bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redefining Clinically Significant Blood Loss in Complex Adult Spine Deformity Surgery
Authors: Daher Mohammad , Xu Andrew , Singh Manjot , Lafage Renaud , Line Breton G. , Lenke Lawrence G. , Ames Christopher P. , Burton Douglas C. , Lewis Stephen M. , Eastlack Robert K. , Gupta Munish C. , Mundis Gregory M. , Gum Jeffrey L. , Hamilton Kojo D. , Hostin Richard , Lafage Virginie , Passias Peter G. , Protopsaltis Themistocles S. , Kebaish Khaled M. , Schwab Frank J. , Shaffrey Christopher I. , Smith Justin S. , Bess Shay , Klineberg Eric O. , Diebo Bassel G. , Daniels Alan H. ,   on behalf of the International Spine Study Group (ISSG)
Published: December 2024

Study Design.

Retrospective analysis of prospectively-collected data

Objective.

This study aims to define clinically relevant blood loss in adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery.

Background.

Current definitions of excessive blood loss following spine surgery are highly variable and may be suboptimal in predicting adverse events (AE).

Methods.

Adults undergoing complex ASD surgery were included. Estimated blood loss (EBL) was extracted for investigation, and estimated blood volume loss (EBVL) was calculated by dividing EBL by the preoperative blood volume utilizing Nadler’s formula. LASSO regression was performed to identify five variables from demographic and peri-operative parameters. Logistic regression was subsequently performed to generate a receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve and estimate an optimal threshold for EBL and EBVL. Finally, the proportion of patients with AE plotted against EBL and EBVL to confirm the identified thresholds.

Results.

In total 552 patients were included with a mean age of 60.7±15.1 years, 68% females, mean CCI was 1.0±1.6, and 22% experienced AEs. LASSO regression identified ASA score, baseline hypertension, preoperative albumin, and use of intra-operative crystalloids as the top predictors of an AE, in addition to EBL/EBVL. Logistic regression resulted in ROC curve which was used to identify a cut-off of 2.3 liters of EBL and 42% for EBVL. Patients exceeding these thresholds had AE rates of 36% (odds-ratio: 2.1, 95% CI [1.2-3.6]) and 31% (odds-ratio: 1.7, 95% CI [1.1-2.8]), compared to 21% for those below the thresholds of EBL and EBVL, respectively.

Conclusion.

In complex ASD surgery, intraoperative EBL of 2.3 liters and an EBVL of 42% are associated with clinically-significant AEs. These thresholds may be useful in guiding preoperative-patient-counseling, healthcare system quality initiatives, and clinical perioperative bloodloss management strategies in patients undergoing complex spine surgery. Additionally, similar methodology could be performed in other specialties to establish procedure-specific clinically-relevant bloodloss thresholds.
A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Single-group Studies Assessing the Role of Calcium Hydroxylapatite in Aesthetic Enhancements and Satisfaction
Authors: Amiri Mojgan , Meçani Renald , Niehot Christa D. , Phillips Terri L. , Goldie Katherine , Kolb Janina , Muka Taulant , Daughtry Hua
Published: December 2024

Background:

Many studies assess aesthetic effectiveness of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), with single-group designs as the most frequently applied designs in practice. This study systematically reviewed CaHA’s effectiveness for aesthetic purposes among these studies.

Methods:

A comprehensive search was conducted across 5 bibliographic databases. Single-group studies with at least 10 human adults were included. Summary measures of patients satisfaction and global aesthetic improvement scores were combined using the generalized linear mixed model. This systematic review adhered to the PRISMA reporting standards.

Results:

Of 3131 records, 46 single-group studies, majority focused on facial areas (n = 32), were included for final qualitative analysis. A total number of 27 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Findings of the meta-analysis showed that 98% (95% confidence interval [CI], 91%–99%; I
2, 0.0%) of patients were satisfied with the injection results in the facial area and 90% (95% CI, 67%–97%, I
2, 35%) in other treated body areas. Also, patients reported 89% (95% CI, 76%–96%; I
2, 65%) improvement on the global aesthetic improvement scale in facial areas and 94% (95% CI, 75%–99%; I
2, 0.0%) in other treated regions. Similarly, investigators reported global aesthetic improvement in 92% of patients (95% CI, 33%–100%; I
2, 92%) in facial areas and 95% (95% CI, 1%–100%; I
2, 89%) in other treated areas.

