bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of digital business strategy on the collaboration performance of companies: the moderating effect of digitally enabled performance measurement
Authors: Holopainen Mira , Saunila Minna , Ukko Juhani
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Digital transformation shapes industries and influences the forms of collaboration between companies. This study aims to investigate digital business strategy as a key to facilitating collaboration beyond organizational boundaries.

Design/methodology/approach

The study focuses on the connection between digital business strategy and collaboration performance. The authors identify five types of digital business strategy elements based on the literature: development, objectives, resources, management capabilities, and digital leadership. The authors then studied the implications of these elements for collaboration performance using a survey. The study’s empirical data were collected from manufacturing and service companies, and 202 valid responses were received. The implications of the research elements were tested through regression analysis, which included the moderating effects of digitally enabled performance measurement.

Findings

The theoretical research framework identifies digital business strategy as a key determinant of collaboration performance, thus advancing the understanding of how companies can utilize digital business strategies and achieve enhanced collaboration performance. The results also show that the effect of digital business strategy on collaboration performance may be moderated by digitally enabled performance management.

Practical implications

The results suggest that management capabilities associated with digital strategy are a crucial element in positively influencing collaboration performance. Further, digital strategy-related resources can be better managed with digitally enabled performance measurement system, which is reflected in improved collaborative performance. Thus, companies should invest in management capabilities and connect their digital business strategies and performance measurement systems to develop collaboration in digital transformation.

Originality/value

The study is among the first to translate an empirical understanding of the digital transformation of small and medium-sized companies into a conceptual framework of a digital business strategy.
Predicting breakthrough innovation engagement via hybrid intelligence: a moderated mediation model of self-extinction and social intelligence
Authors: Abbas Syed Mudasser , Liu Zhiqiang , Khushnood Muhammad
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims at investigating how hybrid intelligence might enhance employee engagement in breakthrough innovation. Specifically, it empirically examines the mediating role of self-extinction and moderating role of social intelligence.

Design/methodology/approach

This study, using the lens of socio-technical system (STS) theory, collected data from 317 employees through cross-sectional survey. The hypotheses were tested using MPlus 8.3 by applying Structural Equation Modelling (SEM).

Findings

The results support the proposed model, suggesting that hybrid intelligence fosters employees' breakthrough innovation engagement and such a relationship is fully mediated by self-extinction. Besides, the findings provide support for the positive moderating impact of social intelligence on such indirect relationships in a way that high social intelligence will further strengthen the relationship.

Originality/value

As a pioneering contribution, the study uncovers the social mechanism that underlies hybrid intelligence–breakthrough innovation engagement relationship via self-extinction. The research suggests managers leveraging employees' social intelligence for playing a critical role in countering the negative impact of self-extinction by enhancing the employees' engagement in the breakthrough innovation process.
Tightly coupled IMU-Laser-RTK odometry algorithm for underground multi-layer and large-scale environment
Authors: Wang Minghao , Cong Ming , Liu Dong , Du Yu , Tian Xiaojing , Li Bing
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to designed a robot odometry based on three dimensional (3D) laser point cloud data, inertial measurement unit (IMU) data and real-time kinematic (RTK) data in underground spatial features and gravity fluctuations environment. This method improves the mapping accuracy in two types of underground space: multi-layer space and large-scale scenarios.

Design/methodology/approach

An IMU–Laser–RTK fusion mapping algorithm based on Iterative Kalman Filter was proposed, and the observation equation and Jacobian matrix were derived. Aiming at the problem of inaccurate gravity estimation, the optimization of gravity is transformed into the optimization of SO(3), which avoids the problem of gravity over-parameterization.

Findings

Compared with the optimization method, the computational cost is reduced. Without relying on the wheel speed odometer, the robot synchronization localization and 3D environment modeling for multi-layer space are realized. The performance of the proposed algorithm is tested and compared in two types of underground space, and the robustness and accuracy in multi-layer space and large-scale scenarios are verified. The results show that the root mean square error of the proposed algorithm is 0.061 m, which achieves higher accuracy than other algorithms.

Originality/value

Based on the problem of large loop and low feature scale, this algorithm can better complete the map loop and self-positioning, and its root mean square error is more than double compared with other methods. The method proposed in this paper can better complete the autonomous positioning of the robot in the underground space with hierarchical feature degradation, and at the same time, an accurate 3D map can be constructed for subsequent research.
Knowledge sharing via social media in higher education: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Fauzi Muhammad Ashraf , Mohamad Fazeeda , Abdul Wahab Norwazli
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to review the application of social media for knowledge sharing (KS) in higher education. KS is the most crucial component in knowledge management. Higher education institutions (HEIs) are the epitome of knowledge creation and acquisition. With the advancement in technology and the embracement of social media, knowledge should be shared more freely and easily.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a bibliometric analysis, this study applies bibliographic coupling and co-word analysis to analyze the present and future trends on KS using social media in HEIs. 455 journal publications and 21,181 cited references were retrieved from Web of Science (WoS) database.

