bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ESG practices and bank efficiency: new evidence from an oil-driven economy
Authors: Shaddady Ali , Alnori Faisal
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether banks’ environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives increase or decrease banks’ efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample used includes all listed banks in Saudi Arabia over the years 2016–2021. The authors performed different methods, including data envelopment analysis (DEA), ordinary least squares (OLS) and quantile regressions.

Findings

The OLS regression results show a negative linkage between ESG and banks’ efficiency. Further, the quantile regression analysis indicates that the ESG effect on banks' efficiency is negative across different quantiles. However, the DEA method shows that the DEA-generated scores for Banks’ efficiency are higher for ESG-adjusted scores in comparison to efficiency scores without incorporating ESG. Further, the comparison of the DEA-generated efficiency scores, over the sample period, of adjusted ESG banks still suffers from decreasing in their efficiency over the years. Concerning existing theory, the results are consistent with the stakeholders and the resource-based theories postulating that banks' ESG practices are ethical commitments and enable firms to gain competitive advantage and increase their reputation among stakeholders.

Practical implications

The findings of this study offer important implications for regulators and bankers. Policymakers and bank regulators should make collective efforts to encourage financial institutions to adopt green finance initiatives to create an efficient financial system capable of counteracting risks from the external environment and stimulating economic growth. Banks’ managers should be aware that ESG initiatives serve society and the environment and offer a positive influence on banks’ efficiency.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to explore the influence of ESG activities on banks' efficiency using DEA for banks in Saudi Arabia.
Self-leadership: qualitative leadership research using deductive pattern matching approach
Authors: Khatri Puja , Duggal Harshleen Kaur , Varma Arup , Thomas Asha , Dutta Sumedha
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The contemporary business environment steered by forces of globalization, digitization and automation can only be navigated by a resilient workforce. This requires inculcating self-leadership (SL) traits in individuals, which will allow them to exercise self-direction and self-motivation required to survive high-strain situations. The SL characteristics most significantly reflected by Musk are self-goal setting, authenticity and responsibility. Least evidence was found for positive self-talk and self-cueing. This study aims to add to the repertoire of leadership studies, furnishing important implications for academia and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors explore the dimensionality of SL through a systematic literature review. The authors also take the case of Elon Musk, one of the most resilient technopreneurs in the contemporary business world, and scrutinize his journey as a self-leader.

Findings

The SL characteristics most significantly reflected by Musk are self-goal setting, authenticity and responsibility. Least evidence was found for positive self-talk and self-cueing. This study adds to the repertoire of leadership studies, furnishing important implications for academia and practice.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper to explore the controversial Elon Musk’s leadership style through the prism of SL.
Overlapping sustainable construction indicators for construction organisations in Zimbabwe
Authors: Moyo Tirivavi , Omer Mazen , Chigara Benviolent
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Sustainable construction deficits are common in developing economies, and resolutions are constrained by the failure to prioritise the plethora of available indicators. This study aims to report on overlapping indicators for benchmarking sustainable construction for construction organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

Online survey data were collected from construction professionals, academics and senior managers in government bodies. Pearson chi-squared tests and overlapping analysis were used to determine significant indicators. Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to determine statistically significant differences among the dimensions.

Findings

Overlapping analysis determined indicators significant for economic, environmental and social performance. Environmental protection and reporting (pollution and emissions) were significant for all three performance dimensions. The most significant indicators are economic performance (adequate competence of key project staff), environmental performance (environmental protection and reporting – pollution and emissions) and social performance (adequate sustainability expenditure by construction organisations). Significant differences due to dimensions existed for adequate competence of key project staff, sustainable construction and eco-design, adequate governance and organisational excellence of construction projects and satisfactory workers’ morale.

Research limitations/implications

Determining overlapping indicators enables prioritised implementation that ensures sustainable construction. Excluding construction workers was a significant limitation for a holistic interrogation.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to determine overlapping indicators for sustainable construction performance in Zimbabwe.
Regional development and family business: a perspective article
Authors: Basco Rodrigo
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This perspective article aims to summarise the understanding of the link between regional development and family business and explore potential pathways for further investigations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a scoping review methodology which attempts to explore a new topic of study and unveil its main concepts and relationships.

Findings

This study emphasises the need to enhance the cross-fertilisation of knowledge to bridge the gap between studies on regional development and family business. In addition to the traditional research pathways towards discerning the impact of formal and informal institutional contexts and economic and geographical locations on family business behaviour and performance, this perspective article encourages future researchers to delve into the regional-level mechanisms through which family businesses can influence and contribute to regional economic and social outcomes.

