bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The failure of online endorsement systems in investment communities: evidence from Yahoo! Finance
Authors: Xie Peng , Du Hongwei , Wu Jiming , Chen Ting
Published: July 2023

Purpose

In prior literature, online endorsement system allowing the users to “like” or “dislike” shared information is found very useful in information filtering and trust elicitation in most social networks. This paper shows that such systems could fail in the context of investment communities due to several psychological biases.

Design/methodology/approach

This study develops a series of regression analyses to model the “like”/“dislike” voting process and whether or not such endorsement distinguishes between valuable information and noise. Trading simulations are also used to validate the practical implications of the findings.

Findings

The main findings of this research are twofold: (1) in the context of investment communities, online endorsement system fails to signify value-relevant information and (2) bullish information and “wisdom over the past event” information receive more “likes” and fewer “dislikes” on average, but they underperform in stock market price discovery.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates that biased endorsement may lead to the failure of the online endorsement system as information gatekeeper in investment communities. Two underlying mechanisms are proposed and tested. This study opens up new research opportunities to investigate the causes of biased endorsement in online environment and motivates the development of alternative information filtering systems.
The impact of board characteristics on corporate social responsibility disclosures: evidence from state-owned enterprises in Kenya
Authors: Abang'a Albert Ochien'g , Tauringana Venancio
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To investigate the impact of board characteristics (board gender diversity, board chair age, board subcommittees, board meetings, board skill, board size and board independence) on corporate social responsibility disclosures (CSRD) of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in Kenya during the period 2015–2018.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed fixed-effects balanced panel data to examine the impact of board characteristics on CSRD. The analysis is repeated using two regression estimators (robust least square and random effects) and the four CSRD subcomponents to evaluate the robustness of the main analysis.

Findings

The results established that board gender diversity, board chair age and board subcommittees had significant negative effects on CSRD. The impact of the remaining board characteristics was found to be insignificant.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to the disclosures included in the annual reports, which means that information disclosed in other media, like websites, was not considered. The second limitation concerns mediating and moderator variables that were not considered.

Practical implications

There is a need for a stricter corporate governance implementation mechanism, as opposed to the “comply or explain” principle, since results suggest that most of the board characteristics do not appear to be impactful. Additionally, the low level of reported CSRD calls for the establishment of Corporate Social Responsibility or related committees.

Social implications

The evidence suggests that SOEs are reluctant to report on issues such as ethics, health and safety initiatives, environment and social investments.

Originality/value

The paper extends the literature on the impact of board characteristics on CSRD in unlisted non-commercial SOEs in a developing country context.
Military directors and audit fees
Authors: Harymawan Iman , Wardani Damara Ardelia Kusuma , Nowland John
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study investigates the relationship between companies with military directors and audit fees in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

Using upper echelon and audit pricing theories, the authors examine military directors' roles in the demand for and supply of auditing services. The authors use Indonesia as their research setting as their military forces have a long history of involvement in business. The study sample includes 898 firm-year observations on the Indonesia Stock Exchange during 2014–2018.

Findings

The authors find a negative relationship between military connections and audit fees. This is consistent with auditors assessing lower audit risk and charging lower audit fees to companies that have leaders with military experience. The study findings are strongest where there is military experience on the board of directors and where the military experience is from the Army.

Originality/value

This study extends the literature on the benefits of military experience in company leadership, especially in the context of auditing research. The study findings also have implications for the selection of board candidates and auditor risk assessments.
The reasons for the gap between academic education and the required skills of the labor market in Iran
Authors: Nazarzadeh Zare Mohsen , Parvin Ehsan
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The present study aims to investigate the reasons for the gap between academic education and the required skills of the labor market in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, the authors adopted a thematic analysis method. The participants in the study were connoisseurs from universities and research institutes in Iran, who were selected with purposeful sampling methods of snowball type. To collect the data, the authors used a semi-structured interview and performed a thematic analysis for data analysis.

Findings

The findings showed that the views and perceptions of the connoisseurs participating in the study about the reasons for the gap between academic education and the skills required in the labor market in Iran can be classified into four main themes including lack of attention to labor market needs in the academic curricula, lack of attention to practical and entrepreneurial skills in the academic curricula, the weak link between universities and industry and society, and shortage of academic resources and equipment in some academic disciplines.

Originality/value

The present study had three implications. First, the human capital theory, the social closure theory, the positional conflict theory and the labor market segmentation theory are more compatible with the labor market of Iranian graduates, compared to other theories of the labor market. Second, the lack of coordination between academic education and the required skills in the labor market has weakened the Iranian economy. Third, the absence of practical and entrepreneurial skills in academic graduates has led to increased unemployment in Iranian society.
The impact of intellectual capital-enhancing HR practices and culture on innovativeness—mediating role of knowledge management processes
Authors: Trivedi Karishma , Srivastava Kailash B.L.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The study examines the effect of human and social capital-supporting human resource (HR) practices and structural capital-supporting culture on innovativeness and the mediating role of knowledge management (KM) processes in the knowledge-intensive Indian IT sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a quantitative approach, the authors collected data from 387 employees in 30 IT organizations via a questionnaire survey. The authors analyzed data using structural equational modeling using AMOS 26.

