bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weaknesses and strengths of online marketing websites
Authors: Herrada-Lores Sara , Iniesta-Bonillo M. Ángeles , Estrella-Ramón Antonia
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Websites are the most important element of company strategy in the digital space. Therefore, establishing strategic management of online business is essential to improve firm connectedness and competitiveness and to achieve global company reach. This paper aims to propose the analysis of technical and content quality of websites to identify the main weaknesses and strengths of online business.

Design/methodology/approach

An innovative measurement instrument called IWebQEI is designed to measure web quality level. This instrument is validated with data from 104 international companies. The results are used to verify whether there are quality differences between informative and e-commerce websites.

Findings

The main findings indicate that e-commerce websites achieve greater levels of technical and content quality than informative sites, and companies implementing e-commerce pay more attention to the content quality dimension. In contrast, companies using an informative website are more focused on the technical quality dimension. Based on these results, practical insights are offered to improve the strategic management of e-commerce.

Originality/value

Few studies have focused on analysing the technical and content quality of websites to identify the main weaknesses and strengths of online business. The results offer important theoretical and practical contributions for companies on how to manage their website to improve firm connectivity and competitiveness.
Revealing the corporate contribution to sustainable development goals through integrated reporting: a worldwide perspective
Authors: Nicolò Giuseppe , Zanellato Gianluca , Tiron-Tudor Adriana , Tartaglia Polcini Paolo
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to contribute to the existing literature by presenting new knowledge about sustainable development goals’ (SDGs) reporting practices through integrated reporting (IR). This paper’s ultimate goal is to dig to light companies’ main approaches to incorporating SDG disclosures into IRs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study puts forward both deductive content analysis and an inductive thematic analysis on a sample of worldwide leading IR adopters to assess what SDGs they disclose and how they integrate SDGs into the reports. Meaningful narratives and graphical illustrations are selected, categorised and discussed from a symbolic/substantive legitimacy perspective.

Findings

The results of this study highlighted that although a fair number of leading IR adopters addressed SDG issues, their pathways to disclosure were not uniform. In some cases, SDGs inspired substantive changes to internal management and process, communicated through an integrated approach. However, there was a persistent trend of using SDGs as camouflage and symbolic tool to enhance company’s reputation and obtain a licence to operate.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this was the first study that performed a deductive/inductive thematic analysis to engender insight into the most meaningful patterns followed by leading IR reporters worldwide to disclose their contributions to SDGs and address their legitimacy.
Effect of isothermal storage on the microstructure and grain orientation of Cu/Cu3Sn/Cu solder joint
Authors: Yang Gangli , Li Xiaoyan , Han Xu , Li Shanshan
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the changes in the microstructure and grain orientation of the full Cu3Sn solder joint (Cu/Cu3Sn/Cu) during isothermal aging at 420°C.

Design/methodology/approach

The Cu3Sn solder joint was fabricated through soldering Cu/Sn/Cu structure and then aged at 420°C. The microstructure evolution and grain orientation were studied by observing the cross-section and top-view surfaces of solder joints.

Findings

Original Cu3Sn solder joint initially transformed into the full Cu41Sn11solder joint (Cu/Cu41Sn11/Cu) at 10 h and finally into the full α(Cu) solder joint (Cu/α(Cu)/Cu) at 150 h during aging. Micro-voids formed in the center of the solder joint interface during the conversion of Cu41Sn11to α(Cu), resulting in lower reliability of the solder joint. Cu3Sn and Cu41Sn11 grains presented a column-like shape, while α(Cu) presented an irregular shape. The average grain sizes of interfacial phases first increased and then decreased during aging. Original Cu3Sn solder joint exhibited two main textures: [100]//TD and [203]//TD. For Cu41Sn11, the preferred orientation of [111]//TD was found in the early nucleation stage, while the orientation of the formed full Cu41Sn11 solder joint was dispersed. Furthermore, α(Cu) grains exhibited {100}<100> preferred orientation.

Originality/value

Few researchers focused on the process of microstructure and grain orientation changes during high-temperature (> 300°C) aging of Cu3Sn solder joint. To bridge the research gap, a high-temperature aging experiment was conducted on Cu3Sn solder joints.
People-related TQM practices: the role of metaperceptions
Authors: Cobelli Nicola , Bullini Orlandi Ludovico , Burro Roberto
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The authors investigate the role of people-related Total Quality Management (TQM) practices, specifically metaperceptions, in hearing care students' vocational decision-making. In Italy, audiologists are health professionals and must hold a degree in hearing care. They operate according to clinical principles but must also develop marketing and commercial skills. While employers take these aspects for granted, the expectations of hearing care students often differ from reality. Thus, the authors aim to investigate the vocational expectations of hearing care students.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was distributed to 600 hearing care students. Multiple regression analysis with bootstrapped confidence intervals was employed to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Students who perceived audiology as their calling were more interested in the clinical aspects than the marketing and commercial aspects of audiology. Moreover, those desiring a meaningful career path in audiology were more interested in becoming a store owner or franchisee.