Originality/value

This perspective study employs a context theorising lens to examine the connection between regional development and family business.
Unraveling corporate brand equity: a measurement model based on consumer perception of corporate brands
Authors: Porto Rafael Barreiros , Foxall Gordon Robert , Limongi Ricardo , Barbosa Débora Luiza
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Consumer perception of corporate brand equity has primarily focused on product brand dimensions, neglecting considerations at the firm analysis level. Assessing corporate brands requires different criteria relevant to the competitiveness of companies, such as their prominence, management and meeting society’s demands. In this sense, this study aims to develop and validate a scale of corporate brand equity founded on consumer perceptions, transcending industry boundaries and comparing its relationship with companies' market share.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used an integrative approach to clarify the construct’s domain, building on previous measures. They took several steps to select appropriate items, refine the measure, validate it through reliability tests and convergent and discriminant analyses, test the validity of the second-order formative structure of corporate brand equity and assess associations between first-order factors, the second-order factor and market share.

Findings

The model identifies three first-order dimensions of corporate brands (presence, outstanding management and responsible) that shape the second-order factor (corporate brand equity). They are directly related, but not proportionally, to market share, contributing to the general and joint assessment of the company’s competitive performance considering the consumer.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first attempt to develop a comprehensive measurement model of corporate brand equity that considers the firm level of analysis, combines metrics from previous research on corporate brand evaluation criteria and includes consumer perceptions of the company’s competitiveness, unifying branding theory with the theory of the marketing firm.
An organizational behavior/human resource management perspective on the roles of people in a service organization context: frameworks and themes
Authors: Bowen David E.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This article overviews some key contributions to service research from the organizational behavior/human resource management (OB/HRM) discipline with its strong focus on the role of employees. This focus complements the Marketing discipline’s heavy emphasis on customers, largely true of service research, overall.

Design/methodology/approach

Ten OB/HRM frameworks/perspectives are applied to analyzing the roles of people (with a focus on employees and modest consideration of customers as “partial” employees who co-create value) in a service organization context. Also, commentary is offered on how the frameworks relate to six key themes in contemporary service research and/or practice. The article concludes with five reflections on the role and status of employees in service research—past, present and future.

Findings

Employee roles in evolving service contexts; participation role readiness of both employees and customers; role stress in participating customers; an employee “empowered state of mind”; an emphasis on internal service quality; “strong” HRM systems link individual HRM practices to firm performance; service-profit chain with links to well-being of employees and customers; a sociotechnical system theory lens on organizational frontlines (OF); service climate as an exemplar of interdisciplinary research; emotional labor in both employees and customers; the Human Experience (HX); specification of employee experience (EX).

Originality/value

Service remains very much about people who still guide organizational design, develop service strategy, place new service technologies and even still serve customers. Also, a people and organization-based competitive advantage is tough to copy, thus possessing sustainability, unlike with imitable technology.
Counter‐strategies to infanticide: The importance of cubs in determining lion habitat selection and social interactions
Authors: Dejeante Romain , Loveridge Andrew J. , Macdonald David W. , Madhlamoto Daphine , Valeix Marion , Chamaillé‐Jammes Simon
Published: January 2024

Animal social and spatial behaviours are inextricably linked. Animal movements are driven by environmental factors and social interactions. Habitat structure and changing patterns of animal space use can also shape social interactions.

Animals adjust their social and spatial behaviours to reduce the risk of offspring mortality. In territorial infanticidal species, two strategies are possible for males: they can stay close to offspring to protect them against rivals (infant‐defence hypothesis) or patrol the territory more intensively to prevent rival intrusions (territorial‐defence hypothesis). Here, we tested these hypotheses in African lions (Panthera leo) by investigating how males and females adjust their social and spatial behaviours in the presence of offspring.

We combined datasets on the demography and movement of lions, collected between 2002 and 2016 in Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe), to document the presence of cubs (field observations) and the simultaneous movements of groupmates and competitors (GPS tracking).

We showed a spatial response of lions to the presence of offspring, with females with cubs less likely to select areas close to waterholes or in the periphery of the territory than females without cubs. In contrast, these areas were more selected by males when there were cubs in the pride. We also found social responses. Males spent more time with females as habitat openness increased but the presence of cubs in the pride did not influence the average likelihood of observing males with females. Furthermore, rival males relocated further after an encounter with pride males when cubs were present in the prides, suggesting that the presence of cubs leads to a more vigorous repulsion of competitors. Males with cubs in their pride were more likely to interact with male competitors on the edge of the pride's home range and far from the waterholes, suggesting that they are particularly assiduous in detecting and repelling rival males during these periods.

In general, the strategies to avoid infanticide exhibited by male lions supported the territorial‐defence hypothesis. Our study contributes to answer the recent call for a behavioural ecology at the spatial‐social interface.
Advancements in nonthermal physical field technologies for prefabricated aquatic food: A comprehensive review
Authors: Ying Xiaoguo , Li Taiyu , Deng Shanggui , Brennan Charles , Benjakul Soottawat , Liu Huifan , Wang Feng , Xie Xi , Liu Dongjie , Li Jun , Xiao Gengsheng , Ma Lukai
Published: January 2024

