bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genomic epidemiology of EuropeanAspergillus fumigatuscausing COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis in Europe
Authors: Simmons B.C. , Rhodes J. , Rogers T.R. , Talento A.F. , Griffin A. , Mansfield M , Sheehan D. , Abdolrasouli A. , Verweij P.E. , Bosch T. , Schelenz S. , Hemmings S. , Fisher M.C. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe opportunistic fungusAspergillus fumigatushas been found to cause coinfections in patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, leading to COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA). The CAPA all-cause mortality rate is approximately 50% and may be complicated by azole-resistance. Genomic epidemiology can help shed light on the genetics ofA. fumigatuscausing CAPA including the prevalence of alleles that are associated with azole-resistance. Here, a population genomic analysis of 21 CAPA isolates from four European countries is presented. The CAPA isolates were compared withA. fumigatusfrom a wider population of 167 non-CAPA clinical isolates and 73 environmental isolates. Bioinformatic analysis and antifungal susceptibility testing were performed to quantify resistance and identify possible genetically-encoded azole-resistant mechanisms. Phylogenetic analysis of the 21 CAPA isolates showed a lack of genetic distinction from the widerA. fumigatuspopulation, with isolates distributed within two distinct clades (A and B), with the majority of the CAPA isolates in clade B (71.4%). The prevalence of phenotypic azole-resistance in CAPA was 14.3% (n=3/21); all three CAPA isolates contained a known resistance-associatedcyp51Apolymorphism. CAPA isolates are drawn from the widerA. fumigatuspopulation rather than forming a unique genetic background showing that COVID-19 patients are susceptible to the entireA. fumigatuspopulation. However, the relatively high prevalence of azole-resistance alleles that we document poses a threat to treatment success rates, warranting enhanced detection and surveillance ofA. fumigatusgenotypes in these patients. Furthermore, potential changes to antifungal first-line treatment guidelines may be needed to improve patient outcomes.
Comparison of the analytical and clinical sensitivity of thirty-four rapid antigen tests with the most prevalent SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK
Authors: Byrne Rachel L. , Aljayyoussi Ghaith , Greenland-Bews Caitlin , Kontogianni Konstantina , Wooding Dominic , Williams Christopher T. ,   LSTM Diagnostics group,   Falcon Steering group, de Vos Margaretha , Body Richard , Adams Emily R. , Escadafal Camille , Edwards Thomas , Cubas-Atienzar Ana I. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe continued emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) requires timely analytical and clinical evaluation of antigen-based rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) especially those that are recommended for at home use.MethodsThe limit of detection (LOD) of 34 Ag-RDTs was evaluated using the most encountered SARS-CoV-2 VOC viral isolates (Alpha, Delta, Gamma, Omicron BA.1, Omicron BA.5) and the wild type (WT). Clinical sensitivity was further evaluated for five Ag-RDT utilising retrospective samples (Alpha, Delta, Omicron BA.1) and one Ag-RDT utilising prospective clinical samples (Delta and Omicron BA.1).FindingsFor the WT, Alpha, Delta, Gamma and Omicron (BA.1) variants 22, 32, 29, 31 and 32 of the 34 Ag-RDTs evaluated met the World Health Organisations (WHO) target product profile (TPP), respectively. Of the 31 Ag-RDTs included for Omicron BA.5 evaluation 29 met the WHO TPP. Additionally, the LODs for samples spiked with Omicron BA.5 were significantly lower than all other VOCs included (p<0.001). In the retrospective clinical evaluation when comparing RNA copies/mL, the Ag-RDTs detected Alpha and Omicron (BA.1) more sensitively than the Delta VOC. Samples with high RT-qPCR Cts (Ct>25) resulted in reduced test sensitivities across all variants. We used linear regression to model the 50% and 95% LOD of clinical samples and observed statistically similar results for all tests. In the prospective clinical samples, the sensitivity was statistically similar for the Delta VOC 71.9% (CI 95% 53.3-86.6%) and Omicron VOC 84.4% (CI95% 75.3-91.2%).InterpretationTest performance differs between SARS-CoV-2 VOCs, and high sensitivity was achieved when testing the Omicron BA.5 VOC compared to the WHO Ag-RDT requirements. Continuous evaluations must be performed to monitor test performance.FundingThis work was funded as part of FIND’s work as a co-convener of the diagnostics pillar of the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, including support from Unitaid (grant number 2019-32-FIND MDR), the government of the Netherlands (grant number MINBUZA-2020.961444), and the UK Department for International Development (grant number 300341-102). Funding was also obtained from the MRC for RLB and CGB. The Facilitating Accelerated Clinical Evaluation of Clinical Diagnostics for COVID-19 (FALCON C-19) study was funded by the UK National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR).
