bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Informality in strategic communication. Making the case for a forgotten concept
Authors: Hoffjann Olaf
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Although current strategic communication research is particularly interested in deviations from normative ideals, there is a surprising lack of interest in the structures that lead to such deviations from formal specifications. To this end, this paper explores the classic, but of late largely forgotten concept of informality. The aim is to develop a theoretical framework and a systematization that can be used to answer central questions in strategic communication research. The focus is on three research questions: How can formal and informal structures of strategic organizational communication be systematized? How are formal and informal organizational structures thematized in strategic organizational communication? What is the relationship between (in)formal structures of strategic organizational communication and the thematization of (in)formal organizational structures?

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual contribution is based on systems theoretical organization theory, which understands formal structures as decided decision premises and informal structures as undecided decision premises.

Findings

The understanding of informal expectation structures presented here has enormous potential for describing and researching central issues in strategic communication research in a far more significant way, both theoretically and empirically. For example, decoupling can be described in a much more differentiated way than is possible using the neo-institutionalist perspective.

Practical implications

The systematizing framework for researching informal structures enables a deeper understanding of informal structures and thus a better handling of them in practice. In addition, the framework provides a basis for future empirical studies.

Originality/value

Informal phenomena and structures seem to be the elephant in the room in many discourses in strategic communication research. With the theoretical perspective and systematization presented here, these phenomena can finally be explored in a differentiated and meaningful way.
No escape from the No.10. bunker? UK government news management under siege: John Major (1990–97) and Boris Johnson (2019–2022)
Authors: Garland Ruth
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study draws parallels between the Major and Johnson eras to reclaim a discursive space beyond the media and political battlefields to examine long-term systemic failure of government PR.

Design/methodology/approach

As part of a wider study into government communications from 1979 to date, this paper draws on evidence from government archives from the 1990s, as well as contemporary accounts, official documents, media accounts, memoirs and biographies, to examine the PR record of two Conservative administrations divided by three decades.

Findings

News management during the Major premiership is worth serious scrutiny, not just as an interlude between two media-friendly Prime Ministers, Thatcher and Blair, but in comparison to Boris Johnson's struggle to contain the news narrative between 2019 and 2022. Both administrations experienced terminal reputational crises during their closing years but their means of managing the news were counter-productive and damaging to public trust (65).

Practical implications

Does this failure in public communication illustrate a systemic dysfunction in government-media relations and, if so, what is the role of government PR in these circumstances?

Originality/value

This article uses a comparison between fixed and moving variables associated with two very different administrations to identify the causes of ongoing systemic failure in government communication.
Measuring differences-in-differences of crimes: a case of Dolphin Force in Punjab
Authors: Mazhar Ummad
Published: August 2023

Learning outcomes

The case has the following learning objectives:

1. understand the various types of comparisons that are possible between groups over time and across space;

2. evaluate a policy intervention using relevant data and different methods; and

3. understand the meaning of the phrase “controlling for other relevant factors” in regression and non-regression contexts.

Case overview/synopsis

The difference-in-differences (DID) approach is a useful tool for making meaningful comparisons. This case tries to provide a non-technical introduction to the approach using a basic comparison of crime rates among districts in Punjab (Pakistan's largest province). Being the most populous region of the country, Punjab faces many governance challenges, and street crime is one of them. (Exhibit 5 provides additional information about the geographical and administrative setting used in this case study.) In 2016, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif established the Dolphin (police) Force in different locations to improve urban patrolling and reduce street crime. There were debates about the effectiveness of the Dolphin Force (DF).

Those who are skeptical of DF point to various situations that were handled incorrectly by DF personnel, as well as other administrative and operational problems in the initiative. Optimists believe it is beneficial and want it to be expanded to other districts and regions. The threat of street crime claims many lives and, according to optimists, necessitates the formation of a special force. Whether the huge resources invested in the DF worth their lot or not can be known through sound statistical analysis that can identify the difference in the rate of crime because of the DF. In this instance, the case provides information to answer the following question:

Is there a significant difference in crime rates between areas where the DF is operating and districts where it has not yet been installed?

