the resulting DNA-peptide complexes were characterized. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that the arginine side chains of the peptide are prone to interact with guanine nitrogenous bases. It was shown that the formation of peptide-dsDNA complexes interferes with the operation of restriction endonucleases that have guanine-cytosine pairs in the recognition center, which is consistent with the results of prediction of interaction sites obtained using computer modeling. The results of the work can be used in the development of peptides capable of interacting with functional regions of DNA, as well as in the development of new carriers for transfection of DNA constructs.
Revealing the Microscopic Mechanism of Elementary Vortex Pinning in Superconductors
Authors: Chen C. , Liu Y. , Chen Y. , Hu Y. N. , Zhang T. Z. , Li D. , Wang X. , Wang C. X. , Lu Z. Y. W. , Zhang Y. H. , Zhang Q. L. , Dong X. L. , Wang R. , Feng D. L. , Zhang T. 
Published: November 2024

Vortex pinning is a crucial factor that determines the critical current of practical superconductors and enables their diverse applications. However, the underlying mechanism of vortex pinning has long been elusive, lacking a clear microscopic explanation. Here, using high-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy, we studied single vortex pinning induced by point defect in layered FeSe-based superconductors. We found the defect-vortex interaction drives low-energy vortex bound states away from EF, creating a “mini” gap that effectively lowers the system energy and enhances pinning. By measuring the local density of states, we directly obtained the elementary pinning energy and estimated the pinning force via the spatial gradient of pinning energy. The results are consistent with bulk critical current measurement. Furthermore, we showed that a general microscopic quantum model incorporating defect-vortex interaction can naturally capture our observation. It suggests that the local pairing near pinned vortex core is actually enhanced compared to unpinned vortex, which is beyond the traditional understanding that nonsuperconducting regions pin vortices. Our study thus unveils a general microscopic mechanism of vortex pinning in superconductors and provides insights for enhancing the critical current of practical superconductors.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Marketing agility during deep uncertainty using a sensemaking perspective: the performance influence of digitization and government intervention in retail healthcare
Authors: Eckstein Gary , Shrestha Anup , Russo Fiona 
Published: November 2024

PurposeCommunity pharmacies are critical healthcare providers facing unprecedented trading conditions during deep uncertainty. As such, this study aims to inform scholars and practitioners about the efficiency of marketing agility in enhancing firm performance while considering the mediating roles of government interventions and digitization.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual framework is constructed and validated. Six hypotheses are tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), with 254 responses attained via a questionnaire.FindingsMarketing agility facilitated firm performance and digitization. However, findings elucidate the impact of government involvement and underscore the necessity for re-evaluating conventional metrics for firm performance amid deep uncertainty.Originality/valueThe efficacy of marketing agility has been acknowledged amidst deep uncertainty, yet more research is needed within the retail healthcare sector. This research addresses this gap.
Meaningful app-work? Exploring meaningful work experiences of food delivery couriers in Poland
Authors: Pieczka Aneta , Miszczyński Miłosz 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThe rise of app-based work in the gig economy, particularly within the food delivery sector, challenges traditional employment paradigms and raises questions about the potential for achieving meaningful work experiences. This study explores whether such work can be considered meaningful for food delivery couriers in Poland.Design/methodology/approachThis research adopts a qualitative, case-study approach, conducting 30 in-depth interviews with food delivery couriers in Poland. The study investigates how these workers perceive the meaningfulness of their work, focusing on the interplay between subjective and organisational aspects of their work.FindingsThe findings reveal that despite the precarious nature of app-based work, couriers often find meaningful experiences through perceived autonomy, gamified control and the physical demands of their job. The study highlights the dual nature of app work, where the same elements that contribute to worker engagement and a sense of independence also perpetuate exploitation and job insecurity.Research limitations/implicationsThe study’s reliance on a convenience sample of 30 interviews conducted via social media may not represent the broader population of food delivery couriers. Future research should expand the sample size and include a more diverse range of participants to improve generalisability.Practical implicationsThe insights from this study can inform platform designers and policymakers to create more supportive environments for gig workers. Enhancing algorithmic transparency, providing better social protections and implementing fair gamification strategies can help mitigate the negative aspects of gig work and improve job satisfaction.Social implicationsThe study underscores the need for regulatory changes to ensure minimum guaranteed earnings and health and safety provisions for gig workers. By fostering a supportive and transparent work environment, the gig economy can better contribute to worker well-being and social equity.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the limited body of literature on meaningful work within the gig economy, particularly focusing on food delivery couriers in Poland. It provides new insights into how workers create and perceive meaningful work in a highly digitised and algorithmically managed environment.
A combined approach of design for Six Sigma, generic product development process and ergonomics-safety philosophy to reduce musculoskeletal disorder problems
Authors: Parvez Md Shohel , Saha Palash 
Published: November 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to decrease musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) problems using a combined approach including design for Six Sigma, generic product development process, and ergonomic-safety philosophies.