Aquatic foods are nutritious, enjoyable, and highly favored by consumers. In recent years, young consumers have shown a preference for prefabricated food due to its convenience, nutritional value, safety, and increasing market share. However, aquatic foods are prone to microbial spoilage due to their high moisture content, protein content, and unsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, traditional processing methods of aquatic foods can lead to issues such as protein denaturation, lipid peroxidation, and other food safety and nutritional health problems. Therefore, there is a growing interest in exploring new technologies that can achieve a balance between antimicrobial efficiency and food quality. This review examines the mechanisms of cold plasma, high‐pressure processing, photodynamic inactivation, pulsed electric field treatment, and ultraviolet irradiation. It also summarizes the research progress in nonthermal physical field technologies and their application combined with other technologies in prefabricated aquatic food. Additionally, the review discusses the current trends and developments in the field of prefabricated aquatic foods. The aim of this paper is to provide a theoretical basis for the development of new technologies and their implementation in the industrial production of prefabricated aquatic food.
Saliva identification in forensic samples by automated microextraction and intact mass analysis of statherin
Authors: Brown Catherine O. , Westring Christian G. , Danielson Phillip B. , Legg Kevin M.
Published: January 2024

The enzyme α‐amylase has long been a commonly targeted protein in serological tests for saliva. While being especially abundant in saliva, α‐amylase is detectable in vaginal secretions, sweat, fecal matter, breast milk and other matrices. As a result, assays for α‐amylase only provide a presumptive indication of saliva. The availability of mass spectrometry‐based tools for the detection of less abundant, but more specific, protein targets (e.g., human statherin) has enabled the development of high confidence assays for human saliva. Sample throughput, however, has traditionally been low due to multi‐step workflows for protein extraction, quantitation, enzymatic digestion, solid phase cleanup, and nano‐/capillary‐based chromatography. Here, we present two novel “direct” single‐stage extraction strategies for sample preparation. These feature immunoaffinity purification and reversed‐phase solid‐phase microextraction in conjunction with intact mass analysis of human statherin for saliva identification. Mass analysis was performed on the Thermo Scientific Q‐Exactive™ Orbitrap mass spectrometer with a 10‐min analytical run time. Data analysis was performed using Byos® from Protein Metrics. Two sample sets were analyzed with a population of 20 individuals to evaluate detection reliability. A series of casework‐type samples were then assayed to evaluate performance in an authentic forensic context. Statherin was confidently identified in 92% and 71% of samples extracted using the immunoaffinity purification and solid phase microextraction approaches, respectively. Overall, immunoaffinity purification outperformed the solid phase microextraction, especially with complex mixtures. In toto, robotic extraction and intact mass spectrometry enable the reliable identification of trace human saliva in a variety of sample types.
Development of a serum‐free medium for myoblasts long‐term expansion and 3D culture for cell‐based meat
Authors: Dai Wenjing , Chen Yawen , Xiong Wanli , Li Shihao , Tan Wen‐Song , Zhou Yan
Published: January 2024

Cell‐based meat technology provides an effective method to meet the demand for meat, while also posing a huge challenge to the expansion of myoblasts. It is difficult to develop serum‐free medium suitable for long‐term culture and large‐scale expansion of myoblasts, which causes limited understanding of myoblasts expansion. Therefore, this study used C2C12 myoblasts as model cells and developed a serum‐free medium for large‐scale expansion of myoblasts in vitro using the Plackett–Burman design. The serum‐free medium can support short‐term proliferation and long‐term passage of C2C12 myoblasts, while maintaining myogenic differentiation potential well, which is comparable to those of growth medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum. Based on the C2C12 myoblasts microcarriers serum‐free culture system established in this study, the actual expansion folds of myoblasts can reach 43.55 folds after 7 days. Moreover, cell‐based meat chunks were preliminarily prepared using glutamine transaminase and edible pigments. The research results provide reference for serum‐free culture and large‐scale expansion of myoblasts in vitro, laying the foundation for cell‐based meat production.

Practical Application

This study developed a serum‐free medium suitable for long‐term passage of myoblasts and established a microcarrier serum‐free culture system for myoblasts, which is expected to solve the problem of serum‐free culture and large‐scale expansion of myoblasts in cell culture meat production.
Cancer mortality and morbidity among patients with schizophrenia: A hospital‐based cohort study, 1992–2020
Authors: Drevinskaite M. , Kaceniene A. , Patasius A. , Stukas R. , Germanavicius A. , Miseikyte E. , Urbonas V. , Smailyte G.
Published: January 2024

Objective

Due to the inconsistency of the evidence about the cancer risk among patients with schizophrenia, the aim of this study was to analyse cancer mortality and morbidity in patients with schizophrenia treated in a single centre in Lithuania during the study period of 1992–2020.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in Vilnius Republican Psychiatric Hospital, the biggest specialised psychiatric hospital in Lithuania, with approximately 5000 hospital admissions annually. The patients' cohort was established by identifying all patients with the diagnosis of schizophrenia (ICD‐10 code F20) in the hospital database from 1 January 1992 until 31 December 2017. The cancer cases and cancer deaths in the cohort were identified in the Lithuanian Cancer Register through linkage procedures. The analysis of risk was based on a comparison of observed and expected numbers of cancers and deaths. Expected number of cancer cases were calculated by multiplication of the exact person‐years under observation in the cohort by sex, calendar year and a 5‐year age‐group‐specific national incidence and mortality rate. All statistical analyses were carried out using STATA 15 statistical software.