Findings

Findings show that most themes are categorized towards academics and students. Themes related to academics are the use of social media for expertise sharing and KS's impact on university-industry networking. In contrast, themes related to students revolved around the impacts of social media and academic performance.

Practical implications

Implications towards major social media practices on KS are discussed.

Originality/value

This study provides a novel, state-of-the-art bibliometric review of knowledge sharing via social media in the higher education context.
A multi-method investigation of motive dispositions: affiliative and antagonistic dispositions in psychopathy
Authors: Spantidaki Kyriazi Foteini , Bogaerts Stefan , Denissen Jaap J.A. , Yuan Shuai , Dufner Michael , Garofalo Carlo
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To replicate and extend research on psychopathy and intrinsic interpersonal preferences under the broader umbrella of affiliation, intimacy and antagonism, this paper aims to examine motivational correlates of psychopathy in a nonclinical sample (N = 125).

Design/methodology/approach

We used a multimethod design, including self-reports, a behavioral task and a physiological assessment of motive dispositions (automatic affective reactions to stimuli of interpersonal transactions measured with facial electromyography).

Findings

Results showed that self-reported psychopathy was negatively associated with self-reported intimacy motive. In the same vein, via the social discounting task, this paper found a negative association between psychopathy and a tendency to share hypothetical monetary amounts with very close others. Finally, regarding fEMG findings, multilevel analyses revealed that although individuals with low levels of psychopathy reacted more positively to affiliative stimuli, individuals with high levels of psychopathy reacted equally positively to both affiliative and antagonistic stimuli, and these results were robust across psychopathy measures. Results remained mostly unchanged on the subscale level.

Originality/value

These findings highlight the contribution of multimethod assessments in capturing nuances of motivation. Implicit physiological measures might be particularly sensitive in capturing motive dispositions in relation to psychopathy. Identifying mechanisms that foster positive connections between psychopathic traits and nonprosocial tendencies may be theoretically and clinically informative, with implications for forensic and penal practices.
Investigating quality factors of interactive fitness games based on Kano model
Authors: Jiang Qianling , Wang Zheng , Sun Jie
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The rise of interactive fitness games in the post-epidemic era has resulted in the need to establish a quality evaluation index system. This study aims to develop such a system and provide a reference for enhancing the quality of interactive fitness games.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this, interviews and questionnaires were conducted to identify the factors that influence the quality of interactive fitness games. The Kano model and SII (Satisfaction Increment Index)-Dissatisfaction Decrement Index (DDI) two-dimensional quadrant analysis were then used to explore differences in quality judgment between males and females, as well as their priorities for improving interactive fitness games.

Findings

The study revealed that males and females have different quality judgments for “rich and diverse content,” “motivational value,” “sensitive motion recognition detection” and “portability.” However, both genders share similar views on the other quality factors. In addition, the study identified differences in the priority of improvement between men and women. “Very interesting,” “effective fitness achievement,” “motivating fitness maintenance,” “sensitive motion recognition detection,” “portability” and “educational value” were found to be of higher priority for men than women.

Originality/value

These findings provide a valuable theoretical reference for developers and designers of interactive fitness games seeking to enhance the user experience.
Research on the impact of e-commerce platform’s AI resources on seller opportunism: a cultivational governance mechanism
Authors: Deng Guangkuan , Zhang Jianyu , He Lijuan , Xu Ying
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Drawing on the wisdom of ancient Chinese philosopher Xunzi, this paper aims to present a novel mechanism for governing opportunism, referred to as “cultivational governance.” By examining the role of artificial intelligence (AI) resources possessed by e-commerce platforms, the authors explore how these resources contribute to mitigating seller opportunism. The central hypothesis of this study posits that two distinct types of AI resources, namely, AI technology resources and AI human resources, serve as crucial factors in curbing seller opportunism. Furthermore, the authors propose that platform digital empowerment and value cocreation act as mediating variables linking AI resources to opportunism.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the resource-based view and resource orchestration theory, the authors developed a framework and tested it using survey data from sellers. This framework encompasses five key variables: e-commerce platform’s AI technology resources, AI human resources, platform digital empowerment, value cocreation and seller opportunism. Regression analysis was used for data analysis.

Findings

The empirical results validate the effectiveness of cultivational governance mechanisms, as both AI resources effectively suppress seller opportunism through digital empowerment and value cocreation. Specifically, e-commerce platforms’ AI technology resources significantly promote value cocreation and platform digital empowerment, while AI human resources primarily contribute to platform digital empowerment. Although platform digital empowerment encourages value cocreation, its direct impact on reducing seller opportunism was not supported. Notably, value cocreation negatively affects seller opportunism.