Findings

The results indicate complete mediation of KM processes between human capital-HR (HCHRP), social capital HR (SCHRP), bureaucratic culture (BOC) space and innovativeness. KM processes partially mediated the effect of innovative-competitive culture (IOC) on innovativeness. KM processes have a robust predictive capacity for innovativeness, suggesting that human capital-supporting HR and innovative-competitive culture significantly contribute to KM Processes and innovativeness, respectively.

Practical implications

This study provides practical insights to HR and knowledge managers to leverage their HR practices and organizational culture for improving innovation performance in KISO.

Originality/value

The paper adds to the intellectual capital and KM literature by exploring the mediating role of the KM process in the underlying mechanism suggesting that intellectual capital can enhance HR and culture, leveraging a firm's knowledge resources for innovativeness. It fills a research gap by providing original evidence based on primary data collected from India's IT sector.
Self and shared leadership in decision quality: a tale of two sides
Authors: Cristofaro Matteo , Neck Christopher P. , Giardino Pier Luigi , Neck Christopher B.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between shared leadership (SL) and decision quality, utilizing shared leadership theory (SLT) and behavioral decision theory (BDT). The authors will explore the mediating role of “decision comprehensiveness” in the SL–decision quality linkage. Additionally, the authors will examine how individual “self-leadership” and “debate” among team members moderate the relationship between SL and decision comprehensiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors tested the hypothesized moderated mediation model using a sample of 506 professionals employed in 112 research and development (R&D) teams, along with their direct managers from large Italian firms. To examine the relationships, the authors employed confirmatory factor analyses and path analyses. In order to address endogeneity concerns, the authors incorporated an instrumental variable, namely delegation, into the analysis.

Findings

SL positively influences decision quality, mediated by decision comprehensiveness, where teams include comprehensive information in decision-making. The level of debate among team members positively moderates the SL–decision comprehensiveness relationship. High levels of self-leadership can harm SL by reducing decision comprehensiveness, indicating a downside. However, low or moderate levels of self-leadership do not harm decision comprehensiveness and can even benefit SL.

Originality/value

This is the first work to investigate the relationship between SL and decision quality, shedding light on the mechanisms underlying this association. By integrating SLT and BDT, the authors provide insights into how managers can make higher-quality decisions within self-leading teams. Moreover, this research makes a distinct contribution to the field of self-leadership by delineating its boundaries and identifying a potentially negative aspect within the self-influence process.
Incorporating metapopulation dynamics to inform invasive species management: Evaluating bighead and silver carp control strategies in the Illinois River
Authors: Kallis Jahn , Erickson Richard , Coulter David , Coulter Alison , Brey Marybeth , Catalano Matt , Dettmers John , Garvey James , Irons Kevin , Marschall Elizabeth , Rose Kenneth , Wildhaber Mark , Glover David
Published: July 2023

Invasive species management can benefit from predictive models that incorporate spatially explicit demographics and dispersal to guide resource allocation decisions.

We used invasive bigheaded carps (Hypophthalmichthys spp.) in the Illinois River, USA as a case study to create a spatially explicit model to evaluate the allocation of future management efforts. Specifically, we compared additional harvest (e.g. near the invasion front vs. source populations) and enhanced movement deterrents to meet the management goal of reducing abundance at the invasion front.

We found additional harvest in lower river pools (i.e. targeting source populations) more effectively limited population sizes upriver at the invasion front compared to allocating the same harvest levels near the invasion front. Likewise, decreasing passage (i.e. lock and dam structures) at the farthest, feasible downriver location limited invasion front population size more than placing movement deterrents farther upriver.

Synthesis and applications. Our work highlights the benefits of adopting a multipronged approach for invasive species management, combining suppression of source populations with disrupting movement between source and sink populations thereby producing compounding benefits for control. Our results also demonstrate the importance of considering metapopulation dynamics for invasive species control programs when achieving long‐term management goals.
Exploratory individuals are bolder in Great Tit: Correlation between personality and antipredator behavior
Authors: Bibi Nehafta , Gong Ye , Yu Jingping , Shah Waqar , Khan Khurshaid , Wang Haitao
Published: July 2023