Results

During the follow‐up, out of 8553 patients, 673 cases of cancer were diagnosed in both sexes. Statistically significantly lower risk for overall cancer incidence was observed in men (SIR 0.74, 95% CI 0.66–0.83), but not in women (SIR 1.07, 95% CI 0.97–1.18). Statistically significant lower overall cancer mortality risk was observed in men (SMR 0.82, 95% CI 0.70–0.96), while in the women's group, risk of cancer deaths was significantly higher compared to the general population (SMR 1.28, 95% CI 1.11–1.48). We observed lower risk for pancreatic cancer (SIR 0.36, 95% CI 0.14–0.96), non‐melanoma skin cancer (SIR 0.54, 95% CI 0.33–0.88) and prostate cancer (SIR 0.69, 95% CI 0.55–0.87) in men and higher risk for malignant neoplasm of liver (SIR 2.58, 95% CI 1.53–4.36) and skin melanoma (SIR 2.03, 95% CI 1.12–3.66) in men and for breast cancer (SIR 1.38, 95% CI 1.14–1.66) and corpus uteri cancer (SIR 1.56, 95% CI 1.18–2.07) in women.

Conclusions

The current results of our study indicate lower risk of overall cancer incidence and mortality in male patients with schizophrenia, while female patients had a higher mortality risk, alongside variations in the risk of different cancer types. This information is important not only for patients, but for healthcare specialists to develop effective disease‐specific preventive interventions and programmes.
The dental microscope in endodontic education: A feasibility study of a distance learning course
Authors: Maret Delphine , Peters Ove A. , Delrieu Julien , Gaillac Sylvain , Ducreux Philippe , Houze‐Cerfon Charles‐Henri , Geeraerts Thomas , Diemer Franck
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of preclinical training, specifically in root canal preparation, using a virtual educational system equipped with an operating microscope. Ten postgraduate general dentistry trainees and practitioners undergoing postgraduate training in endodontics participated. The telesimulation course included three steps: theory, demonstration of practical work by the teacher and lastly practical training by the participants. The digital environment including the dental microscope was presented, and the feedback was collected with a questionnaire. The majority of participants considered that the online video conference format allowed them to acquire theoretical content but also practical knowledge and skills, owing to the contribution of the operating microscope. The technical feasibility of endodontic telesimulation was demonstrated. The operating microscope has a potential role in distance education, enabling teaching to occur synchronously and collaboratively. This allows learners to interact with each other and demonstrators in real time.
A multidimensional assessment of payback: Evaluating the impact of Breast Cancer Trials
Authors: Knight Ruth , Luke Belinda , Meuter Renata , Peters Kaitlin , Chell Kathleen
Published: January 2024

Aim

This study evaluates the impact created by clinical trial investment and research undertaken by Breast Cancer Trials (BCT).

Methods

The approach involved using the Payback Framework, and included a review of BCT archival information, public health data, a questionnaire sent to BCT members, individual interviews with key informants, a focus group with members of the organization's Consumer Advisory Panel, and case studies of select BCT trials. The evaluation assessed the evidence against the Payback Framework criteria: informing policy and product development, knowledge production, the research system, health and health sector benefits, and broader economic benefits.

Results

Analysis using the Payback Framework revealed impact was created in each category and a range of positive outcomes were identified for various stakeholder groups. BCT is maximizing the impact of its research and contributing to a global pool of scientific knowledge by collaborating with over 100 institutions and 820 researchers, yet its benefits go beyond research contributions. Findings highlight strong financial returns from BCT's research program and that BCT has played an important role in enhancing the public perception of clinical trials by promoting participation in trials, educating and empowering participants, and communicating trial outcomes.

Conclusion

BCT's clinical trials have had a significant impact on the prevention, detection, treatment, and management of breast cancer. Measuring and reporting impact can be resource intensive but support BCT in remaining accountable to all those invested in the organization and in breast cancer clinical trials, evidencing the multiple dimensions of payback resulting from the organization's research.
Reconstruction of plantar foot defects with free super‐thin anterolateral thigh flap
Authors: Tuluy Yavuz , Özkaya Ünsal Merve , Bali Zülfükar Ulaş , Parspancı Aziz , Ünal Dilara
Published: January 2024

Backgrounds

In the repair of plantar foot defects, it is important that the reconstructed area is compatible with surrounding tissue while weight‐bearing ability continues. In our study, we present long‐term results of plantar foot reconstruction with super‐thin ALT flaps in patients that required reconstruction with free tissue transfer.

Methods

We evaluated 11 patients with plantar foot defects that underwent reconstruction with a super‐thin ALT flap. Patients were evaluated for postoperative ulceration, ability to wear normal shoes, time to return to work/school, LEFS score and satisfaction with aesthetic results.

