bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How employee mindfulness influences the retention intention of technology employees: multiple mediation effects of affective commitment and organizational identification
Authors: Liu Jianxi , Gan Yu , Chen YiJun
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study delves into the impact of mindfulness on the retention intention of technology employees, with a particular focus on the mediating variables of affective commitment (AC) and organizational identification (OI). The primary aim is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms through which mindfulness influences the retention intention of technology employees.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employed a survey approach with self-administered questionnaires and structural equation modeling. The collected data were analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) 24 and Analysis of Moment Structure (AMOS) 28. Multiple mediation analyses was conducted through AMOS to examine the mediating effects of OI and AC.

Findings

The association between mindfulness and retention intention among technology employees showed an overall positive correlation. Additionally, AC and OI were positively correlated with retention intention. In the impact of employee mindfulness (EM) on retention intention, all indirect effects were found to be significant.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the relationship between EM and retention intention, as well as the associations of AC and OI with them, extending the application of mindfulness in management and offering insights for talent retention among company decision-makers.
Difficulties experienced by Latin American oil and gas companies in the integrated adoption of practices aligned with the UN SDGs
Authors: Borges Fabíola M.M.G. , Anholon Rosley , Rampasso Izabela Simon , Sigahi Tiago F.A.C. , Moraes Gustavo Hermínio Salati Marcondes de , Leal Filho Walter
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to understand the difficulties faced by Latin American oil and gas (O&G) companies in adopting integrated practices aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

A Delphi study was conducted with 14 experts with extensive knowledge and experience in the O&G sector to collect opinions and investigate sustainable practices in the Latin American context.

Findings

A consensus was reached after two rounds, demonstrating a unified view of sustainability experts on the difficulties faced by O&G companies to adopt practices aligned with the SDGs. The difficulties identified through the Delphi method were allocated into five clusters named: “public sector and governments,” “civil society,” “corporate issues,” “technology and innovation” and “financial aspects.” These clusters were used to discuss the main challenges associated with implementing business practices that recognize the SDGs and their achievement as a synergistic reinforcing system rather than an additive structure.

Originality/value

This study provides further insights into the underexplored subject relating to the challenges experienced by Latin American O&G companies in the implementation of the SDGs, adopting the perspective of academic and industry experts in this field. The findings can help professionals in O&G companies implement sustainable practices, policymakers in debates about futures laws and regulations and academic in future research.
Gender-specific occupational stress management in construction professionals: a comparative analysis of contractor quantity surveyors work at site
Authors: Gunasekara K.A. , Perera B.A.K.S. , Kurukulasooriya I.N.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The construction industry is one of the most stressful industries. Thus, quantity surveyors (QSs) who work at sites frequently experience high levels of occupational stress. The gender of a QS also has a significant impact on his/her occupational stress. Hence, this study aims to investigate the management of occupational stress in QSs working at sites for contractors (hereinafter referred to as CQSs).

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a mixed approach using semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire survey for female and male CQSs to identify, validate and rank the stressors and symptoms of occupational stress in CQSs and the strategies of managing that stress based on their significance levels. Manual content analysis and the mean weighted rating were used to analyse the data collected.

Findings

Heavy workload was the most significant occupational stressor of CQSs, whereas sleeping disorders were their primary symptom of occupational stress. Establishing a proper work programme was identified as the most effective stress management strategy for male and female CQSs. This study shows that many site QSs are stressed owing to their heavy workloads and work obligations and that their stress-related attributes significantly depend on their genders.

Originality/value

This study is significant because no previous studies have been conducted on managing occupational stress in CQSs in male and female CQSs. The study findings can be used to identify the stressors and symptoms of occupational stress in CQSs early and use appropriate management strategies to enhance the work satisfaction and productivity of CQSs suffering from occupational stress.
Automation of text document classification in the budgeting phase of the Construction process: a Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Jacques de Sousa Luís , Poças Martins João , Sanhudo Luís , Santos Baptista João
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to review recent advances towards the implementation of ANN and NLP applications during the budgeting phase of the construction process. During this phase, construction companies must assess the scope of each task and map the client’s expectations to an internal database of tasks, resources and costs. Quantity surveyors carry out this assessment manually with little to no computer aid, within very austere time constraints, even though these results determine the company’s bid quality and are contractually binding.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper seeks to compile applications of machine learning (ML) and natural language processing in the architectural engineering and construction sector to find which methodologies can assist this assessment. The paper carries out a systematic literature review, following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines, to survey the main scientific contributions within the topic of text classification (TC) for budgeting in construction.

Findings

This work concludes that it is necessary to develop data sets that represent the variety of tasks in construction, achieve higher accuracy algorithms, widen the scope of their application and reduce the need for expert validation of the results. Although full automation is not within reach in the short term, TC algorithms can provide helpful support tools.