Consistent individual behavioral differences from other members of local populations are called animal personality, and a suite of these correlated behaviors generates a behavioral syndrome. Differential selection patterns among personality types can be largely influenced by predatory behavior. Prey has a large arsenal of antipredator behaviors at their disposal; However, how closely these behaviors are linked to personality is almost unknown. Using a social model species, the Great Tit, Parus major, we investigated whether antipredator behavior in response to predators is correlated with personality. First, we determined if individual differences in exploratory behavior were consistent across trials, that is, whether they were repeatable. Second, we looked into how antipredator behavior was correlated to personality. Individuals were subjected to two repeated trials of standard personality assays followed by an alternative control (Rock Pigeon, Columba livia domestica) and predator display (Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Accipiter nisus) treatment. We found that exploratory behavior was repeatable across trials and had a greater tendency for positive correlation with antipredator behavior when a predator model was displayed. Individuals that swiftly explored novel environments were slower to react to predators than those who explored the novel room slowly. As a result, our findings provide some of the first experimental evidence for a link between exploratory and antipredator behavior, suggesting that personality traits may impact individual fitness.
Delving the impact of adaptability and government support in small‐and medium‐sized enterprises business resilience: The mediating role of information technology capability
Authors: Choong Yuen Onn , Seow Ai Na , Low Mei Peng , Ismail Nur Hafizah , Choong Chee Keong , Seah Choon Sen
Published: July 2023

The main aim of this study is two‐fold. First, we examine the combined effect of small‐and medium‐sized enterprises' (SMEs) adaptability, government support and information technology capability in business resilience. Second, we study the mediating effect of information technology capability on the proposed direct relationships. A total of 211 SMEs participated in this survey voluntarily. The proposed model and hypotheses were tested using variance‐based structural equation modelling. The findings disclosed that SMEs’ adaptability and information technology capability are positively related to business resilience. In terms of government support, it is not significantly related to SMEs’ business resilience, while a mediation result is uncovered between government support and business resilience. Additionally, the results revealed that information technology capability mediates the relationship between adaptability and business resilience. Based on the theoretical implications of the existing literature on the SMEs’ business resilience, this study also provides several useful managerial implications for business resilience enhancement.
Decoding hidden darknet networks: What we learned about the illicit fentanyl trade on AlphaBay
Authors: Maras Marie‐Helen , Logie Kenji , Arsovska Jana , Wandt Adam Scott , Barthuly Bryce
Published: July 2023

The opioid epidemic, impacted from the proliferation of fentanyl, has added impetus to the need to detect fentanyl, sources of fentanyl, and places where fentanyl and drugs adulterated with fentanyl are available. Many darknet marketplaces (DNMs) have rules that ban fentanyl. However, it is unclear how these affect the fentanyl market. Using the AlphaBay DNM as a case study, we conducted mixed methods qualitative research. We scraped and analyzed data from the AlphaBay I2P website using, among other methods, content and social network analysis, to uncover hidden fentanyl networks. Our research highlights the next evolution of darknet marketplaces – the migration of DNMs from Tor to I2P and the methods that can be used identify fentanyl networks, irrespective of where sites are: I2P, Tor, or multihomed on I2P and Tor. Despite its ban in the Global AlphaBay Rules, our research revealed the sale of fentanyl on the AlphaBay DNM. Unlike previous studies, our findings predominantly revealed the covert sale of fentanyl on AlphaBay and predatory vendors selling illicit drugs, which unbeknownst to buyers, contained fentanyl. To a lesser extent, our findings identified the overt sale of fentanyl patches on AlphaBay. Although we examined only one DNM, the prevalence of the covert sale of fentanyl and the presence of predatory vendors underscores the importance of research that decodes the language of vendors who surreptitiously sell fentanyl or drugs adulterated with fentanyl or other illicit substances. The results of our research can inform strategies aimed at disrupting and dismantling DNM fentanyl networks.
Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy enables confirmatory detection of dyes on hair submerged in hypolimnion water for up to twelve weeks
Authors: Holman Aidan P. , Kurouski Dmitry
Published: July 2023

Difficulties in the localization of bodies of homicidal or drowning victims in natural water result in their submergence for weeks if not months. Water insects and microbes drastically change the body's appearance, which significantly changes the determination of a victim's identity. DNA analysis is commonly used for identifying the decedent; however, this PCR‐based approach is time‐consuming and destructive of the evidence. Considering that nearly half of the people in the world dye their hair with a variety of permanent and semi‐permanent dyes, one can expect that confirmatory identification of dyes on the body's hair can be used to shed light on the victim's identity. A growing body of evidence suggests that surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) can be used to detect and identify hair dyes. In this study, we investigated the extent to which SERS could be used to detect black and blue, permanent and semi‐permanent dyes on hair submerged in hypolimnion water for up to twelve weeks. We found that SERS enabled 100% accurate identification of analyzed dyes on hair submerged in hypolimnion water for up to 8 weeks, whereas, on average, 87% accurate identification of the hair dyes could be achieved on hair exposed for 10 weeks and 50% for hair exposed 12 weeks in hypolimnion water. We also found that the aqueous environment caused progressive fading of some dyes, whereas other dyes showed substantial spectral transformations after prolonged submergence. Finally, we found that changes in the intensity of vibrational bands of dyes could be used to predict the duration of submergence of colored hair in hypolimnion water.
New data‐driven method for estimation of net ecosystem carbon exchange at meteorological stations effectively increases the global carbon flux data
Authors: Zhang Wenqiang , Luo Geping , Yuan Xiuliang , Li Chaofan , Xie Mingjuan , Wang Yuangang , Ma Xiaofei , Shi Haiyang , Hamdi Rafiq , Hellwich Olaf , Ma Xiumei , Termonia Piet , De Maeyer Philippe
Published: July 2023

The eddy covariance (EC) flux stations have great limitations in the evaluation of the global net ecosystem carbon exchange (NEE) and in the uncertainty reduction due to their sparse and uneven distribution and spatial representation. If the EC stations are linked with widely distributed meteorological stations using machine learning (ML) and remote sensing, it will play a big role in effectively improving the accuracy of the global NEE assessment and reducing uncertainty.