Social implications

Universities and recruiters should consider the influence of relevant others' metaperceptions on students' self-perceptions of their aptitudes for different careers. Universities should assist students to identify aptitudes that are relevant to career-related decision-making. In this context, people-related TQM can help students avoid incorrect aspirations and expectations.

Originality/value

This study is the first to investigate the role of metaperceptions from a people-related TQM perspective. Metaperceptions play a crucial role in determining the correct course of study as well as job satisfaction and expectations.
Sexually but not parthenogenetically produced females benefit from mating in a stick insect
Authors: Burke Nathan W. , Bonduriansky Russell
Published: May 2022

In facultatively parthenogenetic populations, the prevalence of sexual reproduction depends on whether females mate and therefore produce sons and daughters or avoid mating and produce daughters only.

The relative advantage of mating in such species may depend on a female's own reproductive origin (i.e. development from a fertilised or unfertilised egg) if parthenogenesis reduces heterozygosity similar to sexual inbreeding, or if it inhibits mating, sperm storage or fertilisation. But effects of reproductive origin on development and performance are poorly understood.

Using the facultatively parthenogenetic stick insect, Extatosoma tiaratum, we quantified morphology, mating probability, and reproductive success in mated versus unmated females of sexual versus automictic (parthenogenetic) origin.

We found strong evidence that increased homozygosity negatively impacted some traits in parthenogenetically produced females: compared to sexually produced females, parthenogenetically produced females were smaller and more prone to deformities in vestigial wings, but not more prone to fluctuating asymmetry in their legs.

Parthenogenetically produced females received fewer mating attempts and avoided mating more often than sexually produced females. Yet, contrary to the expectation that sex should rescue parthenogenetic lineages from the detrimental effects of increased homozygosity, parthenogenetically produced females gained no net reproductive benefit from mating, suggesting that physiological constraints limit fitness returns of sexual reproduction for these females.

Our findings indicate that advantages of mating in this species depend on female reproductive origin. These results could help to explain spatial distributions of sex in facultatively parthenogenetic animals and evolutionary transitions to obligate asexuality.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Full‐waveform inversion for reverse vertical seismic profiling data based on a variant of the optimal transport theory
Authors: Yu Zhennan , Liu Yang
Published: May 2022

Full‐waveform inversion has become a useful tool to construct the details of the geological structure. However, due to the strong nonlinearity of the inverse problem and inaccuracy of the initial model, full‐waveform inversion often faces severe cycle‐skipping problems and thus may exhibit poor inversion results. The optimal transport‐based full‐waveform inversion can mitigate the cycle‐skipping problem. For that, transformations of oscillatory seismic data to distributions need to satisfy positive and mass conservation conditions. In this work, we introduce a new data normalization method based on the Sigmoid function. The convexity of the objective function is improved compared to the traditional L2 norm by setting appropriate parameters. Combined with the adaptive quadratic Wasserstein distance, our approach presents strong adaptability to a poor initial model and can reduce cycle skipping. Numerical examples are provided to validate the method in a reverse vertical seismic profiling geometry, and the inverted models obtained by different normalization methods are also compared.
Modelling the responses of partially migratory metapopulations to changing seasonal migration rates: From theory to data
Authors: Payo‐Payo Ana , Acker Paul , Bocedi Greta , Travis Justin M. J. , Burthe Sarah J. , Harris Michael P. , Wanless Sarah , Newell Mark , Daunt Francis , Reid Jane M.
Published: May 2022

Among‐individual and within‐individual variation in expression of seasonal migration versus residence is widespread in nature and could substantially affect the dynamics of partially migratory metapopulations inhabiting seasonally and spatially structured environments. However, such variation has rarely been explicitly incorporated into metapopulation dynamic models for partially migratory systems. We, therefore, lack general frameworks that can identify how variable seasonal movements, and associated season‐ and location‐specific vital rates, can control system persistence.

We constructed a novel conceptual framework that captures full‐annual‐cycle dynamics and key dimensions of metapopulation structure for partially migratory species inhabiting seasonal environments. We conceptualize among‐individual variation in seasonal migration as two variable vital rates: seasonal movement probability and associated movement survival probability. We conceptualize three levels of within‐individual variation (i.e. plasticity), representing seasonal or annual variation in seasonal migration or lifelong fixed strategies. We formulate these concepts as a general matrix model, which is customizable for diverse life‐histories and seasonal landscapes.

To illustrate how variable seasonal migration can affect metapopulation growth rate, demographic structure and vital rate elasticities, we parameterize our general models for hypothetical short‐ and longer‐lived species. Analyses illustrate that elasticities of seasonal movement probability and associated survival probability can sometimes equal or exceed those of vital rates typically understood to substantially influence metapopulation dynamics (i.e. seasonal survival probability or fecundity), that elasticities can vary non‐linearly, and that metapopulation outcomes depend on the level of within‐individual plasticity.

We illustrate how our general framework can be applied to evaluate the consequences of variable and changing seasonal movement probability by parameterizing our models for a real partially migratory metapopulation of European shags Gulosus aristotelis assuming lifelong fixed strategies. Given observed conditions, metapopulation growth rate was most elastic to breeding season adult survival of the resident fraction in the dominant population. However, given doubled seasonal movement probability, variation in survival during movement would become the primary driver of metapopulation dynamics.