Conclusions:

Our findings showed aesthetic improvements and satisfaction following CaHA injections in both facial and nonfacial areas. However, studies focusing on nonfacial regions are limited. We recommend more rigorously designed trials to better understand CaHA’s clinical effects.
Unmet needs in diagnosis and management of portopulmonary hypertension: How far have we reached?
Authors: Krowka Michael J. , DuBrock Hilary M. , Raevens Sarah , Fallon Michael B.
Published: December 2024

Portopulmonary hypertension (POPH), a form of pulmonary artery hypertension, occurs because of portal hypertension. Pulmonary hemodynamics and right heart function are key entities that are considered when diagnosing and treating POPH. Medical management, combined with liver transplantation, offers a unique opportunity of POPH “cure,” however transplant risk can be significant as it relates to the severity of POPH. In addition to recent POPH practice guidelines, continued efforts can be suggested to improve our understanding of prognostic factors, investigate newer medical treatments, and improve outcomes of POPH. Herein, we identify specific “unmet needs” that focus on expanding and complementing current POPH practice guidelines.
The Association of County-Level Presidential Election Outcome and COVID-19 Mortality in Colorado, 2020-2022
Authors: DeBie Kelly A. , Gutilla Margaret J. , Keller Kayleigh P. , Peel Jennifer L. , Rojas-Rueda David , Neophytou Andreas M.
Published: December 2024

Context:

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic occurred during a time of political tension in the United States. County-level political environment may have been influential in COVID-19 outcomes.

Objective:

This study examined the association between county-level political environment and age-adjusted COVID-19 mortality rates from 2020 to 2022.

Design & Setting:

Political environment was measured by the 2020 Presidential election results and compared with age-adjusted COVID-19 mortality rates by county in Colorado.

Main Outcome Measures:

Rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using negative binomial regression incorporating a population offset term. Models adjusted for populational differences using the demographics percentile from Colorado’s EnviroScreen Environmental Justice Tool.

Results:

Age-adjusted county mortality rates ranged from 14.3 to 446.8.0 per 100 000. 2021 COVID-19 mortality rates were nearly twice as high in counties voting for Donald Trump compared to those voting for Joseph Biden (adjusted RR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.59, 2.47). Results for 2020 and 2022 mortality models were also in the positive direction, though the confidence intervals crossed null values.

Conclusion:

These results build on a growing body of evidence that political environment may have been influential for COVID-19 mortality, helping to understand the drivers of health outcomes. Implications for the public health system as we shift into the endemic period of COVID-19 include motivation for collaborative work to restore and rebuild trust among and between stakeholders and the community, as well as increase health education given its’ influence on both individual and community behaviors.
Corrective Actions Taxonomy for Healthcare Incidents (CATHI): Insights From Real-world Data on Hospital-reported Incidents
Authors: Brazete Cátia , Marques António Miguel , S. Elsa Isaura , De Freitas Cláudia , Azevedo Ana
Published: December 2024

Objectives:

This study aimed to develop a taxonomy for classifying corrective actions following health care incidents in a Portuguese tertiary hospital.

Methods:

The study utilized a multimethods design, combining qualitative and quantitative analyses of real-world data. Thematic analysis was performed, drawing on inductive and deductive approaches. The latter was informed by the PRISMA Medical Classification/Action Matrix and the COM-B theory.

Results:

A total of 4644 incidents were reported between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2022. Each incident report is accompanied by an unstructured free-text conclusion section, whose content was manually coded using NVivo QRS. A total of 910 corrective actions were found. The process of classifying these actions, in addition to the deductive approach, served as the foundation for the development of the proposed taxonomy—the Corrective Actions Taxonomy for Healthcare Incidents (CATHI). CATHI included themes such as technology, medical devices, equipment and infrastructure, procedures, information and communication, and training, among others. The taxonomy was structured into 3 levels to allow for a more detailed classification of corrective actions. A glossary was developed to improve usability, including definitions and examples derived from real-world data.

Conclusions:

CATHI provides a standardized approach to action implementation, allowing for prioritization of improvement efforts. This study has practical implications for enhancing patient safety and quality of care. Future research should validate this taxonomy in diverse health care settings.
Elevated cell-free hemoglobin: A novel early biomarker following traumatic injury
Authors: Ross James T. , Robles Anamaria J. , Barnes Ashli , Bellini Alyssa R. , Mansour Alexandre , Nesseler Nicolas , Reynolds James D. , Remy Kenneth E. , Callcut Rachael A.
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

Cell-free hemoglobin (CFH) and free heme are potent mediators of endotheliopathy and organ injury in sepsis, but their roles in other hemolytic pathologies are not well-defined. A prime example is trauma where early hemolysis may initiate damage and predict outcome. Here, we investigated the presence of plasma CFH, heme, and their major scavengers after traumatic injury.

METHODS

Adult patients who presented as highest-level activations were prospectively enrolled at a level 1 trauma center between 2021 and 2023. Venous blood was collected upon arrival (pretransfusion) and 6, 12, and 24 hours after admittance for quantification of CFH, haptoglobin, heme, and hemopexin.

RESULTS

We studied 119 mostly male subjects (101:18) with a median age of 48 years (interquartile range [IQR], 31–64 years) and an Injury Severity Score of 22 (IQR, 11–29); the majority had suffered blunt force trauma. The 28-day mortality rate was 11%. Cell-free hemoglobin was high upon emergency department arrival (10.9 μM; IQR, 6.8–17.6) and then declined but remained elevated compared with normative levels during the monitoring period (>5 vs. ~0.2 μM). The initial drop in CFH was attributed to haptoglobin binding and clearance. Notably, there was a subgroup of patients with two- to threefold higher levels of CFH on emergency department arrival (median, 25 μM). Patients with these highest CFH levels had longer hospital stays and more frequent complications.