Originality/value

The present research mainly contributes to the marketing channel governance literature by introducing a new approach to inhibit opportunism, namely, the cultivational governance mechanism.
Quiet quitting: a new wine in an old bottle?
Authors: Atalay Murat , Dağıstan Umut
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Just as the Covid-19 pandemic has hit all areas of life, it has also hit the working life. Towards the end of the pandemic period, the concept of quiet quitting entered people's lives. The phenomenon of quiet quitting has been introduced as a brand new concept in the mainstream media and social media in general. The primary objective of this study is to investigate and define the emerging phenomenon of quiet quitting. Furthermore, this study aims to compare this novel phenomenon with other established theoretical approaches in the field of management.

Design/methodology/approach

This review study specifically examines the concept of quiet quitting, aiming to gain a deeper understanding of this phenomenon.

Findings

Contrary to popular belief, the phenomenon of “quiet quitting” is not a recent or trendy occurrence. Instead, it has persisted for numerous years and is intertwined with various theories such as motivation, commitment, engagement and social exchange theory.

Practical implications

This study provides employers, managers, HR practitioners with recommendations on how to address the employee's quiet quitting behavior.

Originality/value

This study represents a pioneering work that explores an uncharted territory, the phenomenon of quiet quitting. The authors demonstrated and relate the historical processes of management theories to the phenomenon of quiet quitting, which is a concept that appears to lack roots.
Identification of natural dyes with halochromic properties and their potential use as food spoilage indicators
Authors: Rumah Hafsat T. , Ibrahim Mansur B. , Gumel Sani M.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to identify and investigate some natural dyes with halochromic properties for potential use as food spoilage indicators to reduce waste and curve the negative effects of food borne diseases.

Design/methodology/approach

Exactly 10 potential dye-yielding plants were selected based on their colour (mostly purple, red, maroon and pink). Solvent extraction was used to extract the dyes and pH differential method was used to determine the concentrations of anthocyanin in the extracted dyes. Different concentrations of hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide (0.1 M, 1 M and 2 M) in drops and in excess as acidic and basic solution, respectively, were used to test the halochromicity of the extracted dyes. Methyl red (a synthetic dye) was used as a reference standard/control. The pH of the dyes was recorded before and after addition of both NaOH and HCl solutions.

Findings

Five out of the 10 dyes extracted (labelled as dye A–E for Ti plant (green Cordyline fruticosa), coleus (Coleus blumei), paper flower (Bougainvillea glabra), painted nettle (Palisandra coleus) and purple heart (Setcresea purpurea), respectively, were found to be halochromic (even at low doses) by changing its colour when exposed to both acidic and basic solutions. While other dyes labelled F–J for red acalypha (Acalypha wilkesiana), golden shower (Cassia fistula), golden dew drop (Duranta repens), wild sage (Lantana camara var Aculeata) and pink oleander (Apocynaceae Nerium oleander), respectively, were either completely insensitive to the solutions in drops, slightly sensitive at high doses or the colour change is insignificant. Although some dyes were found to be more sensitive than others but in most cases, the colour changes in halochromic dyes were more stable in acidic conditions than in basic making it more sensitive to the basic than the acidic solution with the exception of dye A and E (to some extent) which was sensitive to both acidic and basic solution. The anthocyanin contents of dye A–J were found to be between the range of 2.28–10.35 mg/l with dye E having the lowest and dye J with the highest anthocyanin concentration, respectively. The initial pH of all the dyes falls within the range of 4.8–7.3 with most found within the acidic range.

Originality/value

Halochromic dye research studies are still at the infancy stage in developing world despite the vast available and abundant potential natural halochromic dye-yielding plants. The study explored this area of research and gives an opportunity for the development of smart packaging for pH-sensitive foods using natural dyes as an alternative to conventional synthetic dyes to reduce cost and also curve the negative effect of synthetic dyes as well as food borne diseases.
Best of the best: an investigation of policy enactment for key drivers of digitalization
Authors: Heidlund Marcus
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore whether the key drivers identified in digitalization policies are being prioritized by practitioners in health and social care and to what degree the goals of the policies are being enacted.

Design/methodology/approach

The investigation comprised two stages. First, the key drivers of digitalization in the national policies were identified. Second, a survey was disseminated to practitioners within health and social care, asking them to indicate their stance on each key driver (using Likert scales).

Findings

The findings of this paper are twofold. First, they demonstrate that practitioners more readily enact the key drivers centered around their everyday operations, such as improving services and care and increasing efficiency. Second, it shows that key drivers of a more rhetorical nature, such as “becoming the best,” do not yield benefits for practitioners.

Practical implications

This paper shows that for policies to have an effect in practice and to contribute to change, they should be rooted in key drivers centered around practitioners’ everyday operations, promoting specificity over abstraction.