Our general conceptual and matrix model frameworks, and illustrative analyses, thereby highlight complex ways in which structured variation in seasonal migration can influence dynamics of partially migratory metapopulations, and pave the way for diverse future theoretical and empirical advances.
Niche overlap in rodents increases with competition but not ecological opportunity: A role of inter‐individual difference
Authors: Shaner Pei‐Jen L. , Ke Ling‐hua
Published: May 2022

Niche variation at population level mediates niche packing (i.e. patterns of species' spread within the niche space) and species coexistence at community level. Competition and ecological opportunity (resource diversity) are two of the main mechanisms underlying niche variation. Dense niche packing could occur through increased niche partitioning or increased niche overlap.

In this study, we used stable carbon and nitrogen isotope data of 635 individual rodents from four species across nine sites in the montane region of a subtropical island to test the effects of competition and ecological opportunity on population isotope niche size, inter‐individual niche difference within population and interspecific niche overlap within community.

We used the Bayesian Standard Ellipse Area (SEAB, the ellipse area enclosed by carbon and nitrogen isotope values of organisms on a bi‐plot) to estimate population niche size and interspecific niche overlap. Inter‐individual niche difference within population was quantified as isotopic divergence and isotopic uniqueness. We used rodent abundance (the number of unique individuals captured) to measure competition and plant isotope niche size (plant SEAB) to measure ecological opportunity.

The rodents experienced competition as evidenced by a negative relationship between population change rate and conspecific abundance. Rodent population niche size increased with ecological opportunity but not competition. The inter‐individual niche difference (isotopic uniqueness) increased with competition (interspecific competition only) but not ecological opportunity. At community level, interspecific niche overlap (herbivore–omnivore pair only) increased with competition (the combined abundance of the pair) but not ecological opportunity.

This study demonstrated that isotope niche variation of the rodents could be hierarchically influenced by ecological opportunity and competition, with the former setting the limit of population niche size across communities and the latter shaping inter‐individual niche difference and interspecific niche overlap within communities. Under strong intraspecific competition and limited ecological opportunity for niche expansion, individuals may choose to increase their isotopic uniqueness from conspecifics at the cost of overlapping with heterospecifics of different trophic roles within the community niche space as overall competition increases. Denser niche packing of these rodent communities might be achieved through increased niche overlap.
Importance of invasion mechanisms varies with abiotic context and plant invader growth form
Authors: Chiuffo Mariana C. , Moyano Jaime , Policelli Nahuel , Torres Agostina , Vitali Agustin , Nuñez Martín A. , Rodriguez‐Cabal Mariano A.
Published: May 2022

Many invasion hypotheses propose biotic interactions as the main mechanism to explain non‐native species' success. Despite the evidence that the strength of biotic interactions varies with abiotic context, it remains unclear whether the importance of the different mechanisms proposed to explain invasion predictably varies with the abiotic context and whether this variation is consistent across different growth forms.

We reviewed studies at a global scale to evaluate whether evapotranspiration, latitude, precipitation and temperature influence the importance of disturbance, enemy release, facilitation, and novel weapons mechanisms to explain non‐native plant invasions. In total, we calculated 171 effect sizes for ~300 non‐native plant species covering a wide range of environmental conditions and growth forms.

Environmental context and plant growth form influenced the role played by each invasion mechanism. The importance of disturbance in facilitating invasion exhibited a quadratic relationship with latitude and temperature, and decreased with increasing precipitation. In mixed communities and trees, disturbance was mediated by either evapotranspiration, latitude, precipitation or temperature. Enemy release exhibited a quadratic relationship with evapotranspiration, latitude and precipitation, and it was positively related to temperature. The importance of enemy release was also contingent on growth form and was highly context‐dependent. Enemy release responses for grasses, and trees were modulated by either evapotranspiration, latitude, precipitation or temperature. The importance of facilitation decreased with increasing temperature. In forbs, facilitation decreased with evapotranspiration and temperature. The importance of novel weapons was more strongly confirmed for studies conducted at lower evapotranspiration, precipitation and higher latitudes, and exhibited a quadratic relationship with temperature.

Synthesis. Our results show that environmental conditions not only filter non‐native species depending on physiological tolerances but may also influence the importance of invasion mechanisms.
Healthy Mothers Healthy Families, Health Promoting Activity Coaching for mothers of children with a disability: Exploring mothers' perspectives of programme feasibility
Authors: Harris Vanessa , Bourke‐Taylor Helen M. , Leo Monica
Published: May 2022

Background

Health Promoting Activity Coaching, an intervention within the Healthy Mothers Healthy Families programme (HMHF‐HPAC), was delivered by occupational therapists in a project that assessed feasibility of this new intervention. The HMHF‐HPAC promotes the health and well‐being of mothers of children with disabilities and is a six‐session programme with website, workbook, and one‐on‐one coaching. Consumer experiences of this novel health‐promoting intervention were sought to enable consumer‐informed feedback for future modifications and improvements prior to further development.