In this study, we developed a framework for estimating NEE at meteorological stations. We first optimized the hyperparameters and input variables of the ML model based on the optimization method called an adaptive genetic algorithm. Then, we developed 566 random forest (RF)‐based NEE estimation models by the strategy of spatial leave‐out‐one cross‐validation. We innovatively established the Euclidean distance‐based accuracy projection algorithm of the R square (R2), which could test the accuracy of each model to estimate the NEE of the specific flux at the weather station. Only the model with the highest R2 was selected from the models with a prediction accuracy of R2 > 0.5 for the specific meteorological stations to estimate its NEE.

4674 out of 10,289 weather stations around the world might match at least one of the 566 NEE estimation models with a projected accuracy of R2 > 0.5. The NEE estimation models we screened for the meteorological stations showed a reliable performance and a higher accuracy than the former studies. The NEE values of the most (96.9%) screened meteorological stations around the world are negative (carbon sink) and most (65.3%) of those showed an increasing trend in the mean annual NEE (carbon sink).

The NEE dataset produced at the meteorological stations could be used as a supplement to the EC observations and quasi‐observation data to assess the NEE products of the global grid. The NEE dataset is publicly available via the figshare with https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.20485563.v1.
Who benefits from brief motivational intervention among young adults presenting to the emergency department with alcohol intoxication: A latent‐class moderation analysis
Authors: Gaume Jacques , Blanc Stéphanie , Magill Molly , McCambridge Jim , Bertholet Nicolas , Hugli Olivier , Daeppen Jean‐Bernard
Published: July 2023

Background

Research has not identified which patients optimally benefit from brief Motivational Interviewing (bMI) for heavy drinking when delivered to young adults in the Emergency Department (ED).

Methods

We conducted secondary analyses of data from a randomized controlled trial in which 344 young adults (18–35 years) presenting to the ED with alcohol intoxication received either bMI or Brief Advice (BA, control group). We used Latent Class Analysis to derive participants' profiles from baseline characteristics (i.e., sex, age, severity of alcohol use disorder, attribution of ED admission to alcohol use, importance, and confidence to change, cognitive discrepancy, anxiety, depression, and trait reactance). We then conducted a moderation analysis to assess the number of heavy drinking days at short‐term (1‐month) and long‐term (12‐month) follow‐up using negative binomial regressions with interactions between the intervention and derived classes.

Results

Fit statistics indicated that a 4‐class solution best fit the data. Class 3 (high severity, importance and discrepancy, and low confidence and anxiety) benefitted more from bMI than BA at short‐ and long‐term follow‐up than Class 1 (younger; lowest severity, importance, discrepancy, reactance, anxiety and depression, and highest confidence). Class 2 (older; highest severity, importance, discrepancy, reactance, anxiety and depression, and lowest confidence) also benefitted more from bMI than BA than did Class 1 at short‐term follow‐up. In these significant contrasts, Class 1 benefitted more from BA than bMI. There were no significant interactions involving Class 4 (more likely to be women; low severity; high levels of anxiety, depression, and reactance).

Conclusions

This study identified the patient profiles that benefitted more from bMI than BA among nontreatment‐seeking young adults who present intoxicated to the ED. The findings have implications for intervention design and argue for the importance of research aimed at developing intervention content tailored to patient profiles.
Approaches to vital pulp therapies
Authors: Ballikaya Elif , Çelebi‐Saltik Betül
Published: July 2023

Tooth decay, which leads to pulpal inflammation due to the pulp’s response to bacterial components and byproducts is the most common infectious disease. The main goals of clinical management are to eliminate sources of infection, to facilitate healing by regulating inflammation indental tissue, and to replace lost tissues. A variety of novel approaches from tissue engineering based on stem cells, bioactive molecules, and extracellular matrix‐like scaffold structures to therapeutic applications, or a combination of all these are present in the literature. Shortcomings of existing conventional materials for pulp capping and the novel approches aiming to preserve pulp vitality highligted the need for developing new targeted dental materials. This review looks at the novel approches for vital pulp treatments after briefly addresing the conventional vital pulp treatment as well as the regenerative and self defense capabilities of the pulp. A narrative review focusing on the current and future approaches for pulp preservation was performed after surveying the relevant papers on vital pulp therapies including pulp capping, pulpotomy, and potential approaches for facilitating dentin‐pulp complex regeneration in PubMed, Medline, and Scopus databases.
Patients with naproxen‐induced liver injury display T‐cell memory responses toward an oxidative (S)‐O‐desmethyl naproxen metabolite but not the acyl glucuronide
Authors: Thomson Paul , Fragkas Nik , Kafu Laila M. , Aithal Guruprasad P. , Lucena M. Isabel , Terracciano Luigi , Meng Xiaoli , Pirmohamed Munir , Brees Dominique , Kullak‐Ublick Gerd A. , Odermatt Alex , Hammond Thomas , Kammüller Michael , Naisbitt Dean J.
Published: July 2023

