bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social Determinants of Health and Racial/Ethnic Disparities in COVID-19 Mortality at the County Level in the Commonwealth of Virginia
Authors: Pattath Priyadarshini 
Published: December 2022

Background:
Mortality due to coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) among Black and Hispanic populations is disproportionately high compared to white populations. This study aimed to explore the association between COVID-19 mortality and social determinants of health (SDOH) among Black and Hispanic populations in Virginia.

Method:
County-level publicly available COVID-19 mortality data from Virginia, covariates, and SDOH indicators were used. An independent t-test and hierarchical multiple regression analysis were performed to assess the association between SDOH and COVID-19 death rates, with a focus on racial/ethnic disparities.

Results:
Counties in the lowest quartile had a mean death rate of 44.72 (SD = 13.8), while those in the highest quartile had a mean death rate of 239.02 (SD = 123.9) per 100, 000 people (P < .001). Counties with the highest death rates had significantly lower mean socioeconomic status. The regression analysis revealed that 32% of the variance in the COVID-19 mortality rate was associated with SDOH after controlling for the covariates (P < .01). Identifying as Hispanic ethnicity accounted for 8.5% of the variance, while median household income, being uninsured, and education accounted for 32.7%, 12.9%, and 7.1%, respectively.

Conclusions:
The findings provide evidence that disparities in SDOH experienced by Hispanic populations play a significant role in increased COVID-19 mortality, thus highlighting the social needs of low-income, low-education, and Hispanic populations to advance equity in health outcomes.
Ulinastatin ameliorates preeclampsia induced by N(gamma)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester in a rat model via inhibition of the systemic and placental inflammatory response
Authors: Yu Zhiqiang , Liu Yan , Zhang Yan , Cui Jian , Dong Yan , Zhang Li , Liu Peng , Hao Yingxin , Xu Yanning , Wang Jianbo 
Published: December 2022

Background:
The pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE) is associated with inflammation and endothelial damage. Ulinastatin (UTI) mainly inhibits proteolytic activity and significantly reduces the release of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) from macrophages. It also ameliorates vascular endothelial damage in pathological conditions. Hence, we investigated the effects of UTI in a rat model of PE induced using N(gamma)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME).

Methods:
Although inducing PE in a rat model, 5000 U/kg of UTI were injected daily. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and protein levels in the urine were measured. Renal function, and serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, placental growth factor (PLGF), and von Willebrand factor (vWF) were evaluated. The number and weight of live fetuses as well as the weight of placentas were measured. Placentas were collected for western blot and pathological analysis.

Results:
UTI slightly ameliorated proteinuria and the increases in SBP, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and serum creatinine. Furthermore, UTI improved serum and placental protein expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6, vWF, and PLGF. Pathological analysis revealed that vascular density and blood flow perfusion was enhanced, vessel wall thickening and neutrophil infiltration were diminished, and the weight and number of live fetuses as well as the weight of the placentas were improved with UTI.