Methods

This qualitative study explored the experiences of mothers who participated in the HMHF‐HPAC and their perspectives on the service delivery, content and impact. This study was embedded within an overarching feasibility study and was conducted parallel to a quantitative component. Seven mothers who completed the HMHF‐HPAC participated in semi‐structured interviews. Data were analysed thematically using a six‐stage thematic approach.

Findings

Four key themes emerged: Recognising Mothers; From Vulnerability to Empowerment; A Goal for Me; and Perspectives on Content and Delivery. Mothers reported increased participation in health‐promoting activities over the duration of HMHF‐HPAC, reflective of their individual needs. Mothers described improved mood and energy levels, reduced stress and anxiety, greater self‐awareness, and increased engagement in leisure activities with their children. Health‐promoting goals identified by mothers' pertained to improving physical activity levels, healthy dietary changes, sleep quality and duration, community engagement, and mindfulness activities. Mothers reported that their child's occupational therapists, the website, and workbook were acceptable and viable.

Conclusions

Mothers' experiences support the feasibility of embedding the HMHF‐HPAC programme into occupational therapy services directed towards child and family‐focused interventions. Mothers found occupational therapists to be acceptable facilitators of the HMHF‐HPAC, given the frequent interactions and rapport with mothers and the occupational underpinnings of the programme. The HMHF‐HPAC is an accessible intervention that promotes family‐oriented practice.
Diffusion of H2S from anaerobic thiolated ligand biodegradation rapidly generates bioavailable mercury
Authors: Stenzler Benjamin R. , Zhang Rui , Semrau Jeremy D. , DiSpirito Alan A. , Poulain Alexandre J.
Published: May 2022

Methylmercury is a potent neurotoxin that biomagnifies through food webs and which production depends on anaerobic microbial uptake of inorganic mercury (Hg) species. One outstanding knowledge gap in understanding Hg methylation is the nature of bioavailable Hg species. It has become increasingly obvious that Hg bioavailability is spatially diverse and temporally dynamic but current models are mostly built on single thiolated ligand systems, omitting ligand exchanges and interactions, or the inclusion of dissolved gaseous phases. In this study, we used a whole‐cell anaerobic biosensor to determine the role of a mixture of thiolated ligands on Hg bioavailability. Serendipitously, we discovered how the diffusion of trace amounts of exogenous biogenic H2S, originating from anaerobic microbial ligand degradation, can alter Hg speciation – away from H2S production site – to form bioavailable species. Regardless of its origins, H2S stands as a mobile mediator of microbial Hg metabolism, connecting spatially separated microbial communities. At a larger scale, global planetary changes are expected to accelerate the production and mobilization of H2S and Hg, possibly leading to increased production of the potent neurotoxin; this work provides mechanistic insights into the importance of co‐managing biogeochemical cycle disruptions.
Public support for deliberative citizens' assemblies selected through sortition: Evidence from 15 countries
Authors: PILET JEAN‐BENOIT , BOL DAMIEN , VITTORI DAVIDE , PAULIS EMILIEN
Published: May 2022

As representative democracy is increasingly criticized, a new institution is becoming popular among academics and practitioners: deliberative citizens’ assemblies. To evaluate whether these assemblies can deliver their promise of re‐engaging the dissatisfied with representative politics, we explore who supports them and why. We build on a unique survey conducted with representative samples of 15 Western European countries and find, first, that the most supportive are those who are less educated and have a low sense of political competence and an anti‐elite sentiment. Thus, support does come from the dissatisfied. Second, we find that this support is for a part ‘outcome contingent’, in the sense that it changes with respondents’ expectations regarding the policy outcome from deliberative citizens’ assemblies. This second finding nuances the first one and suggests that while deliberative citizens’ assemblies convey some hope to re‐engage disengaged citizens, this is conditioned on the expectation of a favourable outcome.
Response of farmland reptiles to agricultural intensification: Collapse of the common adder Vipera berus and the western green lizard Lacerta bilineata in a hedgerow landscape
Authors: Guiller G. , Legentilhomme J. , Boissinot A. , Blouin‐Demers G. , Barbraud C. , Lourdais O.
Published: May 2022

Agricultural landscapes cover a large portion of the planet and the intensification of farming is a primary cause of biodiversity loss. Changes in agricultural practices have been particularly marked in Western Europe over the last century. Hedgerow landscapes consist of complex mosaics of pastures, ponds, and hedges connected with forest patches that are favourable for biodiversity. Recently, however, these traditional farming landscapes have been profoundly simplified with a massive reduction in hedgerows. Reptiles are currently facing an important global decline, but the impact of the intensification of agricultural practices on their populations remains understudied. We studied the common European adder Vipera berus and the western green lizard Lacerta bilineata in Western France in a hedgerow landscape undergoing agricultural intensification. We first quantified the habitat changes (density of hedgerows and forest edges) from 1950 to 2015. Second, we documented changes in the distribution of V. berus and L. bilineata in the area between two surveys conducted 18 years apart (survey 1: 1994–1997 and survey 2: 2012–2015). The two species were more likely to be found at sites with dense hedgerows and forest edges at the first survey. We detected marked range contractions in the distributions of both species over 18 years (92% and 74%, respectively, for V. berus and L. bilineata). Population monitoring of the adder with capture‐mark‐recapture at two sites revealed marked declines related to the degradation of hedgerows and closure of the forest patches. Our results underline the importance of traditional agricultural landscapes for biodiversity conservation and the value of squamate reptiles as indicator speciesed in such landscapes.
Hidden impacts of environmental stressors on freshwater communities could be revealed at lower concentrations by correlation of abundances network analyses: An example with herbicides glyphosate, 2,4‐D, and their mixtures
Authors: Lozano Verónica Laura
Published: May 2022