Voluntary and enforced tax compliance determinants and impact among agrochemical businesses in Ghana
Authors: Kumi Richmond , Bannor Richard Kwasi , Oppong-Kyeremeh Helena , Adaletey Jennifer Ellah 
Published: July 2023

PurposeThis paper examined tax compliance and its impact on agrochemical traders in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachBased on the registered agrochemical lists obtained from the Plant Protection and Regulatory Service Department, 92 agrochemical traders were sampled for data collection. Probit regression was used to estimate determinants of tax compliance, whereas the Inverse Probability Weighted Regression Adjustment Model was employed to evaluate the impact of tax compliance on business performance.FindingsThe results revealed that age and gender relate positively to enforced tax compliance, while education positively impacts voluntary tax compliance. Nonetheless, tax rate, trust and monthly sales positively affect voluntary tax compliance but negatively impact enforced tax compliance. Inversely, while authorities’ power negatively impacted voluntary compliance, it positively influenced enforced tax compliance confirming the Slippery Slope Framework.Originality/valueTo the best knowledge of the authors, this paper is the first to investigate tax compliance determinants and impact among agrochemical traders, despite the tremendous growth of the agrochemical sub-sector in Africa and Ghana. Therefore, this study makes a modest contribution to empirical studies that validate the Slippery Slope Framework in promoting tax compliance in the agricultural and agribusiness sectors of a developing country. Similarly, it also unearths the impact of tax compliance on agribusiness growth which has yet to be highlighted in the extant literature.
Changing the boundaries of public sector auditing
Authors: Grossi Giuseppe , Hay David C. , Kuruppu Chamara , Neely Daniel 
Published: July 2023

PurposeThis paper aims at reflecting on the changing boundaries of public sector auditing. In particular the paper focusses on the opportunities and challenges for performance auditing, for sustainable development auditing and digitalised public sector auditing.Design/methodology/approachBuilding from the papers in this special issue, the authors draw on the literature on current development of public sector auditing (such as public sector auditing performance auditing, sustainable development auditing and digitalised public sector auditing) and propose a future research agenda.FindingsThe “changing boundaries” of public sector auditing may influence the difficulty for public sector organisations to manage the uncertainties and risks not only associated to corruption but also the public governance development (collaborative, digital and emergency governance). The authors speculate on the role that the “changing boundaries” of public sector auditing can play.Originality/valueThe paper contributes by setting new research avenues for future studies on public sector auditing in a post-new public management context.
