bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implementation of an ISO 50001 energy management system using Lean Six Sigma in an Irish dairy: a case study
Authors: Trubetskaya Anna , McDermott Olivia , McGovern Seamus 
Published: January 2023

PurposeThis article aims to optimise energy use and consumption by integrating Lean Six Sigma methodology with the ISO 50001 energy management system standard in an Irish dairy plant operation.Design/methodology/approachThis work utilised Lean Six Sigma methodology to identify methods to measure and optimise energy consumption. The authors use a single descriptive case study in an Irish dairy as the methodology to explain how DMAIC was applied to reduce energy consumption.FindingsThe replacement of heavy oil with liquid natural gas in combination with the new design of steam boilers led to a CO2 footprint reduction of almost 50%.Practical implicationsA further longitudinal study would be useful to measure and monitor the energy management system progress and carry out more case studies on LSS integration with energy management systems across the dairy industry.Originality/valueThe novelty of this study is the application of LSS in the dairy sector as an enabler of a greater energy-efficient facility, as well as the testing of the DMAIC approach to meet a key objective for ISO 50001 accreditation.
Metric intensity and innovation dependency
Authors: Li Shelley Xin , Merchant Kenneth A. , Wang Fiona Yingfei 
Published: January 2023

AbstractWe examine how metric intensity—that is, the quantity, frequency, and extent to which performance metrics are tracked and used—varies with a firm's dependency on innovation for business success. Although performance metrics are essential in an organization's management control system, little is known about how the use of metrics differs in organizations with varying dependencies on incremental and radical innovation. Drawing on data from a sample of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), we hypothesize and find that firms' dependency on incremental (radical) innovation is positively (negatively) associated with metric intensity. Furthermore, we find that (1) the positive relationship between the dependency on incremental innovation and metric intensity is stronger when the organizational culture is focused more on “control” and (2) the negative relationship between the dependency on radical innovation and metric intensity is mitigated when the organizational culture is focused more on “flexibility.” Additional analysis shows that the positive (negative) relationship between incremental (radical) innovation dependency and metric intensity can be mitigated by greater use of metrics for decision‐facilitating purposes. Our findings suggest that metrics‐based formal controls are designed to match the types of innovation dependencies and pre‐existing informal controls such as organizational culture. This study highlights the importance of distinguishing different types of innovation dependency in studying management control systems.
Characterisation of an ethyl methanesulfonate‐derived drought‐tolerant sugarcane mutant line
Authors: Masoabi M. , Snyman S. , Van der Vyver C. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractSustainable sugarcane production in areas prone to frequent and severe drought can be achieved by creating resilient sugarcane varieties. In this study, a unique mutant line, M9.2, was generated from a drought susceptible commercial sugarcane cultivar, N19, through the exposure of callus cells to the ethyl methanesulfonate mutagen and subsequent in vitro osmotic selection on polyethylene glycol. The study aimed to characterise the M9.2 mutant, in comparison with the parental genotype, in terms of its physiological and biochemical performance and proteome profile when exposed to moderate (14 days without water) and severe (21 days without water) water deficit stress in glasshouse pot trials. In comparison to the parental counterparts, the mutant plants were able to sustain the quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) throughout the stress. Under mild stress, the mutant plants displayed elevated stomatal conductance, high concentrations of proline, accumulated less H2O2 and phenotypically displayed limited wilting and no visible signs of leaf senescence. Under severe stress, the mutant plants accumulated less malondialdehyde and more antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) than the parental line. Differential protein expression was also observed according to two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis patterns of proteins expressed in the M9.2 mutant versus the parental plants during moderate stress. Analysis revealed proteins related to photosynthesis (pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase, un‐fragmented ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit and chlorophyll a/b‐binding protein 3) and carbohydrate metabolism (sucrose synthase) were up‐regulated in the mutant. Differentially expressed proteins were further linked to energy metabolism, methylation homeostasis and DNA repair. This study characterises the new M9.2 mutant with beneficial drought‐tolerant traits which have the potential to be exploited in future sugarcane breeding programmes.
Rilmenidine extends lifespan and healthspan in Caenorhabditis elegans via a nischarin I1‐imidazoline receptor
Authors: Bennett Dominic F. , Goyala Anita , Statzer Cyril , Beckett Charles W. , Tyshkovskiy Alexander , Gladyshev Vadim N. , Ewald Collin Y. , de Magalhães João Pedro 
Published: January 2023

