bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Navigating perilous seas: unmasking online banking frauds, perceived usefulness, fear of cybercrime and distrust in online banking
Authors: Lestari Sri , Adawiyah Wiwiek Rabiatul , Alhamidi Arina Laksita , Prayogi Joni , Haryanto Ronald
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between online banking fraud experience and fear of cybercrime and distrust of online banking services, and to understand how perceived usefulness of online banking moderates the relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The number of respondents involved in this study was 271 people from the Central Java region, Indonesia. Statistical analysis was performed using Jeffreys’s Amazing Statistics Program software to examine the relationships and interactions between the variables studied.

Findings

Experience of online banking fraud is positively related to fear of cybercrime and distrust of online banking services. Perceived usefulness of online banking moderates the relationship between online banking fraud experience and fear of cybercrime and distrust of digital payments. Perceived usefulness is negatively related to the level of distrust of online banking services.

Research limitations/implications

Overall, the implications of this study underscore the importance of dealing with the risks of cybercrime in online banking services. By focusing on security, user awareness and the role of perceived usefulness, banking service providers can create a safer and more trusting environment for users of online banking services. This also contributes to the development of more innovative services and can increase customer satisfaction and trust.

Practical implications

The practical application of these findings is important for financial institutions and online banking service providers. Companies must improve cybersecurity with the latest technology and provide education about online security practices. Transparent communication and better customer service will help overcome customer fears. Compliance with security regulations and technological innovation is also important to protect online banking services. With these steps, customer security and trust can be improved, and the adoption of online banking services will increase widely.

Social implications

The social implications of this research are increasing public awareness about cybersecurity, consumer protection and strengthening trust in online banking services. With joint efforts, a safer and more trusting environment in using online banking services can be realized.

Originality/value

The originality of this research lies in the use of perceived usefulness of online banking as a moderating variable to reduce the negative impact of online banking fraud experience. With a focus on the psychological effects of customers experiencing fraud, this research seeks to rebuild trust and improve the security of online banking services.
Integrating soft skill development with recruitment and retention strategies: the case of a small island state
Authors: Spiteri Axiak Ilaria , Packer Peter Alfred , Ghio Stephanie
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the challenges relating to the integration of soft skill development with recruitment and retention strategies in small and micro businesses of a small island state. Recruitment and retention play an important role in the development of such skills, which make an impact on the effectiveness of employees in today’s workforce and the adaptability of organizations in a competitive market.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses qualitative methodology, collecting data from 14 semi-structured interviews, and uses constant comparative analysis to derive findings. The process is facilitated by MAXQDA software.

Findings

Findings indicate that organizations are faced with challenges in recruiting candidates with both technical and soft skills. Once the right candidate is recruited, efforts are made to retain staff by enhancing soft skills and their development despite challenges encountered in the process by owner-managers and human resource consultants.

Originality/value

The paper’s originality lies in the intensive investigation of challenges relating to recruitment and retention of employees and of the development strategies used as part of the employee lifecycle. Further, this paper studies the small and micro businesses of a small island state, which are generally overlooked in the literature.
Managing COVID‐19 in Morocco: The adoption of novel technology tools in assisting expert policy advisors
Authors: AIT EL CAID Hamid
Published: August 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic showed that new digital tools played a major role in the design, implementation, and evaluation of policies aimed at containing and defeating the virus. However, relying on digital tools should not undermine the role of experts in the policy process. This paper answers the following question as means of examing the relationship between technology and expertise: To what extent has the introduction of technology‐assisted tools complemented and empowered health experts to provide more effective policy advice? By answering this question, the paper investigates the opportunities and challenges of technology‐backed sources of ‘policy knowledge’ as ‘advisory assistants’ of conventional expert communities in the policy processes. Drawing on a case study from a developing country, I demonstrate how the introduction of the ‘Wiqaytna’ mobile application in Morocco facilitated reporting of higher risk locations and provided operational feedback for ‘the scientific committee’ enabling them to deliver more efficient and effective actions against COVID‐19, despite the underlying technical and ethical problems associated with the use of such tools.

Points for practitioners

Increasing interest and deployment of technology tools, such as artificial intelligence in the public policy and administration, means that a proper understanding and use of technology assisted tools is crucial for the delivery of smooth and effective public policy.