CONCLUSION

Cell-free hemoglobin is elevated in trauma patients very early after injury and may impact outcome. While further work is needed, early correction of hemolysis could provide benefit.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic/Epidemiological Study; Level III.
Use of Ex Situ Machine Perfusion for Liver Transplantation: The National Experience
Authors: Zhou Alice L. , Akbar Armaan F. , Ruck Jessica M. , Weeks Sharon R. , Wesson Russell , Ottmann Shane E. , Philosophe Benjamin , Cameron Andrew M. , Meier Raphael P.H. , King Elizabeth A.
Published: December 2024

Background.

Machine perfusion (MP) for liver transplantation has become more widespread in the United States, but national studies on this growing practice are lacking. We investigated national use and outcomes of MP for liver transplantation.

Methods.

Adult (≥18 y) liver recipients transplanted between January 1, 2016 and September 30, 2023 in the United Network for Organ Sharing database were included. We used Cox regression to compare 1-y posttransplant recipient survival and all-cause graft failure by use of MP and performed subgroup analyses among circulatory death (DCD) and brain death (DBD) donors.

Results.

Of 52 626 deceased donors with liver recovery, 1799 (3.5%) utilized MP. The proportion of all liver transplants using MP increased from 0.3% in 2016 to 15.5% in 2023. MP for DCD transplants increased from 0.8% in 2016 to 50.0% in 2023. Donors of MP grafts were older (47 [34–57] versus 42 [29–55] y, P < 0.001), had higher body mass indexes (28.3 [24.4–33.3] versus 27.3 [23.7–31.8] kg/m2, P < 0.001), and were more likely to be DCD (47.1% versus 9.3%, P < 0.001). Among DBD transplants, MP and non-MP DBD transplants had similar all-cause graft failure out to 1 y (adjusted hazards ratios, 1.12 [95% confidence interval, 0.87–1.43], P = 0.38). Among DCD transplants, MP recipients had improved survival out to 1 y (adjusted hazards ratios, 0.50 [95% confidence interval, 0.35–0.70], P < 0.001).

Conclusions.

MP use in liver transplantation is rapidly expanding and is associated with favorable outcomes compared with cold storage. MP is associated with increased posttransplant survival for DCD transplants, highlighting the potential for MP to expand utilization of DCD grafts.
Mammalian ZAP and KHNYN independently restrict CpG-enriched avian viruses
Authors: Becker Jordan T. , Mickelson Clayton K. , Pross Lauren M. , Sanders Autumn E. , Vogt Esther R. , Shepherd Frances K. , Wick Chloe , Barkhymer Alison J. , Aron Stephanie L. , Fay Elizabeth J. , Harris Reuben S. , Langlois Ryan A.
Published: December 2024

Zoonotic viruses are an omnipresent threat to global health. Influenza A virus (IAV) transmits between birds, livestock, and humans. Proviral host factors involved in the cross-species interface are well known. Less is known about antiviral mechanisms that suppress IAV zoonoses. We observed CpG dinucleotide depletion in human IAV relative to avian IAV. Notably, human ZAP selectively depletes CpG-enriched viral RNAs with its cofactor KHNYN. ZAP is conserved in tetrapods but we uncovered that avian species lack KHNYN. We found that chicken ZAP does not affect IAV (PR8) or CpG enriched IAV. Human ZAP or KHNYN independently restricted CpG enriched IAV by overexpression in chicken cells or knockout in human cells. Additionally, mammalian ZAP-L and KHNYN also independently restricted an avian retrovirus (ROSV). Curiously, platypus KHNYN, the most divergent from eutherian mammals, was also capable of direct restriction of multiple diverse viruses. We suggest that mammalian KHNYN may be abona fiderestriction factor with cell-autonomous activity. Furthermore, we speculate that through repeated contact between avian viruses and mammalian hosts, protein changes may accompany CpG-biased mutations or reassortment to evade mammalian ZAP and KHNYN.

SIGNIFICANCE

Viruses adapt to hosts to replicate successfully. We show that two mammalian proteins, ZAP and KHNYN, restrict CpG-enriched avian viruses. Mammalian KHNYN may be abona fiderestriction factor with cell-autonomous activity. We also identified a platypus KHNYN with potent and broad antiviral activity highlighting a significant need to investigate antiviral mechanisms in novel and understudied species. Ongoing efforts to understand viruses with zoonotic potential will benefit from further identification of species-/class-specific restriction factors and their antiviral preferences. Furthermore, we speculate that evolving viral nucleotide composition indicates zoonotic potential and adaptation to mammals requires dinucleotide and amino acid changes.

HIGHLIGHTS

CpG content is depleted in human and swine IAV relative to avian IAV

Human ZAP-S and KHNYN but not chicken ZAP independently restrict CpG-rich IAV.

Mammalian ZAP-L and KHNYN but not chicken ZAP independently restrict ROSV.