Design/methodology/approach
A total of 550 students voluntarily participated in this study. Kolmogorov–Smirnov and t-tests were used to analyze the collected anthropometry. A cause-and-effect diagram, Pareto’s chart, a brainstorming session, and a priority matrix were also used to extract the 22 design parameters of the product. Moreover, Cronbach’s alpha values were determined to verify the validity of qualitative and quantitative data.

Findings
Results showed that students are at a high risk of developing MSD issues. The most serious MSD problems among the students were neck pain (74%), back pain (73%), muscle and joint pain (67%), knee pain (57%), leg pain (54%), etc. Besides, all anthropometrics of males are higher than females except Hip Breadth. Among 12 anthropometries, two measurements and one measurement showed statistical significance at p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively. Six design parameters of the mounted desktop (Seat Height, Desk Height, Seat to Desk Clearance, Seat Width, Seat Depth, and Backrest Height) are the most crucial design parameters to design and develop the product.

Practical implications
The proposed design of the mounted desktop can be used in different tertiary educational institutes to reduce MSDs among students.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt that introduces a combined approach to reduce MSD issues by applying Six Sigma, a generic product development process, and ergonomics-safety philosophy to design and measurement of 22 design parameters of mounted desktop for university students.
Windows of opportunity for unrelated diversification: a patent data analysis of the field of neurotechnology
Authors: Khunakornbodintr Sirinant , Lv Ping , Hain Daniel Stefan 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThis study investigates the potential of low-income countries to mitigate technological lock-ins by exploiting windows of opportunity (WOOs). Given their inherent inclination toward path dependency, these countries often face challenges in diversifying beyond their established technological trajectories. We examine the pivotal role of adopting shorter cycle times of technologies (CTTs) in opening technological WOO, triggering unrelated diversification and accelerating technological catch-up.Design/methodology/approachUsing fixed-effect regression models, we analyze country-level patent data within the neurotechnology domain from 1995 to 2021 – a period marked by significant technological change since 2010. Our focus lies in comparing diversification and catch-up trends between low-income and high-income countries, while evaluating the performance of CTT.FindingsOur findings reveal that as low-income countries increase their knowledge complexity (KC), they tend to be locked into existing technological paths. To mitigate lock-in risks, they can strategically adopt technologies with shorter CTTs. These technologies act as catalysts, opening up technological WOOs and stimulating unrelated diversification. KC presents a double-edged sword in the catch-up process, but unrelated diversification can eliminate this dilemma.Practical implicationsOur study introduces the KC-CTT framework, proposing practical strategies to enhance and sustain countries’ competitive advantages.Originality/valueDiversification and catch-up emerge from two separate bodies of literature but present a conceptual overlap. This research bridges the gap between the two literatures by investigating the impact of CTT as their predictor variable.
Social protection comparison across the world: a study of fiscal, structural and institutional performance discrepancies
Authors: Ul Mustafa Ahmed Raza , Ul-Haq Jabbar , Dahri Nisar Ahmed , Mahesar Rameez Ali 
Published: November 2024

PurposeSocial protection states the public-mandated (strategies and programmes) to address the vulnerability and risk among poor and near-poor households. Social protection must not only help people meet their basic needs but also contribute to the long-term well-being and broader societal goals of equity, social justice and empowerment. The role of social protection in achieving these goals has not been adequately documented. This paper examines the performance of the social protection mechanism from the perspective of the regional structural and institutional performance indicators. Social protection outlay dynamics are synthesized in the structural and institutional conducts.Design/methodology/approachA world regional comparability is made by considering the panel dataset for the time interval 1995–2020. In empirics, the unconditional and conditional ranks are constructed, and regression analyses are made subject to (1) the fiscal constraint of social protection, (2) structural performance indicators and (3) the institutional performance indicators of the targeted regions across the globe. The fully modified-ordinary least square (FM-OLS) method is used to construct the ranks.FindingsThe rank analysis demonstrates that the developed regions (i.e. Europe, Central Asia and North America) have relatively good welfare standards and fiscal capacity for social protection drives compared to the developing/underdeveloped regions (i.e. Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia). The structural/institutional performance indicators have shown their significance in determining/utilizing their budget for social protection and maintaining welfare standards. Interestingly, most developed regions are relatively reluctant to maintain the structural/institutional performance for the determination/execution of the funds for social protection as compared to the developing and underdeveloped regions.Practical implicationsIn policy discourse, this research suggests that governments must make some market operations to enhance their regions’ structural and institutional performance to get better outcomes of social protection spending in the form of attractive welfare standards.Originality/valueMultiple studies have been done considering the social protection dynamics at nano, micro and macro levels, while this study considered the mega dataset across the globe to analyse the social protection dynamics in consideration of structural and institutional performances.
Unpacking the association between social media use and support for unlawful behaviors in protests: a study in Hong Kong
Authors: Xia Chuanli , Shen Fei 
Published: November 2024

