bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the professional´s perceptions on dual vocational education and training (dual VET) process of implementation in Spain
Authors: Guerrero Puerta Laura , Lorente García Rocío
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This article explores the perceptions of professionals on the implementation and impact of Dual Vocational Training (Dual VET) in the Spanish education system.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involves interviews with various professionals in the education and employment sectors and two discussion groups.

Findings

Results reveal positive views on Dual VET’s ability to enhance employability and reduce the education-to-employment gap. However, challenges like the involvement of small and medium enterprises and the need for continuous curriculum evaluation and adaptation are recognized. Additionally, the study highlights a lack of acknowledgment of antecedent programs to Dual VET, despite their recognition by experts as highly influential in facilitating the school-to-work transition for young individuals.

Originality/value

The study emphasizes the importance of promoting awareness among stakeholders and emphasizes the role of collaboration between educational institutions and the business sector to ensure Dual VET’s success in Spain.
How should companies manage their employees’ emigration intentions? A serial mediation model
Authors: Tafolli Festim , Hameli Kujtim
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between high-commitment human resource management (HCHRM) practices and emigration intentions in a developing country context. It further examines the mediating roles of perceived organizational support (POS) and job satisfaction in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the survey method, data were collected online from 407 employees. Structural equation modeling (SEM) in Amos v. 23 was conducted to scrutinize the structural relationships among the variables.

Findings

The study revealed that HCHRM practices do not directly impact emigration intentions. However, they do significantly influence POS, which, in turn, has a positive effect on job satisfaction. Consequently, HCHRM practices indirectly affect emigration intentions through the serial mediation of POS and job satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

While this study provides valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of HCHRM practices, organizational support, job satisfaction and emigration intentions, it has certain limitations, such as its specific focus on Kosovo and its reliance on cross-sectional data. Future research could explore these relationships in diverse settings and use longitudinal designs for a more profound understanding.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study represents the first empirical investigation into the connection between HCHRM practices and emigration intentions within a developing country context. It underscores the significance of considering not only specific HRM practices but also broader contextual factors and mediating mechanisms, shedding light on how HCHRM practices influence employee intentions to emigrate. The findings provide a unique perspective for organizations and policymakers dealing with emigration challenges in developing countries.
Climate change and flooding: governmental responses to displacement and relocation in Jakarta’s informal neighborhoods
Authors: Meshkani Taraneh
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the policies and strategies used by governmental organizations to address the impacts of climate change in informal neighborhoods, kampungs, such as Bukit Duri and Melayu in Jakarta, Indonesia, focusing on canal and river flooding mitigation and infrastructure development. The research examines the displacement of residents due to the demolition of informal settlements along riverbanks, the role of different governmental organizations and the implications of these policies on affected communities.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the theoretical framework of environmental injustice to evaluate the strategies used by the Indonesian Government to address climate change adaptation in Jakarta, with a specific focus on the problem of flooding and its impact on displacement. By analyzing the history and outcomes of flood mitigation policies, this paper assesses the government’s strategies related to infrastructure, evacuation and socialization. In doing so, the study examines the social impact of these policies on affected communities. Furthermore, social listening and media analysis of Twitter data and various news outlets are conducted to gain insights into the living conditions and experiences of displaced residents in two public housing projects.

Findings

The study revealed the challenges faced by the government in implementing policies for climate change adaptation and flood mitigation in Jakarta, including a lack of community engagement with residents of the Kampungs in the decision-making process for relocation. Despite government efforts and providing low-cost apartments (rusuwana), the analysis sheds light on the various forms of injustice that result from the government’s approach to climate change adaptation in Jakarta.

Originality/value

This study examines social justice issues in Jakarta’s informal neighborhoods and explores locally driven efforts vs government-mandated policies for managing natural hazards and adapting to climate change.
Entrepreneurship under patriarchy: the intersecting forces characterising everyday life for Nigeria’s women entrepreneurs
Authors: Onoshakpor Chioma , Cunningham James , Gammie Elizabeth
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Nigeria presents something of an entrepreneurial paradox. Women in entrepreneurship dominate the economy, yet patriarchal structures dominate society. This article investigates how patriarchal factors impact entrepreneurial processes, in turn, creating unequal expectations of entrepreneurial opportunity.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts an intersectionality lens to explore how patriarchy is manifest for entrepreneurs. The reflective narratives of 30 entrepreneurs are analysed, provided through semi-structured interviews. An inductive qualitative approach accesses the gendered discourse of entrepreneurship as constructed by entrepreneurs. Within this discourse, the factors of patriarchy are exposed.

Findings

Findings reveal a multi-faceted patriarchy, with the informing factors of entrepreneurial gender roles, class and religion. The study explains how the interaction of these factors reinforce patriarchal ideals and create a variety of gendered images of what is acceptable entrepreneurial activity in Nigeria, and for whom.