Background

Exposure to nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (IBU) and naproxen (NAP) is associated with idiosyncratic drug‐induced liver injury (DILI). Carboxylate bioactivation into reactive metabolites (e.g., acyl glucuronides, AG) and resulting T‐cell activation is hypothesized as causal for this adverse event. However, conclusive evidence supporting this is lacking.

Methods

In this work, we identify CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell hepatic infiltration in a biopsy from an IBU DILI patient. Lymphocyte transformation test and IFN‐γ ELIspot, conducted on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with NAP‐DILI, were used to explore drug‐specific T‐cell activation. T‐cell clones (TCC) were generated and tested for drug specificity, phenotype/function, and pathways of T‐cell activation. Cells were exposed to NAP, its oxidative metabolite 6‐O‐desmethyl NAP (DM‐NAP), its AG or synthesized NAP‐AG human‐serum albumin adducts (NAP‐AG adduct).

Results

CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cells from patients expressing a range of different Vβ receptors were stimulated to proliferate and secrete IFN‐γ and IL‐22 when exposed to DM‐NAP, but not NAP, NAP‐AG or the NAP‐AG adduct. Activation of the CD4+ TCC was HLA‐DQ‐restricted and dependent on antigen presenting cells (APC); most TCC were activated with DM‐NAP‐pulsed APC, while fixation of APC blocked the T‐cell response. Cross‐reactivity was not observed with structurally‐related drugs.

Conclusion

Our results confirm hepatic T‐cell infiltrations in NSAID‐induced DILI, and show a T‐cell memory response toward DM‐NAP indicating an immune‐mediated basis for the adverse event. Whilst bioactivation at the carboxylate group is widely hypothesized to be pathogenic for NSAID associated DILI, we found no evidence of this with NAP.
The impact of delay and prehospital factors on acute appendicitis severity in New Zealand children: a national prospective cohort study
Authors: Elliott Brodie M. , Bissett Ian P. , Harmston Christopher ,   STRATA Collaborative
Published: July 2023

Background

Appendicitis is the most common reason children undergo acute general surgery but international, population‐level disparities exist. This is hypothesised to be caused by preoperative delay and differential access to surgical care. The impact of prehospital factors on paediatric appendicitis severity in New Zealand is unknown.

Methods

A prospective, multicentre cohort study with nested parental questionnaire was conducted by a national trainee‐led collaborative group. Across 14 participating hospitals, 264 patients aged ≤16 years admitted between January and June 2020 with suspected appendicitis were screened. The primary outcome was the effect of prehospital factors on the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) anatomical severity grade.

Results

Overall, 182 children had confirmed appendicitis with a median age of 11.6. The rate of complicated appendicitis rate was 38.5% but was significantly higher in rural (44.1%) and Māori children (54.8%). Complicated appendicitis was associated with increased prehospital delay (47.8 h versus 20.1 h; P < 0.001), but not in‐hospital delay (11.3 h versus 13.3 h; P = 0.96). Multivariate analysis revealed increased anatomical severity in rural (OR 4.33, 95% CI 1.78–7.25; P < 0.001), and Māori children (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.24–5.75; P = 0.019), as well as in families relying on external travel sources or reporting unfamiliarity with appendicitis symptomology.

Conclusion

Prehospital delay and differential access to prehospital determinants of health are associated with increased severity of paediatric appendicitis. This manifested as increased severity of appendicitis in rural and Māori children. Understanding the pre‐hospital factors that influence the timing of presentation can better inform health‐system improvements.
Exploring the experiences and perspectives of women on oral health during pregnancy: A qualitative study in Tasmania, Australia
Authors: Wilson Annika , Hoang Ha , Crocombe Leonard , Bridgman Heather , Bettiol Silvana
Published: July 2023

Objective

To explore women's oral health experiences and barriers to dental care and identify potential strategies to improve oral health during pregnancy.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive study design was used. Purposively elected antepartum and postpartum women ≥18 years of age from Tasmania, Australia, were recruited using maximum variation sampling. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted, and all qualitative data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach.