Platypus KHNYN potently restricts retroviruses, including IAV, HIV-1, MLV, and ROSV.
‘Proteomic characterization and Molecular Mechanism of Goat Whey Protein-Derived Bioactive Peptides as Pancreatic Lipase and α-Amylase Inhibitors’
Authors: Sansi Manish Singh , Iram Daraksha , Kumar Sudarshan , kapila Suman , Meena Sunita
Published: December 2024

Goat whey protein (GWP) is a valuable source of bioactive peptides with diverse health-promoting properties. In this study, GWP was enzymatically hydrolysed by gastrointestinal enzymes (pepsin (P), trypsin (T) and chymotrypsin (C)) combination to release whey protein peptides (WPP), which were identified and characterized using high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HR-LC/MS). A total of 2,883 peptides were identified, with peptide lengths ranging from 6 to 44 amino acids, of which 40 were predicted to exhibit bioactivity score between 0.90-1 using PeptideRanker. 28 were predicted as nontoxic out of 40 bioactive peptides. Molecular docking simulations were conducted to explore the binding interactions of these peptides with pancreatic lipase and α-amylase—key enzymes involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. The analysis revealed that specific peptides demonstrated strong binding affinities to both enzymes, suggesting their potential as enzyme inhibitors. Notably, peptides WPGIMR and WQDGSWQF exhibited the highest binding affinity to pancreatic lipase, while AAPFIWL and WQDGSWQF showed strong interactions with α-amylase. These findings highlight the molecular mechanisms underlying the inhibitory activities of whey protein-derived peptides, supporting their potential application as functional food ingredients or therapeutic agents for managing metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. This study advances our understanding of whey protein hydrolysates as a source of bioactive peptides and their role in modulating key metabolic enzymes.
Spectroscopic properties of double-strangeness molecular tetraquarks
Authors: Wang Fu-Lai , Luo Si-Qiang , Qian Ri-Qing , Liu Xiang
Published: December 2024

Inspired by recent advances in the study of the K(*)K¯(*) molecular tetraquarks and the H-dibaryon, we focus on the spectroscopic properties of the K¯(*)K¯(*) systems, which exhibit an exotic flavor quantum number of ssq¯q¯. A dynamical analysis is performed using the one-boson-exchange model to describe the effective interactions for these systems, accounting for both S−D wave mixing and coupled-channel effects. By solving the coupled-channel Schrödinger equation, we identify the I(JP)=0(1+) K¯K¯* and I(JP)=0(1+)K¯*K¯* states as the most likely candidates for double-strangeness molecular tetraquarks. Furthermore, we estimate their strong decay behaviors based on the effective Lagrangian approach, with several channels exhibiting considerable decay widths. Meanwhile, we investigate their magnetic moments and M1 radiative decay widths, shedding light on their inner structures, within the constituent quark model. Finally, we encourage experimentalists to focus on these predicted double-strangeness molecular tetraquark candidates, particularly in B meson decays. Such efforts could pave the way for establishing the molecular tetraquark states in the light-quark sector.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Search for ultralight dark matter in the SuperMAG high-fidelity dataset
Authors: Friel Matt , Gjerloev Jesper W. , Kalia Saarik , Zamora Alvaro
Published: December 2024

Ultralight dark matter, such as kinetically mixed dark-photon dark matter (DPDM) or axion-like-particle dark matter (axion DM), can source an oscillating magnetic-field signal at Earth’s surface. Previous work searched for this signal in a publicly available dataset of global magnetometer measurements maintained by the SuperMAG collaboration. This “low-fidelity” dataset reported measurements with a 1-min time resolution, allowing the search to set leading direct constraints on DPDM and axion DM with Compton frequencies fDM≤1/(1  min) (corresponding to masses mDM≤7×10−17  eV). More recently, a dedicated experiment undertaken by the SNIPE Hunt collaboration has also searched for this same signal at higher frequencies fDM≥0.5  Hz (or mDM≥2×10−15  eV). In this work, we search for this signal of ultralight DM in the SuperMAG “high-fidelity” dataset, which features a 1-sec time resolution, allowing us to probe the gap in parameter space between the low-fidelity dataset and the SNIPE Hunt experiment. The high-fidelity dataset exhibits lower geomagnetic noise than the low-fidelity dataset and features more data than the SNIPE Hunt experiment, making it a powerful probe of ultralight DM. Our search finds no robust DPDM or axion DM candidates. We set constraints on DPDM and axion DM parameter space for 10−3  Hz≤fDM≤0.98  Hz (or 4×10−18  eV≤mDM≤4×10−15  eV). Our results are the leading direct constraints on both DPDM and axion DM in this mass range, and our DPDM constraint surpasses the leading astrophysical constraint in a narrow range around mA′≈2×10−15  eV.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Dissecting normal modes of vibration on vortices in Ginzburg-Landau superconductors
Authors: Alonso-Izquierdo A. , Miguélez-Caballero D.
Published: December 2024