Originality/value

While previous studies have involved policy analysis, few studies investigate the enactment of policies, how they are implemented and whether they contribute to changes in practice.
Temporal variability in nutrient use among Streptomyces suggests dynamic niche partitioning
Authors: Lane Brett R. , Anderson Hannah M. , Dicko Amadou H. , Fulcher Michael R. , Kinkel Linda L.
Published: September 2023

Soil bacteria spend significant periods in dormant or semi‐dormant states that are interrupted by resource pulses which can lead to periods of rapid growth and intense nutrient competition. Microbial populations have evolved diverse strategies to circumvent competitive interactions and facilitate coexistence. Here, we show that nutrient use of soilborne Streptomyces is temporally partitioned during experimental resource pulses, leading to reduced niche overlap, and potential coexistence. Streptomyces grew rapidly on the majority of distinct 95 carbon sources but varied in which individual resources were utilized in the first 24 h. Only a handful of carbon sources (19 out of 95) were consistently utilized (>95% of isolates) most rapidly in the first 24 h. These consistently utilized carbon sources also generated the majority of biomass accumulated by isolates. Our results shed new light on a novel mechanism microbes may employ to alleviate competitive interactions by temporally partitioning the consumption of carbon resources. As competitive interactions have been proposed to drive the suppression of disease‐causing microbes in agronomic soils, our findings may hold widespread implications for soil management for plant health.
Vaginal hysteropexy compared with vaginal hysterectomy with apical suspension for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse: A 5‐year cost‐effectiveness Markov model
Authors: Wallace Shannon L. , Syan Raveen , Lee Kyueun , Sokol Eric R.
Published: September 2023

Objective

Our objective was to perform a 5‐year cost‐effectiveness analysis of transvaginal hysteropexy (HP) via sacrospinous ligament fixation (SS) or uterosacral ligament suspension (US) versus vaginal hysterectomy (VH) with apical suspension via sacrospinous ligament fixation (SS) or uterosacral ligament suspension (US) for the treatment of uterine prolapse.

Design

A decision analytic model assessed the cost‐effectiveness of the surgical intervention over a 5‐year horizon.

Setting

This model was constructed using TreeAge® software.

Population or Sample

Healthy women undergoing surgery for uterine prolapse were modeled.

Methods

A Markov model was constructed to simulate the possible recurrence of prolapse. Recurrence rates, repeat surgery for surgical failures and complication rates were modeled. Base case, sensitivity analyses and probabilistic modeling were performed.

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcome was the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of <$100 000 per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY).

Results

Using the available prolapse recurrence rates and repeat surgery rates in the literature, both HP‐SS and HP‐US are cost‐effective at a willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) threshold of <$100 000 per QALY. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) for HP‐US compared to HP‐SS is $90 738.14, while VH‐US and VH‐SS are both dominated strategies. HP‐US is the optimal cost‐effective strategy but decays exponentially with increasing probability of prolapse recurrence and need for repeat surgery after failed hysteropexy. The cost‐effectiveness acceptability curve (CEAC) favors sacrospinous hysteropexy until reaching a WTP threshold between $90 000 and $100 000.

Conclusion

Hysteropexy surgical strategies are cost‐effective transvaginal surgical approaches for uterine prolapse. Vaginal hysterectomy with apical suspension becomes more cost‐effective with increasing probability of prolapse recurrence and need for repeat surgery after failed hysteropexy. Given the variability of prolapse recurrence rates in the literature, more comparative studies are needed to understand the cost‐effectiveness relationship between these different surgical approaches.
Contemporary management of acute heart failure in the emergency department and the potential impact of early diuretic therapy on outcomes
Authors: Phipps Genevieve , Sowden Nicholas , Mikkelsen Kellie , Fincher Gavin , Ranasinghe Isuru , Atkins Lauren , Jordan Faye , Chan Wandy
Published: September 2023

Objective

Acute heart failure (AHF) is one of the most common conditions presenting to the ED and patients often require hospitalisation. Emerging evidence suggests early diagnosis and administration of diuretics are associated with improved patient outcomes. Currently, there is limited literature on the management of AHF in the Australian ED context.

Methods

A retrospective review of consecutive AHF presentations to the ED in a metropolitan hospital. Patient demographics, clinical status and management were assessed including timeliness of diuretics administration and association with outcomes including ED length of stay (LOS) and inpatient mortality using linear regression.