Originality/value

Given the increasing interest in ML for construction and recent developments, the findings disclosed in this paper contribute to the body of knowledge, provide a more automated perspective on budgeting in construction and break ground for further implementation of text-based ML in budgeting for construction.
A study of social visibility and engagement of world-renowned libraries on Twitter
Authors: Wani Zahid Ashraf , Ahmad Majid
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate how libraries use Twitter as a social media platform and examine the tweets they post, including multimedia content such as images and video clips. The study also aims to analyse the relationship between post types and user engagement and evaluate the effects of post features, such as multimedia content, on user engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology of the study involved three phases. In Phase 1, a review of related literature was conducted to develop a holistic approach for the study. In Phase 2, official Twitter handles of selected libraries were identified and verified for authenticity using various methods, including cross-checking with library websites. During Phase 3, data was collected from the Twitter handles. The data was then tabulated and interpreted to achieve the set objectives of the study.

Findings

The paper examined the tweets posted by select libraries on Twitter and their impact on user engagement. The study found that most tweets were related to library resources/collection and announcements, followed by events hosted by libraries. Emotionally inspiring posts and daily facts were also commonly posted. The findings also showed that including images in tweets resulted in higher levels of user engagement than video clips did. The study suggests that incorporating images fosters engagement and boosts retweets, while watching a video takes more effort and time.

Practical implications

The practical implications of the study can provide insights into the tweets that generate user engagement, which can help libraries tailor their social media strategies to attract and retain more followers. The paper can help libraries measure the success of their social media activities by evaluating user engagement metrics.

Originality/value

The originality/ value of the study lies in its examination of how libraries use Twitter as a social media platform, including the tweets they post and the impact of multimedia content on user engagement. While previous studies have examined the use of social media by libraries, this study focuses specifically on Twitter and provides a detailed analysis of the tweets that generate user engagement.
ICT training, digital transformation and company performance: an empirical study
Authors: Nicolás-Agustín Álvaro , Jiménez-Jiménez Daniel , Maeso Fernandez Francisco , Di Prima Christian
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study presents a model for assessing the effects of employee ICT training on organizations’ results. It also introduces digital transformation as a mediator between the two concepts and studies the role of organizational commitment and human capital in terms of digital transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

Surveys were completed by the CEOs of 184 Spanish companies, and their responses were analyzed with Partial Least Squares.

Findings

The results empirically analyze the proposed theoretical model and highlight the fact that human capital and organizational commitment partially mediate the link between ICT training and digital transformation. Furthermore, there is a direct relationship between ICT training and company performance.

Practical implications

Directors and managers should invest more resources in the human capital of their company through ICT training. In fact, it can improve organizational commitment, encouraging employees to adopt innovative behaviors, thus allowing for the necessary digital transformation.

Originality/value

Despite heavy theoretical emphasis on the study of the conditions necessary for the digital transformation of companies, few studies have empirically analyzed the effects of adopting certain practices for its implementation. This paper focuses on analyzing the effect of ICT training, which is configured as a tool capable of improving staff knowledge and increasing employee commitment. This is essential for adopting organizational change such as digital transformation.
Usability testing of mobile learning applications: a systematic mapping study
Authors: Kumar Bimal Aklesh , Chand Sailesh Saras , Goundar Munil Shiva
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Mobile learning has seen tremendous growth over the years. Like any other software application, usability is one of the key concerns in its successful implementation. There is a lack of study that provides a comprehensive overview of usability testing of mobile learning applications. Motivated by this a mapping study is conducted.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic mapping study was conducted using 51 papers retrieved from the Scopus database published between 2005 and 2022 that reported on usability testing of mobile learning applications.

Findings

The key findings suggest that research is expected to expand in the near future. User-based testing is the commonly used method, while data are collected mainly through questionnaires, observation and interviews. Testing is mainly conducted in a controlled environment.

Originality/value

The study provides (1) an evidence-based discussion on usability testing of mobile learning applications, (2) an up-to-date map on state of the art on usability testing of mobile learning applications and (3) providing direction for further research to scientifically strengthen the field.
Institutional theory and multinational corporation internationalization strategy: a systematic review and future research agenda
Authors: Saikia Anuradha , Bhattacharya Sharad Nath , Dwivedi Rohit
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study reviews the literature on institutional theory in international business and examines the institutional factors behind the success or failure of multinational corporations (MNCs) in emerging markets.

Design/methodology/approach

This systematic literature review analysed 116 peer-reviewed articles published in leading journals between 2005 and 2022. The R package Bibliometrix and VOSviewer visualization software were used for analysis. A hybrid methodology combining bibliometric and content analyses was utilized to obtain a descriptive evaluation of the publication impact along with a keyword co-occurrence map, context-specific institutional effects and subsidiary strategies.