Multiple stressors affect freshwater systems worldwide. Ecotoxicological studies are often focused on the abundance analysis of their communities. In this study, I discuss the possibility of incorporating correlation networks to earlier bring to light the possible hidden effects of environmental stressors on community interactions. A re‐analysis of the published data from an experiment where the herbicides glyphosate, 2,4‐D and their mixtures were applied in microcosms revealed that correlation networks can detect impacts on the community interactions at herbicide concentrations lower than those in which abundances were drastically modified. I propose the correlation of abundances network analysis (CANA) as a new approach for ecotoxicological freshwater community studies.
Modified iliotibial band tenodesis versus lateral extracapsular tenodesis, to augment anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a 2‐year randomized controlled trial
Authors: Porter Mark , Shadbolt Bruce
Published: May 2022

Background

Residual instability following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is associated with disruption of the anterolateral complex (ALC). Our goal was to conduct a randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of modified Iliotibial tenodesis (MITBT) versus lateral extracapsular tenodesis (LET) to correct this residual instability.

Methods

Group 1 underwent MITBT, Group 2 LET, added to the ACL reconstruction. Outcomes of interest were Tegner activity Scores (TAS), international knee documentation committee score (IKDC), knee osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS), ACL related quality of life (ACL QoL), recurrent ACL rupture and meniscal tears. Follow‐up was 2 years. Statistical analysis used chi‐squared tests, frequency statistics and generalized linear models. We have followed the guidelines outlined in the CONSORT statement.

Results

A total of 164 patients were randomized, 84 to Group 1, 80 to Group 2. Group 1 had higher TAS than Group 2, at 2 years (median 8, range 7–10 vs. median 7, range 5–9, P<0.001). Group 1 had higher ACL QoL scores at 1 and 2 years post‐surgery (82.1, SD2.7 vs. 67.9, SD 4.0, P< 0.001 and 82.5, SD 2.6 vs. 68.8, SD 3.8, P<0.001, respectively), and higher KOOS Sport/recreation subscale at both 1 and 2 years (91.5, SD4.3 vs. 78.3, SD7.9, P<0.001 and 91.8, SD4.8 vs. 80.4, SD 9.5, P<0.001). Risk of recurrent ACL rupture (0% vs. 5%, P = 0.040–0.05) and medial meniscal tear (2.4% vs. 14%, P = 0.007–0.02) were lower in Group 1.

Conclusion

Augmentation of ACL reconstruction with the MITBT, rather than the LET, was associated with improved outcomes, and lower risks of recurrent ACL rupture and medial meniscal tears.
A multicentre study of the risk factors associated with recurrence of central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Zhou Xiaoyin , Komuku Yuki , Araki Takashi , Hozumi Kenta , Terasaki Hiroto , Miki Akiko , Kuwayama Soichiro , Niki Masanori , Matsubara Hisashi , Kinoshita Takamasa , Nishi Tomo , Gomi Fumi
Published: May 2022

Purpose

To investigate potential clinical and multimodal imaging factors in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) recurrence.

Methods

The study was performed at nine Japanese medical institutions for patients who had experienced an active CSC episode. Demographic data and medical history were reviewed retrospectively. Significant differences in chronic manifestation, leakage site, leakage point number, leakage intensity, choroidal hyperpermeability, central retinal thickness (CRT) and subfoveal choroidal thickness were analysed between the recurrence and non‐recurrence groups.

Results

In total, 538 eyes (538 patients) diagnosed with CSC (402 men, 136 women; mean age: 53.4 ± 11.9 years) were enrolled. Among them, 253 eyes (47.0%) developed ≥1 recurrence (follow‐up: 15.9 ± 13.5 months, range 3–86 months). Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that a history of corticosteroid use (odds ratio [OR], 5.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39–21.92; p = 0.015), bilateral disease (OR, 3.94; 95% CI, 1.47–10.6; p = 0.007), chronic manifestations (OR, 7.12; 95% CI, 2.93–17.28; p < 0.001), non‐intense fluorescein leakage (OR, 3.34; 95% CI, 1.44–7.75; p = 0.005) and initial CRT (OR, 0.997; 95% CI, 0.993–0.999; p = 0.049) were significantly associated with CSC recurrence. Receiver operating characteristic curves were created, and the area under the curve for the multivariate logistic regression model of these five factors was 0.814.