Results

One hundred and ninety‐one presentations (median age 81 years, 50.8% male) were identified. Common cardiovascular comorbidities were prevalent. Fifty‐four patients (28.3%) had ≥1 clinical high‐risk feature at presentation. The median time from presentation to furosemide administration was 187 min (interquartile range 97–279 min); only 35 patients received diuretics within 60 min of presentation. Early diuretics was associated with shorter ED LOS (246 min vs 275 min, P = 0.03) and a lower but non‐significant inpatient mortality (4.9% vs 6.3%, P = 0.21) and a non‐significant increased rate of discharge home from ED (8.6% vs 4.7%, P = 0.15). The likelihood of discharge home was significantly more pronounced in patients receiving early diuretics without clinical high‐risk features (16.7% vs 4.3%, P = 0.028).

Conclusion

Despite symptoms and signs being well recognised at presentation, time to diuretics was relatively long. Early diuretics administration was associated with improved patient outcomes, particularly in clinically more stable patients. Due to the limitations of the study design, results should be interpreted with caution and warrant further research to identify factors that delay timely administration of diuretics.
Efficacy and safety of cyclin‐dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor in patients with advanced breast cancer: A real‐world experience
Authors: Peng Tzu‐Rong , Chen Jia‐Hui , Wu Ta‐Wei
Published: September 2023

Background

Cyclin‐dependent kinases 4 and 6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) have been shown to improve progression‐free survival (PFS) in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in randomized control trials. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CDK4/6i in patients with advanced breast cancer (ABC) in a clinical setting.

Methods

Consecutive patients with ABC were treated between October 2019 and March 2023 at Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Taiwan. Patients who had received at least one dose of CDK4/6i were included in this retrospective study. The main outcome of this study was efficacy based on the treating physicians' assessments in terms of PFS, and overall survival (OS), as well as the factors associated with patient outcome. The secondary outcome was safety.

Results

A total of 85 patients were included in the analysis, with a mean age of 66.8 years. After a median follow‐up of 16.1 months, the median PFS was 28.4 months (95% CI: 22.5–33.6) and the median OS could not yet be estimated. The most common adverse events (AE) were fatigue (50.8%), anorexia (45.9%), and leukopenia (44.7%). In multivariable analysis, treatment with CDK4/6i with any grade AE or response to treatment effect (CR/PR) was an independent predictor for longer PFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.11–0.68; HR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.06–0.67; p < 0.05).

Conclusion

CDK4/6i administered in a real‐world setting exhibits a similar survival benefit with the clinical trials.
Positioning aquatic animals with acoustic transmitters
Authors: Lennox Robert J. , Aarestrup Kim , Alós Josep , Arlinghaus Robert , Aspillaga Eneko , Bertram Michael G. , Birnie‐Gauvin Kim , Brodin Tomas , Cooke Steven J. , Dahlmo Lotte S. , Dhellemmes Félicie , Gjelland Karl Ø. , Hellström Gustav , Hershey Henry , Holbrook Christopher , Klefoth Thomas , Lowerre‐Barbieri Susan , Monk Christopher T. , Nilsen Cecilie Iden , Pauwels Ine , Pickholtz Renanel , Prchalová Marie , Reubens Jan , Říha Milan , Villegas‐Ríos David , Vollset Knut Wiik , Westrelin Samuel , Baktoft Henrik
Published: September 2023

Geolocating aquatic animals with acoustic tags has been ongoing for decades, relying on the detection of acoustic signals at multiple receivers with known positions to calculate a 2D or 3D position, and ultimately recreate the path of an aquatic animal from detections at fixed stations.

This method of underwater geolocation is evolving with new software and hardware options available to help investigators design studies and calculate positions using solvers based predominantly on time‐difference‐of‐arrival and time‐of‐arrival.

We provide an overview of the considerations necessary to implement positioning in aquatic acoustic telemetry studies, including how to design arrays of receivers, test performance, synchronize receiver clocks and calculate positions from the detection data. We additionally present some common positioning algorithms, including both the free open‐source solvers and the ‘black‐box’ methods provided by some manufacturers for calculating positions.

This paper is the first to provide a comprehensive overview of methods and considerations for designing and implementing better positioning studies that will support users, and encourage further knowledge advances in aquatic systems.
Loss of Pla2r1 decreases cellular senescence and age‐related alterations caused by aging and Western diets
Authors: Massemin Amélie , Goehrig Delphine , Flaman Jean‐Michel , Jaber Sara , Griveau Audrey , Djebali Sophia , Marcos Elisabeth , Payen Léa , Marvel Jacqueline , Parent Romain , Adnot Serge , Bertolino Philippe , Rieusset Jennifer , Tortereau Antonin , Vindrieux David , Bernard David
Published: September 2023