AbstractRepurposing drugs capable of extending lifespan and health span has a huge untapped potential in translational geroscience. Here, we searched for known compounds that elicit a similar gene expression signature to caloric restriction and identified rilmenidine, an I1‐imidazoline receptor agonist and prescription medication for the treatment of hypertension. We then show that treating Caenorhabditis elegans with rilmenidine at young and older ages increases lifespan. We also demonstrate that the stress‐resilience, health span, and lifespan benefits of rilmenidine treatment in C. elegans are mediated by the I1‐imidazoline receptor nish‐1, implicating this receptor as a potential longevity target. Consistent with the shared caloric‐restriction‐mimicking gene signature, supplementing rilmenidine to calorically restricted C. elegans, genetic reduction of TORC1 function, or rapamycin treatment did not further increase lifespan. The rilmenidine‐induced longevity required the transcription factors FOXO/DAF‐16 and NRF1,2,3/SKN‐1. Furthermore, we find that autophagy, but not AMPK signaling, was needed for rilmenidine‐induced longevity. Moreover, transcriptional changes similar to caloric restriction were observed in liver and kidney tissues in mice treated with rilmenidine. Together, these results reveal a geroprotective and potential caloric restriction mimetic effect by rilmenidine that warrant fresh lines of inquiry into this compound.
Associations of recreational cannabis dispensaries’ availability, storefront signage and health benefit signs with cannabis use: findings from a representative adult sample in California, United States
Authors: Han Bing , Shi Yuyan 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackground and aimsThere are concerns that availability of recreational cannabis dispensaries (RCDs) and point‐of‐sale marketing may lead to increased cannabis use in jurisdictions where cannabis retail sale is legal. This paper examined whether the availability RCDs and the presence of storefront signage indicative of cannabis and signs promoting health benefits in RCDs were associated with cannabis use and risk perceptions.DesignCross‐sectional, secondary data analysis.SettingCalifornia, USA.ParticipantsA representative sample of 3385 adults in California who participated in the 2020 probability‐based Marijuana Use and Environment Survey.MeasurementsBinary outcomes included past‐month overall cannabis use, perceiving cannabis smoking as harmful and past‐month cannabis use by purpose (medical only, recreational only and dual). The objectively assessed predictors included proximity and density of RCDs and presence of storefront signage indicative of cannabis and signs promoting health benefits in RCDs.FindingsIn terms of proximity, thepresence of storefront signage in the nearest RCD was associated with smaller odds of perceiving cannabis smoking as harmful [odds ratio (OR) = 0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.39, 0.99] if the RCD was located within 2 miles of home. Presence of health benefit signs in the nearest RCD was associated with greater odds of overall cannabis use (OR = 2.45, 95% CI = 1.17, 5.16) and recreational use (OR = 3.50, 95% CI = 1.027, 11.91) if the RCD was located within 2–4 miles of home. In terms of density, count of RCDs, count of RCDs with storefront signage and count of RCDs with health benefit signs within 2 miles of home were each separately associated with greater odds of overall cannabis use and cannabis use for dual purposes.ConclusionsThe availability of recreational cannabis dispensaries within 2 miles of one's home and the presence of storefront signage indicating the availability of cannabis and signs promoting health benefits of cannabis appear to be associated with increased cannabis use and reduced risk perceptions among adults in California, USA.
Mediators of inflammation at the maternal‐fetal interface are altered by SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and pandemic stress
Authors: Marie‐Eve Brien , Elsa Bernier , Josianne Clavel , Yasmine Kebiche , Claude‐Emilie Jacob , Camille Couture , Dorothée Dal Soglio , Sylvie Girard 
Published: January 2023