The role of human experts remains indispensable in the policy process, but technology assisted tools can be utilised to speed up implementation processes and help give policy feedback.
Cardiac implantable electronic devices in pregnancy: A position statement
Authors: Castleman James , Curtis Stephanie , Fox Caroline , Hudsmith Lucy , Nolan Lynn , Geoghegan James , Metodiev Yavor , Roberts Eleri , Morse Lucy , Nisbet Ashley , Foley Paul , Wright Ian , Thomas Honey , Morris Katie , Adamson Dawn , De Bono Joseph ,   the United Kingdom Maternal Cardiology Society, British Heart Rhythm Society and British Maternal and Fetal Medicine Society
Published: August 2024

The aim of this document is to provide guidance for the management of women and birthing people with a permanent pacemaker (PPM) or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Cardiac devices are becoming more common in obstetric practice and a reference document for contemporary evidence‐based practice is required. Where evidence is limited, expert consensus has established recommendations. The purpose is to improve safety and reduce the risk of adverse events relating to implanted cardiac devices during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.
Microhabitat and adhesive toepads shape gecko limb morphology
Authors: ZIMIN Anna , ZIMIN Sean V. , GRISMER L. Lee , BAUER Aaron M. , CHAPPLE David G. , DEMBITZER Jacob , ROLL Uri , MEIRI Shai
Published: August 2024

Different substrates pose varied biomechanical challenges that select specific morphologies, such as long limbs for faster running and short limbs for balanced posture while climbing narrow substrates. We tested how gecko locomotion is affected by the microhabitat they occupy and by a key adaptation—adhesive toepads—through analyzing how those are related to limb morphology. We collected microhabitat and toepads data for over 90% of limbed gecko species, and limb measurements for 403 species from 83 of the 121 limbed gecko genera, which we then used in phylogenetic comparative analyses. Our data highlight the association of adhesive toepads with arboreality, but a phylogenetic analysis shows that this relationship is not significant, suggesting that these traits are phylogenetically constrained. Comparative analyses reveal that pad‐bearing species possess shorter hindlimbs and feet, more even limb lengths, and lower crus: thigh ratios, than padless geckos, across microhabitats. Saxicolous geckos have the longest limbs and limb segments. This is probably influenced by selection for long strides, increased takeoff velocity, and static stability on inclined surfaces. Terrestrial geckos have more even hind‐ and forelimbs than arboreal geckos, unlike patterns found in other lizards. Our findings underline the difficulty to infer on microhabitat–morphology relationships from one taxon to another, given their differing ecologies and evolutionary pathways. We emphasize the importance of key innovation traits, such as adhesive toepads, in shaping limb morphology in geckos and, accordingly, their locomotion within their immediate environment.
Stabilized chlorophyll‐based food colorants from spinach: Kinetics of a tailored enzymatic extraction
Authors: Lombardelli Claudio , Mazzocchi Caterina , Benucci Ilaria , Esti Marco
Published: August 2024

An organic solvent‐free method based on limited dosing options (biocatalyst and zinc chloride) for the quick and mild recovery of chlorophyll (Chl) from spinach has been proposed. This tailored, custom‐made protocol has been designed to produce stable green natural colorants. The kinetics of pigment extraction turned out to be a very useful tool to identify the proper conditions, in terms of biocatalyst dose (0.10–50 U/g), extraction time (1–48h), and ZnCl2 amount (50–300ppm), both for enhancing the recovery yield and preserving the green color. Considering the extraction kinetics, the recovery yield, and the colorimetric data, the suitable conditions to produce stable green and food‐grade colorants are 0.10 U/g of enzyme, 3h, and 150ppm of ZnCl2 at 25°C. The extraction yield of Chl (4863µg/U) was about 51% greater than control, with a higher extraction rate constant (5.43 × 10−4 g/(µg min)). Considering the impact of ZnCl2 amount on Chl, its protective action resulted to be more noticeable toward Chl a: at 150ppm, an increased amount of about 2.5 and 1.5 times was found for Chl a and Chl b, respectively, in comparison to the reference (0ppm ZnCl2).

Practical Application

This research demonstrates how a suitable kinetic approach helps to provide a tailored protocol, customized for the vegetable matrix, to produce stable green natural colorants from spinach. Lowering enzyme dosage and ZnCl2 amount during the extraction of chlorophyll at low temperature is crucial for its potential use as a colorant in food industry, providing high economic values through saving time and environmental protection.
Expropriation as reparation
Authors: Chan Shuk Ying
Published: August 2024

With some recent exceptions, demands for global reparations have largely been ignored by former colonial countries. While the past two decades has seen renewed interest in colonial reparations in normative political theory and philosophy, this work has focused on determining responsibility for redress. By contrast, relatively little has been said on the further question of how redress might be sought in face of persistent colonial amnesia and apologia. This paper defends expropriation—unilateral public takeovers of ownership and/or control of foreign assets—as a justified response to overdue colonial reparations. In making this case, the paper (1) moves our focus beyond questions of responsibility for reparative justice to consider what victims of past injustice (and/or their descendants) are justified in doing to obtain their due and (2) explores distinctive issues that arise for political resistance at the global level.
Trajectories of egg sensitization in childhood: Two birth cohorts in Asia and Europe
Authors: Nakamura Toshinori , Nakano Taiji , Simpson Angela , Kono Michihiro , Curtin John A. , Kobayashi Tomoko , Murray Clare S. , Akiyama Masashi , Imanishi Masahiro , Mikuriya Masayuki , Custovic Adnan , Shimojo Naoki
Published: August 2024

Background

Hen's egg exposure through impaired skin barrier is considered a major mechanism of sensitization to eggs. However, the impact of filaggrin (FLG) gene loss‐of‐function mutations on the natural history of egg sensitization lacks consensus among studies.