Let virtual creatures stay virtual: tactics to increase trust in virtual influencers
Authors: Qu Ying , Baek Eunsoo 
Published: July 2023

PurposeAdvances in technology and the popularity of social media influencers have sparked a rise of “virtual influencers (VIs).” This study examines consumer attitudes toward VIs in social networking services and explores factors that enhance or dampen these attitudes. In three experiments, it was explored how contextual factors (background and companion) interact with human (HIs) and VIs, influencing attitudes through trustworthiness.Design/methodology/approachThree experiments were conducted using an online panel (N = 894). All experiments were based on the comparison between HIs and VI with mediating role of trustworthiness. In Studies 2 and 3, moderated mediation analyses were conducted to test hypotheses.FindingsThe results revealed that human-like VI was less trusted than animi-like VI or HIs. However, the perceived trustworthiness toward VI was enhanced when the VI was in a virtual (vs. real) environment (Study 2) or accompanied by a virtual (vs. human) companion (Study 3), leading to positive attitudes.Originality/valueThis research not only enriches relevant literature (avatars and SMIs) but also provides actionable insight for practitioners who design and utilize VIs. This paper proposes novel and handy tactics to enhance consumers' trustworthiness in and attitudes toward VIs.
Opening up their values: how CEOs conservation and openness to change impact downsizing decisions
Authors: Kremer Rico 
Published: July 2023

PurposeBased on the theory of basic human values, this study aims to examine the impact of CEO conservation (i.e. security, conformity and tradition) and openness to change (i.e. self-direction, stimulation and hedonism) values on one of the most conflictual decisions inside a firm: workforce downsizing.Design/methodology/approachThe hypothesis testing was done in the context of all workforce downsizing decisions made by German companies (and their CEOs) listed on the German Prime-Index between 2005 and 2019. A software-based psycholinguistic assessment of various sources of CEO communications was conducted to tap into their underlying values.FindingsTobit regression analysis confirms that CEO conservation and openness-to-change values impact the severity of workforce downsizing. Namely, the higher the CEO conservation values, the lower the downsizing severity (i.e. employees dismissed in relation to overall workforce). In contrast, the higher the CEO openness to change values, the higher the downsizing severity.Originality/valueAgainst prior research that has centered around political ideology as a proxy to understand the mechanisms through which values impact strategic decisions, the present study employs advanced measurement approaches to assess the general impact of CEO values on critical firm decisions. As such, the study contributes to upper echelons research by offering a new perspective on how CEO values impact critical firms' decisions.
Effects of financial inclusion on tax revenue mobilization: Evidence from WAEMU countries
Authors: Chebochok Milly Chepkorir , Bayale Nimonka 
Published: July 2023

AbstractFinancial inclusion remains at the heart of governments concerns. By creating favorable conditions for access to a diversified range of adapted financial products and services at affordable costs for the populations, financial inclusion generates important opportunities that could lead to increased tax revenue mobilization. This paper analyzes the effects of financial inclusion on tax revenue mobilization, using panel data from West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) countries over the period 2006–2019. The findings suggest that financial inclusion positively and significantly influences government's tax revenue. Moreover, by looking at the effects of disaggregated financial inclusion dimensions (access, use, and affordability) on various components of tax revenue, we find that the estimated coefficients on the subcomponents of financial inclusion are statistically significant. Results also indicate that the magnitude of effect of financial inclusion is higher on indirect taxes compared to direct tax revenues. This research recommends that policy‐makers should prioritize financial inclusion in their policies and development agenda through National Financial Inclusion Strategies (NFIS) because it can increase countries' resource mobilization and help them to build fiscal resilience.
Research trends towards crisis management in social sciences: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Polat Hıdır , Seyfi Murat 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis research aims to reveal the main trends, gaps and paradigm shifts in crisis management. Data from research dealing with crisis/crisis management in the social sciences literature were examined in this context. The Web of Science database was used to collect research data. The data were analyzed using bibliometric analysis, a quantitative research method. The findings show that crisis management, crisis planning, crisis actions, strategic management and crisis management in public relations were the most intensively studied topics until 2018. But after 2018, research, tourism, Covid‐19 pandemic have shown a trend towards social media. In general, there is an increase in empirical research on crisis management. In this body of research, the United States of America has the greatest weight numerically, however, European countries are better positioned in terms of interest levels and international cooperation. All in all, this research provides a good conceptual framework for future crisis management research.