AbstractProblemIt is now recognized that SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and pandemic‐related stress impacts maternal health. However, their effects at the maternal‐fetal interface are still debated.Method of studyWe recruited 199 women between March 2020 and July 2021, 79 SARS‐CoV‐2+ and 120 negative (the latter exposed to pandemic stress only). We also included 40 historic controls (i.e. pre‐pandemic uncomplicated pregnancies recruited before March 2020). Placental samples were collected for protein and histological analysis.ResultsThe majority of SARS‐CoV‐2+ women were multiethnic, had higher pre‐pregnancy BMI and elevated preterm birth rate (17%) vs SARS‐CoV‐2– or historic control. Placental inflammatory profile revealed increased IL‐1Ra and CRP, independently of SARS‐CoV‐2 status, whilst MCP‐1, IL‐6 and IFNγ were elevated in the negative, but pandemic stress‐exposed, group. These changes were predominant in placentas with inflammatory lesions on histopathological analysis. Furthermore, we observed elevated immune cells (CD45+) in placentas from SARS‐CoV‐2+ and negative pregnancies vs historic controls, even when individuals with pregnancy complications were excluded.ConclusionsPlacental inflammatory profiles differed between SARS‐CoV‐2 statuses, namely exposed to pandemic stress +/‐ SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. This highlights the need to understand the differences between the effects of pandemic‐related stress and the added burden of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection on placental health.
Manual morcellation (Resectr™ 9Fr) vs electromechanical morcellation (TruClear™) for hysteroscopic polypectomy: A randomized controlled non‐inferiority trial
Authors: van Wessel Steffi , Hamerlynck Tjalina , van Vliet Huib , Schoot Benedictus , Weyers Steven 
Published: January 2023

AbstractIntroductionMeta‐analyses comparing hysteroscopic electromechanical morcellation with electrosurgical resection showed a shorter operating time for electromechanical morcellation, mainly for polypectomy. The Resectr™ 9Fr is a new hysteroscopic manual morcellator, designed to simplify this procedure. We aimed to compare manual with electromechanical morcellation for hysteroscopic polypectomy.Material and methodsThis two‐center randomized controlled non‐inferiority trial was performed from 2018 to 2021 in the Catharina Hospital and the Ghent University Hospital. The study was registered at the Dutch Trial Register (NL6922; ICTRP ID: NTR7118). One hundred and forty women with polyps (between 8 and 20 mm) scheduled for hysteroscopic removal were randomized between manual (Resectr™ 9Fr) or electromechanical (TruClear™) morcellation. The primary outcome was time (instrumentation set‐up, resection, and total procedure time).ResultsThe non‐inferiority margin for the primary outcome time was 1.3. Mean instrumentation set‐up time was 10% shorter with the manual compared with the electromechanical morcellator (estimated mean ratio manual/electromechanical = 0.9; 97.5% confidence interval [CI] 0.8–1.1). Mean resection time was 30% longer with the manual compared with the motor‐driven system (estimated mean ratio manual/electromechanical = 1.3; 97.5% CI 0.9–1.9). Mean total procedure time was 10% longer with the manual compared with the electromechanical morcellator (estimated mean ratio manual/electromechanical = 1.1; 95% CI 0.91–1.298). The estimated odds (electromechanical/manual) of better surgeon's safety, effective and comfort scores were, respectively, 4.5 (95% CI 0.9–22.1), 7.0 (95% CI 1.5–31.9), and 5.9 (95% CI 1.1–30.3) times higher with the motor‐driven compared with the manual morcellator. Conversion rates and incomplete resection rates were comparable in both groups (manual vs electromechanical) (7.6% [4/66] vs 2.9% [2/68] and 6.1% [4/66] vs 3.0% [2/66], respectively). No intraoperative and postoperative complications were registered.ConclusionsThe manual morcellator was non‐inferior to the electromechanical morcellator for hysteroscopic polypectomy in terms of mean instrumentation set‐up time and total procedure time. Results on resection time were inconclusive. Conversion and incomplete resection rates were within the range reported in the literature. Surgeon's reported rating for both devices was high, however, in favor of the motor‐driven tissue removal system.
Diversity climate affords unequal protection against incivility among Asian workers: The COVID‐19 pandemic as a racial mega‐threat
Authors: Shen Winny , Lam Janice , Varty Christianne T. , Krstic Anja , Hideg Ivona 
Published: January 2023