Originality/value

This study contributes to growing insight on entrepreneurship in Africa and challenges linear arguments of entrepreneurship-as-emancipation for women. In complex and multidimensional contexts, entrepreneurs must navigate the intersection of factors sensitively, ensuring acceptance and fulfilment of societal expectations. The power of intersectionality as a theory of contextualisation is discussed.
Who changes what, when and where? Elaborating postponement when integrating hardware and software objects in global supply chains
Authors: Prataviera Lorenzo Bruno , Norrman Andreas
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The postponement principle concerns defining when and where value is added, usually referring to hardware components for physical products. However, in modern supply chains, software’s importance is increasing, impacting the timing and location of value-adding operations. Lacking insights into software-driven implications for postponement, we aim at elaborating on the postponement principle by contextualizing its evolution when integrating different objects (i.e. hardware and software).

Design/methodology/approach

We adopted an abductive approach to elaborate on the existing knowledge with original empirical insights. A single-case study with four subcases allowed us to explore postponement dimensions in the context of a global high-tech enterprise offering products that integrate hardware and software objects. As global supply chains involve multiple jurisdictions with heterogeneous regulations, we also analyzed in depth the emerging fiscal and legal implications.

Findings

Besides where and when value is added, the study illustrates that deciding who (i.e. what legal entity) is carrying out what operation on what kind of object is highly important. Moreover, fiscal and legal implications for the various legal entities strongly depend on what operations are executed and in which jurisdiction (where). The study identifies critical interrelationships among postponement dimensions when integrating hardware and software objects, highlighting the importance of understanding and managing their reciprocity with the emerging fiscal and legal risks.

Originality/value

We elaborate on the postponement principle by contextualizing its applications when integrating hardware and software objects in global supply chains, which include multiple jurisdictions. By formalizing the impact of the who dimension, the study contributes to developing the interorganizational perspective for postponement. Moreover, it extends the traditional cost perspective for postponement beyond the trade-off between responsiveness and cost-efficiency, suggesting that firms applying global postponement should extend their focus to also examine fiscal and legal risks for all the legal entities involved.
Profiling employee engagement dimensions and outcomes: a person-centered approach
Authors: Singh Punam , Sreehitha Lingam , Kumar Vimal , Rajak Binod Kumar , Sarkar Shulagna
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Employee engagement (EE) continues to be one of the most difficult challenges for organizations today. Numerous factors have been linked to EE, according to studies. However, the necessary human resource management (HRM) strategies and systems for enhancing EE have not yet been developed. It is questionable if all employees inside the company require the same HRM strategies, to boost engagement as one size does not fit all. Therefore, it is necessary to create employee profiles based on factors associated with EE. This study aims to develop employee profiles based on engagement dimensions and outcomes. It seeks to comprehend the relationship between engagement level and factors such as age, years of service and employment grade.

Design/methodology/approach

Using latent profile analysis (LPA), we identified five EE profiles (highly engaged, engaged, moderately engaged, disengaged and highly disengaged). These five profiles were characterized by five EE dimensions (Culture Dimensions, Leadership Dimensions, People Process, Business alignment Dimension and Job Dimension) and EE outcomes (Say, Stay and Strive).

Findings

The study revealed that Engaged profiles exhibited low stay outcomes. The highest percentage of disengaged employees fall under 25 years of age with less than 5 years of experience and are at the entry level.

Research limitations/implications

The study highlights the significance of the people processes dimensions in enhancing engagement. Profiles with low people process dimensions showed high disengagement. Person-centered LPA adds and complements variable-centered approach to develop a better understanding of EE and help organizations devise more personalized strategies. The study would be of interest to both academics and practitioners.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study lies in its attempt to model the employee profiles to comprehend the relationship between engagement levels using LPA.
Navigating emerging trademarks issues for sport brands in the metaverse
Authors: Kim Suji , Grady John , Ballouli Khalid
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an integrated legal and marketing perspective on the imminent trademark challenges and opportunities for sports organizations operating in the metaverse.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is a legal commentary that explores the ways in which the current legal framework, especially in the context of trademarks, might need to transform to offer robust protection for sports brands in the virtual marketplaces emerging within the metaverse.

Findings

Our analysis reveals that the traditional legal frameworks for trademarks are often inadequate to address the unique challenges posted by the metaverse, such as the issue of virtual goods replication and the global accessibility of branded content. The findings indicate that sport organizations must adopt proactive strategies to monitor and enforce their trademark rights effectively within these expansive digital environments. Moreover, legislative bodies may need to consider reforms or new regulations specifically tailored to the complexities of trademark protection in the digital realm to prevent dilution and misuse of sport brands.