Findings

The Journal of International Business Studies, along with influential authors such as Mike W. Peng, Klaus Meyer, and Mehmet Demirbag, have taken the lead in advancing institutional theories for MNC internationalization in emerging markets. The clusters from the co-word analysis revealed dominant MNC entry modes, institutional distances and MNC localization strategies. The content analysis highlights how the institutional environment is operationalized across the macro-, micro- and meso-institutional contexts and how the MNC subsidiary responds in emerging markets. Meso-level interactions emphasize the relational aspects of business strategies in emerging markets.

Practical implications

Contextualizing subsidiary strategies and institutional forms can help managers align their strategic responses to the dynamic relationship between subsidiaries and the institutional environment. The review findings will enable policymakers to simplify regulatory policies and encourage MNC subsidiary networks with local stakeholders in emerging markets.

Social implications

Legitimacy strategies such as corporate community involvement in emerging markets are crucial for enhancing societal support and removing stakeholders' scepticism for MNC business operations in emerging markets. Moral legitimacy should be implemented by managers, such as lending support to disaster management efforts and humanitarian crises, as they expand to new business environments of emerging markets.

Originality/value

This study is the first to explore institutional diversity and subsidiary strategic responses in a three-layered institutional context. The findings highlight the relevance of contextualizing institutional perspectives for international business scholars and practitioners as they help build context-specific theoretical frameworks and business strategies. Future research recommendations are suggested in the macro-, micro- and meso-institutional contexts.
Investigation of TiO2 replacement alternatives for water-based paints using styrene butyl acrylate
Authors: Aygül Seda , Yılmazsönmez Serkan , Soyalp Arzu , Aytac Ayse
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has high opacity, high brightness and whiteness, owing to its high refractive index value. It is mainly used in the coating industry and continuous efforts have been made to replace some of the TiO2 in paint with new pigments. This study aims to replace part of TiO2 pigment with various percentages of BaSO4, CaCO3 and kaolin in styrene butyl acrylate-based paint formulations, without changing the properties of paints using only titanium dioxide.

Design/methodology/approach

To determine the optimum use rate of new pigment mixing, opacity, gloss, scrub resistance and weather resistance properties have been investigated in the water-based paint formulation. The morphological properties of these samples were examined by scanning electron microscopy analysis.

Findings

In the total color change (ΔE) measurements, it was observed that the sample coded 85Ti/15Ba produced extremely similar results to the situation when TiO2 was used alone. It was seen that the best results were obtained when 85Ti/15Ba was used instead of TiO2.

Originality/value

Comparison research on the impact of replacing TiO2 with BaSO4, CaCO3 and kaolin on the performance characteristics of water-based styrene butyl acrylate-based paint formulations has not been done in the literature, according to the literature search.
Human-robot collaborative task planning for assembly system productivity enhancement
Authors: Inkulu Anil Kumar , Bahubalendruni M.V.A. Raju
Published: January 2024

Purpose

In the current era of Industry 4.0, the manufacturing industries are striving toward mass production with mass customization by considering human–robot collaboration. This study aims to propose the reconfiguration of assembly systems by incorporating multiple humans with robots using a human–robot task allocation (HRTA) to enhance productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

A human–robot task scheduling approach has been developed by considering task suitability, resource availability and resource selection through multicriteria optimization using the Linear Regression with Optimal Point and Minimum Distance Calculation algorithm. Using line-balancing techniques, the approach estimates the optimum number of resources required for assembly tasks operating by minimum idle time.

Findings

The task allocation schedule for a case study involving a punching press was solved using human–robot collaboration, and the approach incorporated the optimum number of appropriate resources to handle different types of proportion of resources.

Originality/value

This proposed work integrates the task allocation by human–robot collaboration and decrease the idle time of resource by integrating optimum number of resources.
What is the impact of seasonal ambient changes on the incidence of falls among older adults?
Authors: Byrne Richard , Patton Declan , Moore Zena , O’Connor Tom , Nugent Linda , Avsar Pinar
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This systematic review paper aims to investigate seasonal ambient change’s impact on the incidence of falls among older adults.

Design/methodology/approach

The population, exposure, outcome (PEO) structured framework was used to frame the research question prior to using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis framework. Three databases were searched, and a total of 12 studies were found for inclusion, and quality appraisal was carried out. Data extraction was performed, and narrative analysis was carried out.

Findings

Of the 12 studies, 2 found no link between seasonality and fall incidence. One study found fall rates increased during warmer months, and 9 of the 12 studies found that winter months and their associated seasonal changes led to an increase in the incidence in falls. The overall result was that cooler temperatures typically seen during winter months carried an increased risk of falling for older adults.