AbstractDespite longstanding recognition that organisations are open systems that are affected by the broader environments in which they are situated, scholars have rarely examined how such macrosocietal conditions may influence processes and experiences within the workplace. Integrating research on selective incivility and mega‐threats, we conceptualise the COVID‐19 pandemic as a racial mega‐threat and examine how this context may challenge organisations' efforts to promote diversity and inclusion. Specifically, we predict that the protective benefits of diversity climate against incivility, an insidious form of modern discrimination incited by the COVID‐19 pandemic, will be weaker for workers of Chinese descent compared to workers from other Asian subgroups, leading to more downstream negative outcomes for this group of workers (i.e., higher turnover intentions, poorer job performance and greater emotional exhaustion). This reflects the fact that workplaces are not impervious to the rising xenophobia toward China and Chinese people, who were particularly blamed and stigmatised for the emergence of this virus, as evident in North American society in early 2020. We found support for our predictions in a three‐wave, time‐separated study of Asian workers (N = 248) in the US and Canada during the first wave of the pandemic.
Fat clearance in the hepatocystic triangle during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Fact or fad? An NIRF‐based study
Authors: Gadiyaram Srikanth , Nachiappan Murugappan 
Published: January 2023

AbstractIntroductionAt present, the pre‐ and postdissection regions during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) are uniformly described by the term “hepatocystic triangle” (HCT). It is unclear whether a distinction needs to be made. An observational study was undertaken to evaluate the predissection hepatocystic region (pre‐HCR) and the postdissection hepatocystic region (post‐HCR). Also, the dissection‐related changes to the contents of the pre‐HCR (“proper HCT”) were evaluated.MethodsA retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was done. The operative videos of patients who underwent fluorescence‐guided surgery from December 2021 to February 2022 were reviewed. Patients with gallstone disease without complications (GSD) were included in the study. Exclusion criteria were acute cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, biliary pancreatitis, biliary fistulas, and gallbladder wall thickening of ≥3 mm on ultrasonography.ResultsThirteen patients underwent LC for GSD using standard dissection methods. The boundaries of the pre‐HCR were identified before dissection in all patients. The dissection resulted in a quadrangular space lateral to the “proper HCT” in all. The post‐HCR contained the undissected “proper‐HCT” and the quadrangular space in all. The post‐HCR area was 4.4 times that of the pre‐HCR (3.2–13.1). The peritoneum over the “proper HCT” was unbreached in all patients, and the target structures were delineated outside of it. A critical view of safety (CVS) was demonstrated outside of the “proper HCT” in all patients.ConclusionDuring near‐infrared fluorescence‐guided LC for GSD, there is no fat clearance in the “HCT.” The hepatocystic region before and at the conclusion were distinctly different. The uniform usage of the term “HCT” does not convey this change.
Diagnosis, treatment and survival from bladder, upper urinary tract, and urethral cancers: real‐world findings from NHS England between 2013 and 2019
Authors: Catto James W.F. , Mandrik Olena , Quayle Lewis A. , Hussain Syed A. , McGrath John , Cresswell Joanne , Birtle Alison J. , Jones Rob J. , Mariappan Paramananthan , Makaroff Lydia E. , Knight Allen , Mostafid Hugh , Chilcott Jim , Sasieni Peter , Cumberbatch Marcus 
Published: January 2023