Cellular senescence is induced by many stresses including telomere shortening, DNA damage, oxidative, or metabolic stresses. Senescent cells are stably cell cycle arrested and they secrete many factors including cytokines and chemokines. Accumulation of senescent cells promotes many age‐related alterations and diseases. In this study, we investigated the role of the pro‐senescent phospholipase A2 receptor 1 (PLA2R1) in regulating some age‐related alterations in old mice and in mice subjected to a Western diet, whereas aged wild‐type mice displayed a decreased ability to regulate their glycemia during glucose and insulin tolerance tests, aged Pla2r1 knockout (KO) mice efficiently regulated their glycemia and displayed fewer signs of aging. Loss of Pla2r1 was also found protective against the deleterious effects of a Western diet. Moreover, these Pla2r1 KO mice were partially protected from diet‐induced senescent cell accumulation, steatosis, and fibrosis. Together these results support that Pla2r1 drives several age‐related alterations, especially in the liver, arising during aging or through a Western diet.
Bidirectional causal association between ischemic stroke and five mental disorders
Authors: Ji Yingying , Du Zhiqiang , Zheng Kai , Jiang Ying , Ren Caili , Zhu Haohao , Xiao Ming , Wang Tong
Published: September 2023

Objective

To explore the bidirectional causal association between ischemic stroke and five mental disorders from a genetic perspective using two‐sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR).

Methods

Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with ischemic stroke were obtained from the genome‐wide association study (GWAS) database, and those closely related to the exposure phenotype and satisfying the three core assumptions of Mendelian randomization were selected as instrumental variables (IVs). The main TSMR analysis was conducted using the inverse variance‐weighted (IVW) method, and the robustness of the results was assessed using the weighted median, weighted mode, and MR Egger methods. Heterogeneity test, pleiotropy test, and sensitivity analysis were also conducted to further ensure the accuracy and stability of the research results.

Results

This study found a positive correlation between ischemic stroke and depression [IVW method (FEM): OR = 1.002, 95%CI: 1.000–1.003, P = 0.023<0.05], but no significant causal association with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, insomnia, or anxiety (P > 0.05). Reverse TSMR analysis showed no causal association between depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, insomnia, anxiety, and ischemic stroke (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

This study used TSMR to demonstrate from a genetic perspective that there is a positive correlation between ischemic stroke and depression, which increases the risk of depression. Proactive intervention for ischemic stroke might reduce the risk of depression.
Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 regulates the function of human decidual natural killer cells
Authors: Li Huirong , Cheng Linghui , Su Shiyue , Guo Peipei , Wei Zhaolian
Published: September 2023

Problem

Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1) is an important enzyme for immune cell development. However, PDK1's role in human decidual natural killer (dNK) cells remains largely unknown.

Methods of study

PDK1 expression in dNK cells from patients with recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA) and age‐matched healthy controls was analyzed by qRT‐PCR, western bolt and flow cytometry. Moreover, dNK cells were treated with PDK1 inhibitor or the PDK1 siRNA followed by functional assays.

Results

The dNK cells from patients who underwent RSAs had higher mRNA expression and increased protein of PDK1, perforin (PRF1), Granzyme B (GZMB), IFN‐γ (IFNG), and CD107a expression compared to dNK cells from age‐matched healthy controls. Perforin, Granzyme B, IFN‐γ and CD107a expression levels in dNK cells were down‐regulated when dNK cells were treated with a PDK1 inhibitor. As measured by the 51Cr release assay, the killing activity of dNK cells was found to be decreased. We also demonstrated that PDK1 blockade could up‐regulate the migration and adhesion of dNK cells. Furthermore, PDK1 inhibition reduced the glycolysis of dNK cells.

Conclusion

This study suggested that PDK1 plays an important role in regulating dNK cell functions and human RSA.
Decolonising Politics and International Relations Classrooms: Reflections from the “Field”
Authors: Clapton William
Published: September 2023

International Relations (IR) is a discipline founded upon and shaped by colonialism and Eurocentrism. Its Eurocentric tropes and myths distort the discipline's historiography and its perceptions of why and how it was founded, and for what purpose, such that race and colonialism are eliminated from mainstream discussions of disciplinary history and IR's main themes, concepts, and theories. This is reproduced in both the teaching and research of IR. Focusing on the former, this paper reflects on my experiences as the convenor of a course on colonialism. This is a second year, core course in the Politics and IR program at UNSW Sydney. The explicit purpose of the course is to contribute to decolonising UNSW's Politics and IR curriculum by centring Indigenous perspectives of colonialism and IR, critically interrogating the racism and Eurocentricity of Politics and IR, and exploring how colonialism shaped the world we live in and continues to inform our world and our lived, everyday experiences. This paper explores the concepts and theory informing the pedagogical praxis employed in the course, this praxis itself, and critically reflects on the achievements, challenges, and pitfalls of actively attempting to contribute to decolonising the IR classroom within Australia's settler colonial context.
Playful aliens: Deceit and antipodal narratives in Chilean ufology
Authors: Espírito Santo Diana
Published: September 2023