Originality/value

Additional research is needed, most likely examining the climate one lives in. However, the findings are relevant and can be used to inform health-care providers and older adults of the increased risk of falling during the winter.
Phylogeny and climate explain contrasting hydraulic traits in different life forms of 150 woody Fabaceae species
Authors: Liu Hui , Ye Qing , Lundgren Marjorie R. , Young Sophie N. R. , Liu Xiaorong , Luo Qi , Lin Yixue , Ye Nan , Hao Guangyou
Published: January 2024

The contrasting hydraulic traits observed among different plant life forms are shaped by entangled environmental and evolutionary processes. However, we lack understanding of the relative importance of life form, climate and phylogeny in explaining the variance of hydraulic traits.

We analysed seven hydraulic traits and eleven climatic variables of 150 Fabaceae species representing three life forms from 62 sites worldwide, using phylogenetic comparative analyses and variance partitioning.

The phylogenetic signal found in most traits disappeared after considering life form, indicating that phylogenetic conservatism in traits originated from the divergence among life forms. The trait‐climate relationships were also phylogenetically dependent, implying that trait responses are driven by climate and phylogeny together. Variance partitioning showed that phylogeny and climate explained greater trait variation than life form did.

Synthesis. The climate‐driven hydraulic trait responses in Fabaceae still existed with phylogeny being considered, suggesting that this large family may be particularly sensitive to climate change. Our results emphasise the need to include phylogeny in plant hydraulic adaptation studies under future climate change.
Separating the wheat from the chaff: How to measure hospital quality in routine data?
Authors: Bilger Jana , Pletscher Mark , Müller Tobias
Published: January 2024

Objective

To measure hospital quality based on routine data available in many health care systems including the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, and Switzerland.

Data Sources and Study Setting

We use the Swiss Medical Statistics of Hospitals, an administrative hospital dataset of all inpatient stays in acute care hospitals in Switzerland for the years 2017–2019.

Study Design

We study hospital quality based on quality indicators used by leading agencies in five countries (the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) for two high‐volume elective procedures: inguinal hernia repair and hip replacement surgery. We assess how least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), a supervised machine learning technique for variable selection, and Mundlak corrections that account for unobserved heterogeneity between hospitals can be used to improve risk adjustment and correct for imbalances in patient risks across hospitals.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

The Swiss Federal Statistical Office collects annual data on all acute care inpatient stays including basic socio‐demographic patient attributes and case‐level diagnosis and procedure codes.

Principal Findings

We find that LASSO‐selected and Mundlak‐corrected hospital random effects logit models outperform common practice logistic regression models used for risk adjustment. Besides the more favorable statistical properties, they have superior in‐ and out‐of‐sample explanatory power. Moreover, we find that Mundlak‐corrected logits and the more complex LASSO‐selected models identify the same hospitals as high or low‐quality offering public health authorities a valuable alternative to standard logistic regression models. Our analysis shows that hospitals vary considerably in the quality they provide to patients.

Conclusion

We find that routine hospital data can be used to measure clinically relevant quality indicators that help patients make informed hospital choices.
Developing, purchasing, implementing and monitoring AI tools in radiology: Practical considerations. A multi‐society statement from the ACR, CAR, ESR, RANZCR & RSNA
Authors: Brady Adrian P , Allen Bibb , Chong Jaron , Kotter Elmar , Kottler Nina , Mongan John , Oakden‐Rayner Lauren , Pinto dos Santos Daniel , Tang An , Wald Christoph , Slavotinek John
Published: January 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) carries the potential for unprecedented disruption in radiology, with possible positive and negative consequences. The integration of AI in radiology holds the potential to revolutionize healthcare practices by advancing diagnosis, quantification, and management of multiple medical conditions. Nevertheless, the ever‐growing availability of AI tools in radiology highlights an increasing need to critically evaluate claims for its utility and to differentiate safe product offerings from potentially harmful, or fundamentally unhelpful ones. This multi‐society paper, presenting the views of Radiology Societies in the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, defines the potential practical problems and ethical issues surrounding the incorporation of AI into radiological practice. In addition to delineating the main points of concern that developers, regulators, and purchasers of AI tools should consider prior to their introduction into clinical practice, this statement also suggests methods to monitor their stability and safety in clinical use, and their suitability for possible autonomous function. This statement is intended to serve as a useful summary of the practical issues which should be considered by all parties involved in the development of radiology AI resources, and their implementation as clinical tools.
Implication of IZUMO2 in the cell‐in‐cell phenomenon: A potential therapeutic target for triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Higashi Toshiya , Saigo Chiemi , Chikaishi Wakana , Hayashi Hirokatsu , Hanamatsu Yuki , Futamura Manabu , Matsuhashi Nobuhisa , Takeuchi Tamotsu
Published: January 2024

Background

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by the loss of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. The aggressive clinicopathological features and resistance to currently available therapeutics of the disease warrant an urgent need for the development of novel alternate therapeutic options. We have previously reported adiponectin‐expressing regulatory T cells (A‐Tregs), which can induce apoptosis in TNBC through the cell‐in‐cell phenomenon. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the molecule that allows TNBC cells to engulf A‐Tregs.