ObjectiveWe report NHS England data for patients with bladder cancer (BC), upper tract urothelial cancer (UTUC: renal pelvic and ureteric), and urethral cancers from 2013 to 2019.Materials and MethodsHospital episode statistics, waiting times, and cancer registrations were extracted from NHS Digital.ResultsRegistrations included 128 823 individuals with BC, 16 018 with UTUC, and 2533 with urethral cancer. In 2019, 150 816 persons were living with a diagnosis of BC, of whom 113 067 (75.0%) were men, 85 117 (56.5%) were aged >75 years, and 95 553 (91.7%) were Caucasian. Incidence rates were stable (32.7–34.3 for BC, 3.9–4.2 for UTUC and 0.6–0.7 for urethral cancer per 100 000 population). Most patients 52 097 (mean [range] 41.3% [40.7–42.0%]) were referred outside the 2‐week‐wait pathway and 15 340 (mean [range] 12.2% [11.7–12.6%]) presented as emergencies. Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or multimodal treatment use varied with disease stage, patient factors and Cancer Alliance. Between 27% and 29% (n = 6616) of muscle‐invasive BCs did not receive radical treatment. Survival rates reflected stage, grade, location, and tumour histology. Overall survival rates did not improve over time (relative change: 0.97, 95% confidence interval 0.97–0.97) at 2 years in contrast to other cancers.ConclusionThe diagnostic pathway for BC needs improvement. Increases in survival might be delivered through greater use of radical treatment. NHS Digital data offers a population‐wide picture of this disease but does not allow individual outcomes to be matched with disease or patient features and key parameters can be missing or incomplete.
A Context‐Dependent Bayesian Account for Causal‐Based Categorization
Authors: Marchant Nicolás , Quillien Tadeg , Chaigneau Sergio E. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe causal view of categories assumes that categories are represented by features and their causal relations. To study the effect of causal knowledge on categorization, researchers have used Bayesian causal models. Within that framework, categorization may be viewed as dependent on a likelihood computation (i.e., the likelihood of an exemplar with a certain combination of features, given the category's causal model) or as a posterior computation (i.e., the probability that the exemplar belongs to the category, given its features). Across three experiments, in combination with computational modeling, we offer evidence that categorization is better accounted for by assuming that people compute posteriors and not likelihoods, though both probabilities are closely related. This result contrasts with existing analyses of causal‐based categorization, which assume that likelihood computations give a good approximation of human judgments. We also find that people are able to compute likelihoods in a closely related task that elicits judgments of consistency rather than category membership judgments. Our analyses show that people do use causal probabilistic information as prescribed by a Bayesian model but that they flexibly compute likelihoods or posteriors depending on the task. We discuss our results in relation to the relevant literature on the topic.
Lymphocyte‐predominant lesional inflammatory infiltrates of the skin are associated with mucosal‐dominant phenotype in pemphigus
Authors: Papara Cristian , Danescu Sorina , Rogojan Liliana , Leucuta Daniel Corneliu , Candrea Elisabeta , Zillikens Detlef , Baican Adrian 
Published: January 2023

AbstractIntroductionPemphigus is a potentially life‐threatening autoimmune blistering disease. To date, studies assessing the association of histopathology with clinical phenotype are lacking. We sought to evaluate the main histopathologic findings and, also, the potential links between cutaneous inflammatory infiltrates and clinical characteristics in pemphigus.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study in patients diagnosed with pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF) in a referral center for autoimmune blistering diseases.ResultsA total of 124 patients were included in the study (97 had PV and 27 had PF). On biopsy specimens, PV was more frequently associated with the “row of tombstones” feature (36.1% vs. 11.1%, p = 0.013), and PF was associated with acanthosis (44.4% vs. 23.7%, p = 0.034). Acantholysis was found in the upper half of the epidermis in PF (96.3% vs. 5.15%, p < 0.001), as opposed to the lower half in PV (75.2% vs. 0%, p = 0.002).Patients with lymphocyte‐predominant inflammatory infiltrates in lesional skin specimens presented with a higher frequency of the mucosal‐dominant phenotype (25.5% vs. 9.1%, p = 0.014), higher‐density cellular infiltrate (100% vs. 41.6%, p < 0.001), and more frequent acantholytic cells (42.6% vs. 23.4%, p = 0.025). Neutrophil‐predominant infiltrates in specimens from lesional skin were linked to a milder disease based on median Pemphigus Disease Area Index (38.9% vs. 13.2%, p = 0.036) and Autoimmune Bullous Skin Disorder Intensity Score (20.2 vs. 36.3, p = 0.019), while eosinophil‐predominant inflammatory infiltrates were more often associated with eosinophilic spongiosis (100% vs. 23.1%, p = 0.014).ConclusionsLymphocyte‐predominant infiltrates in lesional skin specimens of pemphigus patients predict a mucosal‐dominant phenotype, while neutrophil‐predominant infiltrates are associated with a milder disease.