bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovering and developing the vocational teacher identity
Authors: Antera Sofia , Teräs Marianne
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study explores the role of previous occupational identity in the formation of the (new) teacher identity of vocational teachers. The focus is on how vocational teachers discover their teaching identity, how they describe the connection between their previous occupation and teacher identity and how they describe a competent member of the teaching community.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical approach is inspired by Communities of Practice (CoP) theory. More specifically, the realignment between socially demanded competence in the profession and personal experience as well as identification with the teaching community are discussed. The research material comes from 14 interviews with vocational teachers in different disciplines.

Findings

Findings indicate first that the process of professional identity (trans)formation was initiated by finding one's teaching self when the individuals became aware of their interest in teaching by discovering that they had already achieved some sort of teaching-related competence. Second, individuals had been connecting their professional identities – finding common competence between their previous occupation and the teaching role. Third, vocational teachers experienced legitimising their competence and their new identity with reference to what their new CoP instructed as important competence (regime of competence).

Originality/value

While teachers' vocational competence is not scrutinised, their teaching competence needs to be constantly proved. This imbalance often leads to teachers returning to an aspect of their identity that is well established – their vocational competence. Looking back to their occupational competences constitutes a realignment backwards, when teachers attempt to serve their new professional goal by drawing on old competence.
Effects of green authenticity on well-being, customer engagement and approach behavior toward green hospitality brands
Authors: Yu Jongsik , Baah Nancy Grace , Kim Seongseop (Sam) , Moon Hyoungeun , Chua Bee-Lia , Han Heesup
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to develop a robust theoretical framework to explain the impact of hotels’ green brand authenticity on guests’ perceptions of well-being, customer engagement and approach behaviors toward green brands.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors examined the effect of green brand authenticity on perceptions of well-being, customer engagement and approach behaviors toward green brands. For the quantitative empirical analysis, 352 samples were used. Green brand authenticity integrates quality commitment, heritage, uniqueness and symbolism as high-dimensional factors.

Findings

The study conceptualizes green brand authenticity as a multi-dimensional phenomenon with four dimensions: quality commitment, heritage, uniqueness and symbolism. The results showed that green brand authenticity has a positive effect on hotel guests’ perceived well-being and behavioral intentions. Interestingly, environmental values did not have a statistically significant regulatory role, while green behavior in everyday life had a partial regulatory role.

Practical implications

This study aims to develop and empirically test a conceptual model that depicts the function of green authenticity in explaining customer responses to green brands. The results and the theoretical framework proposed in this study provide significant insights for researchers and practitioners in the hotel industry.

Originality/value

Further than evaluating brand authenticity generally, this study evaluates the authenticity of a brand's environmental protection efforts. As a result of the empirical analysis conducted in this study, the green brand authenticity of a hotel had a positive effect on customers’ emotional and behavioral aspects. This finding provided valuable and meaningful insights for green hotels and hotel brand-related research.
Vibration behavior of a 3D-printed hybrid polymer bearing with outer race defect
Authors: Küçükoğlu Doğan Burcu , Dal Abdurrahim , Ağören Görkem , Karaçay Tuncay
Published: February 2024

Purpose

In industry applications, polymer hybrid bearings have become widespread in recent years owing to the lack of lubricant requirements, particularly in areas requiring hygiene. The additive manufacturing method gives significant advantages to have complex machinery parts, and it has become popular in the industry in recent years. However, it has some inherent disadvantages caused by layered deposition/addition of the materials, and the probability of the localized defect is much higher than in the conventional manufacturing methods. This study aims to investigate the effect of the outer race defect on the characteristics of vibration and service lifetime of hybrid polymer ball bearings produced with the stereolithography (SLA) additive manufacturing method.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, polymer bearings’ races were produced with the additive manufacturing SLA method, and the outer race defect was analyzed with measured vibrations.

Findings

The results show that the additive manufacturing method suggests a practical solution for producing a polymer hybrid ball bearing. On the other hand, the hybrid three-dimensional-printed bearing, which has an outer race defect, worked for approximately 8 h without any problems under a 1 kg load and a shaft speed of around 1,000 rpm. In addition, when there is a defect in the outer and/or inner race of the ball bearing, the crest factor and kurtosis of the vibration are higher than faultless ball bearing, as expected.