Deceit is conceived by ufology theorists as intrinsic to the behavior of UFO phenomena, often experienced as slippery and theatrical. In abduction experiences, there is what has been described as a simulacrum of medicine and science, whose content can be absurd and whose purposes are largely obscure. If we begin from the humanist perspective, we could say that these experiences produce antipodal stances—contradictory statements and affective postures that show intense paradox within a schema of play. I argue that this play has two fundamental and oscillating (or simultaneous) aspects. It is both bottom‐up, in the sense that it is a confined or segregated aspect of society, and top‐down, in the sense that it is experienced as a cosmos of aliens with unknown designs that manifest paradoxically. I argue that the terms of our analysis in the social sciences must reflect the fact that, in this simultaneity of opposites, these extraordinary and sometimes traumatic experiences are neither subjective nor objective but lie in a sort of “hermeneutical” middle ground that recognizes the deeply ironic and recursive nature of UFO phenomena.
Cancer incidence and outcomes registries in an Australian context: a systematic review
Authors: Chong Kit , Maida Jack , Ong Hwa Ian , Proud David , Lin James , Burgess Adele , Heriot Alexander , Smart Philip , Mohan Helen
Published: September 2023

Background

Multiple cancer registries in Australia are used to track the incidence of cancer and the outcomes of their treatment. These registries can be broadly classed into a few types with an increasing number of registries comes a greater potential for collaboration and linkage. This article aims to critically review cancer registry types in Australia and evaluate the Australian Cancer registry landscape to identify these areas.

Methods

A systematic review was performed through MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library, updated to September 2022 using a predefined search strategy. Inclusion criteria were those that only analysed Australian and/or New Zealand based cancer registries, appraised the utility of cancer outcomes and/or incidence registries, and explored the utility of linked databases using cancer outcomes and/or incidence registries. The grey literature was searched for all operating cancer registries in Australia. Details of registry infrastructure was extracted for analysis and comparison.

Results

Three thousand two hundred and sixteen articles identified from the three databases. Twelve met the inclusion criteria. Twenty‐eight registries were identified using the grey literature. Strengths and weaknesses of Cancer Outcome Registries(COR) and Cancer Incidence Registries(CIR) were compared. Data linkage between registries or with other healthcare databases show great benefits in improving evidence for cancer research but are challenging to implement. Both registry types utilize differing modes of administration, influencing their accuracy and completeness.

Conclusion

Outcome registries provide detailed data but their weakness lies in incomplete data coverage. Incidence registries record a large dataset which contain inaccuracies. Improving coverage of quality outcome registries, and quality assurance of data in incidence registries is required to ensure collection of accurate, meaningful data. Areas for collaboration identified included establishment of defined definitions and outcomes, data linkage between registry types or with healthcare databases, and collaboration in logistical planning to improve clinical utility of cancer registries.
Defining the good surgical resident: a resident and registrar perspective
Authors: Neerhut Thomas , Ninan John , Grills Richard , McLeod Kathryn
Published: September 2023

Background

Surgical residency provides insight into the essential skills required to become a successful surgical registrar. However, the role of the surgical resident remains largely undefined. While the Royal Australasian College of Surgeon (RACS) JDocs framework provides a useful guide, no published research explores what defines a highly performing surgical resident. We investigate what constitutes a ‘good’ surgical resident from the surgical resident and accredited surgical registrar perspectives. We hope this knowledge will improve patient care and assist surgical residents towards becoming valuable team members and successful accredited surgical training candidates.

Methods

A qualitative research approach was utilized employing reflexive thematic analysis. Using semi‐structured interviews, 10 surgical residents and 10 accredited surgical registrars across eight surgical specialties were interviewed.

Results

Amongst surgical residents five themes were identified: efficiency: mastering the mundane, ‘stepping up’ to more responsibility, enthusiasm to learn, first do no harm: a safe practitioner, and lastly no resident is an island: a team player. Four themes described by accredited registrars included: somebody you can trust, finding a safe ‘balance’, a perfect fit: teamwork and communication and finally eagerness to improve.

Conclusion

Themes correlated well with eight of 10 RACS competencies and the JDocs Framework. Our results reaffirmed the importance of developing early career non‐technical skills. Explicit knowledge and understanding of these attributes used in conjunction with the core competency and JDocs frameworks may help those contemplating a career in surgery throughout their early surgical years.
The network dynamics of self‐compassion components and psychological symptoms during an intervention
Authors: Huang Jiasheng , Chen Siyu , Yang Wanting , Wang Yuyin
Published: September 2023