Objective

To evaluate the association between the natural course of egg sensitization and FLG mutations.

Methods

We used Japanese and the UK birth cohorts (CHIBA and MAAS) to identify the longitudinal patterns of egg sensitization until mid‐school age and examined the relationship between the identified patterns and FLG mutations. Sensitization was assessed using egg white‐specific IgE levels or skin prick tests (SPTs). Egg allergy was confirmed by parental reports and sensitization. Latent class growth analysis identified longitudinal patterns.

Results

Three similar patterns of egg sensitization (persistent, early‐onset remitting, and no/low grade classes) were identified in both cohorts, with differing prevalence estimates. The proportion of children with egg allergy in the persistent class at 7 or 8 years of age was 23% (CHIBA) and 20% (MAAS). Consistently in both cohorts, FLG mutations were significantly associated only with the persistent class. Children with FLG mutations had an approximately four‐fold increased risk of being in the persistent sensitization class (RRRs: 4.3, 95%C.I. (1.2–16.0), p = .03 in CHIBA; 4.3 (1.3–14.7), p = .02 in MAAS).

Conclusion

FLG loss‐of‐function mutations are associated with persistent egg sensitization in both Japanese and European ethnicities, and the mutations might be a potential biomarker for identifying the risk of persistent egg sensitization/allergy in early infancy. Future studies should incorporate oral food challenges to confirm this relationship.
Effectiveness of pharmacological procedural sedation in children with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zupin Luisa , Sahyoun Cyril , Krauss Baruch , Dagri Arianna , Rocco Elisabetta Maria , Barbi Egidio , Celsi Fulvio
Published: August 2024

Aim

Management of primary healthcare and routine minor procedures for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be challenging; therefore, when behavioural strategies fail, sedative medications are often employed. We evaluated the effectiveness of the current pharmacological strategies for managing children with ASD.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the current approaches for procedural sedation in children with ASD.

Results

Twenty studies met inclusion criteria. Dexmedetomidine, midazolam, propofol and chloral hydrate were the most efficient agents for successful procedures, while propofol had the highest number of adverse events. The most frequently used agents were dexmedetomidine and midazolam or a combination of the two, and the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine plus midazolam was superior to dexmedetomidine alone.

Conclusion

Multiple effective drug regimens exist for procedural sedation in children with ASD. These results could support the development of specific guidelines for procedural sedation in children with ASD.
When political elites talk, citizens reply. Affective polarization through temporal orientation and intergroup emotions
Authors: Garzón‐Velandia Diana Camila , Barreto‐Galeano María Idaly , Sabucedo‐Cameselle José Manuel
Published: August 2024

Political polarization on social media, particularly during electoral campaigns, has become a growing concern. This study aimed to assess levels of affective polarization in political communication, considering temporal orientation, delegitimizing beliefs, and intergroup emotions. Two studies were conducted: one during the Andalusian elections in Spain, and another during the Colombian presidential campaign. Tweets from candidates and X users were analyzed in both studies. Linguistic analysis was used to develop an index for measuring affective polarization in linguistic pieces. This index offers an alternative to the lack of linguistic measurement tools for psychological processes regarding political polarization. Findings showed that communicative strategies often exhibited high indicators of ingroup bias in contexts without political violence, resulting in lower polarization that increased with positive emotions and a forward‐looking perspective. Conversely, in contexts of political violence, strategies shifted towards outgroup discrimination and delegitimization. Positive emotions decreased polarization in these situations, while a past focus intensified it. The study concluded that affective polarization could indicate the willingness to pursue reconciliation in violent contexts. Consequently, this research provides a map of emotions associated with polarization.

Public significance statement

Two studies conducted in Spain and Colombia analyzed how political figures and users of the social network X communicate during elections. It was identified that the use of emotions can contribute to political polarization in both populations. Positive emotions can exacerbate polarization by glorifying one's group, while negative emotions can fuel polarization through attacks on opponents.
The multifaceted nature of early vocabulary development: Connecting children's characteristics with parental input types
Authors: Göksun Tilbe , Aktan‐Erciyes Aslı , Karadöller Dilay Z. , Demir‐Lira Ö. Ece
Published: August 2024

Children need to learn the demands of their native language in the early vocabulary development phase. In this dynamic process, parental multimodal input may shape neurodevelopmental trajectories while also being tailored by child‐related factors. Moving beyond typically characterized group profiles, in this article, we synthesize growing evidence on the effects of parental multimodal input (amount, quality, or absence), domain‐specific input (space and math), and language‐specific input (causal verbs and sound symbols) on preterm, full‐term, and deaf children's early vocabulary development, focusing primarily on research with children learning Turkish and Turkish Sign Language. We advocate for a theoretical perspective, integrating neonatal characteristics and parental input, and acknowledging the unique constraints of languages.
Patient autonomy and shared decision‐making in the context of clinical trial participation
Authors: Dennstädt Fabio , Putora Paul Martin , Iseli Thomas , Treffers Theresa , Panje Cédric , Fischer Galina Farina
Published: August 2024