Originality/value

This paper provides valuable information on the lifetime and vibration characteristics of polymer hybrid ball bearing produced by means of additive manufacturing.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-06-2023-0183/
Inquiry into channels of health and safety knowledge communication across the boundaries of the construction industry
Authors: Williams Justice , Fugar Frank , Adinyira Emmanuel , Agyekum Kofi
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Effective safety communication facilitates the sharing of relevant knowledge that helps to improve safety behaviours, such as superior hazard identification and compliance. This study aims to explore channels by which construction companies can effectively communicate health and safety (H&S) among communities of their operations.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a quantitative research approach, this study addressed the knowledge gap through a cross-sectional survey of 250 contractors (comprising 155 building and 95 road contractors) involved in various projects in the Ghanaian construction industry. These contractors were selected by using a stratified simple random sampling technique. Data obtained from the survey was analysed through descriptive (i.e. frequencies, mean and standard deviation) and inferential (i.e. exploratory factor analysis) statistical analyses.

Findings

The findings from the mean scores revealed that all the 12 communication channels identified in the literature, confirmed through piloting and examined by the respondents, were important channels through which construction companies can effectively communicate H&S amongst communities of their operations. The exploratory factor analysis revealed a clustering of the 12 channels of communication into 5 components: “safety demonstration in the community”; “social media”; “mass media”; “community engagement”; and “opinion leaders”.

Research limitations/implications

This study offers construction project managers the means of managing one of the major stakeholders of a construction project (the community). It provides an actionable opportunity that can be leveraged strategically to integrate community members into projects to promote synergy and local content inclusion while gaining a peaceful atmosphere to achieve their project goals.

Practical implications

Practically, this study provides construction project managers with a means of managing one of the major stakeholders of a construction project (the community) and also demonstrates the integration of community members into projects to promote synergy and local content inclusion. This would give construction organisations a peaceful atmosphere to accomplish their project objectives.

Social implications

The social implication of this study is that the study offers society a means of creating safer Ghanaian communities by offering them the knowledge of identifying hazards and avoiding risky behaviours, creating a good safety atmosphere in these communities.

Originality/value

This study presents construction organisations with a unique opportunity to transfer and share novel external knowledge within a different social system (the community). It contributes to the state-of-the-art knowledge in H&S communication by providing channels through which H&S can be communicated in a developing country such as Ghana.
Does consumer empowerment enhance brand page stickiness? The role of brand page experience and brand love
Authors: Mostafa Rania B. , Sobhy Temerak Mohamed
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the mechanism through which consumer empowerment, created via the Facebook brand page (FBBP), is transformed into brand page stickiness. Specifically, a model examining the mediating role of FBBP experience and the moderating role of brand love is proposed and tested.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 283 FBBP users were analyzed using structural equation modeling with partial least squares.

Findings

The findings reveal the positive effect of consumer empowerment and brand page experience on brand page stickiness. The mediating role of brand page experience and the moderating role of brand love were prominent in the consumer empowerment–brand page stickiness link.

Originality/value

This paper is novel in inaugurating the association between consumer empowerment and FBBP stickiness, which is mediated by brand experience and moderated with brand love. This paper enriches the understanding of how brand page stickiness can be enhanced in the social media context.

Practical implications

This paper guides managers to best utilize FBBP to create a pleasant experience and yield stickiness.
The pathways of increasing online celebrity brand equity and followers' hotel booking intention: a serial multiple mediation model
Authors: Ho-Mai Nhi Thao , Tran Vinh Trung , Nguyen Vien Ky , Do Uyen Thi Thu , Truong Thanh Ba , Tran Phuong Thi Kim
Published: February 2024

Purpose

From a consumer–brand relationship (CBR) perspective, this study proposes a serial multiple mediation model to explore the pathways (e.g. cognitive, affective and hybrid) to increase online celebrity brand equity (OCBE) and follower's hotel booking intentions (FBI).

Design/methodology/approach

Paper-based and online surveys were used to collect data from 443 respondents who had been using TikTok and had followed at least one online celebrity on TikTok, while that online celebrity had reviewed one or more types of accommodation. A serial multiple mediation model was evaluated through covariance-based structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results confirmed the hybrid cognitive–affective and cognitive–affective–conative pathways among antecedents and components of OCBE and FBI.

Originality/value

From a CBR perspective, this study provides a serial multiple mediation model to increase OCBE via hybrid cognitive–affective pathways and to drive FBI via cognitive–affective–conative pathways. These sequential relationships contribute to the human branding literature by defining a mechanism of how online celebrities can efficiently attract followers, thus driving online celebrity brand loyalty and hotel booking intentions.

Research limitations/implications

The results should be validated in other cultural contexts to generalize findings and broaden the range of target respondents to include international followers and those within other nations.
Virtual influencers and corporate reputation: from marketing game to empirical analysis
Authors: Xin Baogui , Hao Yaru , Xie Lei
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study delves into how corporations make decisions about influencer marketing. Specifically, it examines the differences between human influencers, who carry the risk of scandals, and virtual influencers, a new and unpredictable realm, regarding their integration with social media platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

Using game theory and empirical data, the study explores crucial factors in influencer marketing, including influencer quality, reputation repair costs and the probability of R&D failures.