Methods

A monoclonal antibody, which repressed the engulfment of A‐Tregs by TNBC cells, was developed. Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry and small interfering RNAs‐mediated gene silencing was performed to characterize the antigen.

Results

We successfully generated a monoclonal antibody, designated G1D7, which abrogated the engulfment of A‐Tregs by TNBC and subsequent A‐Treg‐mediated apoptosis. G1D7 detected the immunoglobulin‐like type I membrane protein IZUMO2, a molecule related to IZUMO1 that is essential for cell–cell membrane binding and fusion of sperm to oocyte.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the importance of IZUMO2 on TNBC cells in facilitating the cell‐in‐cell phenomenon by A‐Tregs.
Improving pollen and nectar supply by identifying the red clover (Trifolium pratense) cultivars that attract most pollinators
Authors: Harris Ciaran , Ratnieks Francis L.W.
Published: January 2024

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is an important legume in agriculture for fodder and building soil fertility. Red clover flowers are also a valuable pollen and nectar source for pollinators during bloom.

Farmers can choose among hundreds of commercially available red clover cultivars to plant, but the value of different cultivars for pollinators is not currently assessed or used as a recommendation criterion for farmers.

Here, we compared the numbers of pollinators on 20 red clover accessions (12 cultivars and 8 breeding lines) grown under management typical for silage production in the UK in 2022 and 2023. Other potentially pollinator‐friendly traits (inflorescence density, florets per inflorescence, floret length and nectar sugar production) were also measured to help determine which would be desirable to integrate into red clover breeding programmes.

Accessions varied greatly, 50‐fold, in numbers of pollinators attracted per plot and varied significantly in all other traits examined. Only inflorescence density was significantly positively related to insect abundance and species richness. These results suggest that breeding and using red clover cultivars that produce more inflorescences can increase the value of red clover to pollinators.

We note that data on insect visitation can be gathered easily and could be provided to farmers to help improve the value of red clover fields to pollinators.
Feasibility and acceptability of facilitated advance care planning in outpatient clinics: A qualitative study of health‐care professionals experience
Authors: Marshall Kate H. , Riddiford‐Harland Diane L. , Meller Anne E. , Kruger Vanessa , Kirsebom Marie , Tran Michael , Caplan Gideon A. , Naganathan Vasi , Cullen John , Gonski Peter , Zwar Nicholas , O'Keeffe Julie‐Ann , Krysinska Karolina , Rhee Joel J.
Published: January 2024

Objective

This study sought to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a facilitated advance care planning (ACP) intervention implemented in outpatient clinics, as perceived by health‐care professionals (HCPs).

Methods

Data from seven focus groups (n = 27) and nine semi‐structured interviews with HCPs recruited as part of a pragmatic, randomised controlled trial (RCT) were analysed using qualitative descriptive methodology. Components of the intervention included HCP education and training, tools to assist HCPs with patient selection, hardcopy information, and ACP documentation, and specialised nurse‐facilitators to support HCPs to complete ACP conversations and documentation with patients and caregivers.

Results

Health‐care professionals working in tertiary outpatient clinics perceived the facilitated ACP intervention as feasible and acceptable. Health‐care professionals reported a high level of satisfaction with key elements of the intervention, including the specialised education and training, screening and assessment procedures and ongoing support from the nurse‐facilitators. Health‐care professionals reported this training and support increased their confidence and ACP knowledge, leading to more frequent ACP discussions with patients and their families. Health‐care professionals noted their ability to conduct ACP screening and assessment in clinic was impeded by large clinical caseloads and patient‐related factors (e.g., dementia diagnoses, and emotional distress). Additional barriers to ACP implementation identified by HCPs included poor collaboration, constrained time and clinical space, undefined roles and standardised recording procedures for HCPs.

Conclusions

Facilitated ACP intervention in outpatient clinics is perceived by HCPs as feasible and acceptable. Addressing barriers and tailoring implementation strategies may improve the delivery of ACP as part of tertiary outpatient care.
Impact of body fat location and volume on incisional hernia development and its outcomes following repair
Authors: Li Junsheng , Wu Lisheng , Shao Xiangyu
Published: January 2024

Background

Obesity is known to increase the likelihood of developing abdominal wall hernias, body mass index (BMI) alone does not provide detailed information about the amount and location of body fat. The aim of this study was to investigate the link between various adipose tissue parameters and the incidence of incisional hernias (IHs), as well as the outcomes of hernia repair.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive review of the existing literature to examine the relationship between various body fat parameters and the occurrence of IHs after abdominal surgeries, as well as the outcomes of hernia repair.

