bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knowledge and attitudes about HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis: Evidence from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with policy makers, healthcare providers, and end-users in Lesotho
Authors: Geldsetzer Pascal , Chebet Joy J. , Tarumbiswa Tapiwa , Phate-Lesihla Rosina , Maponga Chivimbiso , Mandara Esther , Bärnighausen Till , McMahon Shannon A. 
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACTStudies on PrEP knowledge and attitudes have mostly focused on key populations in North America and Europe. To inform Lesotho’s national rollout of PrEP to the general population, this research aimed to characterize knowledge and attitudes towards PrEP among policy makers, implementing partners, healthcare providers, and PrEP end-users in Lesotho. Respondents were purposively selected to participate based on personal experience in the development and implementation of Lesotho’s PrEP program, or the personal use of PrEP. We conducted 106 in-depth interviews with policy makers (n=5), implementing partners (n=4), and end-users (current PrEP users = 55; former PrEP users = 36; and PrEP “decliners” = 6). In addition, we held 11 focus group discussions (FGDs) with a total of 105 healthcare providers. Interview and FGD transcripts were analyzed following the tenets of Grounded Theory. Respondents expressed positive attitudes towards PrEP, owing to experienced and perceived personal, familial, and societal benefits. PrEP was viewed as i) an opportunity for serodiscordant couples to remain together, ii) a means of conceiving children with minimized risk of HIV infection, iii) providing a sense of agency and control, and iv) an avenue for addressing the HIV epidemic in Lesotho. Respondents demonstrated understanding of PrEP’s intended use, eligibility requirements, and modality of use. However, they also reported that several important misconceptions of PrEP were common among adults in Lesotho, including the belief that PrEP protects against sexually transmitted infections other than HIV, promotes promiscuity, prevents pregnancy, causes seroconversion, and provides lifelong protection from taking the pill just once. In addition to building on the perceived advantages of PrEP to shape a positive message, Lesotho’s national rollout of PrEP will likely benefit from a communication strategy that specifically addresses the common misconceptions of PrEP identified in this study.
A Multi-Institutional Study Benchmarking Cycle Threshold Values for Major Clinical SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Assays
Authors: Kirby J.E. , Cheng A. , Cleveland M.H. , Degli-Angeli E. , DeMarco C.T. , Faron M. , Gallagher T. , Garlick R.K. , Goecker E. , Coombs R.W. , Huang C. , Louzao R. , Denny T.N. , Morreale E. , Oakley G. , Reymann G. , Schade A. , Scianna S. , Tsongalis G.J. , Vallone P.M. , Huggett J. , Ledeboer N.A. , Lefferts J.A. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractReal-time, reverse transcriptase PCR assays are a pervasive technology used for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. These assays produce a cycle threshold value (Ct) corresponding to the first amplification cycle in which reliable amplification is detected. (1)Such Ct values have been used by clinicians and in public health settings to guide treatment, monitor disease progression, assess prognosis, and inform isolation practices. To understanding the risk of reporting out uncalibrated Ct values and potential for instead reporting out calibrated viral load values, we performed a multi-institutional study to benchmark major clinical platforms against a calibrated standard. We found that for any given Ct value, corresponding viral loads varied up to 1000-fold among the different tests. In contrast, when these different assays were calibrated against a common standard and then used to test unknown de-identified specimens at several dilutions, viral load values showed high precision between methods (standard deviation and range of 0.36 and 1.1 log10 genome copies) and high accuracy compared with droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) determinations (difference between mean CDC N2 and Sarbeco E ddPCR determinations and mean determinations by calibrated RT-PCR assays examined in our study of 0.044 log10 genome copies). We, therefore, find strong support for calibration of SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR tests to allow conversion of cycle thresholds to accurate and precise viral load values that are reproducible across major clinical systems. Implementation of calibrated assays will provide more reliable information for clinical decision making and allow more rigorous interpretation of SARS-CoV-2 laboratory data in clinical and laboratory investigation.
Mathematical modelling of COVID-19 with periodic transmission: The case of South Africa
Authors: Assan Belthasara , Nyabadza Farai 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe data on SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) in South Africa shows seasonal transmission patterns to date, with the peaks having occurred in winter and summer since the out-breaks began. The transmission dynamics have mainly been driven by variations in environmental factors and virus evolution, and the two are at the center of driving the different waves of the disease. It is thus important to understand the role of seasonality in the transmission dynamics of COVID-19. In this paper a compartmental model with a time dependent transmission rate is formulated and the stabilities of the steady states analysed. We note that if R0 < 1, the disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable, and the disease completely dies out and when R0 > 1, the system admits a positive periodic solution, and the disease is uniformly or periodically persistent. The model is fitted to data on new cases in South Africa for the first four waves. The model results clearly indicate the need to consider seasonality in the transmission dynamics of COVID-19 and its importance in modelling fluctuations in the data for new cases. The potential impact of seasonality in the transmission patterns of COVID-19 and the public health implications are discussed.
A stop-gain variant inBTNL9is associated with atherogenic lipid profiles
Authors: Carlson Jenna C. , Krishnan Mohanraj , Rosenthal Samantha L. , Russell Emily M. , Zhang Jerry Z. , Hawley Nicola L. , Moors Jaye , Cheng Hong , Dalbeth Nicola , de Zoysa Janak R. , Watson Huti , Qasim Muhammad , Murphy Rinki , Naseri Take , Reupena Muagututi’a Sefuiva , Viali Satupa‘itea , Stamp Lisa K. , Tuitele John , Kershaw Erin E. , Deka Ranjan , McGarvey Stephen T. , Merriman Tony R. , Weeks Daniel E. , Minster. Ryan L. 
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACTCurrent understanding of lipid genetics has come mainly from studies in European-ancestry populations; limited effort has focused on Polynesian populations, whose unique population history and high prevalence of dyslipidemia may provide insight into the biological foundations of variation in lipid levels. Here we performed an association study to fine map a suggestive association on 5q35 with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) seen in Micronesian and Polynesian populations. Fine-mapping analyses in a cohort of 2,851 Samoan adults highlighted an association between a stop-gain variant (rs200884524; c.652C>T, p.R218*; posterior probability = 0.9987) inBTNL9and both lower HDL-C and greater triglycerides (TG). Meta-analysis across this and several other cohorts of Polynesian ancestry from Samoa, American Samoa, and Aotearoa New Zealand confirmed the presence of this association (βHDL-C= -1.60 mg/dL,pHDL-C= 7.63 × 10−10; βTG= 12.00 mg/dL,pTG= 3.82 × 10−7). While this variant appears to be Polynesian-specific, there is also evidence of association from other multi-ancestry analyses in this region. This work provides evidence of a previously unexplored contributor to the genetic architecture of lipid levels and underscores the importance of genetic analyses in understudied populations.
Upscaling health worker training on sepsis in South Eastern Nigeria using innovative digital strategies: an interventional study
Authors: Otu Akaninyene , Onwusaka Obiageli , Otokpa Daniel E. , Edadi Ukam , Udoh Ubong , Yougha Peter , Oduche Chinelo , Okuzu Okey , Jacob Shevin T , Rylance Jamie , Effa Emmanuel 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIntroductionSepsis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In low- to middle-income countries (LMICs) such as Nigeria, the disproportionately high mortality rate is linked to lack of awareness, poor recognition, and late implementation of sepsis care bundles among health workers. Training of health workers using digital platforms may improve knowledge and skills and lead to better patient outcomes.MethodsThis Cross-sectional study involved developing and deploying a sepsis module through an innovative application (FHIND/ARCS Sepsis tutorial app) to doctors in Calabar, Nigeria. We assessed quantitative pre- and post-intervention knowledge scores for those completing the electronic training module on sepsis between both assessments. A user satisfaction survey evaluated the content of the tutorial and the usability of the app.ResultsOne hundred and two doctors completed the course. There were more males than females (58.8% versus 41.2%). Over half (52%) were junior doctors, a minority were general practitioners and house officers (3% and 5%, respectively) and 72.6% had practiced for periods ranging from one to 15 years post qualification. Gender and age appeared to have no statistically significant association with pre- and post-test scores. The oldest age group (61-70) had the lowest mean pre- and post-test scores while general practitioners had higher mean pre- and post-test scores than other cadres.The majority (95%) of participants recorded higher post-test than pre-test scores demonstrated by a statistically significant overall increase in mean scores (25.5% ±14.7, P<0.0001).Participants were satisfied with the content and multimodal delivery of the material and found the app useable.ConclusionDigital training in sub-Saharan Africa is feasible and can sustainably close the critical knowledge gap required to respond more effectively to medical emergencies such as sepsis in LMIC settings.
Coordination in a not-for-profit organisation during the COVID-19 pandemic: organisational sensemaking during planning meetings
Authors: Kober Ralph , Thambar Paul J. 
Published: June 2022