Results

Fifteen women were interviewed with a mean ± SD age of 32.3 ± 4.5 years. Three key themes were generated from the data that described women's perceived changes in their oral health during pregnancy; barriers to oral health care during and after pregnancy; and perceived strategies to improve access to care. Most women acknowledged the importance of maintaining good oral health but reported a decline in their oral health status during pregnancy. Women also identified several barriers to dental care, including treatment costs, competing maternal priorities, limited oral health knowledge and negative perceptions towards dentistry. The provision of preventative oral health care by ANC providers was also limited. Community awareness, patient education resources and assessment tools could support the promotion of oral health care. Women also perceived that interprofessional collaboration between antenatal and dental providers played a key role in promoting oral health.

Conclusion

This study explored women's varied oral health experiences and perceptions during pregnancy and highlighted critical barriers and enablers to dental care. Policy‐level strategies that promote interprofessional collaboration between antenatal and dental providers and expand dental care access are suggested to overcome barriers to oral health for women during pregnancy.
Predisposing factors of non‐syndromic cleft lip and cleft palate in the northern Thai population: A 10‐year retrospective case–control study
Authors: Charoenvicha Chirakan , Wongkawinwoot Karn , Sirikul Wachiranun , Khwanngern Krit , Sirimaharaj Wimon
Published: July 2023

The most common congenital anomaly is orofacial cleft, which is categorized into two main types: cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) and cleft palate only (CPO). One of the most accepted etiologies is multifactorial (gene–environment). This study aimed to identify the amendable risk factors of an orofacial cleft in Northern Thailand. A retrospective case–control study in Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital was conducted from 2011 to 2020. One hundred and seventeen cases of CL/P and CPO were included. Forty‐nine normal children were enrolled in a time‐matched control group. Exploratory survey data on maternal exposures were collected. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the adjusted association between maternal exposures and CL/P, and CPO occurrence. Multivariate analysis identified three predisposing factors that increased the risk of CL/P and CPO. The first factor was caffeine consumption with a total amount of 560 mg/week (adjusted OR: 7.59; 95% CI: 2.48–23.23; p < 0.001). The second factor was any smoker or passive smoking (adjusted OR: 8.47; 95% CI: 1.63–43.92; p = 0.011). The third factor was a low socioeconomic status (income of lower than 270 USD/month; adjusted OR: 4.05; 95% CI: 1.07–15.27; p = 0.039). From the 10‐year study in Northern Thailand: caffeine consumption, exposure to cigarette smoke, and low socioeconomic status were identified as associated negative factors for orofacial clefts. We propose that preconceptional counseling for risk reduction should be emphasized in reducing the mother's exposure to these factors. Future investigations in large multicenter populations are suggested.
Patient satisfaction with stoma care and their expectations on mobile apps for supportive care
Authors: van der Storm Sebastiaan L. , Hensen Nikita , Schijven Marlies P.
Published: July 2023

Aim

Self‐efficacy in stoma care is essential, as it reduces morbidity and psychosocial problems. Mobile applications (apps) may optimise patients' self‐efficacy. This article investigates patients' satisfaction with stoma care, their attitudes towards a supporting app aiming to promote self‐efficacy and evaluate which functionalities are desired.

Method

A survey was sent to members of the two stoma‐related patient associations in the Netherlands. Associations between patient characteristics, satisfaction concerning received stoma care, and willingness to use an app were evaluated.

Results

The survey was completed by 1868 patients. Overall satisfaction was scored as 6.6, with shortfalls reported in the preoperative information provision, stoma site selection, and postoperative care. Patients of older age, who were unaware of getting a stoma, had an ileostomy, a low quality of life or psychosocial problems, were less satisfied. An app was expected to be of added value by 59.4% of the patients having a stoma for less than three years, compared to the significantly lower 43.8% expectation rate of the remaining study population (p < 0.001). Moreover, patients with a high frequency of physical or psychosocial problems expressed higher levels of interest.

Conclusion

Patients were only moderately satisfied with their received stoma care. A supportive app is most likely beneficial for patients who had a stoma for less than three years, were in an acute situation, and/or have stoma‐related problems. Most patients prefer information via internet or on paper, although apps may offer additional benefits. It is important to acknowledge digital literacy and to council patients appropriately about the benefits and help them to use apps.
Clinical significance of para‐carinal air cysts in patients with pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis: The relationship with pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax
Authors: Yamakawa Hideaki , Sato Shintaro , Ohta Hiroki , Takatsuka Makiko , Kusano Kenji , Kawabe Rie , Oba Tomohiro , Akasaka Keiichi , Amano Masako , Araya Jun , Sasaki Hiroki , Matsushima Hidekazu
Published: July 2023

Background

Para‐tracheal or para‐carinal air cysts (PACs) are often asymptomatic and usually detected incidentally by methods such as computed tomography. Their clinical significance is unclear in patients with pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE).

Methods

We evaluated the clinical significance of PACs in PPFE and their relationship with pneumomediastinum or pneumothorax.