The structure of the normal modes of vibration of rotationally invariant n-vortices in the Ginzburg-Landau/Abelian Higgs model is completely unveiled for any value of the coupling constant.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Dynamical behavior of a soliton train in holographic superfluids at zero temperature
Authors: Gao Meng , Li Xin , Tian Yu , Yang Peng , Zhang Hongbao
Published: December 2024

We construct a soliton train configuration with holographic superfluid model under anti–de Seitter (AdS) soliton background. We investigate the stability of a soliton train using Bloch waves under two distinct quantization schemes. Upon imposing a minor perturbation on the soliton train system, it has been observed that there exist two elastic modes and one phonon mode. Most importantly, we find, under soliton train background, that there is a rich phase diagram concerning the chemical potential under standard quantization. Nevertheless, there are no unstable modes under alternative quantization.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Diamond-shaped quantum circuit for real-time quantum dynamics in one dimension
Authors: Miyakoshi Shohei , Sugimoto Takanori , Shirakawa Tomonori , Yunoki Seiji , Ueda Hiroshi
Published: December 2024

In recent years, quantum computing has evolved as an exciting frontier, with the development of numerous algorithms dedicated to constructing quantum circuits that adeptly represent quantum many-body states. However, this domain remains in its early stages and requires further refinement to better understand the effective construction of highly entangled quantum states within quantum circuits. Here, we demonstrate that quantum many-body states can be universally represented using a quantum circuit comprising multiqubit gates. Furthermore, we evaluate the efficiency of a quantum circuit constructed with two-qubit gates in quench dynamics for the transverse-field Ising model. In this specific model, despite the initial state being classical without entanglement, it undergoes long-time evolution, eventually leading to a highly entangled quantum state. Our results reveal that a diamond-shaped quantum circuit, designed to approximate the multiqubit gate-based quantum circuit, remarkably excels in accurately representing the long-time dynamics of the system. Moreover, the diamond-shaped circuit follows the volume law behavior in entanglement entropy, offering a significant advantage over alternative quantum circuit constructions employing two-qubit gates.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Orbital moiré and quadrupolar triple-q physics in a triangular lattice
Authors: Hattori Kazumasa , Ishitobi Takayuki , Tsunetsugu Hirokazu
Published: December 2024

We numerically study orders of planer type (xy,x2−y2) quadrupoles on a triangular lattice with nearest-neighbor isotropic J and anisotropic K interactions. This type of quadrupole possesses unique single-ion anisotropy proportional to a third order of the quadrupole moments. This provides an unconventional mechanism of triple-q orders which does not exist for the degrees of freedom with odd parity under time-reversal operation such as magnetic dipoles. In addition to several single-q orders, we find various orders including incommensurate triple-q quasi-long-range orders with orbital moiré and a four-sublattice triple-q partial order. Our Monte Carlo simulations demonstrate that the phase transition to the latter triple-q state belongs to the universality class of the critical line of the Ashkin-Teller model in two dimensions close to the four-state Potts class. These results indicate a possibility of realizing unique quadrupole textures in simple triangular systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Crafting the future workforce: a Fleiss Kappa exploration of Industry 4.0 talent perspectives
Authors: Mazlan Muhammad Haziq , Puteh Saifullizam , Mohamad Zunuwanas , Sulaiman Nor Lisa , Mohd Salleh Kahirol , Wan Omar Wan Rosemehah , Buhari Rosnawati , Mp Hartoyo
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to identify and explore the critical components of Industry 4.0 (IR4.0) talent domains needed by Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students through work-based learning (WBL) programs in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research design was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with 11 experts from academia and industry. Document analysis was employed to complement expert interviews, offering an enriched understanding of the IR4.0 talent domains. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and reliability analysis through Fleiss’s Kappa.

Findings

The study reveals a consensus between academic and industry experts on the importance of cognitive abilities and professionalism for IR4.0 talent. However, significant discrepancies were noted in the domain of operational work skills, with academic experts agreeing on 12 out of 14 components, while industry experts agreed on only four. This highlights a potential misalignment between academic curricula and industry needs, particularly in operational skills.

Research limitations/implications

This research only involves academics and industry experts in the field of IR4.0. The focus of this research is on the undergraduate WBL programmes at Malaysia’s Polytechnic.

Practical implications

The findings can guide curriculum development in TVET programs, ensuring that students are equipped with the necessary skills to meet industry expectations.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on IR4.0 talent development, offering valuable insights into the essential talent domains for TVET students engaged in WBL programs. The findings underscore the need for closer collaboration between educational institutions and industry to ensure that TVET programs are better aligned with the demands of the IR4.0 workforce.
“Lesson Study is not a revolution, but an evolution”. Sustainability of Lesson Study, explored in a Norwegian context
Authors: Karlsen Anne Mette Færøyvik , Helgevold Nina
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Efforts in using Lesson Study (LS) as a tool for Professional Development (PD) has in a Norwegian context often tended to be short-lived. Some schools have managed to find solutions for sustainability, and a selection of these are the focus of this study. The objective is to explore supportive factors for sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a case study that explores how LS has been organized and developed in a cluster of three schools in a municipality at the west coast of Norway. These schools have been selected through a purposeful selection based on their long-lasting persistence in using LS as a tool for PD. Data is retrieved from interviews with school leaders and teachers (process facilitators), in addition to teacher surveys.