Conclusion

Patients with CSC who received corticosteroids and had bilateral disease, chronic manifestation, non‐intense fluorescein leakage on fluorescein angiography or a relatively thinner CRT should be closely monitored to identify whether they are at high risk of recurrence.
Abuse and misuse of second‐generation antipsychotics: An analysis using VigiBase, the World Health Organisation pharmacovigilance database
Authors: Roy Sophie , Charreteur Robin , Peries Marianne , Kheloufi Farid , Eiden Céline , Nagot Nicolas , Donnadieu‐Rigole Hélène , Micallef Joëlle , Peyrière Hélène
Published: May 2022

The study aim was to assess the abuse/misuse potential of second‐generation antipsychotics (SGAPs) using VigiBase data. We extracted individual case safety reports of “Drug abuse, dependence and withdrawal” involving SGAPs up to June 2018. We assessed disproportionate reporting by calculating the information component, considering the lower end of the 95% credibility interval for the information component (IC025), and the proportional reporting ratio. We identified 1683 individual case safety reports recorded as “abuse, dependence and withdrawal” involving SGAPs, mainly quetiapine (n = 1089) and olanzapine (n = 209). The disproportional reporting indicators highlighted an association between “Drug abuse and dependence”, and quetiapine, olanzapine and ziprasidone, as indicated by the IC025 (2.263, 0.259 and 1.051, respectively) and proportional reporting ratio values (3.929, 1.020 and 1.334, respectively). The abuse/misuse potential is confirmed for quetiapine and olanzapine and highlighted for the first time for ziprasidone. Physicians should consider these risks when prescribing these antipsychotics, especially to patients with history of drug abuse.
Retinoic acid induced meiosis initiation in female germline stem cells by remodelling three‐dimensional chromatin structure
Authors: Zhang Yabin , Tian Geng G. , Wang Xiang , Hou Changliang , Hu Xiaopeng , Wu Ji
Published: May 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to clarify the regulation and mechanism of meiotic initiation in FGSC development.

Materials and Methods

FGSCs were induced to differentiate into meiosis in differentiation medium. RNA sequencing was performed to analysis the difference of transcription level. High‐through chromosome conformation capture sequencing (Hi‐C) was performed to analysis changes of three‐dimensional chromatin structure. Chromosome conformation capture further confirmed a spatial chromatin loop. ChIP‐qPCR and dual luciferase reporter were used to test the interaction between Stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (STRA8) protein and Trip13 promoter.

Results

Compared with FGSCs, the average diameter of STRA8‐positive germ cells increased from 13 μm to 16.8 μm. Furthermore, there were 4788 differentially expressed genes between the two cell stages; Meiosis and chromatin structure‐associated terms were significantly enriched. Additionally, Hi‐C results showed that FGSCs underwent A/B compartment switching (switch rate was 29.81%), the number of topologically associating domains (TADs) increasing, the average size of TADs decreasing, and chromatin loop changes at genome region of Trip13 from undifferentiated stage to meiosis‐initiation stage. Furthermore, we validated that Trip13 promoter contacted distal enhancer to form spatial chromatin loop and STRA8 could bind Trip13 promoter to promote gene expression.

Conclusion

FGSCs underwent chromatin structure remodelling from undifferentiated stage to meiosis‐initiation stage, which facilitated STRA8 binding to Trip13 promoter and promoting its expression.
The roles of self‐regulation and partner regulation on romantic relationship quality
Authors: Ferguson Elizabeth K. , Karantzas Gery C.
Published: May 2022

Research into self‐regulation and partner regulation strategies has largely involved parallel lines of research, thus, it is difficult to determine the relative contribution of both forms of regulation when it comes to relationship outcomes. Therefore, the question remains as to which form of regulation is more strongly associated with relationship quality; is it more important to focus on adaptive self‐regulation or adaptive strategies to regulate one's partner? The current research addresses this important gap by comparing the relative associations of adaptive self‐regulation and adaptive partner regulation strategies on romantic relationship quality. A community sample of mixed gender couples (N = 114) who were predominantly satisfied with their current relationships – but nonetheless still experienced relationship conflict – were administered self‐report assessments of various self‐regulation and partner regulation strategies as well as a measure of relationship quality. Couples also participated in a videotaped discussion of an unresolved relationship issue that was scored by trained coders for verbal and nonverbal indicators of self‐regulation and partner regulation strategies. Actor–partner interdependence modeling revealed that for both men and women, adaptive self‐regulation strategies were positively associated with their own evaluations of relationship quality as well as their partner's relationship quality. In contrast, engaging in adaptive partner regulation strategies was not significantly associated with men's or women's own, or their partner's relationship quality. Findings highlight the importance of focusing on self‐regulation in relationships, as it is these strategies, over partner regulation strategies, that have more positive implications for the relationship quality experienced by typically satisfied couples.
Dynamic splitting tensile behavior of rock–concrete bimaterial disc with multiple material types under different interface inclination angle
Authors: Chen Xudong , Hu Liangpeng , Feng Ziming , Guo Yuzhu , Ning Yingjie , Xue Xinyu
Published: May 2022