Originality/value

In light of legal and branding issues related to metaverse-based trademarks, this paper is dedicated to examining the legal principles and foundations necessary to enhance the protection of sports brands within the virtual marketplace of the metaverse.
Does consumer religiosity matter for green banking adoption? Evidence from a Muslim-majority market
Authors: Bouteraa Mohamed , Chekima Brahim , Amin Hanudin , Tamma Elhachemi , Lada Suddin , Ansar Rudy , Lim Ming Fook
Published: May 2024

Purpose

A significant dilemma facing humankind in the present time is environmental degradation. To alleviate the pressure on natural resources, green banking (GB) has been acknowledged as an effective solution. However, creating consumer engagement is still challenging for banks. Hence, the purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of religiosity on GB adoption among Muslim consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

The deductive approach was used to explain how GB adoption is affected by the religiosity of the consumer. A total of 332 sample data were collected cross-sectionally from Islamic bank customers in the UAE. Partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) via Smart PLS 4 was used to analyse the data. Five dimensions (i.e. ideological, ritualistic, intellectual, consequential and experimental) were used to measure religiosity which served as the independent variable. Customer intention to adopt GB represents the dependent variable.

Findings

The PLS-SEM results revealed that Islamic religiosity affects the adoption of GB among Muslim consumers. Indeed, their religious commitment and beliefs affect the products they intend to adopt and how they intend to do it.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is a pioneering study in the investigation of Islamic religiosity and its influence on the intention to adopt GB. This is a pioneering study in the sense that it proposes a comprehensive religiosity construct using five intertwined dimensions in the literature of GB. This study offers an improved and broader insight assessment of Islamic religiosity, which would help emphasise its significance and utility for business-related decisions by developing an emotionally-driven link between GB practices and the Muslim-oriented consumer market towards increasing the latter’s engagement.
Quality education for all in an ideas-informed society: exploring idea-engagement amongst friendship networks and how education can prevent idea “echo-chambers”
Authors: Brown Chris , Gross Ophoff Jana , Handscomb Graham
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to begine to address this question. The concept of the ideas-informed society (IIS) represents a desired situation in which citizens actively and critically engage with new ideas, developments and claims to truth. Its successful actualisation is dependent on high-quality educational opportunity at all stages of the life course. Social networks represent our connections to one another. Features of our social networks impact on how we engage with ideas. For instance, homophily dictates that individuals form networks with others seen as being like themselves. A key question, however, is whether there are forms of homophily that, by the nature of those they bring together, promote ideas engagement by individuals and the implications of consequent networks for the IIS?

Design/methodology/approach

This study re-analysed survey data from 1,000 voting-age citizens in England. Focusing on friendship networks, the authors used a structural equation model approach to explore the existence and potency of homophilic friendship networks; whether such networks drive respondents’ ideas-engagement with friends; and whether ideas discussions with friends impacts on the importance respondents place on staying up to date.

Findings

Political homophily has the strongest influence on whether people discuss new ideas with their friends (ES = 0.326, p < 0.01). In turn, ideas discussion has a significant impact on the extent to which people value engaging with ideas (ES = −0.345, p < 0.01).

Originality/value

The authors consider whether ideas-related discussion within politically homophilous networks is problematic for the IIS and what is required from education systems if we are to build individuals’ capacity to engage with ideas while escaping echo chambers.
Indoor air quality prediction modeling for a naturally ventilated fitness building using RNN-LSTM artificial neural networks
Authors: Karaiskos Panagiotis , Munian Yuvaraj , Martinez-Molina Antonio , Alamaniotis Miltiadis
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Exposure to indoor air pollutants poses a significant health risk, contributing to various ailments such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. These unhealthy consequences are specifically alarming for athletes during exercise due to their higher respiratory rate. Therefore, studying, predicting and curtailing exposure to indoor air contaminants during athletic activities is essential for fitness facilities. The objective of this study is to develop a neural network model designed for predicting optimal (in terms of health) occupancy intervals using monitored indoor air quality (IAQ) data.

Design/methodology/approach

This research study presents an innovative approach employing a long short-term memory (LSTM) recurrent neural network (RNN) to determine optimal occupancy intervals for ensuring the safety and well-being of occupants. The dataset was collected over a 3-month monitoring campaign, encompassing 15 meteorological and indoor environmental parameters monitored. All the parameters were monitored in 5-min intervals, resulting in a total of 77,520 data points. The dataset collection parameters included the building’s ventilation methods as well as the level of occupancy. Initial preprocessing involved computing the correlation matrix and identifying highly correlated variables to serve as inputs for the LSTM network model.

Findings

The findings underscore the efficacy of the proposed artificial intelligence model in forecasting indoor conditions, yielding highly specific predicted time slots. Using the training dataset and established threshold values, the model effectively identifies benign periods for occupancy. Validation of the predicted time slots is conducted utilizing features chosen from the correlation matrix and their corresponding standard ranges. Essentially, this process determines the ratio of recommended to non-recommended timing intervals.