Conclusion:
Preventive use of UTI in the PE rat model induced by L-NAME partially alleviated hypertension, proteinuria, and impaired renal function; improved fetal growth restriction; diminished vascular endothelial injury; and ameliorated placental vasculogenesis abnormality and malperfusion by inhibiting the systemic and placental inflammatory response, suggesting that UTI is a potential drug for PE prevention or treatment.
The Role of Childhood Trauma on Prenatal Attachment
Authors: Can Caglayan Ilkin Seda , Uzun Cicek Ayla , Yilmaz Yavuz , Sahin Ayse Ecem 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Although the quality of prenatal attachment is a strong predictor of the quality of postnatal mother-infant attachment and mother-child interaction, little is known about the specific impacts of maternal exposure to childhood traumas, and it deserves more attention. This study was conducted to determine whether there is a relationship between childhood traumas and pren1atal attachment levels. Prenatal attachment and childhood trauma were evaluated in 104 pregnant women using the Prenatal Attachment Scale and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Our results showed that all kinds of childhood traumatic experiences were associated with lower prenatal attachment scores. Also, more severe childhood traumas were strongly associated with weaker prenatal attachment. This study contributes to the very limited literature on the prenatal attachment of expectant mothers with childhood traumas by emphasizing the importance of pregnant women's exposure to childhood traumas as a risk factor for low prenatal attachment.
Demystifying BRAF Mutation Status in Colorectal Liver Metastases
Authors: Margonis Georgios A. , Boerner Thomas , Bachet Jean-Baptiste , Buettner Stefan , Moretto Roberto , Andreatos Nikolaos , Sartore-Bianchi Andrea , Wang Jane , Kamphues Carsten , Gagniere Johan , Lonardi Sara , Løes Inger M. , Wagner Doris , Spallanzani Andrea , Sasaki Kazunari , Burkhart Richard , Pietrantonio Filippo , Pikoulis Emmanouil , Pawlik Timothy M. , Truant Stéphanie , Orlandi Armando , Pikouli Anastasia , Pella Nicoletta , Beyer Katharina , Poultsides George , Seeliger Hendrik , Aucejo Federico N. , Kornprat Peter , Kaczirek Klaus , Lønning Per E. , Kreis Martin E. , Wolfgang Christopher L. , Weiss Matthew J. , Cremolini Chiara , Benoist Stéphane , D’Angelica Michael 
Published: December 2022

Objective:
To investigate the clinical implications of BRAF-mutated (mutBRAF) colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs).

Background:
The clinical implications of mutBRAF status in CRLMs are largely unknown.

Methods:
Patients undergoing resection for mutBRAF CRLM were identified from prospectively maintained registries of the collaborating institutions. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were compared among patients with V600E versus non-V600E mutations, KRAS/BRAF comutation versus mutBRAF alone, microsatellite stability status (Microsatellite Stable (MSS) vs instable (MSI-high)), upfront resectable versus converted tumors, extrahepatic versus liver-limited disease, and intrahepatic recurrence treated with repeat hepatectomy versus nonoperative management.

Results:
A total of 240 patients harboring BRAF-mutated tumors were included. BRAF V600E mutation was associated with shorter OS (30.6 vs 144 mo, P=0.004), but not RFS compared with non-V600E mutations. KRAS/BRAF comutation did not affect outcomes. MSS tumors were associated with shorter RFS (9.1 vs 26 mo, P<0.001) but not OS (33.5 vs 41 mo, P=0.3) compared with MSI-high tumors, whereas patients with resected converted disease had slightly worse RFS (8 vs 11 mo, P=0.01) and similar OS (30 vs 40 mo, P=0.4) compared with those with upfront resectable disease. Patients with extrahepatic disease had worse OS compared with those with liver-limited disease (8.8 vs 40 mo, P<0.001). Repeat hepatectomy after intrahepatic recurrence was associated with improved OS compared with nonoperative management (41 vs 18.7 mo, P=0.004). All results continued to hold true in the multivariable OS analysis.

Conclusions:
Although surgery may be futile in patients with BRAF-mutated CRLM and concurrent extrahepatic disease, resection of converted disease resulted in encouraging survival in the absence of extrahepatic spread. Importantly, second hepatectomy in select patients with recurrence was associated with improved outcomes. Finally, MSI-high status identifies a better prognostic group, with regard to RFS while patients with non-V600E mutations have excellent prognosis.
Effect of COVID-19 during pregnancy: Studying the maternal and neonatal outcomes and assessing the placental changes related to SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Madan Surabhi , Ramar Dharshni , Patel Devang , Chitaliya Amit , Shah Nitesh , Shah Bhagyesh , Thakkar Vipul , Shah Hardik , Chovatiya Rashmi , Dabhi Pradip , Patel Minesh , Patel Amit , Bapat Nirav , Bhatt Parloop , Naik Aarya , Rana Manish , Nayak Himanshu , Sharma Karun Dev , Parikh Prashant , Mehta Bhavna , Shah Bhavini 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundPregnant females affected with COVID-19 are reported to have poorer disease outcomes as compared to non-pregnant females of a similar age group. COVID-19 may lead to adverse changes in the placenta, which needs to be studied.MethodsThis is a case series of 63 pregnant women hospitalized with COVID-19 from May 2020 to February 2021.The primary outcomes were maternal death or complications.Results63 women were studied. 83.3% of women were in the age group of 26 to 35 years. 33% women had associated comorbidities. 68.3% of women tested positive in their third trimester, 15.9% and 11% tested positive in their second and first trimesters respectively. 73% women had mild disease and 27% women required oxygen support. 3/63 women died. One woman in the second and two women in the third trimester died respectively. Histopathological examination in 13 placentae (of 19 placentae examined) were suggestive of maternal and fetal malperfusion.ConclusionPregnant COVID-19 women may develop disease-related as well as obstetric complications.
Regulation of stress-induced sleep fragmentation by preoptic glutamatergic neurons
Authors: Smith Jennifer , Honig-Frand Adam , Antila Hanna , Beier Kevin , Weber Franz , Chung Shinjae 
Published: December 2022