Capturing high‐resolution digital images for use in forensic document examination
Authors: Riley Paige , Eisenhart Linda , Stephens Joseph C. , Abonamah Jocelyn V. , Ryman Colbey , Eckenrode Brian A. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn the past, pattern disciplines within forensic science have periodically faced criticism due to their subjective and qualitative nature and the perceived absence of research evaluating and supporting the foundations of their practices. Recently, however, forensic scientists and researchers in the field of pattern evidence analysis have developed and published approaches that are more quantitative, objective, and data driven. This effort includes automation, algorithms, and measurement sciences, with the end goal of enabling conclusions to be informed by quantitative models. Before employing these tools, forensic evidence must be digitized in a way that adequately balances high‐quality detail and content capture with minimal background noise imparted by the selected technique. While the current work describes the process of optimizing a method to digitize physical documentary evidence for use in semi‐automated trash mark examinations, it could be applied to assist other disciplines where the digitization of physical items of evidence is prevalent. For trash mark examinations specifically, it was found that high‐resolution photography provided optimal digital versions of evidentiary items when compared to high‐resolution scanning.
Disability workforce and the NDIS planning process in regional, rural and remote regions of Australia: Scoping review
Authors: Gilroy John , Veli‐Gold Sarah , Wright Wayne , Dew Angela , Jensen Heather , Bulkeley Kim , Lincoln Michelle 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe Australian geographically rural and remote disability workforce has historically demonstrated difficulties to keep up with the demand for quality services and supports for people with disability. In 2013, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was launched to provide individualised disability support packages to meet people's needs. To receive funding, people with disability are required to develop a NDIS plan. That plan is then funded by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), the government agency responsible for managing the NDIS. Although the NDIS has been operating for almost 10 years, there is limited research into the planning experiences of the workforce in regional, rural and remote regions of Australia. This review aims to ascertain the level of scholarly investigation into workers' experiences of NDIS planning.MethodologyResearch publication databases were searched using a specific search string to identify publications that included reference to the workforce's experiences of the NDIS planning process in regional, rural and remote regions of Australia. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was adopted to appraise the quality of the research publications. Research publications that focused on those working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were also appraised using the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Quality Appraisal Tool developed by the Centre for Excellence in Aboriginal Chronic Disease Knowledge Translation and Exchange. A thematic synthesis of the publications was undertaken to ascertain disability and health workforce experiences of the NDIS planning process.ResultsSeven papers met the selection criteria. Two papers were policy reviews and reported the improvements of the NDIS planning process since its inception. These studies reported four reoccurring themes: (1) cultural/socioeconomic and geographical factors; (2) administrative burden and bureaucracy; (3) values, culture and geography; and (4) burden on allied health workers.ConclusionThe NDIS planning process has developed and progressed since its rollout in 2013. There are limited research papers available that describe the workforce's experience of the planning process in regional, rural and remote regions. More research in this area is needed to identify the experiences of the disability workforce in relation to the NDIS planning process.
Functional outcome and frailty in colorectal surgery patients
Authors: Elabbas Elhassan , Sharma Anita , Thu Khin , Tan Azriel , Alim Melissa , Zhang Yan 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundFrailty is a recognized risk and predictor of poor health outcomes in older patients undergoing surgery. A significant proportion of elderly patients undergoing colorectal cancer‐related surgery are nevertheless not routinely assessed for frailty in current clinical practice in Australia. We examined the preoperative use of the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) to predict post‐operative functional outcomes in geriatric patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery.MethodsThis retrospective observational cohort study included elderly colorectal cancer patients (n = 227) who underwent elective major colorectal surgery from 2016 to 2020 at Nepean Hospital, Australia. CFS was calculated retrospectively from medical records and the relationship between CFS and functional outcome factors was analysed.ResultsFrail patients (n = 111) had a significant postoperative functional decline as demonstrated by discharge to supported care (57% vs. 0.9%), Barthel Index change (P<0.05) and inability to self‐manage stoma (P<0.05) compared to non‐frail patients (n = 116). Multivariate analysis with adjustment for age, comorbidities as measured by Charlson Comorbidities Index (CCI), and cognitive impairment, demonstrated frailty was the most significant independent predictor of discharge to supported care (OR 109.3). Cognitive impairment and an increased CCI were also found to be important predictors.ConclusionPreoperative frailty is significantly associated with postoperative functional decline and postoperative adverse outcomes, highlighting the potential utility of CFS in preoperative frailty assessment.