Originality/value

Humans do not have the capacity to process this data and make such a relevant decision, though the complexity of the parameters of IAQ imposes significant barriers to human decision-making, artificial intelligence and machine learning systems, which are different. Present research utilizing multilayer perceptron (MLP) and LSTM algorithms for evaluating indoor air pollution levels lacks the capability to predict specific time slots. This study aims to fill this gap in evaluation methodologies. Therefore, the utilized LSTM-RNN model can provide a day-ahead prediction of indoor air pollutants, making its competency far beyond the human being’s and regular sensors' capacities.
Determinants of the financial performance of social enterprises in an emerging economy: a quantitative analysis
Authors: Fernandes Eduardo da Silva , Grochau Ines Hexsel , ten Caten Carla Schwengber , Horst Diogo José , Andrade Junior Pedro Paulo
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the determining factors for the financial performance (FP) of social enterprises in an emerging country, in this case Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper identifies the determinants of the FP of social enterprises in Brazil using the resource-based view as a theoretical lenses and the quantitative method (n = 601) of logistic regression, analyzing the importance of nine variables related to SEs.

Findings

The findings refer to practical contributions (which show how SEs should focus and allocate their resources to maximize FP) and theoretical contributions linked to entrepreneurship literature (by differentiating the results of this work from the literature on commercial entrepreneurship in terms of resources), social entrepreneurship literature (by presenting the resources that determine their FP), business literature, entrepreneurial finance and entrepreneurship in emerging economies.

Originality/value

This work represents a novelty from a methodological point of view, filling the gap regarding the lack of studies that apply a quantitative methodology to a large sample and analyze several different variables when most studies analyze only one factor related to the performance of an organization. It also fills the gap in entrepreneurship studies that use some theoretical lenses. This work is also a pioneer in analyzing the variables involved, such as market orientation, technologies and impact measurement in social entrepreneurship. As this work uses data from a secondary sample, there is the limitation of not choosing the analyzed variables. Even though there were many variables in the sample, it was impossible to consider some variables, referring to various aspects of resources and performance. For this same reason, the social performance of SEs, which is of fundamental importance within the objectives of any organization of this type, was not analyzed and may be a suggestion for future work.
A descriptive phenomenological study of critically ill elderly patients’ experiences of treatment using high-flow nasal cannula after extubation
Authors: Tabootwong Watchara , Nathmontri Yoongtong , Chantakeeree Chonticha
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to describe the experiences of critically ill elderly patients (CIEPs) who were treated using the high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) after extubation.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive phenomenological approach was conducted to interview eleven CIEPs using face-to-face semi-unstructured interviews. Participants were selected through purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using Giorgi’s method.

Findings

Experiences of CIEPs included their fears of failure, getting comfortable and uncomfortable, as well as asking for assistance. Fears of failure were described as involving worsening symptoms related to their diseases and failure of HFNC leading to the need for reintubation. While receiving HFNC, their breathing was comfortable, and they were free from intubation. However, they were uncomfortable because of the sensation of burning in the nasal passages. Additionally, they asked for assistance from nurses in managing their symptoms, and the alarms of HFNC oxygen therapy devices resulted in fears of HFNC failure.

Originality/value

The paper indicates that CIEPs experienced physical and psychological impacts from HFNC oxygen therapy (e.g. burning sensation in the nose and fear of failure). Although they had comfortable breathing, being uncomfortable also occurred. Therefore, health-care professionals should support what CIEPs need and develop a program or guidelines for managing the complications of HFNC – neither burning noses nor psychological issues enhance the comfort of CIEPs – by considering age-related changes.
The Rise of Human–Machine Collaboration: Managers’ Perceptions of Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Enhanced B2B Service Recovery
Authors: Ameen Nisreen , Pagani Margherita , Pantano Eleonora , Cheah Jun‐Hwa , Tarba Shlomo , Xia Senmao
Published: May 2024

This research analyses managers’ perceptions of the multiple types of artificial intelligence (AI) required at each stage of the business‐to‐business (B2B) service recovery journey for successful human–AI collaboration in this context. Study 1 is an exploratory study that identifies managers’ perceptions of the main stages of a B2B service recovery journey based on human–AI collaboration and the corresponding roles of the human–AI collaboration at each stage. Study 2 provides an empirical examination of the proposed theoretical framework to identify the specific types of intelligence required by AI to enhance performance in each stage of B2B service recovery, based on managers’ perceptions. Our findings show that the prediction stage benefits from collaborations involving processing‐speed and visual‐spatial AI. The detection stage requires logic‐mathematical, social and processing‐speed AI. The recovery stage requires logic‐mathematical, social, verbal‐linguistic and processing‐speed AI. The post‐recovery stage calls for logic‐mathematical, social, verbal‐linguistic and processing‐speed AI.
Our Café Nero sessions: Supporting student teachers to develop their understanding of inclusive practice through problem‐based learning
Authors: Moscardini Lio , Cameron Molly , Clark Christopher , McNeil Nicola San Gong , Mitchell Carys , Nys Dorothee , Jaap Angela
Published: May 2024