Findings

This study suggests that companies favor human influencers when the risk of scandal is low. However, competing companies switch to virtual influencers at different intervals as this risk increases. The costs, likelihood of scandals and competition intensity all play a role in a company's decision-making regarding technology management. Additionally, a higher chance of R&D failure can motivate a company to invest more in R&D to gain a competitive advantage over rivals that may suffer failures.

Research implications/implications

This study provides insights into how corporations manage social media influencer marketing in the digital age. It contributes to marketing theory and technology management decisions by offering a fresh perspective on the relationship between corporate reputation and influencer marketing strategy.

Originality/value

This study offers valuable perspectives into a relatively uncharted area of marketing strategy. It employs game theory and empirical analysis to introduce a fresh method of comprehending the dynamics of influencer marketing, its impact on corporate reputation management and its interaction with social media.
Employees' taking charge behavior and empowering leadership: the role of leader trust in employees and risk propensity
Authors: Guo Qiuyun , Zhang Zhongyan
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Previous research has mainly focused on the outcomes of empowering leadership, and empirical evidence on how to encourage leaders to display empowering behaviors has been overlooked, particularly from an interpersonal perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the integrative model of organizational trust, we investigate the relationship between employees' taking charge behaviors and empowering leadership considering the mediating role of leader trust in employees and the moderating role of risk propensity.

Findings

The results indicate that taking charge is positively associated with leader trust in employees, which influences the development of empowering leadership. Additionally, leaders' risk propensity moderates these relationships, that is, a higher level of risk propensity can enhance the promoting effect of leader trust on empowering behaviors.

Originality/value

This study explores the antecedents and mechanisms influencing empowering leadership and proposes the moderating effect of risk propensity. The findings not only clarify how and why employees' taking charge behaviors can stimulate empowering leadership but also offer a more comprehensive understanding of the antecedents of empowering leadership.
Parasocial relationships and their impact on the psychological and sociocultural adjustment of educational tourists: an autoethnography
Authors: Maloney Yorganci Karl Turgut , Coen Sharon
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to investigate whether relationships with media figures can impact the psychological and sociocultural adjustment of educational tourists.

Design/methodology/approach

The article uses the qualitative method of autoethnography to provide a highly personalised account of the first author’s relationships with podcast hosts during his time as an educational tourist, in order to fulfil its previously mentioned purpose.

Findings

An analysis of the author’s narrative account demonstrates how he formed parasocial relationships (PSRs) with his favourite podcast hosts. These relationships increased self-efficacy, reduced stress and provided a sense of social support, which, in turn contributed to psychological and sociocultural adjustment.

Originality/value

By demonstrating how relationships with media figures can impact their psychological and sociocultural adjustment, this article argues that research on educational tourists should explore their PSRs, in addition to their other kinds of friendships which have already been examined.
Political mobilisation and socioeconomic inequality in policy congruence
Authors: WEISSTANNER DAVID , JENSEN CARSTEN
Published: February 2024

In recent years, scholars have observed that political parties’ policy positions frequently fit the preferences of well‐to‐do voters better than those of the less well‐to‐do; a phenomenon known as policy congruence inequality. While the existence of inequality in policy congruence is well‐established, we currently only have a modest understanding of the causes of it. We develop an argument proposing that the political mobilisation of citizens with low socioeconomic status (SES) both in the parliamentary channel, in the form of high turnout, and in the extra‐parliamentary channel, in the form of high union density, is pivotal. Both high turnout and union density force parties to pay more attention to the preferences of the disadvantaged, thereby creating lower policy congruence inequality. To test the argument, we have collected and harmonised election surveys and party manifestos covering 90 elections in Australia, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States, covering several decades until today, yielding more than 120,000 voter–party dyads. Employing this new dataset, our results confirm that the political mobilisation of citizens with low SES is a strong predictor of policy congruence inequality. This finding nuances the conclusion of extant research by showing that low‐SES citizens are not always on the losing side politically. It also implies the important role of maintaining or maybe even increasing turnout and union membership among the disadvantaged in society. Places where either turnout or union density is slipping in these years are likely to witness further increases in policy congruence inequality in the years to come.
Influence of carcass mass on decomposition rate: A medico‐legal entomology perspective
Authors: Oh Hyeon‐Seok , Baek In‐Seong , Kim Na‐Yeon , Park Sang‐Hyun
Published: February 2024