Results

In total, 50 patients had PPFE and 34 (68%) had PACs. Most PACs were para‐carinal (n = 30). A para‐tracheal air cyst was detected in only nine patients, which included five patients having both para‐carinal and para‐tracheal air cysts. Overall median survival was 24.7 months. Survival was not significantly different between the patients with [PACs(+)] and without PACs (P = 0.268). A high frequency (64%) of the complication of pneumomediastinum or pneumothorax occurred in the overall population during follow‐up. Pneumomediastinum/pneumothorax occurred significantly more frequently in patients with PACs(+) than in those without (76.5% vs. 37.5%; P = 0.012). PACs(+) was the only significant risk factor for pneumomediastinum/pneumothorax.

Conclusions

Our data showed that PACs commonly occur in patients with PPFE, and most PACs were para‐carinal air cysts. Additionally, PACs(+) was a significant risk factor for pneumomediastinum/pneumothorax; therefore, clinicians should be more aware of these complications during follow‐up examination, particular in PACs(+) patients with PPFE.
Posaconazole and midostaurin in patients with FLT3‐mutated acute myeloid leukemia: Pharmacokinetic interactions and clinical facts in a real life study
Authors: Menna Pierantonio , Marchesi Francesco , Cattaneo Chiara , Candoni Anna , Delia Mario , Nadali Gianpaolo , Vatteroni Alessandra , Pasciolla Crescenza , Perrone Salvatore , Verga Luisa , Armiento Daniele , Del Principe Maria Ilaria , Fracchiolla Nicola S. , Salvatorelli Emanuela , Lupisella Santina , Terrenato Irene , Busca Alessandro , Minotti Giorgio , Pagano Livio
Published: July 2023

Midostaurin is used in combination with chemotherapy to treat patients with newly diagnosed FLT3‐mutated acute myeloid leukemia. Chemotherapy‐induced neutropenia exposes these patients to a significant risk of invasive fungal infections (IFIs). International guidelines recommend primary antifungal prophylaxis with posaconazole (PCZ) but nested analysis of a phase III trial showed that strong PCZ inhibition of CYP3A4 diminished midostaurin metabolism and increased midostaurin plasma levels; however, midostaurin‐related adverse events (AEs) were only moderately exacerbated. We conducted a prospective multicenter real‐life study to evaluate (i) how often concerns around PCZ‐midostaurin interactions made the hematologist prescribe antifungals other than PCZ, (ii) how remarkably PCZ increased midostaurin plasma levels, and (iii) how significantly PCZ‐midostaurin interactions influenced hematologic and safety outcomes of induction therapy. Although the hematologists were blinded to pharmacokinetic findings, as many as 16 of 35 evaluable patients were prescribed antifungal prophylaxis with micafungin, weak CYP3A4 inhibitor, in place of PCZ (p < 0.001 for deviation from guidelines). In the 19 patients managed as per guidelines, PCZ‐midostaurin interactions were more remarkable than previously characterized, such that at the end of induction therapy midostaurin minimum plasma concentration (Cmin) was greater than three times higher than reported; moreover, midostaurin Cmin, maximum plasma concentration, and area under the curve were more than or equal to four times higher with PCZ than micafungin. Hematologic outcomes (complete remission and duration of severe neutropenia) and safety outcomes (midostaurin‐related any grade or grade ≥3 AEs) were nonetheless similar for patients exposed to PCZ or micafungin, as was the number of breakthrough IFIs. In waiting for randomized phase III trials of new prophylaxis regimens, these findings show that PCZ should remain the antifungal of choice for the midostaurin‐treated patient.
Mausoleum or museum: Engaging the significance of cultural museum collections for heritage tourism in the 21st century
Authors: Ezenagu Ngozi
Published: July 2023

Tangible and intangible elements of culture are the primary sustenance of heritage tourism. They include traditional dance, folklore, songs, arts and craft, indigenous technologies, festivals, rituals, and rites. All these are cultural products designed to embody different activities. They constitute some of the major attractions of present‐day cultural museums. Although these objects are imbued with functional roles through which they interact with society, yet within the confines of cultural museums, they are seemingly lifeless; needing the curator to narrate their relevance. Their functional role in the community seems lost as no opportunity is given or created to display their cultural relevance to amuse curious museum visitors. This raises some questions, is the museum a mausoleum of cultural products? How can mere narration of lifeless objects satisfy visitors' curiosity and taste for a new experience? To answer these salient questions, this paper employed desktop research design using two case studies, the Osun Osogbo sacred grove in Osun state and the palace of the Oba of Benin Nigeria, to explore the significance of cultural museums in promoting heritage tourism through the functional role of its collections. The study found that living heritage negates their original community role upon entry into the modern museum. The paper concludes that the significance of cultural museum collections can be revived by decolonizing the Eurocentric paradigm and indigenizing curatorial practices of western‐modeled museums in Nigeria.
What distribution models of alligator weed in its native and invaded ranges tell us about its invasion story and biological control
Authors: Sánchez‐Restrepo Andrés F. , Reche Vanina A. , Cabrera Nora , Pan Xiaoyun , Pratt Paul , Sosa Alejandro J.
Published: July 2023