PurposeThe authors examine how a not-for-profit organisation (NPO) coordinates NPO's actions during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic to remain focussed on strategic and operational goals.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a live case study of an NPO as the crises caused by the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded. Drawing on a sensemaking perspective that incorporates sensegiving, the authors develop a framework of five types of organisational sensemaking. The authors analyse weekly planning meetings during which managers discussed past performance, forecast performance and the forecast duration of current cash reserves.FindingsThe authors show how three of the five types of organisational sensemaking helped to coordinate actions. The authors highlight how accounting information triggers organisational sensemaking processes; but depending on the type of organisational sensemaking, accounting information has little further role. The authors also show that the stability of decisions depends on the types of organisational sensemaking.Practical implicationsThe authors show how coordination as a management control practice is enabled by organisational sensemaking within an NPO during a crisis. Organisational sensemaking enabled the agreement of actions, which enabled coordination. Accounting practices provided trigger mechanisms to facilitate organisational sensemaking.Originality/valueSince this study is the first to examine sensemaking processes and accounting practices in coordination in an NPO in a pandemic, the authors contribute to the limited research on NPOs during crises and on the management control practice of coordination. The authors extend the accounting literature on sensemaking by showing that, whilst accounting triggers organisational sensemaking, accounting is only implicated in one type of organisational sensemaking and by revealing the different outcomes of the different types of organisational sensemaking.
Conceptualising language archives through legacy materials
Authors: Weber Tobias 
Published: June 2022