The experimental investigation on the dynamic mechanical properties and failure behavior of rock–concrete composite is of great significance for understanding the mechanical response of rock–shotcrete supporting structures. In the paper, impact splitting tests were performed on Brazilian disc specimens of the rock–concrete bimaterial with different interface inclination angles. Effects of interface inclination angle and material type on dynamic response and failure behavior under dynamic impact were analyzed experimentally. The results show that the dynamic splitting strength and energy dissipation ratio increase with the increase of interface inclination angle. However, the incorporation of fibers will reduce the splitting tensile strength. The crack‐resisting effect of sandstone–fiber concrete is more obvious, and the hysteresis plateau phenomenon appears in the post‐peak section of the stress‐time curve. The interface failure behavior is related to the stress state of the interface and can be divided into three patterns: tensile fracture, shear fracture, and interface non‐ fracture.
Therapeutic efficacy of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with Child‐Pugh class A or B liver function in real‐world clinical practice
Authors: Tanaka Takaaki , Hiraoka Atsushi , Tada Toshifumi , Hirooka Masashi , Kariyama Kazuya , Tani Joji , Atsukawa Masanori , Takaguchi Koichi , Itobayashi Ei , Fukunishi Shinya , Tsuji Kunihiko , Ishikawa Toru , Tajiri Kazuto , Ochi Hironori , Yasuda Satoshi , Toyoda Hidenori , Ogawa Chikara , Nishimura Takashi , Hatanaka Takeshi , Kakizaki Satoru , Shimada Noritomo , Kawata Kazuhito , Naganuma Atsushi , Kosaka Hisashi , Ohama Hideko , Nouso Kazuhiro , Morishita Asahiro , Tsutsui Akemi , Nagano Takuya , Itokawa Norio , Okubo Tomomi , Arai Taeang , Imai Michitaka , Koizumi Yohei , Nakamura Shinichiro , Joko Kouji , Iijima Hiroko , Kaibori Masaki , Hiasa Yoichi , Kudo Masatoshi , Kumada Takashi ,   Real‐life Practice Experts for HCC (RELPEC) Study Group,   HCC 48 Group (hepatocellular carcinoma experts from 48 clinics in Japan)
Published: May 2022

Background/Aim

Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (Atez/Bev) treatment is recommended for unresechepatocellular carcinoma (u‐HCC) patients classified as Child‐Pugh A (CP‐A). This study aimed to elucidate the prognosis of patients treated with Atez/Bev, especially CP‐A and ‐B cases.

Materials/methods

From September 2020 to March 2022, 457 u‐HCC patients treated with Atez/Bev were enrolled (median age 74 years, male:female = 368:89, CP‐A:CP‐B = 427:30, Child‐Pugh score [CPS] 5:6:7:8:9 = 271:156:21:8:1). Therapeutic response was evaluated using RECIST ver.1.1. Clinical features and prognosis were retrospectively evaluated.

Results

There were no significant differences between CP‐A and ‐B patients in regard to best response (CR:PR:SD:PD = 16:91:194:81 vs. 0:7:13:8, p = 0.739; objective response rate/disease control rate = 28.0%/78.8% vs. 25.0%/71.4%). Analysis performed using inverse probability weighting adjustments of clinical factors other than those related to hepatic reserve function with a p value < 0.10 for comparisons between patients with CP‐A and ‐B showed that the progression‐free survival (PFS) rate for CP‐A cases was better (6‐/12‐/18‐month: 58.2%/36.1%/27.8% vs. 49.6%/8.7%/non‐estimable [NE], p < 0.001), as was overall survival (OS) rate (6‐/12‐/18‐month: 89.9%/71.7%/51.4% versus 63.6%/18.4%/NE; p < 0.001). Median PFS (mPFS) and median OS (mOS) for the CPS‐5 were 9.5 months/NE, and 5.1/14.0 months for the CPS‐6 (both p < 0.001). Furthermore, for modified albumin‐bilirubin grade (mALBI)‐1/2a/2b, mPFS was 9.4/8.5/5.3 months (p < 0.001) and mOS was NE/17.8/13.4 months (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Better hepatic function, such as mALBI grade 1 or 2a are thought to indicate a better condition for obtaining sufficient prognosis with Atez/Bev treatment for u‐HCC patients, whereas for CP‐B patients, who mainly shown an mALBI grade of 2b or 3, Atez/Bev might have less therapeutic efficacy.
Post‐separation abuse: A concept analysis
Authors: Spearman Kathryn J. , Hardesty Jennifer L. , Campbell Jacquelyn
Published: May 2022

Aim

To report an analysis of the concept of post‐separation abuse and its impact on the health of children and adult survivors.

Design

Concept analysis.

Data Sources

A literature search was conducted via PubMed, Cochrane and Embase and identified articles published from 1987 to 2021.

Methods

Walker and Avant's (2019) eight stage methodology was used for this concept analysis, including identifying the concept, determining the purpose of analysis, identifying uses of the concept, defining attributes, identifying a model case and contrary case, antecedents and consequences and defining empirical referents.