Results

No bone defects were observed in the patients included in our study, except for the phalanges and distal metatarsals. Defects with soft tissue loss were reconstructed. The mean flap thickness was 4.9 mm (range 3–6 mm). Follow‐up period ranged from 16 to 59 months. One patient required grafting for partial flap necrosis and recovered totally. Another patient required debulking surgery. Two patients had superficial ulceration postoperatively, which responded well to conservative therapy. The mean VAS score for cosmetic satisfaction was 8 of 10 (range, 6–9). Eight patients were satisfied with the flap contour, while three others were fairly satisfied. Mean time to return to work/school after surgery was 2.5 months. The preoperative LEFS score increased from 32.03 ± 15.2 to 58.7 ± 10.6 in the postoperative period, this difference was statistically significant (P<0.01).

Conclusion

We consider that the advantageous features of super‐thin ALT flaps such as proper tightening, reduced postoperative atrophy, and better contouring features make these flaps suitable for plantar foot defects.
Racial and ethnic disparities in untreated patients with hepatitis C virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma but not in those with sustained virologic response
Authors: Park Jung Eun , Nguyen Vy H. , Tsai Pei‐Chien , Toyoda Hidenori , Leong Jennifer , Guy Jennifer E. , Yeh Ming‐Lun , Huang Chung‐Feng , Yasuda Satoshi , Abe Hiroshi , Hsu Yao‐Chun , Tseng Cheng‐Hao , Liu Joanne , Chen Yao‐Li , Lin Ping‐Yi , Jun Dae Won , Yoshimaru Yoko , Ogawa Eiichi , Ishigami Masatoshi , Enomoto Masaru , Tamori Akihiro , Uojima Haruki , Wang Xiao Zhong , Xu Qiang , Takahashi Hirokazu , Eguchi Yuichiro , Inoue Kaori , Huang Daniel Q. , Zhao Wen Jing , Chuang Wan‐Long , Dai Chia‐Yen , Huang Jee‐Fu , Barnett Scott , Maeda Mayumi , Cheung Ramsey , Landis Charles , Tanaka Yasuhito , Roberts Lewis R. , Schwartz Myron E. , Kumada Takashi , Yu Ming‐Lung , Nguyen Mindie H.
Published: January 2024

Background

Racial and ethnic disparities exist for hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) survival.

Aim

To evaluate the impact of HCV treatment on such disparities.

Methods

In a retrospective cohort study, we analysed 6069 patients with HCV‐related HCC (54.2% Asian, 30.1% White, 8.5% Black, and 7.3% Hispanic) from centres in the United States and Asia.

Results

The mean age was 61, 60, 59 and 68, respectively, for White, Black, Hispanic and Asian patients. Black patients were most likely to have Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage D, vascular invasion and distant metastasis (23% vs. 5%–15%, 20% vs. 10%–17% and 10% vs. 5%–7%, respectively; all p < 0.0001). Treatment rate with direct‐acting antiviral agents (DAA) was 35.9% for Asian, 34.9% for White, 30.3% for Hispanic (30.3%), and 18.7% for Black patients (p < 0.0001). Among those untreated or without sustained virologic response (SVR), 10‐year survival rates were 35.4, 27.5, 19.3 and 14.0, respectively, for Asian, Hispanic, White and Black patients (p < 0.0001). There were no statistically significant differences among those with SVR (p = 0.44). On multivariable analysis adjusted for relevant confounders, there was no statistically significant association between survival and being Hispanic (aHR: 0.68, p = 0.26) or Black (aHR: 1.18, p = 0.60) versus White. There was a significant association between being Asian American and survival (aHR: 0.24, p = 0.001; non‐U.S. Asian: aHR: 0.66, p = 0.05), and for SVR (aHR: 0.30, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

DAA treatment rates were suboptimal. Racial and ethnic disparities resolved with HCV cure. Early diagnosis and improved access to HCV treatment is needed for all patients with HCV infection.
Educational outcomes and the role of comorbidity among adolescents with type 1‐diabetes in Denmark
Authors: Thorsted Anne Bonde , Thygesen Lau Caspar , Hoffmann Sofie Have , Rosenkilde Siri , Lehn Sara Fokdal , Lundby‐Christensen Louise , Horsbøl Trine Allerslev
Published: January 2024

Aims

To examine educational outcomes among adolescents with type 1 diabetes and determine the role of comorbidity.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide register‐based cohort study including 3370 individuals born between 1991 and 2003 and diagnosed with type 1 diabetes before the age of 16. They were all matched with up to four individuals without type 1 diabetes on age, gender, parents' educational level and immigration status. Information on comorbidity was based on hospital diagnoses. The individuals were followed in registers to determine whether they finished compulsory school (9th grade, usually at the age of 15–16 years), and were enrolled in secondary education by age 18 years.