This article, co‐authored with a group of undergraduate secondary music student teachers, shares their experiences as they learned about additional support needs and inclusive practice through a series of 10 problem‐based learning (PBL) sessions. Drawing from their reflections on the weekly sessions, the paper explores the students' learning experiences through the themes of motivation, self‐directed learning, critical skill development and collaboration. The students' accounts indicate a deep engagement with the process of PBL and recognition of growth in their understanding and knowledge relating to inclusive practice and additional support needs. The process has supported their development in ways that may help them to navigate the complexities of inclusive education and support their own professional practice as they embark on their careers.
The complex ecologies of migrant children with special educational needs: Practitioner perspectives of information needs and implications for education
Authors: Dobson Graeme J. , Jørgensen Clara Rübner
Published: May 2024

This paper presents findings from a series of focus group interviews with three groups of professionals in England, in the period immediately preceding the COVID‐19 global pandemic, on the information needed by professionals to support migrant children with special educational needs (SEN) in the English education system. The data gathered were subjected to a thematic analysis revealing four themes: (1) Information about the needs of migrant children with SEN, (2) Information about parents and families, (3) Information about strategies to support migrant children with SEN, (4) The importance of clear and understandable information. The findings emphasise that when information is sought about migrant children with SEN, professionals must account for and understand the different experiences that the children and their families have experienced across different educational systems and the different educational ecologies associated with migration. Ecological theory helps identify potential tensions at different levels between and within different ecologies, but also suggests ways in which these may be bridged by information gathering, trust and relationship building within and across ecologies.
Enabling employee voice in small and medium enterprises: The role of trust and respect in the employment relationship
Authors: Prouska Rea , McKearney Aidan , Psychogios Alexandros , Szamosi Leslie T.
Published: May 2024

There is significant research on employee voice (EV) practices in large, often unionised, workplaces. Yet, there is scarcity of empirical evidence on voice practices in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), specifically on the intricate dynamics of the employee‐owner/manager relationship at the micro‐level and its connection with organisational employment relations (ER) and voice climates at the meso‐level. This paper addresses this gap by examining these factors from the perspective of both employees and owners/managers in SMEs. It draws on 87 interviews in 29 non‐unionised SMEs. Our findings reveal SMEs as sites where the role of owners/managers in setting the employment relationship and the ER climate, and consequently the voice climate, is magnified, with profound consequences for EV behaviours. Our findings contribute to EV theory by offering a conceptualisation of how voice may be enabled or hindered in SMEs, with a focus on the role of trust and respect in the employment relationship in influencing the ER climate, voice climate and, consequently, voice behaviours, thereby guiding further research and offering practical implications for human resources practice in this respect.
Thymic carcinoma presenting with overlap polyarthritis and myositis: A rare paraneoplastic syndrome in childhood
Authors: Yıldız Çisem , Türkcan Büşra Topuz , Vural Özge , Gezgin Yıldırım Deniz , İnan Mehmet Arda , Poyraz Aylar , Pınarlı Faruk Güçlü , Taştepe İrfan , Demir Ercan , Sunar Yayla Emine Nur , Esmeray Şenol Pelin , Karaçayır Nihal , Bakkaloğlu Sevcan A.
Published: May 2024

Thymic tumors are very rare neoplasms in children and account for less than 1% of mediastinal tumors in pediatric patients. One‐third of the pediatric patients present with symptoms related to the compression of the tumor mass on the surrounding anatomic structures, and paraneoplastic syndromes such as myasthenia gravis, pure red cell aplasia, acquired hypogammaglobulinemia, and connective tissue disorders, which rarely occur in children with thymic tumors. Herein, we report a case of thymic carcinoma mimicking the symptoms of a connective tissue disease with symmetrical polyarthritis accompanying myositis, fever, weight loss, and malaise in a 15‐year‐old male patient. To our knowledge, this is the first case pediatric thymic carcinoma accompany with severe polyarthritis and myopathy, thus we have reviewed the current literature regarding the cases of thymic malignancies coexisting with paraneoplastic syndromes in children.
Australian consensus: Treatment goals for moderate to severe psoriasis in the era of targeted therapies – Considerations for paediatric patients
Authors: Foley Peter , Mahar Patrick D. , Smith Saxon D. , Gupta Monisha , Manuelpillai Nicholas , Orchard David , Wong Li‐Chuen , Su John C. , James Amelia , Fischer Gayle , Marshman Gillian , Rawlin Morton , Turner Murray , King Emma , Kennedy Robyn , Baker Christopher
Published: May 2024

Background

Treatment goals have been established in Australia to facilitate the management of adults with moderate to severe psoriasis. The Australasian College of Dermatologists sought to determine if and how these adult treatment goals could be modified to accommodate the needs of paediatric and adolescent patients.