Results

Thirteen studies were included for analysis. Eight trials evaluated the IH development after abdominal surgeries via specific fat parameters, and five studies evaluated the postoperative outcomes after IH repair. The findings of this study suggest that an increase in visceral fat volume (VFA or VFV) and subcutaneous fat (SFA or SFV) are linked to a higher incidence of IHs after abdominal surgeries. Higher levels of VFV or VFA were associated with more challenging fascia closure and greater postoperative recurrence rates following repair. Whereas BMI did not demonstrate a significant association.

Conclusion

Measuring visceral and subcutaneous fat composition preoperatively can be a useful tool for assessing the risk of IH, and is more reliable than BMI. Elevated levels of these fat parameters have been linked to increased recurrence of IH following hernia repair, as well as the use of complex surgical techniques during repair.
Body mass index z‐scores in the first 2 years of life were associated with adverse metabolic and anthropometric outcomes at 3 years of age
Authors: Jakobsen Mikala E. , Stentebjerg Louise L. , Tanvig Mette H. , Jørgensen Jan S. , Ovesen Per G. , Christesen Henrik T. , Jensen Dorte M. , Vinter Christina A.
Published: January 2024

Aim

We investigated associations between body mass index (BMI) z‐scores for children aged 0–2 years and the BMI z‐scores, body fat percentage and metabolic risk factors at 3 years of age.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of the Lifestyle in Pregnancy and Offspring randomised controlled trial, carried out at two university hospitals in Denmark. It comprised 149 mothers with BMI ≥30 kg/m2 who did or did not receive a lifestyle intervention during pregnancy and a reference group of 97 mothers with normal‐weight, with follow‐up of their 3‐year‐old offspring. The children in these three groups were pooled for the data analyses, due to similar characteristics between groups. The BMI z‐scores were calculated at 5 weeks, 5 months and 1, 2 and 3 years, using Danish reference groups. Their anthropometrics and metabolic outcomes were examined at 3 years of age.

Results

BMI z‐scores at 5 months to 2 years were associated with BMI z‐scores and body fat percentage at 3 years of age and BMI z‐scores were not associated with metabolic risk factors at 3 years.

Conclusion

BMI z‐scores from 5 weeks of age were associated with adverse anthropometric outcomes but not with metabolic risk factors at 3 years of age.
Progressive, multi‐organ, and multi‐layered nature of cancer cachexia
Authors: Nakamura Yuki , Saldajeno Don Pietro , Kawaguchi Kosuke , Kawaoka Shinpei
Published: January 2024

Cancer cachexia is a complex, multifaceted condition that negatively impacts the health, treatment efficacy, and economic status of cancer patients. The management of cancer cachexia is an essential clinical need. Cancer cachexia is currently defined mainly according to the severity of weight loss and sarcopenia (i.e., macrosymptoms). However, such macrosymptoms may be insufficient to give clinicians clues on how to manage this condition as these symptoms appear at the late stage of cancer. We need to understand earlier events during the progression of cancer cachexia so as not to miss a clinical opportunity to control this complex syndrome. Recent research indicates that cancer‐induced changes in the host are much wider than previously recognized, including disruption of liver function and the immune system. Furthermore, such changes are observed before the occurrence of visible distant metastases (i.e., in early, localized cancers). In light of these findings, we propose to expand the definition of cancer cachexia to include all cancer‐induced changes to host physiology, including changes caused by early, localized cancers. This new definition of cancer cachexia can provide a new perspective on this topic, which can stimulate the research and development of novel cancer cachexia therapies.
Comprehensive analysis of clinical and biological features in Parkinson's disease associated with the LRRK2 G2019S mutation: Data from the PPMI study
Authors: Sun Xiaohui , Dou Kaixin , Xue Li , Xie Yijie , Yang Yong , Xie Anmu
Published: January 2024

The Parkinson's Progression Marker Initiative (PPMI) aims to identify biomarkers for Parkinson's disease (PD) risk, onset, and progression. This study focuses on the G2019S missense mutation in the LRRK2 gene, which is associated with hereditary and sporadic PD. Utilizing data from the PPMI database, we conducted an analysis of baseline clinical characteristics, as well as serum and cerebrospinal fluid levels in two groups: patients with PD with the G2019S mutation (PD + G2019S) and patients with PD without the mutation (PD‐G2019S). Multiple linear regression and longitudinal analysis were performed, controlling for confounding factors. Compared to the PD‐G2019S group, the PD + G2019S group showed more obvious initial motor dysfunction—higher baseline Movement Disorder Society‐Sponsored Revision of the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (MDS‐UPDRS) scores (false discovery rate [FDR]‐adjusted p < 0.001), but progressed more slowly. Mechanism of Coordinated Access and activities of daily living (ADL) scores were lower at baseline (FDR‐adjusted p < 0.001), whereas Scales for Outcomes of Parkinson's Disease (SCOPA)‐Thermoregulatory (FDR‐adjusted p = 0.015) scores were higher, emphasizing the increase of non‐motor symptoms associated with LRRK2‐G2019S mutation. During the follow‐up period, the motor and non‐motor symptoms changed dynamically with time, and there were longitudinal differences in the scores of MDS‐UPDRS (FDR‐adjusted PI = 0.013, PII = 0.008, PIV < 0.001), Questionnaire for Impulsive‐Compulsive Disorders in Parkinson's Disease (FDR‐adjusted p = 0.027), SCOPA‐Thermoregulatory (FDR‐adjusted p = 0.021), and ADL (FDR‐adjusted p = 0.027) scale scores. PD associated with the LRRK2 G2019S mutation demonstrated more severe symptoms at baseline but slower progression. Motor complications and thermoregulatory disorders were more pronounced.
Cholinergic modulation of rearing in rats performing a spatial memory task
Authors: Cassity Skylar , Choi Irene Jungyeon , Gregory Billy Howard , Igbasanmi Adeleke Malik , Bickford Sarah Cristi , Moore Kiara Tyanni , Seraiah Anna Elisabeth , Layfield Dylan , Newman Ehren Lee
Published: January 2024