Aims

This study aimed to explore how incorporating shared decision‐making (SDM) can address recruitment challenges in clinical trials. Specifically, it examines how SDM can align the trial process with patient preferences, enhance patient autonomy and increase active patient participation. Additionally, it identifies potential conflicts between SDM and certain clinical trial aspects, such as randomization or blinding, and proposes solutions to mitigate these issues.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a comprehensive review of existing literature on patient recruitment challenges in clinical trials and the role of SDM in addressing these challenges. We analysed case studies and trial reports to identify common obstacles and assess the effectiveness of SDM in improving patient accrual. Additionally, we evaluated three proposed solutions: adequate trial design, communication skill training and patient decision aids.

Results

Our review indicates that incorporating SDM can significantly enhance patient recruitment by promoting patient autonomy and engagement. SDM encourages physicians to adopt a more open and informative approach, which aligns the trial process with patient preferences and reduces psychological barriers such as fear and mental stress. However, implementing SDM can conflict with elements such as randomization and blinding, potentially complicating trial design and execution.

Discussion

The desire for patient autonomy and active engagement through SDM may clash with traditional clinical trial methodologies. To address these conflicts, we propose three solutions: redesigning trials to better accommodate SDM principles, providing communication skill training for physicians and developing patient decision aids. By focussing on patient wishes and emotions, these solutions can integrate SDM into clinical trials effectively.

Conclusion

Shared decision‐making provides a framework that can promote patient recruitment and trial participation by enhancing patient autonomy and engagement. With proper implementation of trial design modifications, communication skill training and patient decision aids, SDM can support rather than hinder clinical trial execution, ultimately contributing to the advancement of evidence‐based medicine.
Retirement wealth, earnings risks, and intergenerational links
Authors: Shao Lei , Zhang Jie
Published: August 2024

This paper investigates the accumulation and distribution of retirement wealth in a dynastic model with earnings risks, longevity uncertainties, and borrowing constraints. It resolves the wealth indeterminacy problem across generations in dynastic families by introducing a transaction cost for intergenerational transfers. It captures the pattern of inter vivos transfers, the relationship between wealth and earnings, and wealth inequality in the US data. Social security lowers precautionary savings by redistributing income from families with high earnings or short‐lived parents to others, thus reducing investment, the growth rate in income per capita, inequality in retirees' consumption, and the wealth‐earnings correlation.
Selection of sheep skin bacteria to reduce blood feeding by biting midges under laboratory conditions
Authors: Brok Paula S. , Jost Stéphanie M. , Verhulst Niels O.
Published: August 2024

Biting midges of the genus Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are of huge veterinary importance, mainly as vectors of pathogens, such as Bluetongue virus. Currently, there are no effective methods to protect animals against biting midges, as insecticides have limited or short‐lived efficacy. Biting midges are attracted to hosts by carbon dioxide and by their body odours, which are mainly produced by skin bacteria. In humans, it has been shown that differences between individuals in attractiveness to mosquitoes is mediated by these skin bacterial volatiles. This opens the possibility to protect individuals from biting insects by supplementing their skin microbiome with probiotics. In this study, we investigated this approach by culturing sheep skin bacteria on various media and assessing their effects against field‐caught Culicoides (overwhelmingly Obsoletus group species) as well as laboratory‐reared Culicoides nubeculosus (Meigen). Aerococcus urinaeequi, Bacillus safensis, Bacillus subtilis, Jeotgalicoccus psychrophilus, Micrococcus sp. and Staphylococcus equorum were selected to be tested in a dual‐choice Y‐tube olfactometer, assessing their behavioural effects on biting midges. We revealed an avoidance effect on laboratory‐reared C. nubeculosus when testing B. safensis and B. subtilis. Bacillus safensis and Micrococcus sp. yielded significant repellent potential towards field‐caught Culicoides. These two candidates were subsequently tested in a membrane blood‐feeding assay. When the bacterial species B. safensis was applied to the membrane, a feeding reduction of 83% was observed with field‐caught Culicoides.
Retroperitoneal and lower extremities muscle bleeding in acquired haemophilia A (AHA): Risk factors and implications in disability and survival
Authors: Pardos‐Gea José , Benítez Olga
Published: August 2024

Aim

To assess risk factors of retroperitoneal and lower extremity musculoskeletal bleed in acquired haemophilia (AHA) and perform an objective assessment of disability and influence on survival.

Methods

We included 49 patients with AHA from November 2017 to May 2023. The occurrence of any retroperitoneal or/and lower extremities bleeding manifestation was investigated. On clinical follow‐up, we search for compressive femoral neuropathy and quadriceps amyotrophy. The lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) was carried out one year after the last bleeding event in all AHA patients.