Ecological niche models of species occurrence have gained interest in biological control programs to improve efficiency, reduce risks, and to inform when and how control agents may be released and/or surveyed. Alligator weed, Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb. (Amaranthaceae), is an amphibious aquatic plant native to southern South America that has invaded several countries around the world. In this study, our aim was to quantify the current and to model the future alligator weed geographical distributions in its native range in South America, and in its introduced range (USA, the country where biological control of the weed was first implemented). Additionally, we modelled the current and potential distribution of its biocontrol agent Agasicles hygrophila Selman & Vogt (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), released in the USA in 1964, and other potential biocontrol agents, including the flea beetles Disonycha argentinensis Jacoby and Systena sp. In total, 19438 occurrence records of alligator weed, 253 of A. hygrophila, 48 of D. argentinesis, and 19 of Systena sp. were compiled. Niche models predicted expanded distributions of alligator weed, particularly in northern regions of South America. However, the models of the flea beetles A. hygrophila, D. argentinensis, and Systena sp. did not predict geographic range expansion and the future scenarios are similar to current distributions. Our study predicts an increase in the suitable areas for alligator weed in South America in future scenarios of global warming, whereas these new areas would not be as favourable for the biocontrol agents historically used.
A general framework to quantify and compare ecological impacts under temporal dynamics
Authors: Volery Lara , Vaz Fernandez Margarida , Wegmann Daniel , Bacher Sven
Published: July 2023

Biodiversity is diminishing at alarming rates due to multiple anthropogenic drivers. To mitigate these drivers, their impacts must be quantified accurately and comparably across drivers. To enable that, we present a generally applicable framework introducing fundamental principles of ecological impact quantification, including the quantification of interactions between multiple drivers. The framework contrasts biodiversity variables in impacted against those in unimpacted or other reference situations while accounting for their temporal dynamics through modelling. Properly accounting for temporal dynamics reduces biases in impact quantification and comparison. The framework addresses key questions around ecological impacts in global change science, namely, how to compare impacts under temporal dynamics across stressors, how to account for stressor interactions in such comparisons, and how to compare the success of management actions over time.
Structural asymmetry in biotic interactions as a tool to understand and predict ecological persistence
Authors: Allen‐Perkins Alfonso , García‐Callejas David , Bartomeus Ignasi , Godoy Oscar
Published: July 2023

A universal feature of ecological systems is that species do not interact with others with the same sign and strength. Yet, the consequences of this asymmetry in biotic interactions for the short‐ and long‐term persistence of individual species and entire communities remains unclear. Here, we develop a set of metrics to evaluate how asymmetric interactions among species translate to asymmetries in their individual vulnerability to extinction under changing environmental conditions. These metrics, which solve previous limitations of how to independently quantify the size from the shape of the so‐called feasibility domain, provide rigorous advances to understand simultaneously why some species and communities present more opportunities to persist than others. We further demonstrate that our shape‐related metrics are useful to predict short‐term changes in species' relative abundances during 7 years in a Mediterranean grassland. Our approach is designed to be applied to any ecological system regardless of the number of species and type of interactions. With it, we show that is possible to obtain both mechanistic and predictive information on ecological persistence for individual species and entire communities, paving the way for a stronger integration of theoretical and empirical research.
European Academy of Neurology guidelines on the treatment of cluster headache
Authors: May Arne , Evers Stefan , Goadsby Peter J. , Leone Massimo , Manzoni Gian Camillo , Pascual Julio , Carvalho Vanessa , Romoli Michele , Aleksovska Katina , Pozo‐Rosich Patricia , Jensen Rigmor H. ,   European Academy of Neurology Task Force
Published: July 2023

Background and Purpose

Cluster headache is a relatively rare, disabling primary headache disorder with a major impact on patients' quality of life. This work presents evidence‐based recommendations for the treatment of cluster headache derived from a systematic review of the literature and consensus among a panel of experts.

Methods

The databases PubMed (Medline), Science Citation Index, and Cochrane Library were screened for studies on the efficacy of interventions (last access July 2022). The findings in these studies were evaluated according to the recommendations of the European Academy of Neurology, and the level of evidence was established using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation).

Recommendations

For the acute treatment of cluster headache attacks, there is a strong recommendation for oxygen (100%) with a flow of at least 12 L/min over 15 min and 6 mg subcutaneous sumatriptan. Prophylaxis of cluster headache attacks with verapamil at a daily dose of at least 240 mg (maximum dose depends on efficacy and tolerability) is recommended. Corticosteroids are efficacious in cluster headache. To reach an effect, the use of at least 100 mg prednisone (or equivalent corticosteroid) given orally or at up to 500 mg iv per day over 5 days is recommended. Lithium, topiramate, and galcanezumab (only for episodic cluster headache) are recommended as alternative treatments. Noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation is efficacious in episodic but not chronic cluster headache. Greater occipital nerve block is recommended, but electrical stimulation of the greater occipital nerve is not recommended due to the side effect profile.