Methods

A modified Delphi approach was used. Comprehensive literature review and guideline evaluation resulted in the development of statements and other questions to establish current clinical practices. Two rounds of anonymous voting were undertaken, with a collaborative meeting held in between to discuss areas of discordance. Overall, consensus was defined as achievement of ≥75% agreement in the range 7–9 on a 9‐point scale (1 strongly disagree; 9 strongly agree).

Results

Consensus was achieved on 23/29 statements in round 1 and 17/18 statements in round 2. There was a high level of concordance with treatment criteria in the adult setting. The limitations of applying assessment tools developed for use in adult patients to the paediatric setting were highlighted. Treatment targets in the paediatric setting should include objective metrics for disease severity and psychological impact on the patients and their family, and be based on validated, age‐appropriate tools.

Conclusion

While the assessment, classification and management of moderate to severe psoriasis in paediatric patients aligns with metrics established for adults, it is vital that nuances in the transition from childhood to adolescence be taken into account. Future research should focus on psoriasis severity assessment scales specific to the paediatric setting.
Radar localization of breast and axillary lesions with SCOUT: a prospective single institution pilot study
Authors: Easwaralingam Neshanth , Nguyen Chu Luan , Ali Fatema , Chan Belinda , Graham Susannah , Azimi Fred , Mak Cindy , Warrier Sanjay
Published: May 2024

Background

Wire‐guided localization has been the mainstay of localization techniques for non‐palpable breast and axillary lesions prior to excision. Evidence is still growing for relatively newer localization technologies. This study evaluated the efficacy of the wireless localization technology, SCOUT®, for both breast and axillary surgery.

Methods

Data were extracted from a prospective database (2021–2023) of consecutive patients undergoing wide local excision, excisional biopsy, targeted axillary dissection, or axillary lymph node dissection with SCOUT at a high‐volume tertiary centre. Rates of successful reflector placement, intraoperative lesion localization, and reflector retrieval were evaluated. A survey of surgeon‐reported ease of lesion localization and reflector retrieval was also evaluated. Clinical trial registration: ACTRN386751.

Results

One‐hundred‐ninety‐five reflectors were deployed in 172 patients. Median interval between deployment and surgery was 3 days (range 1–20) and mean distance from reflector to lesion was 3.2 mm (standard deviation, SD 3.1). Rate of successful localization and reflector retrieval was 100% for both breast and axillary procedures. Mean operating time was 65.8 min (SD 33). None of the reflectors migrated. No reflector deployment or localization‐related complications occurred. Ninety‐eight percent of surgeons were satisfied with ease of localization for the first half of cases.

Conclusion

SCOUT is an accurate and reliable method to localize and excise both breast and axillary lesions, and it may overcome some of the limitations of wire‐guided localization.
Meta‐analysis of the association between gratitude and loneliness
Authors: Hittner James B. , Widholm Calvin D.
Published: May 2024

Gratitude is a positive social emotion that involves recognizing that others have brought benefits into one's life. Loneliness, on the other hand, is an unpleasant emotion resulting from a perceived lack of social connectedness. Although previous studies have reported an inverse association between gratitude and loneliness, these studies have not been systematically examined in a single review. To address this gap in the literature, we conducted a random‐effects meta‐analysis to examine the association between gratitude and loneliness. Analysis of 26 studies revealed a moderate sized effect (mean Fisher's z transformed correlation, zr = −.406, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −.463, −.349; mean back‐transformed correlation, r = −.385, 95% CI = −.433, −.335). To complement these effect sizes, we calculated a probability‐based common language effect size for correlations. Random‐effects homogeneity testing suggested the presence of effect size heterogeneity. Analyses of both continuous and categorical moderators were non‐significant, indicating that these variables did not influence effect size magnitude. Furthermore, publication bias tests suggested that our results were not influenced by unpublished studies. Finally, we proposed several statistical and clinical recommendations for future research. Regarding the latter, we offered suggestions for modifying gratitude enhancement programs with the aim of reducing loneliness.
Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy imaging is a useful adjunct to routine histopathology to identify failure of polyethylene inlays in revision total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Liu Songyun , Hall Deborah J. , Dommann‐Scherrer Corina , Pourzal Robin , Wahl Peter
Published: May 2024