Mental training in general surgery: a qualitative review of Australian trainee perceptions
Authors: Jolly Samantha , Asokan Gayatri 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundMental training is the cognitive process and pedagogical technique of ‘viewing’ and ‘feeling’ a task without physically performing it. Its application is well‐established within aviation, elite sports and the arts. While surgical trainees often mentally rehearse prior to operating, this technique is yet to be established for educational and skill acquisition purposes. The aim of this study was to investigate trainee awareness of mental training, the use of mental rehearsal, and explore perceived benefits and barriers to its implementation.MethodsAn exploratory qualitative study design was employed, with semi‐structured interviews of general surgical trainees across Australia. Interviews were transcribed and thematic analysis undertaken to identify common themes.ResultsA total of 10 General Surgery trainees were interviewed encompassing each Australian state and territory. A consistent finding was that all teaching of operative skills occurs in the clinical environment, without the adjunct of structured practical or cognitive simulation. All trainees reported mentally rehearsing procedures in some capacity as part of personal preparation, and were supportive of implementing formal mental training for surgical skill development. Themes included standardization of training, enhancing training during times of reduced clinical exposure, minimizing anxiety, and improving communication. Implementation was deemed to be most effective through a bank of online mental training resources.ConclusionMental training was supported by General Surgical trainees, with perceived potential benefits in multiple domains. To mitigate the main perceived barrier of time constraints, an online method of delivery was felt to be optimal.
Persisting facial nerve palsy or trigeminal neuralgia – red flags for perineural spread of head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (HNcSCC)
Authors: Zhang Michael , Phung Daniel , Gupta Ruta , Wykes James , Wu Raymond , Lee Jenny , Elliott Michael , Palme Carsten E. , Clark Jonathan , Low Tsu‐Hui (Hubert) 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundPerineural spread (PNS) of head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (HNcSCC) is a unique diagnostic challenge, presenting with insidious trigeminal (CN V) or facial nerve (CN VII) neuropathies without clinically discernible primary masses. These patients are often sub‐optimally investigated and misdiagnosed as Bell's palsy or trigeminal neuralgia. This case series highlights the red flags in history and pitfalls that lead to delays to diagnosis and treatment.MethodsA retrospective case series of 19 consecutive patients with complete clinical histories with HNcSCC PNS without an obvious cutaneous primary lesion at time of presentation to a quaternary head and neck centre in Australia were identified and included for analysis.ResultsFifteen had CN VII PNS, 17 had CN V PNS, and 13 had both. The overall median symptom‐to‐diagnosis time was 12‐months (IQR‐15 months). Eight patients had CN VII PNS and described progressive segmental facial nerve palsy with a median symptom‐to‐diagnosis time of 9‐months (IQR‐11.75 months). Eleven patients had primary CN V PNS and described well localized parathesia, formication or neuralgia with a median symptom‐to‐diagnosis time of 19‐months (IQR 27.5 months).ConclusionPNS is often mistaken for benign cranial nerve dysfunction with delays in diagnosis worsening prognosis. Red flags such as progressive CN VII palsy or persistent CN V paraesthesia, numbness, formication or pain, particularly in the presence of immuno‐compromise and/or a history of facial actinopathy should raise suspicion for PNS. Gadolinium‐enhanced MR Neurography should be obtained expediently in patients with persistent/progressive CN V/CN VII palsies in patients with red flags, with low threshold for referral to a Head and Neck Surgeon.