Complexity academic level

In quantitative/statistical analysis classes, the case can be used to teach the DID technique to MBA/MS Applied Statistics/Applied Data Analysis students. It can also be used in undergraduate Econometrics classes.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 7: Management Science.
Strategic closed-loop supply chain configuration in the transition towards the circular economy of EV batteries: an evolutionary analytical framework
Authors: Chizaryfard Armaghan , Lapko Yulia , Trucco Paolo
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study advocates the importance of taking an evolutionary perspective in the strategic configuration of closed-loop supply chains (CLSC) in the transition to a circular economy. Building on the supply chain management and industrial dynamics research domains, an evolutionary analytical framework was developed and applied in the empirical context of the ongoing industrial transition to e-mobility.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is designed as an in-depth exploratory case study to capture the multi-layer dynamic complexities and their interplay in CSLC development. The empirical investigation was based on two-year interactions between the authors and various departments in a leading European heavy vehicle manufacturer. The proposed evolutionary analytical framework was used for investigating the dynamics of four CLSC configurations through ten possible trajectories.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that the evolution of each CLSC configuration comes with multiple challenges and requirements and point out the necessity for the co-development of technologies, product design and production, and infrastructure through long-term relationships among key supply chain actors. However, this evolutionary journey is associated with multiple dilemmas caused by uncertainties in the market and technology developments. All these factors were properly captured and critically analyzed, along with their interactions, thanks to the constructs included in the proposed evolutionary analytical framework.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed evolutionary framework is applicable for examination of SC transformation in the context of market and technology development, and is particularly relevant for transitioning from linear SC to CLSC. The framework offers a single actor perspective, as it does not directly tackle dynamics and effects of actions taken by SC actors.

Practical implications

The developed framework can support SC managers in identifying, framing, and comparing alternative strategies for CLSC configuration in the transition process.

Originality/value

This study proposes the framework for understanding and guiding the evolutionary process of CLSC development. Its uniqueness lies in the integration of concepts from innovation and evolutionary theories coming from industrial dynamics and SCM literature streams.
Analysis of cox proportional hazard model for dropout students in university: case study from SIMAD university
Authors: Ali Dahir Abdi , Hussein Ali Mohamud
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the extent of dropout students and identify the relationship between risk factors of dropout and the survival time of students.

Design/methodology/approach

The Kaplan–Meier estimator (KM), also known as the product-limit technique, is a nonparametric model function that is commonly used in estimating survival function events (Kaplan and Meier, 1958). The survival function's Kaplan–Meier estimators are used to estimate and graph survival probabilities as a function of time, as well as explanatory data analysis (EDA) for the survival data, including the median survival time, and compare for two or more of the survival events. In addition, Cox proportional hazards model is employed for modelling purpose.

Findings

Results of the Kaplan–Meier curves show that male students have lower survival rates than female, researchers have found that there is a difference between the survival times of the student's school types, results show students from English-based schools are higher than Arabic-based schools as suggested by the survival curve. Similarly, there is a difference between the survival times of students aging equal or greater than 25 and students aging less than 25 and survival function estimates of dropout according to high school grade marks has huge difference. These results were confirmed using log rank test as age, school type and marks were statistically significantly different while gender is not statistically significant.

Research limitations/implications

There is no study of this kind from the Somalia context about the student's dropout. Subsequent to the outbreak of civil war in 1988 and the collapse of the central government in 1991, all public social services in Somalia including education centers were severely disrupted.

Originality/value

The statistical methods discussed in the previous section will be applied on a real dataset obtained from different offices of the university; most of the data were extracted from faculty of economics office and admission and record office. The data set comprised of 70 students from SIMAD university, consists of full-time faculty of economics students who enrolled at the university in the academic year of 2017–2018 until two years of diploma, students either complete 24 months of diploma or leave the university and that is the event of interest.
Family ownership and audit fees in emerging countries: the moderating role of political connections
Authors: Supatmi Supatmi , Alethea Christa Kurnia , Nugrahanti Yeterina Widi , Restuti MI Mitha Dwi
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of family ownership on audit fees and whether political connections moderate the causal relationship. Indonesia, as emerging countries, arguably offers appropriate research setting for this research because most Indonesian firms are family owned and exhibit weak investor protection. The authors predict that family ownership positively affects audit fees, and political connections strengthen this influence.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses 98 listed manufacturing firms on Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) in 2018–2020, resulting in 279 firm-year observations. Panel data regression used to test the hypothesis. Family ownership is divided into direct and indirect ownership while audit fees are measured by the natural logarithm of audit fees paid by the firms.

Findings

The results show that the greater total and direct family ownerships imply lower audit fees, while indirect family ownership does not affect audit fees. The finding is contrary to the alleged hypothesis. Further, political connections only strengthen direct family ownership's negative impact on audit fees.

Originality/value

This study's findings support the alignment effect hypothesis arguing that controlling shareholders, in this case, families, align their interests with non-controlling shareholders. These findings provide a different perspective from various empirical studies conducted in Asian countries where the majority of companies are also controlled.
Do it again: revitalizing an organization concept
Authors: Berg Christopher , Benders Jos , Ingvaldsen Jonas A.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

By exploring the process of concept revitalization, this paper contributes to a better understanding of the intraorganizational retention of organization concepts. Concept revitalization occurs when an organization refocuses attention and resources toward a previously adopted organization concept. This paper investigates why and how organization concepts are revitalized.

Design/methodology/approach

The findings are based on a case study of a Norwegian energy company's revitalization of the organization concept “lean”, whose initial implementation had been unsuccessful. The data were analyzed inductively by identifying how the concept was reframed during the second attempt and how the revitalization was justified.