Results

Individuals with type 1 diabetes were more likely not to complete compulsory school (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.26–1.64), and not being enrolled in an upper secondary education by age 18 (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.31–1.73) compared to their peers. A total of 1869 (56%) individuals with type 1 diabetes were registered with at least one somatic (n = 1709) or psychiatric comorbidity (n = 389). Those with type 1 diabetes and psychiatric comorbidity were more likely not to complete compulsory school (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.54–3.96), and not being enrolled in an upper secondary education by age 18 (OR 3.66, 95% CI 2.27–5.91) compared to those with type 1 diabetes only. Further, there was a tendency towards an association between having somatic comorbidity and adverse educational outcomes (OR 1.25, 95% CI 0.97–1.63; OR 1.26, 95% CI 0.95–1.66) among adolescents with type 1 diabetes. The associations differed markedly between diagnostic comorbidity groups.

Conclusion

Type 1 diabetes affects educational attainment and participation among adolescents. Psychiatric comorbidity contributes to adverse educational outcomes in this group, and there is a tendency that somatic comorbidity also plays a role.
Epidemiological investigation of insulin dysregulation in Shetland and Welsh ponies in Australia
Authors: Clark Brianna L. , Norton Elaine M. , Bamford Nicholas J. , Randhawa Imtiaz A. S. , Kemp Kate L. , McCue Molly E. , Bertin François‐René , Stewart Allison J.
Published: January 2024

Background

Insulin dysregulation (ID) is central to equine metabolic syndrome. There are limited epidemiological studies investigating dynamic testing of ID in ponies.

Objectives

To evaluate prevalence and risk factors for ID through dynamic testing of hyperinsulinaemia (DHI) and insulin resistance (IR).

Study design

Cross‐sectional.

Methods

Sex, age, breed, height, cresty neck score (CNS), body condition score (BCS), laminitis, HMGA2:c.83G>A genotype and pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) status were documented. Dynamic hyperinsulinaemia was diagnosed with an oral sugar test (OST) and IR with an insulin tolerance test (ITT). Owners completed surveys reporting activity, laminitis history and perception of body condition using a (1–9) visual analogue scale (VASo). Ordinal scores were converted to binary outcomes for CNS (≤2/5 or ≥3/5), BCS and VASo (≤6/9 or ≥7/9). Variables associated with insulin concentrations, glucose reduction after the ITT and laminitis were evaluated with mixed effects regression models accounting for random effects of farms.

Results

Among 167 ponies tested, median (range) age was 9 (4–21) years and BCS was 6 (4–8). Prevalence (95% confidence interval [CI]) of ID was 61 (53–68)%. Factors associated with insulin concentrations (estimate [95% CI]; μIU/mL) 60 min post‐OST were: age (1.07 [1.02–1.11]), CNS (≥3/5, 1.52 [1.04–2.23]) and VASo (≥7/9, 1.75 [1.09–2.79]); and 90 min post‐OST were: age (1.08 [1.03–1.12]), CNS (≥3/5, 1.80 [1.22–2.64]), VASo (≥7/9, 2.49 [1.52–4.08]) and sex (male, 0.64 [0.45–0.91]). Factors associated with glucose reduction after the ITT (estimate [95% CI]; %) were: age (−1.34 [−2.01 to −0.67]), sex (female, −6.21 [−11.68 to −0.74]) and VASo (≥7/9, −1.74 [−18.89 to −4.78]). Factors associated with laminitis (odds ratio [95% CI]) were DHI (4.60 [1.68–12.58]), IR (3.66 [1.26–10.61]) and PPID (11.75 [1.54–89.40]).

Main limitations

Single time‐point sampling, laminitis definition and diet analysis.

Conclusions

Ageing, being female and owner‐perceived obesity were associated with ID.
Environmental effect on fatigue strength of stainless steel in PWR primary water: Relation between fatigue life in air and environment
Authors: Kamaya Masayuki
Published: January 2024

The fatigue life of Type 316 stainless steel in the pressurized water reactor (PWR) water environment and its dependency on that in air were investigated. Specimens from two heats of the material were prepared for fatigue tests, and additionally, previous test findings obtained using another heat were applied. The fatigue test results obtained for various strain ranges and strain rates revealed that the fatigue life in the water environment Nf(env) did not depend on that in air Nf(air) when the strain rate was 0.4%/s. The variation in the ratio of Nf(env) to Nf(air) was larger when Nf(air) obtained for each heat of the material was used than that when a general Nf(air) was used. The changes in the penalty factor Fen with applied strain range and strain rate could be predicted by assuming Nf(env) depended not on strain rate but on rise time.
Effectiveness of a paediatric weight management intervention for rural youth (iAmHealthy): Primary outcomes of a cluster randomised control trial
Authors: Davis Ann , Lancaster Brittany , Fleming Kandace , Swinburne Romine Rebecca , Forseth Bethany , Nelson Eve‐Lynn , Dreyer Gillette Meredith , Faith Myles , Sullivan Debra K. , Pettee Gabriel Kelley , Dean Kelsey , Olalde Megan
Published: January 2024

Background

Youth in rural areas are disproportionally affected by obesity. Given the unique barriers rural populations face, tailoring and increasing access to obesity interventions is necessary.