PurposeExisting research has shown the role of social media in facilitating general protest participation. However, there is a noticeable gap in understanding the dynamics related to explicitly unlawful behaviors during protests, which have become increasingly prominent in recent times. Drawing upon the communication mediation model (O-S-O-R model), this study proposes a moderated mediation model to delineate specific mechanisms under which social media use influences individuals' support for unlawful behaviors in protests.Design/methodology/approachA survey of 1,121 Hong Kong residents was conducted in the context of the 2019 Hong Kong Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill Movement to test the theoretical model.FindingsObtaining political information on social media has a dual effect on support for unlawful behaviors in protests. On one hand, social media use increases individuals' political knowledge, which is reinforced by frequent political discussions on social media. This enhanced political knowledge tends to reduce the likelihood of supporting unlawful behaviors in protests. On the other hand, acquiring political information on social media can also generate increased anger toward politics, potentially leading to a more supportive attitude toward unlawful behaviors in protests.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the expanding field of research on digital activism by revealing the intricate mechanisms by which social media usage shapes support for unlawful behaviors in protests. It also expands our understanding of explicit unlawful behaviors within protests as a distinct form of political behavior.
Interorganizational systems without hierarchy: immunization information systems
Authors: Yang Alan , Edberg Dana 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThe 2020–2021 COVID-19 pandemic spurred change across multiple healthcare industries. This study explores how managing vaccination data in the United States of America required cooperation among many different organizations necessitated by an emergency response. We studied how individual states interacted with the federal government to address the need for vaccination-related information during the pandemic.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 11 interviews were conducted with individuals responsible for collecting vaccination data and reporting it to the US Federal Government. Seven of those individuals were directors of USA jurisdictional Immunization Information Systems (IIS). Archival data were also combined with the interview responses to inform the analysis and development of guidelines.FindingsStates across the USA had different ways of tracking and storing immunization data that was heavily influenced by state-level and federal legislation. The lack of a universal patient identifier made cross-state patient identification difficult. Federal requirements for reporting dictated much of how the different state-level entities collected, stored and reported data.Practical implicationsThis study highlights the importance of data interoperability and data sharing by exploring how a loosely coupled set of entities without direct top-down control or a profit motive can govern data effectively. Our analysis provides greater clarity about the interactions between different stakeholders in a complex system.Originality/valueThis study presents primary interviews of 11 individuals, each responsible for tracking and reporting immunization information. Analysis of the data expands existing research on IIS on data sharing, system interoperability and dynamic pandemic responses.
A novel ranking method in data envelopment analysis: a real case on Chinese banking industry
Authors: Nematizadeh Maryeh , Amirteimoori Alireza , Kordrostami Sohrab , Khoshandam Leila 
Published: November 2024

Purpose
This study aims to address the lack of discrimination between fully efficient decision-making units in nonparametric efficiency analysis models by introducing a new ranking technique that incorporates contextual variables.

Design/methodology/approach
The proposed method combines Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS). First, DEA evaluates the partial efficiency of each unit, considering all inputs and only one output. Next, OLS removes the influence of contextual variables on the partial efficiencies. Finally, a ranking criterion based on modified partial efficiencies is formulated. The method is applied to data from 100 Chinese banks, including state-owned, commercial and industrial institutions, for the year 2020.

Findings
The ranking results show that the top six positions are assigned to highly esteemed banks in China, demonstrating strong alignment with real-world performance. The method provides a comprehensive ranking of all units, including nonextreme efficient ones, without excluding any. It resolves infeasibility issues that arise during the ranking of efficient units and ensures uniqueness in efficiency scores, leading to a more reliable and robust ranking process. Contextual variables exerted a greater influence on the first partial efficiency compared to the second. Notably, Total Capital Adequacy (TCA) significantly impact bank efficiency.

Originality/value
This study introduces a novel ranking method that effectively integrates contextual variables into DEA-based efficiency analysis, addressing limitations of existing methods. The practical application to Chinese banks demonstrates its utility and relevance.