Findings

One of the most important factors for sustainability in LS was found to be school leaders’ commitment, knowledge and engagement in LS. Further, the results highlight “anchoring” LS in the teacher group and securing the relevance of LS in relation to the curriculum. The school leader groups in this study have involved teachers by including them as process facilitators and considered teachers’ views on the content and organizing of LS. Additionally, university collaboration, networking among local schools and schools abroad, knowledge resources and structures (for the LS work) were important factors for sustainability. The step-by-step process of building a culture for LS allowed LS to be a dynamic approach to the schools’ PD.

Originality/value

This is the first study that has investigated possible explanations for sustainability of LS in a Norwegian context. The findings can serve as an inspiration or a guide to a sustainable LS approach.
Integrating AI into global fluid healthcare workforces: student perspectives and future trends
Authors: Bilderback Stephanie , Movahed Mohammad
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study investigates healthcare administration students’ perspectives on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in fluid healthcare work environments, focusing on its potential impact on future healthcare practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The research utilizes a mixed-methods strategy, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to collect data from healthcare administration students at a mid-sized urban university. This comprehensive approach allows for an in-depth analysis of students’ understanding of, attitudes toward and expectations of AI in healthcare settings.

Findings

Results reveal that students have a nuanced understanding of AI’s capabilities to enhance healthcare operations and patient care, showcasing readiness to adopt these technologies. Nonetheless, there are significant concerns about job security and the depersonalization of care with the integration of AI. The study highlights the critical need for healthcare curricula to evolve to incorporate AI training that equips future professionals to use these technologies in increasingly flexible work settings.

Originality/value

This research offers new perspectives on how future healthcare professionals view AI integration within evolving work arrangements. It emphasized the need for educational institutions to update and adapt educational frameworks to prepare a workforce that can effectively navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the healthcare sector. This is particularly relevant in fluid work dynamics, where adaptability and responsiveness are key.
AI-powered leadership: a systematic literature review
Authors: Aziz Muhammad Faisal , Rajesh J. Irudhaya , Jahan Fazilat , McMurrray Adela , Ahmed Nisar , Narendran Roshni , Harrison Christian
Published: December 2024

Purpose

In this era of rapid technological advancement, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a crucial factor in reshaping organisational dynamics, notably in the realm of leadership. This systematic literature review (SLR) aims to investigate the emerging relationship between AI and leadership, focussing on defining AI-powered leadership, identifying prevalent themes, exploring challenges, and uncovering research gaps within the relevant literature.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 73 papers was chosen after carefully applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria to 1,387 research articles that were initially sought. Using the methodological framework presented by Denyer and Tranfield (2009), our study adopted a four-step procedure to obtain insights from the corpus of literature. The papers were analysed by employing content and thematic analysis to address four key questions.

Findings

The review explores various definitions of AI-powered leadership proposed in the literature based on real-world situations. The study further synthesises significant themes in the existing literature, such as the past, present and future of AI and AI in various facets of organisational leadership, transitional management, and urban management. The review revealed a range of key challenges in AI-powered leadership, including ethical dilemmas, complications in human-AI interactions, hurdles in AI implementation within leadership contexts, and long-term risks associated with AI integration. In addition, this study identified areas within AI-powered leadership research that require further investigation by revealing significant research gaps in the papers.

Originality/value

By adopting a comprehensive approach, this research advances understanding of the complex relationship between AI and leadership dynamics, thus facilitating comprehension of the current body of knowledge and enabling future scholarly investigations in the AI-powered leadership domain.
Assessing the alignment of a University of Technology Library infrastructure with the Fourth Industrial Revolution: implications for librarian roles
Authors: Moonasar Anushie
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate how well a University of Technology Library’s infrastructure aligns with the requirements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). By examining the current state of technological integration and identifying potential gaps, this research seeks to provide insights into the necessary developments and adaptations needed. Additionally, the study explores the implications of these changes for librarian roles, highlighting the evolving skill sets and competencies required in this new paradigm.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a mixed methods research approach, integrating an online questionnaire to gather quantitative data and conducting interviews to obtain qualitative insights. The subsequent interviews offered a thorough understanding of the library’s alignment with the 4IR and its implications for the librarians at the library.

Findings

The findings of this research will offer valuable perspectives for university faculties, librarians and policymakers in shaping future-ready library environments that support innovative teaching, learning and research practices.

Practical implications

The findings highlight the need for academic libraries to continuously evolve with enhancements to existing infrastructure to incorporate advancing technologies and encompass modern digital platforms, tools and resources to support innovative teaching, learning, and research works.