Results

Post‐separation abuse can be defined as the ongoing, willful pattern of intimidation of a former intimate partner including legal abuse, economic abuse, threats and endangerment to children, isolation and discrediting and harassment and stalking. An analysis of literature identified essential attributes including fear and intimidation; domination, power and control; intrusion and entrapment; omnipresence; and manipulation of systems. Antecedents to post‐separation abuse include patriarchal norms, physical separation, children, spatiality and availability, pre‐separation IPV and coercive control and perpetrator characteristics. Consequences include lethality, adverse health consequences, institutional violence and betrayal, such as loss of child custody and economic deprivation.

Conclusion

This concept analysis provides a significant contribution to the literature because it advances the science for understanding the phenomenon of post‐separation abuse. It will aid in developing risk assessment tools and interventions to improve standards of care for adult and children survivors following separation from an abusive partner.

Impact

This concept analysis of post‐separation abuse provides a comprehensive insight into the phenomenon and a theoretical foundation to inform instrument development, future research and intervention. Post‐separation abuse is a complex, multi‐faceted phenomenon that requires differential social, legal and healthcare systems responses to support the health and well‐being of survivors and their children.
REducing delay through edUcation on eXacerbations for people with chronic lung disease: Study protocol of a single‐arm pre‐post study
Authors: Song Xiaoyue , Hallensleben Cynthia , Shen Hongxia , Zhang Weihong , Gobbens Robbert J. J. , Chavannes Niels H. , Versluis Anke
Published: May 2022

Aim

This study protocol aims to examine the effectiveness and preconditions of a self‐management program—named REducing Delay through edUcation on eXacerbations (REDUX)—in China.

Background

The high disease burden in people with chronic lung disease is mainly due to exacerbations. There is a need for effective exacerbation‐management interventions. A nurse‐led program, REDUX, helped patients self‐manage exacerbations.

Design

A single‐arm pre‐post study.

Methods

Fifty‐four patients and 24 healthcare professionals (HCPs) in Chinese primary care will be included. The core element of the program is a personalized action plan. HCPs will receive training in using the action plan to help patients manage exacerbations. The intervention will start when a patient is referred to the nurse for a post‐exacerbation consultation and ends when the patient presents for the second post‐exacerbation consultation. During the first post‐exacerbation consultation, the patient and nurse will create the action plan. The primary outcomes in patients will include the delays between the onset of exacerbation and recognition, between exacerbation recognition and action, between exacerbation recognition and consultation with a doctor, and when the patients feel better after receiving medical help from HCPs. The secondary outcomes will include preconditions of the program. The ethics approval was obtained in September 2021.

Discussion

This study will discuss a culturally adapted nurse‐led self‐management intervention for people with chronic lung disease in China. The intervention could help Chinese HCPs provide efficient care and reduce their workload. Furthermore, it will inform future research on tailoring nurse‐led self‐management interventions in different contexts.

Impact

The study will contribute to the evidence on the effectiveness and preconditions of REDUX in China. If effective, the result will assist the nursing of people with chronic lung disease.

Trial registration: Registered in the Chinese clinical trial registry (ID: 2100051782).
General Practice Nurses' experiences of changing care delivery during COVID‐19. Implications for future practice: Qualitative study protocol
Authors: Anderson Helen , Scantlebury Arabella , Galdas Paul , Adamson Joy
Published: May 2022

Aim

To explore how General Practice Nurses experience implementing change at pace and scale in delivering care during consecutive waves of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

To evaluate the impact of changes to general practice nurses' working practices on professional wellbeing.

Background

In response to the COVID‐19 pandemic, general practice rapidly and extensively changed care delivery. There has been little exploration of the experiences of General Practice Nurses and care delivery, job satisfaction, workload, stress and professional support.

Design

A qualitative case study design of three to five general practice case sites will explore General Practice Nurses' experiences during the Covid‐19 pandemic. The study was funded and approved by the General Nursing Council Trust in June 2021. University ethics approval was gained in July 2021. Health Research Authority approval has been obtained [IRAS:30353. Protocol number: R23982. Ref 21/HRA/5132. CPMS: 51834].

Methods

Data will consist of focus groups and/or semi‐structured interviews with General Practice Nurses, primary healthcare team members and other key informants. Business/strategy and nurse team meetings relating to workforce planning/review will be observed. Documents will be analysed and routinely collected general practice data will provide descriptive contextualisation at each site. The study will be theoretically underpinned by the Non‐adoption, Abandonment, Scale‐up, Spread and Sustainability Framework and data analysed using framework analysis.

Discussion

General Practice Nurses have a unique sphere of knowledge and undertake specific work in primary care. This workforce is challenged by recruitment, retention and retirement issues, leading to the loss of highly experienced and knowledgeable professionals. It is important to explore how working practices brought about by Covid‐19 affect General Practice Nurses.

Impact

This study will explore working practices brought about by the Covid‐19 pandemic to inform care delivery, patient care and support General Practice Nursing workforce wellbeing and will highlight and mitigate negative aspects of novel and changing care delivery. Key factors in implementing and supporting future practice and change implementation will be developed.

Trial registration: CPMS: 51834.