SUMMARYSleep disturbances are detrimental for our behavioral and emotional well-being. Stressful events disrupt sleep, in particular by inducing brief awakenings (microarousals, MAs) resulting in sleep fragmentation. The preoptic area of the hypothalamus (POA) is crucial for sleep control. However, how POA neurons contribute to the regulation of MAs and thereby impact sleep quality is unknown. Using fiber photometry recordings in mice, we examined the activity changes of genetically defined POA subpopulations during sleep. We found that POA glutamatergic neurons are rhythmically activated in synchrony with an infraslow rhythm in the spindle band of the electroencephalogram during non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREMs) and are transiently activated during MAs. Optogenetic stimulation of these neurons strongly promotes MAs. Exposure to acute social defeat stress significantly increased the number of transients in the calcium activity of POA glutamatergic neurons during NREMs. Optogenetic inhibition during spontaneous sleep and after stress reduced MAs during NREMs and consequently consolidated sleep. Monosynaptically-restricted rabies tracing revealed that POA glutamatergic neurons are innervated by brain regions regulating stress and sleep. Our findings uncover a novel circuit mechanism by which POA excitatory neurons regulate sleep quality after stress.
Extended search pigeon-inspired optimized MPPT controller for solar quadcopter
Authors: Zheng Zhiqiang , Duan Haibin , Deng Yimin 
Published: December 2022

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel maximum power point track (MPPT) controller for a type of solar quad-copter to solve the problem of tracking the maximum power point (MPP) when it works in nonuniform environment conditions.

Design/methodology/approach
The influence of uniform and nonuniform illumination and different temperatures results in the output characteristics of the solar array arising multiple local MPPs. To track the global MPP of the solar array on the designed solar quadcopter, a type of MPPT controller based on an improved pigeon-inspired optimization (PIO) algorithm is proposed.

Findings
A novel type of MPPT controller based on extended search PIO (ESPIO) algorithm, called ESPIO–MPPT controller, is introduced emphatically, which is used to extend the solar quadcopter’s flight time. The simulation experiments show that the ESPIO–MPPT controller can find the global MPP (GMPP) with smaller amplitudes of oscillation and less time cost.

Practical implications
The proposed solar quadcopter with ESPIO–MPPT controller has satisfactory flight performance which can greatly broaden its mission scope.

Originality/value
A type of efficient MPPT algorithm based on ESPIO is proposed for GMPP tracking of solar quadcopters in nonuniform environment conditions.
CEO masculinity and CSR disclosure: evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Nasih Mohammad , Anridho Nadia , Rahayu Nadia Klarita , Nowland John 
Published: December 2022