Originality/value

This study provides insight into the results of the importance of evolving with the advances of technologies in academic institutions within a developing country in Africa.
Networking capabilities on organizational networking in entrepreneurial SMEs
Authors: Marcano Nieves Leila M. , Sosa-Varela Juan C. , Ortiz Maribel , Montalvo Francisco
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the impact of top management’s networking capabilities on the organizational networking and absorptive capacities of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Puerto Rico. This study aims to enhance understanding of how top management influences the networking behaviors that drive SME performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from Puerto Rican SMEs and analyzed using multi-item reflective indicators on a five-point Likert scale. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses and explore relationships between networking capabilities and absorptive capacities.

Findings

The study finds that top management’s networking capabilities are predominantly reactive, significantly impacting information acquisition, opportunity enabling and weak-tie resource mobilization. Both potential and realized absorptive capacities are critical for SMEs to leverage resources for competitive advantage.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is needed to explore how these findings apply to other regions or industries and expand on the role of proactive networking in enhancing SME competitiveness.

Practical implications

The study underscores the importance of refining proactive and reactive networking capabilities to sustain competitive advantage in dynamic environments.

Social implications

Puerto Rico’s unique economic context, including natural disasters and economic downturns, makes the findings relevant for SMEs in similar regions that rely on strong networks for resilience.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the dynamic capabilities literature by confirming SMEs’ proactive and reactive networking dimensions. It also offers a unique perspective by focusing on Puerto Rican SMEs facing distinct economic and social challenges.
Exploring the evolution and research directions of virtual reality in marketing: an information systems perspective
Authors: Lu Shih-Hao , Tran Huyen Thi Thanh , Ngo Thanh-Sang , Huang Chen-Hao
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Given the growing use of virtual reality (VR) technology in marketing, our research focuses on the development trajectory of research in the marketing field from 2012 to 2022 to identify essential phases and sub-trends within this topic.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a main path analysis (MPA) methodology to analyze academic articles related to VR in marketing from the Web of Science database.

Findings

The research on VR in marketing has experienced significant growth over the past 10 years and is projected to continue thriving in the future. During the past decade, research in this field has transitioned from exploring VR affordances in marketing to realizing the potential of VR in marketing. From the information systems perspective, the three primary research trends that have garnered the most attention from researchers are VR technology as an artifact, marketers’ motivational approach and consumers’ motivational approach. With the continual advancement of VR technology, the research trend of Metaverse marketing will gradually displace VR in marketing.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first research using MPA to explore the development trajectory of VR in marketing and provide a comprehensive picture of it under the Affordance-Actualization theory.
Correlates of peoples’ fearfulness of, and inaccuracy about, police during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: McCaffree Kevin
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The George Floyd anti-police protests had substantial material and social impacts on police departments around the country in 2020, yet, little is known about the correlates of attitudes towards police during this period. Even less is known about what role key aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic context, in addition to misinformation about police, might have played.

Design/methodology/approach

I construct two regression models (one multinomial, one ordinary least squares) analyzing a sample of 1,401 adults in the United States, collected between September and October of 2020. I include key indicators of institutional trust (e.g. trust in news media and trust in medical authorities), of pandemic context (e.g. importance of mask wearing and of social distancing) and of misinformation about policing (e.g. accuracy in estimates about police killings).

Findings

Results indicate that people reporting higher trust in news media were more fearful of police mistreatment and that those who were more objectively inaccurate about the number of unarmed Black men killed by police were also more fearful of police mistreatment. These effects were found net of demographic controls (i.e. race, age, sex, SES) and net of attitudes about the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, trust in news media was directly associated with objective statistical inaccuracy about the racial distribution of people killed by police.

Originality/value

This is the first study to show that, in 2020, both fear of police mistreatment and being misinformed about police behavior were connected and appear to have been exacerbated by peoples’ trust in news media. An implication of this is that exposure to misinformation in news media may have a direct effect on negative attitudes towards police which, in turn, may increase peoples’ fear of police mistreatment.
CSR reporting and corporate performance: the role of strategic emphasis
Authors: Hamed Ruba , Smolarski Jan , Al-Shattarat Wasim , Al-Shattarat Basiem
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigates the impact of newly implemented regulations on corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting on company performance. It also seeks to understand the value relevance of CSR reporting after implementing the regulation and how strategic emphasis can either mitigate or enhance these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a sample of UK-listed companies on the London Stock Exchange, specifically those included in the FTSE All-Share index, from 2006 to 2020. The final data set consists of 2,385 firm-year observations. This study used a quantitative approach to examine the main hypotheses.

Findings

The findings indicate that mandating CSR reporting has a beneficial influence on a company’s future performance. Furthermore, mandatory CSR reporting enhances the performance of the company when the company’s strategy emphasises value appropriation rather than value creation. In addition, mandatory CSR reporting has value relevance as it provides valuable information to evaluate the market value of companies, and this link strengthens when a company enhances its strategic emphasis.

Practical implications

The findings of this study indicate that policymakers should enhance CSR regulations to motivate firms to strategically integrate CSR, thereby boosting both financial and social value. Implementing standardised reporting metrics would enhance transparency, while companies that view CSR as a strategic asset may experience increased market value and greater stakeholder trust.