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the role of linguistic legacy materials within archives and databases. These data of past documentation projects are currently playing a minor role in the design of modern language archives. This is due to various challenges that legacy materials pose – ethical considerations, difficulties with formats, unclear or deficient metadata. Tackling these challenges can highlight general issues in language documentation and the use of language data. These insights can be used to inform the design of tools and infrastructures for data in this field, both recent and legacy materials.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper is conceptual and theorises digital language archives through their oldest deposits. It is informed by the author’s experiences in working with linguistic legacy materials of the South Estonian Kraasna dialect. The discussion makes references to relevant discourses in linguistics, archiving and computer science, encouraging transdisciplinary efforts in the design of language archives.

Findings
A digital archive created around linguistic legacy materials has the potential to respond to challenges posed by current data.

Originality/value
This paper discusses digital language archives from the perspective of documentary linguistics. It introduces the challenges and necessary steps in curating legacy materials. Several suggestions for the design of digital archives arise from this discussion. These ideas can inspire creators of digital language archives and provide a view from researchers using legacy materials.
End-to-end digital transformation for document flow at a professional council in South Africa
Authors: Chauke Tshepo Arnold , Ngoepe Mpho 
Published: June 2022

Purpose
Many organisations, including professional councils, operate manually to ensure document flow to clients and stakeholders. This results in the loss of valuable documentation such as certificates and the incurring of costs due to the returning of post to the sender. The purpose of this study was to explore digital transformation of document flow at the South African Council for Social Science Professionals.

Design/methodology/approach
The methodological approach involved qualitative data collected through interviews, observation and document analysis in response to research questions. The study was a participatory action research project that involved collaboration between researchers and study participants in defining and solving the problem through needs assessment exercise. All three phases of participatory action research were followed, namely, the “look phase”: getting to know stakeholders so that the problem is defined on their terms and the problem definition is reflective of the community context; the “think phase”: interpretation and analysis of what was learned in the “look phase” and the “act phase”: planning, implementing, and evaluating, based on information collected and interpreted in the first two phases.

Findings
The study identified various issues relating to poor data quality, high rate of registered postal returns and non-delivery electronic messages that cannot reach all the intended recipients and accumulation of data for decades. In this regard, the study proposes a framework that can be used by SACSSP to update and verify their details on the portal, as well as digital certificates for membership.

Research limitations/implications
Although the proposed framework is tailor-made for the professional council, it is not depended on prescribed technologies due to usage of open standards that can be used by industry and researchers. Therefore, it can be applied in other context where institutions such as universities communicate with many clients via postal or courier services.