Body decomposition is influenced by various factors, including temperature, rainfall, body mass, and the activities of insects and carnivores in areas where carcasses are abandoned. However, the specific impact of carcass mass on the decomposition rate remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of carcass mass on decomposition rate with controlled domestic environmental conditions. Carcasses were categorized as small and large. Decomposition patterns were evaluated using a visual scatterplot to illustrate the relationship between total body scores and log accumulated degree days (ADD). To quantitatively compare decomposition rates, a linear regression model was employed to analyze differences between the two carcass groups. Regardless of carcass mass, a similar oviposition period for flies (Diptera) was observed, and the external appearance of the carcass remained relatively stable until 1.8 logADD, marking the emergence of maggots. However, decomposition dramatically accelerated after reaching 1.8 logADD, coinciding with maggots hatching from eggs and their commencement of scavenging. In contrast to larger ones, the hastened decomposition of small carcasses can be attributed to the relatively substantial volume of Diptera larvae within the small carcasses, expediting colonization and utilization. Therefore, carcass mass should factor into postmortem interval estimation based on the degree of body decomposition.
Comparison of prediction results of Dendrolimus punctatus larvae peak occurrence based on eight prediction models
Authors: Cheng Xian , Cheng Honghao , Chen Shiyan , Zhou Xiazhi , Wang Guoqing , Zhang Guoqing , Fang Guofei , Zou Yunding , Bi Shoudong
Published: February 2024

In order to clarify the prediction accuracy of eight models for predicting the peak occurrence of the first generation larvae of Dendrolimus punctatus and provide basis for the pest control, a catastrophe prediction model was established based on the peak occurrence of the first generation larvae of Dendrolimus punctatus in Qianshan City, Anhui Province from 1983 to 2016, and compared with other seven prediction models. Comparing the forecasting results in 2015 and 2016 with actual value and taking 1 head/plant as the error standard, the errors of multiple regression models with six factors as independent variables, namely, peak occurrence of pupae in overwintering generation, peak occurrence of eggs in the first generation, cumulative population in overwintering generation, peak occurrence of adults in overwintering generation, rainfall in early April and parasitic rate of Trichogrammatid in the first generation eggs of Dendrolimus punctatus, were 0.21 heads/plant and 0.23 heads/plant with accuracy rate of 100%. The errors of stepwise regression model with the same six factors were 0.23 head/plant and 0.29 head/plant. The prediction accuracy of artificial BP neural network model, Markov chain model, contingency table model, stationary time series model, and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model was 100%, but variance period extrapolation model had an accuracy rate of 88%. The accuracy of catastrophe prediction model was related to the selection of catastrophe threshold. Comprehensive comparison of the above eight models, multiple regression, stepwise regression, artificial BP neural network, Markov chain model, stationary time series model, and catastrophe prediction model were more accurate.
Beyond ‘single customer view’: Player tracking's potential role in understanding and reducing gambling‐related harm
Authors: Newall Philip , Swanton Thomas B.
Published: February 2024

Background

Usage of electronic gaming machines (EGMs) and on‐line gambling is strongly associated with gambling‐related harm. Player‐tracking systems can monitor a gambler's activity across multiple sessions and/or operators, providing a clearer picture of the person's risk of harm with respect to these gambling formats and enabling harm reduction efforts. The Finnish and Norwegian state monopolies have player‐tracking systems in place, while the United Kingdom is implementing an operator‐led system called ‘single customer view’ for on‐line gambling, and Australian states are proposing similar ‘player cards’ for land‐based EGMs.

Argument

Player tracking can advance harm reduction efforts in three ways. First, player tracking improves our understanding of gambling‐related harm by providing data on how the population gambles, which can potentially be linked with operator, government and/or prevalence data sets. Secondly, player tracking can be used to implement harm reduction measures such as expenditure limits, self‐exclusion and age verification. Thirdly, player tracking can provide a platform to evaluate harm reduction measures via gold‐standard field trials. These potential benefits need to be weighed against various practical and ethical issues.

Conclusions

The potential benefits of player‐tracking systems would be maximized via systems administered independently of the gambling industry and implemented universally across all gambling in a given jurisdiction.
Increasing vaccinations through an on‐site school‐based education and vaccination program: A city‐wide cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bethke Norma , O'Sullivan Julie L. , Keller Jan , von Bernuth Horst , Gellert Paul , Seybold Joachim
Published: February 2024