Objective

This paper evaluates the effectiveness of iAmHealthy, a family‐based paediatric obesity intervention delivered to rural children, compared to a Newsletter Control.

Methods

Participating schools (n = 18) were randomly assigned to iAmHealthy or Newsletter Control. iAmHealthy consists of individual health coaching and group sessions delivered via televideo to a participant's home. The child and parent's body mass index (BMI), child physical activity and child dietary intake were assessed at baseline, post‐treatment (8 months) and follow‐up (20 months). Multilevel modeling estimated the effect of treatment at both time points.

Results

Parent and child dyads were recruited (n = 148) and randomised to iAmHealthy (n = 64) or the Control group (n = 84). The Control group had significant increases in child BMIz from baseline to follow‐up. iAmHealthy youth had no significant changes in BMIz from baseline to post or follow‐up. Child dietary intake, physical activity and parent BMI results are also discussed.

Conclusions

This trial extends previous paediatric obesity work by simultaneously increasing convenience and dose of treatment. Results suggest iAmHealthy resulted in a change in BMIz trajectories and long‐term health behaviour for youth.
Gut microbiota and intestinal immunity—A crosstalk in irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Chen Yuxuan , Feng Shuyan , Li Ying , Zhang Chi , Chao Guanqun , Zhang Shuo
Published: January 2024

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), one of the most prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorders, is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and abnormal defecation habits, resulting in a severe healthcare burden worldwide. The pathophysiological mechanisms of IBS are multi‐factorially involved, including food antigens, visceral hypersensitivity reactions, and the brain–gut axis. Numerous studies have found that gut microbiota and intestinal mucosal immunity play an important role in the development of IBS in crosstalk with multiple mechanisms. Therefore, based on existing evidence, this paper elaborates that the damage and activation of intestinal mucosal immunity and the disturbance of gut microbiota are closely related to the progression of IBS. Combined with the application prospect, it also provides references for further in‐depth exploration and clinical practice.
Life situation of older people living with severe mental illness – A scoping review
Authors: Holst Hanna , Ozolins Lise‐Lotte , Enros Jessica , Schmidt Manuela , Hörberg Ulrica
Published: January 2024

An increasing number of older people with severe mental illness (SMI) poses additional challenges to healthcare and social services. This scoping review aimed to investigate the life situation of older people living with severe mental illness and identify the research gaps in the existing literature. The current review followed the methodological framework for conducting scoping reviews by Arksey and O'Malley, consisting of five main stages: (1) identifying the research question (2) identifying relevant studies, (3) selecting the studies, (4) charting the data, and (5) collating, summarising, and reporting the results. An optional sixth stage, a consultation exercise, has also been used in this study: The scoping review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews PRISMA‐ScR, and the databases PsychINFO Scopus, Cinahl, Web of Science and PubMed were used. A total of 24 studies were included in the review. The thematic analysis focused on: (1) the perspective of older people with SMI, (2) the perspective of healthcare professionals supporting older people with SMI, and (3) the perspective of informal carers supporting older people with SMI. The results describe the life situation of older people living with SMI, especially in relation to the older peoples' experiences of suffering and well‐being. The staff and the informal carers need adequate knowledge to provide support to the older people with SMI. To gain greater knowledge about the life situation and support needed by older people with SMI, we strongly advocate additional research focusing on their own experiences.
Does the presence of calling relate to career success? The role of strengths use and deficit correction among nurses
Authors: El‐Gazar Heba E. , Taie Eman Salman , Elamir Hossam , Abou Zeid Mennat Allah G. , Magdi Hussein M. , Zoromba Mohamed A.
Published: January 2024

Background

The presence of calling has been associated with beneficial outcomes for nurses, yet our understanding of these effects remains limited. Additionally, the mechanisms linking the presence of calling to these outcomes have not been well established in the nursing literature.

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the presence of calling and nurses’ career success, mediated by the parallel effects of strengths use and deficit correction.

Design

A cross‐sectional design was used.

Methods

Data were collected from December 2022 to April 2023, involving 237 nurses working in six hospitals in Port Said, Egypt. The study utilized the Demographic Information Form, the Presence of Calling Scale, the Strengths Use Scale, the Deficit Correction Scale, and the Career Success Scale. Study hypotheses were evaluated using structural equation modeling.

Results

Presence of calling positively related to nurses’ career success. Furthermore, nurses’ strengths use and deficit correction played a mediating role in the relationship between the presence of calling and career success.

Conclusion

Nurses who view their work as a calling are more inclined to utilize their strengths and address their deficits, resulting in a heightened sense of career success.