Spatial memory encoding depends in part on cholinergic modulation. How acetylcholine supports spatial memory encoding is not well understood. Prior studies indicate that acetylcholine release is correlated with exploration, including epochs of rearing onto hind legs. Here, to test whether elevated cholinergic tone increases the probability of rearing, we tracked rearing frequency and duration while optogenetically modulating the activity of choline acetyltransferase containing (i.e., acetylcholine producing) neurons of the medial septum in rats performing a spatial working memory task (n = 17 rats). The cholinergic neurons were optogenetically inhibited using halorhodopsin for the duration that rats occupied two of the four open arms during the study phase of an 8‐arm radial arm maze win‐shift task. Comparing rats' behaviour in the two arm types showed that rearing frequency was not changed, but the average duration of rearing epochs became significantly longer. This effect on rearing was observed during optogenetic inhibition but not during sham inhibition or in rats that received infusions of a fluorescent reporter virus (i.e., without halorhodopsin; n = 6 rats). Optogenetic inhibition of cholinergic neurons during the pretrial waiting phase had no significant effect on rearing, indicating a context‐specificity of the observed effects. These results are significant in that they indicate that cholinergic neuron activity in the medial septum is correlated with rearing not because it motivates an exploratory state but because it contributes to the processing of information acquired while rearing.
Remote seizures and drug‐resistant epilepsy after a first status epilepticus in adults
Authors: Orlandi Niccolò , Giovannini Giada , Cioclu Maria Cristina , Biagioli Niccolò , Madrassi Laura , Vaudano Anna Elisabetta , Pugnaghi Matteo , Lattanzi Simona , Meletti Stefano
Published: January 2024

Background and purpose

Long‐term consequences after status epilepticus (SE) represent an unsettled issue. We investigated the incidence of remote unprovoked seizures (RS) and drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) in a cohort of first‐ever SE survivors.

Methods

A retrospective, observational, and monocentric study was conducted on adult patients (age ≥ 14 years) with first SE who were consecutively admitted to the Modena Academic Hospital, Italy (September 2013–March 2022). Kaplan–Meier survival analyses were used to calculate the probability of seizure freedom following the index event, whereas Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to identify outcome predictors.

Results

A total of 279 patients were included, 57 of whom (20.4%) developed RS (mean follow‐up = 32.4 months). Cumulative probability of seizure freedom was 85%, 78%, and 68% respectively at 12 months, 2 years, and 5 years. In 45 of 57 patients (81%), the first relapse occurred within 2 years after SE. The risk of RS was higher in the case of structural brain damage (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06–4.01), progressive symptomatic etiology (HR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.44–5.16), and occurrence of nonconvulsive evolution in the semiological sequence of SE (HR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.37–6.37). Eighteen of 57 patients (32%) developed DRE; the risk was higher in the case of super‐refractory (p = 0.006) and non‐convulsive SE evolution (p = 0.008).

Conclusions

The overall risk of RS was moderate, temporally confined within 2 years after the index event, and driven by specific etiologies and SE semiology. Treatment super‐refractoriness and non‐convulsive SE evolution were associated with DRE development.
An efficient hybrid extreme learning machine and evolutionary framework with applications for medical diagnosis
Authors: Al Bataineh Ali , Jalali Seyed Mohammad Jafar , Mousavirad Seyed Jalaleddin , Yazdani Amirmehdi , Islam Syed Mohammed Shamsul , Khosravi Abbas
Published: January 2024