Vaccination rates for mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR) and tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and polio (Tdap‐IPV) fall short of global targets, highlighting the need for vaccination interventions. This study examines the effectiveness of a city‐wide school‐based educational vaccination intervention as part of an on‐site vaccination program aimed at increasing MMR and Tdap‐IPV vaccination rates versus on‐site vaccination alone among sociodemographically diverse students from Berlin, Germany. The study was a 1:1 two‐arm cluster randomized controlled trial, with schools randomly assigned to either the Educational Class Condition (ECC) or the Low‐Intensity Information Condition (LIIC). Both received an on‐site vaccination program, while students in the ECC received an additional educational unit. Primary outcomes were MMR and Tdap‐IPV vaccination rates. In total, 6512 students from 25 randomly selected urban area secondary schools participated. For students providing their vaccination documents on the day of the intervention (2273, 34.9%), adjusted Poisson mixed models revealed significant between‐group differences in favor of the ECC (MMR: logRR = 0.47, 95%CI [0.01,0.92], RR = 1.59; Tdap‐IPV: logRR = 0.28, 95%CI [0.10,0.47], RR = 1.32). When adjusting for socioeconomic and migration background, between‐group differences became non‐significant for MMR but remained significant for Tdap‐IPV. Findings suggest that educational, school‐based on‐site vaccination appears to be a promising strategy for increasing vaccination uptake in adolescents.
Meta‐analysis: Efficacy and safety of fibroblast growth factor 21 analogues for the treatment of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis‐related fibrosis
Authors: Lin Rutao , Zhou Jianghua , Sun Qinmei , Xin Xin , Hu Yiyang , Zheng Minghua , Feng Qin
Published: February 2024

Background

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) analogues have emerged as promising therapeutic targets for non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, the effects and safety of these analogues on NASH and NASH‐related fibrosis remain unexplored.

Aims

To estimate the efficacy and safety of FGF21 analogues for treating NASH and NASH‐related fibrosis.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for relevant studies up to 11 October 2023. Primary outcomes were defined as the fibrosis improvement ≥1 stage without worsening of NASH and NASH resolution without worsening fibrosis. Secondary outcomes included biomarkers of fibrosis, liver injury, and metabolism. Treatment‐related adverse events were also analysed.

Results

Nine studies, including 1054 patients with biopsy‐proven NASH and stage F1–F4 fibrosis, were identified. Seven studies reported histological outcomes. The relative risk (RR) for obtaining fibrosis improvement ≥1 stage efficacy was 1.79 (95% CI 1.29–2.48, I2 = 37%, p < 0.001) with FGF21 analogues relative to placebo. Although no statistically significant difference was observed between FGF21 analogues in NASH resolution, sensitivity analyses and fragility index suggest that this result is unstable. The drugs improved hepatic fat fraction (HFF), along with other biomarkers of fibrosis, liver injury, and metabolism (MRE, LSM, Pro‐C3, ELF, ALT, AST, TG, HDL‐C, and LDL‐C). Additionally, no significant difference in serious adverse event incidence rate was observed (RR = 1.26, 95% CI 0.82–1.94, I2 = 24%, p = 0.3).

Conclusions

FGF21 analogues appear as promising agents for the treatment of NASH and NASH‐related fibrosis, and they generally seem to be safe and well tolerated.
Worldwide population prevalence and impact of sub‐diagnostic gastrointestinal symptoms
Authors: Palsson Olafur S. , Tack Jan , Drossman Douglas A. , Le Nevé Boris , Quinquis Laurent , Hassouna Rim , Ruddy Johannah , Morris Carolyn B. , Sperber Ami D. , Bangdiwala Shrikant I. , Simrén Magnus
Published: February 2024

Background

The Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology Study (RFGES) found that 40.3% of adults in 26 internet‐surveyed countries met Rome IV criteria for disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI). However, additional people not meeting DGBI criteria may also be burdened by frequent gastrointestinal symptoms.

Aims

To explore the prevalence and demographic distribution of sub‐diagnostic gastrointestinal symptoms, and the hypothesised associated effects on quality of life (QoL), life functioning and healthcare needs.

Methods

We analysed data from the RFGES survey, which included the Rome IV diagnostic questionnaire and QoL, psychological, work productivity and healthcare questions.

Results

Of the 50,033 people without a history of organic gastrointestinal disorders, 25.3% classified in the sub‐diagnostic group (no DGBI but one or more frequent gastrointestinal symptoms), 41.4% had DGBI and 33.4% had no frequent gastrointestinal symptoms (non‐GI group). Sub‐diagnostic prevalence in different world regions ranged from 22.2% (North America) to 30.5% (Middle East), was slightly higher among males than females and decreased with age. The sub‐diagnostic group was intermediate between the non‐GI and DGBI groups, and significantly different from both of them on QoL, anxiety, depression, somatisation, healthcare utilisation and life and work impairment.