PurposeThe authors analyzed the relationship between chief executive officer (CEO) facial masculinity and the level of corporate social responsibility disclosure (CSRD).Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted research for 2011–2019, covering companies listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange. This study used an ordinary least squares regression, the coarsened exact matching (CEM) and propensity score matching (PSM) procedure in testing the hypothesis.FindingsBased on the results of analysis, it is known that CEO facial masculinity is negatively related to corporate CSR disclosure levels. However, this negative relationship can be mitigated through governance mechanisms: the audit committee.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper provides implications in the field of research, especially regarding the biological attributes of CEOs in relation to CSR.Originality/valueAs many previous studies focused on the managerial aspect of the CEO, this study focused on the biological aspect of CEO. To the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first to attempt to investigate this issue in an emerging market.
Financial technology to address the liability of poorness? A typology of FinTech organisations
Authors: Ranabahu Nadeera 
Published: December 2022

PurposeThis paper explores how financial technology (FinTech) organisations address poverty-related challenges when providing digital financial services. Employing the conceptual foundation of the liability of poorness (i.e. literacy gaps, a scarcity mindset, intense non-business pressures and a lack of financial slack), this paper explores the innovative strategies that FinTechs use to address these liabilities and promote entrepreneurship.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses detailed case data collected from three FinTech organisations operating in one South Asian country.FindingsFinTech organisations' innovative strategies reflect a combination of “high touch” (human) vs “low touch” (digital) solutions. All the organisations simplified internal systems or procedures to accommodate customers. The degree to which the three organisations adopted each of the identified strategies shows an emerging typology of FinTechs; that is, innovators with high digital interactions, a mix of digital-human interactions and high human interactions.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper develops a typology which categorises FinTech innovative strategies. The typology highlights strategies pro-poor FinTechs use and explains the types of entrepreneurial support innovative organisations provide for their customers. Both the typology and the innovative strategies contribute to enhanced financial inclusion and entrepreneurial promotion amongst the poor.Originality/valueThe originality of the paper comes from its focus on FinTechs' innovative pro-poor strategies. Existing studies typically address the technology-side of innovations. In contrast, this paper combines innovative strategies with the liability of poorness to identify issues associated with financial inclusion.
Engaging the sales force in digital solution selling: how sales control systems resolve agency problems to create and capture superior value
Authors: Tienken Christoph , Classen Moritz , Friedli Thomas 
Published: December 2022

Purpose
Digital solutions (DS) that build on recurring revenue models (RRMs) offer new opportunities to continuously create and capture superior value. However, many firms fail to engage their sales force in digital solution selling (DS selling), leading to agency problems that receive little attention in literature. This study aims to examine the drivers of agency problems that surface in the transition toward DS selling and the sales control systems that resolve these problems.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted a qualitative, inductive study. Data were collected from interviews with 72 marketing and sales managers representing 53 industrial firms transitioning toward DS selling.

Findings
DS selling is subject to adverse selection and moral hazard caused by motivation-related, opportunity-related and ability-related drivers. Input, capability, activity and outcome controls – detailed in this study – can resolve these agency problems.

Research limitations/implications
The limitations of this study’s methodology and scope suggest several directions for future research. Methodology-wise, the authors mainly relied on cross-sectional interview data from informants in Central and Northern Europe. Scope-wise, more research is needed on the capabilities, processes and steering instruments supporting DS sales. Finally, only now do the authors begin to understand which compensation plans motivate DS selling.

Practical implications
The controls identified in this study help managers to steer their sales force in DS sales.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to investigate DS sales control systems. Thereby, the authors enhance prior understandings of solution selling, agency problems and sales control systems.
The effect of transactive memory systems on supply chain network collaboration
Authors: Scheibe Kevin P. , Mukandwal Prabhjot S. , Grawe Scott J. 
Published: December 2022