The use of highly crosslinked ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (XLPE) has significantly reduced the volumetric wear of acetabular liners, thereby reducing the incidence of osteolysis. However, contemporary components tend to generate smaller wear particles, which can no longer be identified using conventional histology. This technical limitation can result in imprecise diagnosis. Here, we report on two uncemented total hip arthroplasty cases (~7 years in situ) revised for periprosthetic fracture of the femur and femoral loosening, respectively. Both liners exhibited prominent wear. The retrieved pseudocapsular tissue exhibited a strong macrophage infiltration without microscopically identifiable polyethylene particles. Yet, using Fourier‐transform infrared micro‐spectroscopic imaging (FTIR‐I), we demonstrated the prominent intracellular accumulation of polyethylene debris in both cases. This study shows that particle induced osteolysis can still occur with XLPE liners, even under 10 years in situ. Furthermore, we demonstrate the difficulty of determining the presence of polyethylene debris within periprosthetic tissue. Considering the potentially increased bioactivity of finer particles from XLPE compared to conventional liners, an accurate detection method is required, and new histopathological hallmarks of particle induced osteolysis are needed. FTIR‐I is a great tool to that end and can help the accurate determination of foreign body tissue responses.
Nicorandil mitigates arsenic trioxide‐induced lung injury via modulating vital signalling pathways SIRT1/PGC‐1α/TFAM, JAK1/STAT3, and miRNA‐132 expression
Authors: Abdel‐Wahab Basel A. , Zafaar Dalia , Habeeb Mohammed Shafiuddin , El‐Shoura Ehab A. M.
Published: May 2024

Background and Purpose

Nicorandil, a selective opener of potassium channels, used to treat angina, has drawn attention for its potential in mitigating lung injury, positioning it as a promising therapeutic approach to treat drug‐induced lung toxicity. This study aimed to explore the protective role of nicorandil in arsenic trioxide (ATO)‐induced lung injury and to elucidate the underlying mechanistic pathways.

Experimental Approach

We assessed the effects of nicorandil (15 mg·kg−1, p.o.) in a rat model of pulmonary injury induced by ATO (5 mg·kg−1, i.p.). The assessment included oxidative stress biomarkers, inflammatory cytokine levels, and other biomarkers, including sirtuin‐1, sirtuin‐3, STAT3, TFAM, and JAK in lung tissue. Histological examination using H&E staining and molecular investigations using western blotting and PCR techniques were conducted.

Key Results

In our model of lung injury, treatment with nicorandil ameliorated pathological changes as seen with H&E staining, reduced tissue levels of toxicity markers, and exerted significant antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory actions. On a molecular level, treatment with nicorandil down‐regulated JAK, STAT3, PPARγ, Nrf2, VEGF, p53, and micro‐RNA 132 while up‐regulating Sirt1, 3, TFAM, AMPK, and ERR‐α in lung tissue.

Conclusions and Implications

The results presented here show nicorandil as a significant agent in attenuating lung injury induced by ATO in a rodent model. Nonetheless, further clinical studies are warranted to strengthen these findings.
Reviving Bistable Perception in Patients With Depression by Decreasing the Overestimation of Prior Precision
Authors: Wang Wenbo , Zhu Changbo , Jia Ting , Zu Meidan , Tang Yandong , Zhou Liqin , Tian Yanghua , Si Bailu , Zhou Ke
Published: May 2024

Slower perceptual alternations, a notable perceptual effect observed in psychiatric disorders, can be alleviated by antidepressant therapies that affect serotonin levels in the brain. While these phenomena have been well documented, the underlying neurocognitive mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Our study bridges this gap by employing a computational cognitive approach within a Bayesian predictive coding framework to explore these mechanisms in depression. We fitted a prediction error (PE) model to behavioral data from a binocular rivalry task, uncovering that significantly higher initial prior precision and lower PE led to a slower switch rate in patients with depression. Furthermore, serotonin‐targeting antidepressant treatments significantly decreased the prior precision and increased PE, both of which were predictive of improvements in the perceptual alternation rate of depression patients. These findings indicated that the substantially slower perception switch rate in patients with depression was caused by the greater reliance on top‐down priors and that serotonin treatment's efficacy was in its recalibration of these priors and enhancement of PE. Our study not only elucidates the cognitive underpinnings of depression, but also suggests computational modeling as a potent tool for integrating cognitive science with clinical psychology, advancing our understanding and treatment of cognitive impairments in depression.
Soluble MIC‐A, IPI, and response to treatment strongly predict survival in patients with germinal center diffuse large B cell lymphoma
Authors: Vela‐Ojeda Jorge , Olivas‐Bejarano Ana Cristina , Montiel‐Cervantes Laura Arcelia , Rosales‐Cruz Erika , Garcia‐Gutierrez Socrates , Lezama‐Palacios Ruth Angelica , Reyes‐Maldonado Elba
Published: May 2024

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most frequent lymphoma. MIC‐A and MIC‐B are the natural ligands for NKG2D, a receptor expressed in NK cells. MIC‐A soluble isoforms (sMICA) have been described in different malignancies.