The change process of psychological interventions is complex and should be understood with a systems perspective. This study sought to examine the network dynamics of self‐compassion components and psychological symptoms during an intervention. A total of 139 participants completed daily assessments during a 28‐day intervention. Utilizing multilevel vector autoregressive (VAR) model, temporal and contemporaneous networks were generated and group differences in network dynamics were evaluated through descriptive assessment and permutation tests. The intervention group displayed a significant increase in self‐compassion and decrease in psychological symptoms, with self‐compassion mediating the intervention effects on symptoms. Network analysis revealed some network dynamics that might be relevant to desirable therapeutic changes in the intervention group. The intervention group demonstrated a significantly less connected contemporaneous depression network, indicating a decreased vulnerability to symptom activation. Additionally, the intervention group showed significantly more temporal connections from self‐compassion to anxiety, indicating an increased influence of self‐compassion on anxiety. These findings suggest that the intervention may have reshaped the interconnection pattern of symptoms and that between self‐compassion components and symptoms.
Editorial: alginates—navigating beyond the ‘raft’ and acid pocket
Authors: Kia Leila , Kahrilas Peter J.
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Sonmez et al and Woodland and Sifrim papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15884 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16041
Letter: HRS‐AKI—a frequent misdiagnosis in the real world setting? Authors' reply
Authors: Moore Kevin , Jamil Khurram , Allegretti Andrew S.
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Moore et al and Mehtani et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15836 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15964
Editorial: alginates—navigating beyond the ‘raft’ and acid pocket—authors' reply
Authors: Woodland Philip , Sifrim Daniel
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Sonmez et al and Kia and Kahrilas papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15884 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15970
Letter: Covid‐19—re‐initiating clinical services for chronic gastrointestinal diseases. How and when? Authors' reply
Authors: Prentice Ralley E. , Al‐Ani Aysha H. , Christensen Britt
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Al‐Ani et al and Britton et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15779 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16061
Letter: proving the benefit of exercise intervention in metabolic associated fatty liver disease—authors' reply
Authors: O'Gorman Philip , Naimimohasses Sara , Monaghan Ann , Kennedy Megan , Finn Stephen P. , Moore J. Bernadette , Gormley John , Norris Suzanne
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to O'Gorman et al and Stine & Schmitz papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15989 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16064
Letter: extending FIT from DG30 to NG12 patients. Letter: faecal immunochemical testing for adults with symptoms of colorectal cancer – ready for prime time? Authors' reply: a unified approach to safety netting negative FITs is required
Authors: Nicholson Brian D. , East James E. , Oke Jason , Roberts Nia Wyn , James Tim , Shine Brian
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Nicholson et al and Turvill and Farrugia papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15969 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16051 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16068
Editorial: methotrexate vs azathioprine—do differential rates of discontinuation settle the debate? Authors’ reply
Authors: Vasudevan Abhinav , Con Danny , Nicolaides Steven , van Langenberg Daniel R.
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Vasudevan et al and Fraser papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16039 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16076
An investigation of the dual continua model of mental health in the context of eating disorder symptomatology using latent profile analysis
Authors: Scutt Katharine , Ali Kathina , Rieger Elizabeth , Monaghan Conal , Ford Rachael , Fabry Esme , Fassnacht Daniel
Published: September 2023

Objective

The dual continua model of mental health suggests that mental well‐being and mental illness are two distinct continua that are interrelated in their contributions to overall mental health. This study investigated the dual continua model in individuals with eating disorder symptoms.

Method

Female university students (N = 346) completed measures of mental well‐being, eating disorder symptomatology, clinical impairment and psychological distress. Confirmatory factor and latent profile analyses were used to derive underlying mental health profiles.

Results

Results revealed two oblique factors representing the mental well‐being and eating disorder symptomatology constructs and four unique mental health profiles that were partially consistent with the dual continua model emerged: ‘flourishing’, ‘vulnerable’, ‘partially symptomatic and content’, and ‘languishing’. The derived mental health profiles had unique characteristics described by psychological distress and clinical impairment.

Conclusions

The results did not provide conclusive evidence for the dual continua model as they could also be interpreted in a manner consistent with the unidimensional approach. While the dual continua model is a promising avenue to understand mental health in a way that looks beyond symptoms, these results caution against its rapid adoption and encourage future research to understand how eating disorder symptomatology and positive mental health assets contribute to overall mental health.
Iron Through the Prism of Haematology
Authors: Porter John B.
Published: September 2023

Since the inception of the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 60 years ago, our increased scientific understanding of iron metabolism, together with clinical developments, have changed the way we diagnose and treat its disorders. In the UK, perhaps the most notable contributions relate to iron overload, some of which I will outline from personal experience. Diagnostically, this began with the identification of serum ferritin as a marker of iron overload and continued later with the application of MRI‐based imaging techniques for iron and its distribution. Therapeutically, the first trials of both parenteral and oral chelation, which have radically changed the outcomes of transfusional iron‐overloaded patients, took place in the UK and are now part of standard clinical practice. During this time, our scientific understanding of iron metabolism at a cellular and systemic level have advanced the diagnosis and treatment of inherited disorders of iron metabolism. There are potential novel applications related to our recent understanding of hepcidin metabolism and manipulation.