Social implications

Examining mandatory CSR promotes transparency and stakeholder engagement, potentially driving innovation and informing effective CSR policies.

Originality/value

This study fills several gaps in the literature about mandated CSR reporting in a developed market, how a company’s strategic approach to mandatory CSR reporting can influence its financial performance and stock price, and whether a company’s exposure to its customer base affects mandatory CSR reporting.
Are disjunct populations of Betula costata in the Japanese Archipelago glacial relict? An attempt at verification by species distribution modeling
Authors: Shitara Takuto , Aihara Takaki , Momohara Arata , Tsuyama Ikutaro , Matsui Tetsuya
Published: December 2024

A glacial relict, a remnant of a cold‐adapted species or population from a postglacial retreat, is essential for understanding the formation processes of present‐day vegetation. Although past distributions have been reconstructed for several woody species in Japan, few studies have focused on the cold‐adapted woody species that survive in the Japanese Archipelago. Betula costata Trautv., a species considered a glacial relict, is a common canopy tree in the cool‐cold temperate forests in Northeast Asia. However, B. costata is rare and has a disjunct distribution in the Japanese Archipelago, and the reasons for its rarity and disjunction in Japan remain poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the distribution of B. costata in Northeast Asia since the last glacial maximum (LGM; between ca. 27,000 and 19,000 years ago) using species distribution models (SDMs). We tested the working hypothesis that B. costata was once abundant in the Japanese Archipelago during the LGM. However, postglacial climate warming caused it to become a disjunct and relict. Two types of SDMs, Maxnet and Random Forest, predicted suitable habitats for the species with three time periods: The LGM, mid‐Holocene, and present. The resulting maps of suitable habitats during the LGM showed extensive distribution across continental Asia and the Japanese Archipelago. By the mid‐Holocene and the present, suitable habitats expanded northward in continental Asia but retreated in the Japanese Archipelago due to increases in the minimum coldest quarter temperature and precipitation. These simulation results support the hypothesis that the Japanese population of B. costata is a glacial relict.
New Materialism(s) and Systemic Psychotherapy: Does it Matter? (PART 2)
Authors: Albertini Federico Maria , Christiansen Jacob Cilius Vinsten , Loh Christopher , Nijabat Nasif
Published: December 2024

This is the second of a two‐part paper on New Materialisms (NMs) and systemic psychotherapy. The paper applies NMs concepts to the practice of systemic psychotherapy through the use of two composite practice examples. Continuing from the first part of the two‐part paper, we move the theoretical discussion from a conceptual to a practical level. Therefore, this paper aims to address some of the core elements of NMs and their relevance in systemic psychotherapy practice. It does not claim to take an exhaustive approach to implementing NMs in systemic psychotherapy. NMs can influence a new paradigm within the plurality of paradigms present in systemic psychotherapy. By and large, although NMs and systemic psychotherapy depart from different philosophical, ontological and epistemological underpinnings, we argue that they can be bridged not only at a theoretical but also at a practical level, as they both share a common potentiality as practices of freedom. By plugging in these two practices, new possibilities when it comes to understanding and creating change in our lives and the social situations in which we are situated unfold.
Postmortem fingerprint identification: A novel adaptive approach to the transillumination technique using moistened black volcano powder for fragile epidermal tissue
Authors: dos Santos Ferreira Tatiana , de Cássia Mariotti Kristiane , Alem Ludmila
Published: December 2024

Postmortem identification through fingerprints often encounters significant challenges, particularly with damaged epidermal tissue, due to factors such as carbonization, putrefaction, mummification, or saponification. Traditional techniques frequently fall short in cases involving fragile skin, which complicates the collection of clear fingerprint impressions. This study presents and evaluates an adaptive modification of the transillumination technique, integrating it with moistened black volcano powder to enhance fingerprint recovery from compromised postmortem tissue. A retrospective comparative analysis was conducted on 55 cases processed at the Ricardo Gumbleton Daunt Institute of Identification, São Paulo, Brazil, from January 2012 to May 2022. Of these, 12 cases with both pre‐ and post‐treatment records were selected, totaling 28 distal phalanx samples. The proposed technique involved applying moistened black volcano powder to the epidermis, followed by transillumination and direct photography. The enhanced technique demonstrated a significant improvement in fingerprint quality. Qualitative analysis revealed that all samples treated with moistened black volcano powder clearly presented visible ridges and minutiae, whereas four samples treated with traditional transillumination alone were insufficient for minutia marking. Quantitative analysis indicated that 75% of the samples scored +2 (greater minutiae details and contrast), with an additional 25% scoring +1 (slightly better minutiae details and contrast). The combined use of transillumination and moistened black volcano powder significantly improves the visualization of postmortem fingerprints, providing a reliable method for forensic identification in cases with fragile or compromised epidermal tissue from putrefied or carbonized skin. This technique generates high‐resolution fingerprint images that are suitable for database comparison and forensic analysis.