Implication for nursing policymaking

Emphasising that nursing is a calling should commence during the undergraduate education of nurses, and this concept should be continually cultivated by hospital administrators throughout their professional careers. This approach empowers nurses to leverage their strengths, address their deficits, and ultimately enhance their sense of success in their nursing careers.
Advance selling strategy and pricing decisions with online reviews
Authors: Tang Ming‐Zhao , You Tian‐Hui , Cao Bing‐Bing
Published: January 2024

Motivated by marketing practices in advance selling, this paper studies the optimal pricing decisions and advance selling strategy with online reviews. The firm may charge a full or partial price in advance selling and then determine whether to continue selling products in the spot market. We characterize the equilibrium pricing decisions, selling scheme, and advance selling strategy in the monopoly market. We find that no matter what kind of advance selling strategy is implemented, the firm should choose the two‐period selling scheme instead of the one‐period one to market the product. Notably, when the two‐period selling scheme is chosen, either the skimming pricing or the penetration pricing may be optimal for the firm. Specifically, when the review valence is significantly lower, the skimming pricing is always favored by the firm; otherwise, the penetration pricing is more profitable. Moreover, the disclosure quality and review valence jointly affect the choice of firm's optimal advance selling strategy. In detail, advance selling with a full‐price strategy is always dominant if the disclosure quality is high; otherwise, the firm's optimal advance selling strategy is determined by the review valence. Meanwhile, we also analyze several extensions to explore meaningful insights and provide decision‐making support for the firm facing a complex marketing environment.
Effect of periodontal therapy on glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Sato Misuzu , Ono Sachiko , Yamana Hayato , Okada Akira , Ishimaru Miho , Ono Yosuke , Iwasaki Masanori , Aida Jun , Yasunaga Hideo
Published: January 2024

Aim

This study aimed to elucidate the impact of periodontal therapy on glycaemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes and various baseline blood glucose levels using a large‐scale claims database from Japan.

Materials and Methods

Using the JMDC Claims Database, we identified individuals with type 2 diabetes who underwent health check‐ups in the fiscal years 2018 or 2019 and were followed up until the next year's health check‐up. We conducted a weighted cohort analysis using stabilized inverse probability weights for treatment and censoring to estimate the effect of periodontal therapy on changes in haemoglobin A1c levels within a year. Analysis was done for different baseline haemoglobin A1c categories: 6.5%–6.9%, 7.0%–7.9% and ≥8.0%.

Results

Of the 4279 insured persons included in the study, 957 received periodontal therapy. Overall, there was a tendency towards improved glycaemic control among those who received periodontal therapy. Participants with baseline haemoglobin A1c levels of 7.0%–7.9% who received periodontal therapy exhibited significantly better glycaemic control compared with those without dental visits (difference; −0.094 [95% confidence interval: −0.181 to −0.007]).

Conclusions

Periodontal therapy may improve glycaemic control in individuals with diabetes, especially in those with haemoglobin A1c levels ≥7.0%.
Association between the skin microbiome and lichen striatus hypopigmentation: Cutibacterium acnes as a potential cause
Authors: Yu Yeuni , Lee Byunghyuk , Shin Kihyuk , Kim Kihun , Lee Hyun Jung , Shin Jun‐Oh , Lee Jungsoo , Kim Hoon‐Soo , Kim Byung‐Soo , Kim Moon‐Bum , Kim Yun Hak , Ko Hyun‐Chang
Published: January 2024

Background

Lichen striatus (LS) is an acquired skin disorder with a linear pattern along Blaschko's lines. It commonly occurs in childhood, and the lesions spontaneously regress within several months.

Objectives

Although up to 50% of LS cases exhibit hypopigmentation that can persist for several months to years, it is unknown why LS is associated with such a high incidence of hypopigmentation compared to other inflammatory skin diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to analyse the differences in the skin microbiome between LS patients with and without hypopigmentation.

Methods

Differences in skin microbiome were analysed using whole genome sequencing of skin biopsies and subsequent bioinformatics analyses.

Results

Some microbes commonly found in hypopigmented skin disorders, including Cutibacterium acnes, were more abundant in patients with LS showing hypopigmentation than in those not showing hypopigmentation.

Conclusions

The skin microbiota may be involved in the development of hypopigmentation in LS and may be considered a treatment target to reduce LS duration and hypopigmentation.
New species of the eel genera Dysomma and Dysommina from Vietnam, South China Sea (Anguilliformes: Synaphobranchidae)
Authors: Vo Van Quang , Ho Hsuan‐Ching , Dao Ha Viet , Tran Thinh Cong
Published: January 2024

Two new cutthroat eel species are described from Vietnam. Dysomma intermedium sp. nov. has a relatively long trunk, being about half of head length and anal‐fin origin more than twice pectoral‐fin length behind the pectoral‐fin tip; pectoral fin well developed; dorsal‐fin origin over or slightly in front of base of pectoral fin; two intermaxillary teeth; four or five compound teeth on ethmovomer; single row of seven or eight teeth on lower jaw; total lateral‐line pores 70–76; and 21 pre‐anal and 118–124 total vertebrae. Dysommina brevis sp. nov. differs from congeners by having a trunk shorter than head length, its length 11.1%–11.8% TL; a short pre‐anal length 24.6%–25.6% TL, eye diameter 11.8%–12.3% head length; three large and one or two small teeth on ethmovomer; and fewer teeth on the upper and lower jaws. In addition, a specimen representing the first record of Dysommina orientalis in Vietnamese water is documented.