Results

A 61.2% of patients in our AHA cohort presented with any retroperitoneal and/or lower extremities musculoskeletal manifestation. Those patients had higher percentage of major bleeding EACH2/ISTH criteria (90% vs. 57%, p = .01), needs of blood transfusions (86% vs. 57% of patients, p = .03), and haemostatic by‐pass products (90% vs. 63%, p = .02). Hypertension (HR 2.6, 95% CI 1.1–5.9, p = .02), presence of autoimmune disease (HR 13, 95% CI 1.7–99, p = .01), and inhibitor level > 20 BU (HR 2.6 95% CI 1.0–6.8, p = .04) significantly predicted retroperitoneal/lower extremities clinical manifestations. Most frequent sequelae were quad atrophy (30.6%) and femoral nerve palsy (20.4%). Quad atrophy and LEFS scores under 50 were associated with increased mortality (HR 3, 95% CI 1.1–8.6 and HR 12, 95% CI 3.3–45, respectively).

Conclusion

AHA with retroperitoneal/lower extremities bleeding involvement is of greater severity and shows high disability and worst survival outcomes. Quadriceps atrophy and LEFS scale scoring under 50 predicted mortality in our AHA patients.
Genotyping‐by‐sequencing informs conservation of Andean palms sources of non‐timber forest products
Authors: Peñafiel Loaiza Nicolás , Chafe Abigail H. , Moraes R Mónica , Oleas Nora H. , Roncal Julissa
Published: August 2024

Conservation and sustainable management of lineages providing non‐timber forest products are imperative under the current global biodiversity loss. Most non‐timber forest species, however, lack genomic studies that characterize their intraspecific variation and evolutionary history, which inform species' conservation practices. Contrary to many lineages in the Andean biodiversity hotspot that exhibit high diversification, the genus Parajubaea (Arecaceae) has only three species despite the genus' origin 22 million years ago. Two of the three palm species, P. torallyi and P. sunkha, are non‐timber forest species endemic to the Andes of Bolivia and are listed as IUCN endangered. The third species, P. cocoides, is a vulnerable species with unknown wild populations. We investigated the evolutionary relationships of Parajubaea species and the genetic diversity and structure of wild Bolivian populations. Sequencing of five low‐copy nuclear genes (3753 bp) challenged the hypothesis that P. cocoides is a cultigen that originated from the wild Bolivian species. We further obtained up to 15,134 de novo single‐nucleotide polymorphism markers by genotyping‐by‐sequencing of 194 wild Parajubaea individuals. Our total DNA sequencing effort rejected the taxonomic separation of the two Bolivian species. As expected for narrow endemic species, we observed low genetic diversity, but no inbreeding signal. We found three genetic clusters shaped by geographic distance, which we use to propose three management units. Different percentages of missing genotypic data did not impact the genetic structure of populations. We use the management units to recommend in situ conservation by creating new protected areas, and ex situ conservation through seed collection.
Sorting grid usage to reduce the catch of undersized narrow‐clawed crayfish (Pontastacus leptodactylus Eschscholtz, 1823) in fyke net fisheries
Authors: Cilbiz Mehmet , Aydın Celalettin
Published: August 2024

Sustainability of natural stocks of crayfish is critical because of their economic and ecological importance. Crayfish (Pontastacus leptodactylus), one of the most important species in Turkish inland fisheries, has been facing serious threats recently. One threat the species faces is high landed bycatch of undersized crayfish because of selective fishing gear, such as fyke nets. We estimated size‐selectivity of sorting grids with various bar spacings for crayfish to reduce bycatch. Six bar spacings (15.0, 17.5, 20.0, 22.5, 25.0, and 30.0 mm) were tested alongside commercial crayfish fyke nets. Mean selectivity (L50) (±95% CI) was 6.90 (6.63–6.99) cm for 15.0 mm bar spacing, 7.52 (7.16–8.02) cm for 17.5 mm, 8.52 (8.32–8.71) cm for 20.0 mm, 9.70 (9.28–9.90) cm for 22.5, 10.75 (10.34–11.17) cm for 25.0 mm, 11.80 (11.31–12.24) cm for 30.0 mm, and 8.79 (8.05–9.29) cm for commercial fyke nets. The proportion of undersized specimens caught be reduced from 32.27% for commercial fyke nets to as low as 2.46% by using sorting grids. The codend of 22.5 mm bar spacing was more selective, with significantly lower discard rates, and more effective for individuals above the minimum conservation reference size than commercial fyke nets.
Long‐term trends in the genotypic integrity, phenotype and reproductive development of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) populations in New Zealand dairy pastures: Implications for pasture persistence
Authors: Chapman D. F. , Griffiths W. M. , Hofmann R. W. , Thomas E. , Faville M. J. , Kuhn‐Sherlock B.
Published: August 2024