Integrating machine learning techniques into medical diagnostic systems holds great promise for enhancing disease identification and treatment. Among the various options for training such systems, the extreme learning machine (ELM) stands out due to its rapid learning capability and computational efficiency. However, the random selection of input weights and hidden neuron biases in the ELM can lead to suboptimal performance. To address this issue, our study introduces a novel approach called modified Harris hawks optimizer (MHHO) to optimize these parameters in ELM for medical classification tasks. By applying the MHHO‐based method to seven medical datasets, our experimental results demonstrate its superiority over seven other evolutionary‐based ELM trainer models. The findings strongly suggest that the MHHO approach can serve as a valuable tool for enhancing the performance of ELM in medical diagnosis.
“At the end of the day, someone done lost their child”: A mixed methods analysis of Black families' experiences of the sociopolitical climate
Authors: Osborne Kimberly R. , Morton LaRen B. , Anderson Leslie A. , O’Brien Caughy Margaret
Published: January 2024

How Black Americans in the United States (U.S.) make sense of a sociopolitical climate marked by racist imagery, tensions, and police violence is important to understand given the numerously documented detrimental effects of racism‐related stress on the well‐being of Black parents and children. Informed by Racism‐Related Stress Theory, the current study employed a convergent parallel mixed methods design to better understand the ways racism‐related stressors in the sociopolitical climate impacted the daily lives and mental health of a sample of Black families with low income. Seventy‐eight Black American preadolescents (Mage = 11.0; 43.6% girls) and their parents (79% mothers; 76% living below the U.S. federal poverty level [FPL]) from the southwestern U.S. reported their symptoms of depression and how they had been affected by racial stressors in the sociopolitical climate between Fall 2018 and Summer 2019. A nested sample of 10 parents (80% mothers; 80% living below the FPL) from the quantitative sample also participated in a semi‐structured interview. Meta‐inferences across methods were drawn pertaining to the influence of child gender on parents' interpretation of effects for children, the toll racism‐related stress in the sociopolitical climate takes on Black families, and the transferal of effects on parents to children through parenting and parental depressive symptoms. Findings spotlight the need for policies and family‐centered programming that address the racism‐related stress faced by many Black youth and their families. Providing families with opportunities and tools that can potentially mitigate harmful effects and foster empowerment could promote positive and lasting change.
What type of noticing occurs in the first 6 months of learning a foreign language? A case of an absolute beginner of Turkish
Authors: Matthews Joshua , Yilmaz Devrim
Published: January 2024

The concept of noticing, which emphasizes the role of attention and awareness in language learning, has exerted a strong influence on second language acquisition (SLA) theory and practice. The current research analyzes instances of noticing evident across a 26‐week period as the first author, an absolute beginner, was taught Turkish by the second author, a native speaker. All 52 video‐conferenced one‐to‐one lessons were recorded and subsequently thematically analyzed for the learner's noticing of the accusative, dative, locative, and ablative cases at two levels of complexity (single or multiple affix). Six noticing themes were evident and are defined and exemplified with multimodal vignettes and presented as a generalized model. Trends in the occurrence of these noticing themes over the first 6 months of learning are also presented. Discussion focusses on the practical relevance of the types of noticing observed and concludes with directions for future research.
Apparent diffusion coefficient in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging noninvasively predicts Ki‐67 expression
Authors: Hokkoku Daiki , Sasaki Kazuki , Kobayashi Shogo , Iwagami Yoshifumi , Yamada Daisaku , Tomimaru Yoshito , Asaoka Tadafumi , Noda Takehiro , Takahashi Hidenori , Shimizu Junzo , Doki Yuichiro , Eguchi Hidetoshi
Published: January 2024

Aim

Tumor Ki‐67 expression reflects prognosis and cancer grade, and biopsy‐based preoperative assessment of Ki‐67 expression is key to treatment. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values obtained with this imaging may noninvasively predict Ki‐67 by reflecting tumor cell density and limited water molecule movement from irregular alignment. This study aimed to investigate the ability of ADC values to predict Ki‐67 expression in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC).

Method

We retrospectively analyzed 39 cases of ICC confirmed by surgical pathology. All patients had undergone magnetic resonance imaging, and ADC values (mean, minimum, and maximum) were calculated. Ki‐67 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry, and patients were divided into groups of high (n = 18) and low (n = 21) Ki‐67 expression. To assess the diagnostic performance of the ADC values for Ki‐67 expression, we used the receiver operating characteristic curve and compared the areas under the curve (AUC).

Results

The mean and minimum ADC values were significantly lower in the group with high Ki‐67 expression. For predicting high Ki‐67 expression, the AUC values were 0.701 for mean ADC, 0.818 for minimum ADC, and 0.571 for maximum ADC. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the minimum ADC values were 88.9% and 76.2%, respectively. In addition, with ADC values combined, the AUC increased to 0.831. Apparent diffusion coefficient is a useful predictor of Ki‐67 expression level in ICC.

Conclusion

Apparent diffusion coefficient values, especially minimum ADC values, can noninvasively predict ICC associated with high Ki‐67 expression.