Originality/value
The study used participatory action research involving the researchers and the organisation to solve the problem. The study presented a workflow that the council can use to ensure that the documents reach intended recipients. Furthermore, digital transformation of the process will ensure that the registered professionals are able to access their certificates online and can print them when necessary.
The stakeholder's roles in risk management related to food supply chain recalls: a systematic literature review
Authors: Oliveira Lucas Lima de , da Silva Andrea Lago , Pereira Carla Roberta , Chaudhuri Atanu 
Published: June 2022

PurposeFood supply chains (FSCs) are becoming increasingly complex and vulnerable to recall risks due to quality failures. Measures for supply chain risk management can minimize these recall risks. However, this responsibility must be shared by all stakeholders in the chain. This study aims to analyze the roles of different stakeholders in managing risks in the events of food recalls.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review was carried out, and 110 articles were explored to identify risk management actions and to link them to the role of stakeholders involved in FSC recall.FindingsThe study found that nine stakeholders were responsible for 25 hazard management actions related to food safety and traceability systems, regulatory and preventive measures, and control and response mechanisms for food recalls in the FSC.Originality/valueThis article contributes to the literature by proposing an explanatory map associating risk management actions to different stakeholders in food recall. The actions were grouped according to whether they were prevention actions to avoid a food recall or contention actions to limit the negative economic effects and maintain the health of the population.
Students' experiences of academic coaching in Norway: a pilot study
Authors: Brevik Saethern Beate , Glømmen Anne Margrethe , Lugo Ricardo , Ellingsen Pål 
Published: June 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to identify and describe how students experience academic coaching in higher education in Norway.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a descriptive and exploratory qualitative design where semi-structured interviews formed the basis for data collection. Thematic analysis was used as an analytic strategy to identify, organise and find patterns or themes that emerged from the data.FindingsThe findings showed that academic coaching positively influenced the respondents' ability to identify the necessary and efficient cognitive processes and metacognitive skills needed to cope with everyday scholastic challenges. Academic coaching affected the respondents' metacognitive skills and cognitive processes in terms of evolving their self-efficacy, self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, stress identification, goal identification, goal setting and development of new strategies.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings in this study reflect the respondents' subjective opinions and further research is needed to validate these findings.Originality/valueThis article addresses a gap in the field of research by offering a descriptive pilot study and thematic analysis of students' experiences with academic coaching in Norway.
Robust market timing tests of Canadian hybrid mutual funds
Authors: Ayadi Mohamed A. , Chaibi Anis , Kryzanowski Lawrence 
Published: June 2022

PurposePrior research has documented inconclusive and/or mixed empirical evidence on the timing performance of hybrid funds. Their performance inferences generally do not efficiently control for fixed-income exposure, conditioning information, and cross-correlations in fund returns. This study examines the stock and bond timing performances of hybrid funds while controlling and accounting for these important issues. It also discusses the inferential implications of using alternative bootstrap resampling approaches.Design/methodology/approachWe examine the stock and bond timing performances of hybrid funds using (un)conditional multi-factor benchmark models with robust estimation inferences. We also rely on the block bootstrap method to account for cross-correlations in fund returns and to separate the effects of luck or sampling variation from manager skill.FindingsWe find that the timing performance of portfolios of funds is neutral and sensitive to controlling for fixed-income exposures and choice of the timing measurement model. The block-bootstrap analyses of funds in the tails of the distributions of stock timing performances suggest that sampling variation explains the underperformance of extreme left tail funds and confirms the good and bad luck in the bond timing management of tail funds. We report inference changes based on whether the Kosowski et al. or the Fama and French bootstrap approach is used.Originality/valueThis study provides extensive and robust evidence on the stock and bond timing performances of hybrid funds and their sensitivity based on (un)conditional linear multi-factor benchmark models. It examines the timing performances in the extreme tails funds using the block bootstrap method to efficiently identify (un)skilled fund managers. It also highlights the sensitivity of inferences to the choice of testing methodology.
Managerial perspectives on green-lean-six sigma adoption in the flexible packaging industry: empirical evidence from an emerging economy
Authors: Farrukh Amna , Mathrani Sanjay , Sajjad Aymen 
Published: June 2022

PurposeThis paper attempts to explore the green-lean-six sigma (GLSS) practices in the continuous process industry particularly in the flexible packaging (FP) industry in an emerging economy for addressing environmental sustainability issues.Design/methodology/approachThe authors have employed a qualitative multiple-case approach to examine managerial perspectives on GLSS adoption in the flexible packaging industry. Semi-structured interviews with senior corporate managers in two large FP organizations in Pakistan were conducted as the primary source of data collection.FindingsDrawing on the natural resource-based view (NRBV), the analysis revealed that organizations are implementing key GLSS practices such as environmental management system (ISO 14001), cause–effect analysis, renewable energy sources, total productive maintenance, and statistical process control to effectively manage waste, conserve resources, control air emissions, and improve environmental and workplace safety.Originality/valueThe authors argue that this is one of the first research studies that has utilized NRBV to investigate the application of the GLSS approach in the process industry, specifically in the FP industry in an emerging economy.