Failure of perennial ryegrass‐based pastures to persist beyond 3 years post‐sowing is an increasing threat to the sustainability of livestock industries in the north of New Zealand. Little is known of the long‐term responses of plants and populations to the environmental stresses responsible for persistence failure, or the effects of ryegrass genetics on those responses. Plants were collected from 10‐year‐old pastures sown in two environments (Waikato, North Island: warm‐temperate, summer/autumn dry; Canterbury, South Island: cool temperate, irrigated) to four ryegrass functional types and grazed by dairy cattle. Surviving plants in Canterbury pastures were almost all true‐to‐type for the original genotype, whereas there was substantial ingress of volunteer plants in the diploid cultivars in Waikato. Plants confirmed as true‐to‐type were compared to reference plants grown from the original seed lines. Leaf mass was lower in survivor plants than in reference plants for all functional types. This effect was reversed by recruitment of new plants from seed in a grazing deferment treatment applied at the Waikato site 18 months before plant collection, in a manner consistent with epigenetic control. Reproductive development was delayed by 4–6 days in survivors of mid‐ and late flowering diploid cultivars: this effect appeared to be the result of true genetic differentiation. There was less aftermath heading in the Canterbury survivors, but not Waikato survivors, compared with the reference plants. The relevance of these findings for ryegrass survival strategies and targeted selection of traits for improved persistence is discussed.
Educational Fetish and Chinese Emigration to Poland
Authors: Kardaszewicz Krzysztof
Published: August 2024

Educational migration to Poland has recently served to reshape the local Chinese community, previously known largely for trade and small entrepreneurship. This marks a broader trend, with a number of European countries promoted in China as sites of elite learning and increasingly fetishized among the Chinese middle class. Drawing on research among families, students and intermediaries, I discuss the process through which Poland has been embraced as one of such ‘imagined’ destinations, meant to provide an alternative to the pressures of life in modern Chinese society. I also show how, despite the growing access, the actual pursuit of new aspirations remains complex, often leading to a conflicted experience abroad.
Headache‐related disability as a function of migraine aura: A daily diary study
Authors: Denney Delora E. , Lee Aaron A. , Landy Stephen H. , Smitherman Todd A.
Published: August 2024

Objective

To examine the unique role of migraine aura in predicting day‐to‐day levels of headache‐related disability.

Background

Migraine symptoms and psychological variables contribute to headache‐related disability. Migraine aura may be associated with more severe symptom profiles and increased risk of psychiatric comorbidities, but the impact of aura on daily functioning is unknown. The present study sought to evaluate the role of migraine aura in predicting same‐day and subsequent‐day migraine‐related disability while accounting for demographic, headache, and psychological variables.

Methods

This was an observational prospective cohort study among 554 adults with migraine. For each participant, data on migraine symptoms and psychological variables were collected daily for 90 days using the N‐1 Headache™ digital app (N = 11,156 total migraine days). Analyses assessed whether the presence of aura predicted daily ratings of migraine‐related disability independently of other headache and psychological variables. Given the number of predictors examined, statistical significance was set at p < 0.01.

Results

The mean (standard deviation, range) patient‐level Migraine Disability Assessment questionnaire score across days of the migraine episode was 1.18 (1.03, 0–3). Aura was significantly associated with higher disability ratings on all days of the migraine episode (odds ratio [OR] 1.40, 99% confidence interval [CI] 1.13–1.74; p < 0.001). This relationship remained unchanged after adjusting for patient‐level variables (OR 1.40, 99% CI 1.13–1.73; p < 0.001) and day‐level psychological variables (OR 1.39, 99% CI 1.12–1.73; p < 0.001) but was fully negated after controlling for day‐level headache variables (OR 1.19, 99% CI 0.95–1.49; p = 0.039). Aura on the first day of the episode was associated with increased odds of allodynia (OR 1.87, 99% CI 1.22–2.86; p < 0.001), phonophobia (OR 1.62, 99% CI 1.17–2.25; p < 0.001), photophobia (OR 1.89, 99% CI 1.37–2.59; p < 0.001), and nausea/vomiting (OR 1.54, 99% CI 1.17–2.02; p < 0.001) on all days of the episode, but not episode duration (p = 0.171), peak severity (p = 0.098), or any examined psychological variables (sleep duration [p = 0.733], sleep quality [p = 0.186], stress [p = 0.110], anxiety [p = 0.102], or sadness [p = 0.743]).

Conclusion

The presence of aura is predictive of increased headache‐related disability during migraine episodes, but this effect is attributable to associated non‐pain symptoms of migraine.
Self‐Correcting Method for Highly Effective Office‐Based Helicobacter pylori Therapy Using Cumulative Test of Cure Data
Authors: Dore Maria Pina , Hernaez Ruben , Graham David Y.
Published: August 2024

Background and Aim

Helicobacter pylori infections have become resistant to many previously highly effective antimicrobial regimens resulting in clarithromycin, metronidazole, or fluoroquinolone‐containing therapies becoming unsuccessful. Pretreatment susceptibility testing is only widely available in the United States but is still rarely done. Here, we propose a framework to monitor H. pylori eradication in small clinical settings by routinely assessing the effectiveness of therapy.