PurposeThis research is aimed at understanding how inter-organizational team members' ability to encode, interpret, retain and recall knowledge can lead to effective supply chain collaboration, resulting in improved firm performance. Using the lens of transactive memory systems (TMS), this research demonstrates the value of knowing who knows what (specialization), is it trustworthy (credibility) and how to retrieve it (coordination) on supply chain firm performance through network collaboration.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used a multi-method approach that includes quantitative survey methodology and a qualitative methodology using semi-structured interviews. In total, 207 survey responses and six semi-structured interviews provided valuable insights into the use of TMS in supply chain relationships.FindingsThis study shows that TMS can enable firms to exploit potential benefits of collaboration on network optimization, thus improving the overall efficiency and process innovations.Practical implicationsTo maintain the efficient use of a firm's assets while suppliers get added or removed from the network, this study’s findings suggest that managers should be more knowledgeable of supply chain partners carrying codified knowledge, which can contribute to superior firm performance. Recognizing that when two or more firms collaborate, there are multiple supply chains affected by each decision, it is important that managers carefully assign the specific role of each firm within the supply chain.Originality/valueThis research takes a new approach to network optimization by specifically considering how firms work together to share information about their changing networks to allow firms throughout the supply chain to gain greater levels of asset efficiency and process improvement.
Balancing privacy and communication in activity-based workspaces: a longitudinal study
Authors: Rücker Marc , Eismann Tobias T. , Meinel Martin , Söllner Antonia , Voigt Kai-Ingo 
Published: December 2022

Purpose
The aim of this study is to investigate whether activity-based workspaces (ABWs) are able to solve the privacy-communication trade-off known from fixed-desk offices. In fixed-desk offices, employees work in private or open-plan offices (or in combi-offices) with fixed workstations, which support either privacy or communication, respectively. However, both dimensions are essential to effective employee performance, which creates the dilemma known as the privacy-communication trade-off. In activity-based workspaces, flexible workstations and the availability of different spaces may solve this dilemma, but clear empirical evidence on the matter is unavailable.

Design/methodology/approach
To address this knowledge gap, the authors surveyed knowledge workers (N = 363) at a medium-sized German company at three time points (T1–T3) over a one-year period during the company’s move from a fixed-desk combi-office (a combination of private and open-plan offices with fixed workplaces) to an ABW. Using a quantitative survey, the authors evaluated the employees’ perceived privacy and perceived communication in the old (T1) and the new work environments (T2 and T3).

Findings
The longitudinal study revealed a significant increase in employees’ perceived privacy and perceived communication in the ABW. These increases remained stable in the long term, which implies that ABWs have a lasting positive impact on employees.

Originality/value
As the privacy and communication dimensions were previously considered mutually exclusive in a single workplace, the results confirm that ABWs can balance privacy and communication, providing optimal conditions for enhanced employee performance.
Barriers and solutions in adopting public–private partnerships in road transportation infrastructure projects for developing countries: results of a Delphi survey in Iran
Authors: Chan Daniel W. M. , Abdul Hadi Sadeq Dher , Mohammed Fadhil Aqeel , Cristofaro Matteo , Sarvari Hadi 
Published: December 2022

Purpose
Sustainable economic growth in both developed and developing countries requires the restructuring and expansion of road transportation infrastructures (RTIs). However, RTIs are always subject to high costs and delays, especially in developing countries with fewer resources than developed ones. Cost overruns and inaccurate forecasts usually lead to project failures. In this regard, some governments in developing countries have adopted public–private partnerships (PPPs) to deliver RTI projects with very positive outcomes. However, academic research has not yet studied the most recurring barriers and associated solutions to adopting PPPs in RTIs particularly for developing countries. This paper aims to fill up this knowledge gap in the existing literature.

Design/methodology/approach
A Delphi survey method involving 103 experts in RTIs based in Iran was implemented. Results indicated that the most perceived barriers to applying PPPs in RTIs in developing countries are linked to political, legal and economic factors. Ten other experts also participated in semistructured interviews, which were thematically analyzed to provide practical effective solutions for overcoming those identified barriers.

Findings
The findings indicated that all the presented barriers achieved above-average scores and could be considered severe obstacles of applying PPPs in RTIs for developing countries. In terms of barriers and solutions reported, these seem to converge on three profound elements: political stability, legal framework and conjoint management.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first-ever research study regarding the barriers to adopting PPPs in delivering RTI projects for developing countries. Practical recommendations for overcoming these perceived barriers and achieving better implementation of PPPs in RTIs for developing countries were advocated. This work has contributed to the extant PPP theory as the management of coproduction in delivering RTI projects.