Conclusions

One in four adults without organic gastrointestinal disorders or DGBI report frequent gastrointestinal symptoms. This sub‐diagnostic group has reduced QoL, greater psychological and non‐GI bodily symptoms, impaired work productivity and life activities and greater healthcare use compared to non‐GI individuals. This suggests that many in this sub‐diagnostic group might benefit from healthcare services or symptom self‐management advice.
Clinical impact and characteristics of erythroid dysplasia in adult aplastic anaemia: Results from a multicentre registry
Authors: Maeda Tomoya , Matsuda Akira , Kanda Junya , Kawabata Hiroshi , Ishikawa Takayuki , Tohyama Kaoru , Kitanaka Akira , Araseki Kayano , Shimbo Kei , Hata Tomoko , Suzuki Takahiro , Kayano Hidekazu , Usuki Kensuke , Shindo‐Ueda Maki , Arima Nobuyoshi , Nohgawa Masaharu , Ohta Akiko , Chiba Shigeru , Miyazaki Yasushi , Nakao Shinji , Ozawa Keiya , Arai Shunya , Kurokawa Mineo , Takaori‐Kondo Akifumi , Mitani Kinuko ,   the Japanese National Research Group on Idiopathic Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes
Published: February 2024

Morphological dysplasia in haematopoietic cells, defined by a 10% threshold in each lineage, is one of the diagnostic criteria for myelodysplastic neoplasms. Dysplasia limited to the erythroid lineage has also been reported in some cases of aplastic anaemia (AA); however, its significance remains unclear. We herein examined the impact of erythroid dysplasia on immunosuppressive therapy responses and survival in AA patients. The present study included 100 eligible AA patients without ring sideroblasts. Among them, 32 had dysplasia in the erythroid lineage (AA with minimal dysplasia [mini‐D]). No significant sex or age differences were observed between AA groups with and without erythroid dysplasia. In severe/very severe AA and non‐severe AA patients, a response to anti‐thymocyte globulin + ciclosporin within 12 months was observed in 80.0% and 60.0% of AA with mini‐D and 42.9% and 90.0% of those without dysplasia, with no significant difference (p = 0.29 and p = 0.24 respectively). Overall survival and leukaemia‐free survival did not significantly differ between the groups. Collectively, the present results indicate that the presence of erythroid dysplasia did not significantly affect clinical characteristics or outcomes in AA patients, suggesting that its presence in AA is acceptable. Therefore, erythroid dysplasia should not exclude an AA diagnosis.
Cardiac events in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukaemia during treatment with venetoclax + hypomethylating agents
Authors: Johnson Isla M. , Karrar Omer , Rana Masooma , Iftikhar Moazah , Chen Sunny , McCullough Kristen , Saliba Antoine N. , Al‐Kali Aref , Alkhateeb Hassan , Begna Kebede , Litzow Mark , Hogan William J. , Shah Mithun , Patnaik Mrinal M. , Pardanani Animesh , Hermann Joerg , Tefferi Ayalew , Gangat Naseema
Published: February 2024

Among 301 newly diagnosed patients with acute myeloid leukaemia receiving venetoclax and a hypomethylating agent, 23 (7.6%) experienced major cardiac complications: 15 cardiomyopathy, 5 non‐ST elevation myocardial infarction and/or 7 pericarditis/effusions. Four patients had more than one cardiac complication. Baseline characteristics included median age ± interquartile range; 73 ± 5 years; 87% males; 96% with cardiovascular risk factors; and 90% with preserved baseline ejection fraction. In multivariate analysis, males were more likely (p = 0.02) and DNMT3A‐mutated cases less likely (p < 0.01) to be affected. Treatment‐emergent cardiac events were associated with a trend towards lower composite remission rates (43% vs. 62%; p = 0.09) and shorter survival (median 7.7 vs. 13.2 months; p < 0.01). These observations were retrospectively retrieved and warrant further prospective examination.
A survey on service users' perspectives about information and shared decision‐making in psychotropic drug prescriptions in people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: de Kuijper Gerda , Jonker Josien , Sheehan Rory , Hassiotis Angela
Published: February 2024

Background

In people with intellectual disabilities and mental disorders and/or challenging behaviours, rates of psychotropic drug prescription are high. In clinical treatments and evaluations, all stakeholders should be involved in a process of shared decision‐making (SDM). We aimed to investigate the perspectives of clients and their carers on clients’ treatments with psychotropic drugs.

Methods

We conducted a survey among adults with intellectual disabilities in a Dutch mental healthcare centre providing community, outpatient and inpatient care. Data were collected between January and June 2022. Questions focused on experiences with the provision of information, treatment involvement and SDM and participants' wishes in this regard.