Methods

Because of the small sample size in individual practice's, we assume an acceptable cure rate of ≥80% (preferred cure rate ≥85%) in adherent patients, with a dichotomous outcome (cured vs. failed) and consecutive patient enrollment. To obtain results (feedback) in a timely manner, for individual practices, cure rates can be estimated after 10 patients. Large practices which acquire patients more rapidly can delay analysis until a total of 104 H. pylori‐infected patients, assuming a baseline cure rate of at least 85% with the preferred regimen.

Results

We show how data from individual practices can be utilized to improve the effectiveness of H. pylori treatment decisions. The method consists of recording and accumulating the confirmation of cure data for successive small groups of patients. These data are then analyzed as binary outcomes (pass‐fail) and serve as the basis for studying and improving the effectiveness of H. pylori treatment decisions.

Conclusion

A simple actuarial method can serve outpatient clinics to ensure a reliable test‐to‐cure method and avoid futile Hp regimens.
Geochemical signatures of metapelites in the Highland Complex, Sri Lanka and Trivandrum Block, India: Implications for provenance, nature and tectonic setting of their source protoliths
Authors: Athauda A. M. M. G. I. U. B. , Dharmapriya P. L. , Malaviarachchi S. P. K. , Sajeev K.
Published: August 2024

The investigation of whole‐rock major and trace element geochemical data from metapelites, incorporating analyses from both previous studies and new localities within the Highland Complex (HC) of Sri Lanka and the Trivandrum Block of India (TB), aimed to discern the nature and tectonic setting of their provenance. Examination of chondritic REE distribution and K versus K/Rb diagrams suggests that the geochemistry of the studied metapelites closely resembles typical Post Archaean Australian Shale (PAAS), North American Shale Composite (NASC), and Upper Continental Crust (UCC), indicating minimal modification during high‐grade metamorphism. Predominantly, the protoliths of the metasediments appear to be shales and greywackes derived from Proterozoic felsic to intermediate sources. Tectonic discrimination diagrams reveal that most metapelites correspond to active continental margins and continental island arcs. These geochemical characteristics suggest that the majority of studied metapelites in the HC and TB originate from felsic to intermediate sources, likely deposited within a continental arc setting. Subsequently, these sediments likely accreted in an accretionary prism and underwent metamorphism during continental‐continental collision. The congruence in geochemical signatures between metapelites in the HC and TB, along with established tectonic, geochronological, petrological, mineralogical, and geophysical correlations, implies that precursor sediments of metasedimentary rocks were likely deposited within a laterally extensive Neoproterozoic sedimentary basin.
The Turkish version of the Skin Tear Knowledge Assessment Instrument (OASES): Validity and reliability study
Authors: Yüceler Kaçmaz Hatice , Karadağ Ayişe , Akutay Seda , Çobanoğlu Aktan Derya
Published: August 2024

This study was conducted to adapt the Skin Tear Knowledge Assessment Instrument (OASES) into Turkish and to verify its validity and reliability. This study was conducted on 314 nurses in Türkiye between November 2023 and February 2024 to test the psychometric properties of OASES. The instrument consists of 20 items clustered into six domains. The cultural adaptation process was carried out according to the International Testing Commission guidelines: Turkish translation, expert panel, content validity, translation back to English, preliminary study and the final version of the instrument. To check the validity of the multiple‐choice test, item difficulty and discriminating index were analysed. The reliability of the instrument was evaluated to the retest 14 days after the first test. Scale level content validity by 11 experts in wound care was 0,97 (I‐CVI = 0.8–1.0). In the item analysed of the OASES, the item difficulty index was 0,51 (p‐value = 0.34–0.76) and the discriminating index was 0.40 (D‐value = 0.26–0.51). The 2‐week test‐retest intraclass correlation coefficient of the overall instrument was 0.90 (95% CI = 0.79–0.95). The Turkish version of OASES is a valid and reliable measurement instrument to evaluate nurses' knowledge levels regarding skin tears with acceptable psychometric properties. It can be applied in nursing education, research and practice to evaluate the knowledge of Turkish speaking nurses about skin tears.
Two Y‐chromosomal lineages in White‐cheeked macaque (Macaca leucogenys) indicate a possible male‐mediated introgression in ‘sinica’ group macaques
Authors: Ghosh Avijit , Sharma Lalit Kumar , Thakur Mukesh
Published: August 2024

Aim

Whether widespread gene flow among primates is emblematic of their initial radiation or resulted from secondary contactremains a long‐standing question. We address this question on ‘sinica’ group macaques, highlighting the origin of the white‐cheeked macaque (Macaca leucogenys).

Location

Eastern Himalayan highlands of Arunachal Pradesh, India.

Taxon

Macaca leucogenys Li, Zhao, Fan, 2015b (Cercopithecidae).