Objectives

To analyze lymphocyte subsets and sMIC‐A in germinal center DLBCL.

Materials and Methods

sMICA, sMICB, and peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets (CD4+, CD8+, NK, NKT, γδ T cells, and dendritic cells) were analyzed in 59 patients and 60 healthy donors.

Results

Patients had decreased numbers of type 1 and type 2 dendritic cells, NK, iNKT, CD4 T, and CD8 T cells, and higher levels of sMIC‐A. The 2‐year PFS for high IPI scores and high sMIC‐A was 24% and 28%, respectively. The 2‐year OS for high IPI scores and high sMIC‐A was 42% and 33%. The 2‐year PFS and OS for patients not achieving response to treatment were 0% and 10%, respectively. The MICPI score (one point each for high IPI score and high sMIC‐A) showed that those patients summing two points had worse PSF and OS.

Conclusions

Patients with DLBCL have decreased numbers of peripheral lymphocyte subsets and high levels of sMIC‐A. The addition of sMIC‐A to IPI could improve its prognostic relevance.
Validity of the Short Weekly Calendar Planning Activity in patients with Parkinson disease and nonmanifesting LRRK2 and GBA carriers
Authors: Schejter‐Margalit Tamara , Binyamin Noam Ben , Thaler Avner , Maidan Inbal , Cedarbaum Jesse M. , Orr‐Urtreger Avi , Gana Weisz Mali , Goldstein Orly , Giladi Nir , Mirelman Anat , Kizony Rachel
Published: May 2024

Background and purpose

Subtle executive dysfunction is common in people newly diagnosed with Parkinson disease (PD), even when general cognitive abilities are intact. This study examined the Short Weekly Calendar Planning Activity (WCPA‐10)'s known‐group construct validity, comparing persons with PD to healthy controls (HCs) and nonmanifesting carriers of LRRK2 and GBA gene mutations to HCs. Additionally, convergent and ecological validity was examined.

Methods

The study included 73 participants: 22 with idiopathic PD (iPD) who do not carry any of the founder GBA mutations or LRRK2‐G2019S, 29 nonmanifesting carriers of the G2019S‐LRRK2 (n = 14) and GBA (n = 15) mutations, and 22 HCs. Known‐group validity was determined using the WCPA‐10, convergent validity by also using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Color Trails Test (CTT), and ecological validity by using the WCPA‐10, Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living Scale (SE ADL), and Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE).

Results

Known‐group validity of the WCPA‐10 was established for the iPD group only; they followed fewer rules (p = 0.020), were slower (p = 0.003) and less efficient (p = 0.001), used more strategies (p = 0.017) on the WCPA‐10, and achieved significantly lower CTT scores (p < 0.001) than the HCs. The nonmanifesting carriers and HCs were similar on all cognitive tests. Convergent and ecological validity of the WCPA‐10 were partially established, with few correlations between WCPA‐10 outcome measures and the MoCA (r = 0.50, r = 0.41), CTT‐2 (r = 0.43), SE ADL (r = 0.41), and PASE (r = 0.54, r = 0.46, r = 0.31).

Conclusions

This study affirms the known‐group validity for most (four) WCPA‐10 scores and partially confirms its convergent and ecological validity for PD.
Horizon scan survey to identify key research questions to promote sustainability of the marine recreational fishery in Namibia
Authors: Gusha Natanah M. C. , Wilhelm Margit R. , Bova Christopher S. , Engelhard Georg H. , Hyder Kieran , Potts Warren M.
Published: May 2024

Recreational fishing is popular worldwide, but many low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) are experiencing increased participation and reduced catches. Like other LMICs, the recreational fishery in Namibia is facing concerns regarding its sustainability. Empirical evidence suggested limited knowledge of the fish and fishery as one plausible cause. Herein, we used a horizon scan survey to identify critical questions by anglers and decision makers to facilitate sustainable and adaptive management strategies. Of 115 questions and concerns raised by 59 stakeholders, including fisheries managers, anglers (specialists and non‐specialists), and scientists, 58 of the top research questions were organised within 11 high‐priority themes, including: governance; human dimensions; regulatory actions; compliance; knowledge of fish populations; resource monitoring and data acquisition; angler outreach, education, and engagement; competing sectors/groups; bioeconomics; catch‐and‐release practises and perceived threats. Questions raised by non‐specialist anglers differed from those raised by specialist anglers and scientists, which highlighted the potential importance of integrating fisher ecological knowledge into fishery management. Although questions were in the context of recreational fisheries, we recommend that some of the themes identified herein may be applicable to other LMICs and may also improve understanding of other fisheries, such as small‐scale or commercial fisheries.