Findings

Respondents (57 clients and 21 carers) were largely satisfied with the overall care from their clinicians, and with how information on the pharmacological treatment was provided verbally, but written information was insufficient or not provided. Seventy per cent of clients and 60% of carers reported being involved in medication decision‐making. However, over 75% of participants desired greater involvement in SDM and over 60% in medication reviews.

Conclusions

Service users and representatives were satisfied about the treatment and verbal information on their psychotropic drug use. The provision of written information, the SDM process and ongoing evaluation of psychotropic medication use could be improved.
Gender equity and male and female smoking behavior
Authors: Jergins William
Published: February 2024

We document a positive relationship between culturally inherited beliefs about gender equity and female smoking, using data on first and second‐generation immigrants living in the United States. We find that a one standard deviation increase in our measure of gender equity is associated with an increase in the probability that a female immigrant smokes of approximately 1.4 and 1.8 percentage points or 23% and 20% for first and second‐generation immigrants respectively. As male smoking behavior is largely unaffected by gender equality, we find that gender equity tends to reduce the size of the gender gap in smoking.
Female stereotypes and female empowerment in advertising: A systematic literature review and future research agenda
Authors: Gomez‐Borquez Claudia L. , Török Anna , Centeno‐Velázquez Edgar , Malota Erzsébet
Published: February 2024

This systematic literature review (SLR) seeks to foster the presence of feminism and women's diversity in advertising through a systematic, transparent, and rigorous framework‐based review and the 4Ws1H (What, Where, Why, and HoW) analysis. The study provides three main contributions. First, it offers an innovative conceptual framework for examining female stereotypes and female empowerment in advertising by categorizing the 21st‐century literature into the four evolutive eras of feminism: prefeminism, feminism, postfeminism, and the fourth wave of feminism. Second, this SLR reveals prevailing research trends, predominant research methodologies, frequently explored geographical regions, and industries of focus while providing a roadmap for future research endeavors. Finally, it acknowledges the lasting impact of femvertising as a response to consumer demands during the fourth wave of feminism and its role in promoting diversity and inclusion in advertising, encompassing disabilities, ethnicity, age, and gender identity. The main research trends uncovered in this study encompass the effects of female stereotypes, the sexualization of women in advertising, attitudes related to the brand, and the exploration of female empowerment. Qualitative methodologies emerged as the dominant approach in this research landscape, with a particular focus on countries boasting high gender equality. Furthermore, industries that predominantly target women in their advertising campaigns, such as fashion, luxury apparel, beauty, and personal care, occupy a central position in the existing body of literature. These findings encourage scholars to embark on future research aligned with the proposed research trends, particularly in regions characterized by lower gender equality and within gender‐neutral or male‐dominated industries.
Respiratory viral detection in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of young febrile infants
Authors: Nicholson Erin G. , Avadhanula Vasanthi , Sahni Leila C. , Ferlic‐Stark Laura , Maurer Lauren , Boom Julie A. , Piedra Pedro A.
Published: February 2024

Background

Respiratory viral infections are common in febrile infants ≤90 days. However, the detection of viruses other than enterovirus in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of young infants is not well defined. We sought to quantify the occurrence of respiratory viruses in the blood and CSF of febrile infants ≤90 days.

Methods

We conducted a nested cohort study examining plasma and CSF samples from febrile infants 15–90 days via rtPCR. The samples were tested for respiratory viruses (respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, enterovirus, parechovirus, adenovirus, bocavirus). Clinical and laboratory data were also collected to determine the presence of serious bacterial infections (SBI).

Results

Twenty‐four percent (30 of 126) of infants had plasma/CSF specimens positive for a respiratory virus. Enterovirus and parechovirus were the most commonly detected respiratory viruses. Viral positivity was highest in plasma samples at 25% (27 of 107) compared with CSF samples at 15% (nine of 62). SBIs (specifically urinary tract infections) were less common in infants with a sample positive for a respiratory virus compared to those without a virus detected (3% vs. 26%, p = 0.008).

Conclusions

Our findings support the use of molecular diagnostics to include the identification of parechovirus in addition to enterovirus in febrile infants ≤90 days. Additionally, these data support the utilization of blood specimens to diagnose enterovirus and parechovirus infections in febrile infants ≤90 days.
The comparison of fluidized positioners and traditional gel pads for skin protection in neurosurgical patients undergoing lateral and prone positions: A retrospective analysis with propensity score matching method
Authors: Zeng Shuyan , Tian Ziyang , Gong Fengqiu , Wang Fujuan , Xie Manying , Chen XiaoJun , Liao ShuFeng
Published: February 2024