Methods

Mitochondrial genomes and Y‐chromosomal TSPY gene sequences of WCM were obtained from two distant populations through low‐depth genome sequencing. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted along with sequences of other available species within the genus Macaca.

Results

We observed the presence of a single maternal lineage but two parental lineages. Interestingly, one paternal lineage of the white‐cheeked macaque clustered with a common lineage of M. assamensis and M. munzala. The other paternal lineage clustered with the sequences of the white‐cheeked macaque from the type locality in Southeastern Tibet.

Main Conclusions

The result indicates a possible historic male‐mediated introgression in the white‐cheeked macaque, which is also present in the two other species belonging to the ‘sinica’ group. Therefore, extensive gene flow in ‘sinica’ group macaques possibly came from one or more introgression events in the past that also played a role in the origin and evolution of these macaque species.
Impact of hematocrit levels on the accuracy of specific blood glucose meters: A hospital‐based study
Authors: Pham Huan Nguyen , Pham Phuc Nguyen Huu , Phan Hang Thi , Cao Long Thang , Thoi Hau Thi Thu , Do Tuyen Dang Thanh , Truong Tuyet Thi Anh
Published: August 2024

Aims/Introduction

Blood glucose meters are commonly used at the bedside, but most of the meters used in Hung Vuong Hospital (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) are built for self‐monitoring and might not be suitable for determining glucose levels in patients. In this study, we aimed to validate the performance of six frequently used meters in our hospital using the Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) standard, and investigate the hematocrit impact on the accuracy of these meters.

Materials and Methods

A total of 135 pregnant women who underwent a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test consented to participate in the study at Hung Vuong Hospital. Whole blood glucose levels were measured in duplicate using meters, and hematocrit levels were measured using an Alinity h‐series analyzer. Within 5 min, plasma glucose levels were measured twice in a row using the Cobas c502 reference analyzer. For accuracy and precision, the hematocrit effect was assed using CLSI POCT12‐A3.

Results

Out of six evaluated meters, three meters qualified. For CLSI criterion at glucose concentration of 5.55 mmol/L, Accu‐Chek Inform II, Accu‐Chek Performa and OneTouch VerioVue achieved 97.31%, 98.08% and 99.62%, respectively. For CLSI criterion at 4.17 mmol/L, these three achieved 100%. Accu‐Chek Inform II and Accu‐Chek Performa showed an inverse correlation between glucose level and hematocrit with slopes of −0.500 (95% confidence interval −0.678 to −0.322) and −0.396 (95% confidence interval −0.569 to −0.224), whereas OneTouch VerioVue was not affected by hematocrit, with a slope of 0.207 (95% confidence interval −0.026 to 0.440).

Conclusions

Blood glucose meters' measurements can be affected by hematocrit, and might provide readings not within an acceptable bias. Medical organizations need to verify or validate before using on patients.
The relationship between nurses' burnout status and their intention to leave during the COVID‐19 pandemic process
Authors: Dinçer Gökçe , Altay Birsen
Published: August 2024

Aim

The aim of this research is to determine the relationship between nurses' burnout status and their intention to leave the job during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Materials and Methods

The population of the descriptive study, which seeks a relationship, consists of nurses working in State Hospital, the sample consists of 213 nurses who agreed to participate in the research between April 2021 and August 2021. Data were collected using the ‘Personal Data Collection Form’, ‘Burnout Scale’ and ‘Intention to Leave Scale’. Ethics committee approval was obtained for the study.

Results

Of the participants, 75.6% were women, 91.1% cared for patients with a diagnosis of COVID‐19. The participants' Burnout Scale mean score was 4.34 ± 1.10, and the Intention to Leave Scale mean score was 2.94 ± 1.04. The relationship between burnout and age, gender, marital status, income status, unit of work, professional experience, choosing the profession voluntarily, being happy to do the job and caring for a patient with COVID‐19 was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). It has been concluded that age, income status, unit of work, professional experience, choosing the profession willingly and being happy to do the job affect the intention to leave the job. A positive and significant relationship was found between the mean scores of the Burnout Scale and the mean scores of the Intention to Leave Scale.

Conclusion

This study determined that as nurses' burnout level increased, their intention to quit their jobs increased.
Dysregulation of myelination‐related genes in schizophrenia
Authors: Bergstrom Johanna J. D. , Fu Meng‐meng
Published: August 2024

Schizophrenic individuals display disrupted myelination patterns, altered oligodendrocyte distribution, and abnormal oligodendrocyte morphology. Schizophrenia is linked with dysregulation of a variety of genes involved in oligodendrocyte function and myelin production. Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and rare mutations in myelination‐related genes are observed in certain schizophrenic populations, representing potential genetic risk factors. Downregulation of myelination‐related RNAs and proteins, particularly in frontal and limbic regions, is consistently associated with the disorder across multiple studies. These findings support the notion that disruptions in myelination may contribute to the cognitive and behavioral impairments experienced in schizophrenia, although further evidence of causation is needed.

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