To compare fluidized positioners and gel pads for skin protection in neurosurgery patients placed in lateral and prone positions. It is one of the major challenges that operating room nurses face in protecting the skin during the long duration of neurosurgery. Currently, there are increasing tools available to protect the skin under pressure, and various tools practice well in the clinic. Fluidized positioners are newly emerging protective pads that have been clinically effective in protecting the skin, but no studies have compared them to previous pads. This is a retrospective cohort study. Data from 706 patients who underwent neurosurgery between January 2018 and December 2021 were systemically reviewed. Patients undergoing long‐term neurosurgery in the neurosurgical lateral and prone positions were divided into two groups: fluidized positioners or gel pads. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed for group balance (1:1 ratio) using the following baseline characteristics: age, gender, ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) classification, duration of surgery, surgical position and underlying disease. The incidence of decubitus, and length of stay (LOS) in the hospital were compared between the two groups. The results were obtained for 394 patients in the fluidized positioner group with a 3.8% incidence of pressure ulcers and 312 patients in the gel pad group with an 8% incidence of pressure ulcers, which were unbalanced in terms of gender, ASA, hypertension and diabetes data. After a PSM, patients were compared in terms of pressure ulcer incidence (3.7% vs. 7.8%, p = 0.034) and LOS (22.35 vs. 25.65 days, p < 0.001). Fluidized positioners can effectively reduce the incidence of pressure injury in lateral and prone positions of neurosurgery. The results of this study may contribute to the development of policies to prevent the development of pressure ulcers during neurosurgical procedures.
Exploration of machine learning models for surgical incision healing assessment based on thermal imaging: A feasibility study
Authors: Li Fanfan , Zhang Hongyu , Xu Shangqing , Ma Xiaoli , Luo Na , Yu Youzhen , He Wenhui , Jin Hongying , Wang Min , Wang Ting , Wang Xiaolan , Zhang Yimei , Ma Guojing , Zhao Dan , Yue Qin , Wang Panpan , Ma Minjie
Published: February 2024

In this study, we explored the use of thermal imaging technology combined with computer vision techniques for assessing surgical incision healing. We processed 1189 thermal images, annotated by experts to define incision boundaries and healing statuses. Using these images, we developed a machine learning model based on YOLOV8, which automates the recognition of incision areas, lesion segmentation and healing classification. The dataset was divided into training, testing and validation sets in a 7:2:1 ratio. Our results show high accuracy rates in incision location recognition, lesion segmentation and healing classification, indicating the model's effectiveness as a precise and automated diagnostic tool for surgical incision healing assessment. Conclusively, our thermal image‐based machine learning model demonstrates excellent performance in wound assessment, paving the way for its clinical application in intelligent and standardized wound management.
Impact of evidence‐based nursing on surgical site wound infection after caesarean: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Li‐Hua , Wu Jian‐Li , Zhang Qin , Li Nai‐Mei , Li Wen‐Ying
Published: February 2024

We conducted this study to investigate the effect of evidence‐based care on surgical site wound infection after caesarean section. A computerised search of PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang databases for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the use of evidence‐based care in caesarean section delivery was applied from the database inception to November 2023. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data and performed quality assessment based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Stata 17.0 software was applied for data analysis. Twenty‐one RCTs involving 3269 caesarean sections were finally included. The analysis revealed the implementation of evidence‐based nursing interventions was effective in reducing the incidence of post‐caesarean section wound infections (OR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.21–0.39, p < 0.001) and complications (OR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.23–0.38, p < 0.001) compared with conventional care. This study shows that the application of evidence‐based nursing in postoperative caesarean section care can effectively reduce the incidence of postoperative wound infection and complications and improve the quality of life, which is worthy of clinical nursing application and promotion.
RETRACTED: Effects of negative‐pressure wound therapy in the prevention of surgical‐site wound infection after vascular surgery: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yu Xiang , Xie Ping , Li Jin‐Ze , Cao Lei , Ye Jin
Published: February 2024

This meta‐analysis systematically evaluates the impact of negative‐pressure wound therapy (NPWT) on surgical‐site wound infection after vascular surgery. A comprehensive computerized search was conducted, from database inception to November 2023, in PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the application of NPWT in vascular surgery. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and conducted quality assessments based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. A total of 11 RCTs involving 1597 vascular surgery patients were included. The analysis revealed that the application of NPWT in vascular surgery significantly reduced the incidence of wound infections (OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.32–0.58, p < 0.001) and complications (OR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.27–0.58, p < 0.001). Additionally, NPWT was found to decrease the occurrence of both superficial wound infections (OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.36–1.12, p = 0.12) and deep wound infections (OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.19–1.16, p = 0.10), although these differences were not statistically significant. This study indicates that NPWT, compared with conventional treatment methods, has significant advantages in preventing postoperative wound infections and complications in vascular surgery patients and is therefore worthy of widespread clinical adoption.