Findings

In the case company, the revitalization was driven by (1) replacing the original label, (2) maintaining the original content in a slightly modified form and (3) altering the implementation mode. The changes were supported by a narrative of past shortcomings, lessons learned and a plan for future success, authored by internal experts in lean with a strong interest in ensuring positive results.

Research limitations/implications

Concept revitalization implies that there is more continuity in the application of ideas than is suggested in the literature on management fashions.

Originality/value

So far, the retention of organization concepts has only been studied at the field level. This study is the first to offer an empirically grounded understanding of intraorganizational concept revitalization.
The role of science fiction perception on innovator: integrating the theory of planned behavior and social support network theory
Authors: Zhang Jiale , Liu Zongyuan
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the influence of science fiction on innovators and present a comprehensive model using the theory of planned behavior and social support theory to discuss the impact of science fiction on the intention of becoming an innovation worker.

Design/methodology/approach

Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was adopted in this study and responses were obtained from 244 Chinese innovators.

Findings

The results revealed the adequacy of the proposed model and the above-mentioned constructs in explaining innovation intention. Science fiction perception was found to influence the intention of becoming an innovation worker directly. Subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and attitude directly influence the intention of becoming an innovation worker. Additionally, attitude is a mediator between science fiction perception and the intention of becoming an innovation worker. Moreover, social support network moderates the relationship between attitude and intention.

Originality/value

These results shed light on the mechanism by which science fiction influence innovators as well as provide critical managerial implications for policymakers and practitioners.
Unraveling the black box of supply chain flexibility in lean production environments
Authors: Minguela-Rata Beatriz , Maqueira Juan Manuel , Rojo Araceli , Moyano-Fuentes José
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the full mediating role of supply chain flexibility (SCF) between lean production (LP) and business performance (BP) found in the previous literature. This effect negates the direct LP-BP effect (the so-called “total eclipse effect”). The authors analyze the individual contributions that the different SCF dimensions (sourcing flexibility; operating system flexibility, distribution flexibility and information system [IS] flexibility) make to the “total eclipse effect” between LP and BP produced by SCF. The relational resources-based view and resource orchestration theory are used to support the theoretical framework.

Design/methodology/approach

Covariance-based structural equations modeling (CB-SEM) is used to test the SCF LP-BP total eclipse hypothesis and four additional mediation hypotheses, one for each of the SCF dimensions. Data obtained via a questionnaire given to 260 companies are analyzed with CB-SEM, and SPSS Process is used to evaluate the mediation effect.

Findings

Research results indicate that only one of the dimensions (operating system flexibility) has a full mediation effect between LP and BP and is, therefore, the main contributor to the eclipse effect. Two other dimensions (sourcing flexibility and distribution flexibility) have partial mediation effects, so they also contribute to developing the eclipse effect, although to a lesser extent. Finally, IS flexibility is neither a full nor a partial mediation factor and does not contribute to the eclipse effect.

Originality/value

These findings have some important implications. For academia, they generate new knowledge of the role that each of the SCF dimensions or components plays in the LP-BP relationship. For company management, the findings offer supply chain managers specific information on the individual effects that the different types of SCF flexibility have between LP and BP. This will allow companies to target their efforts to develop certain types of flexibility in LP contexts depending on the outcomes that senior managers want to achieve with their SCs.
Renewable energies and biodiversity: Impact of ground‐mounted solar photovoltaic sites on bat activity
Authors: Tinsley Elizabeth , Froidevaux Jérémy S. P. , Zsebők Sándor , Szabadi Kriszta Lilla , Jones Gareth
Published: August 2023

Renewable energy is growing at a rapid pace globally but as yet there has been little research on the effects of ground‐mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) developments on bats, many species of which are threatened or protected.

We conducted a paired study at 19 ground‐mounted solar PV developments in southwest England. We used static detectors to record bat echolocation calls from boundaries (i.e. hedgerows) and central locations (open areas) at fields with solar PV development, and simultaneously at matched sites without solar PV developments (control fields). We used generalised linear mixed‐effect models to assess how solar PV developments and boundary habitat affected bat activity and species richness.

The activity of six of eight species/species groups analysed was negatively affected by solar PV panels, suggesting that loss and/or fragmentation of foraging/commuting habitat is caused by ground‐mounted solar PV panels. Pipistrellus pipistrellus and Nyctalus spp. activity was lower at solar PV sites regardless of the habitat type considered. Negative impacts of solar PV panels at field boundaries were apparent for the activity of Myotis spp. and Eptesicus serotinus, and in open fields for Pipistrellus pygmaeus and Plecotus spp.

Bat species richness was greater along field boundaries compared with open fields, but there was no effect of solar PV panels on species richness.

Policy implications: Ground‐mounted solar photovoltaic developments have a significant negative effect on bat activity, and should be considered in appropriate planning legislation and policy. Solar photovoltaic developments should be screened in Environmental Impact Assessments for ecological impacts, and appropriate mitigation (e.g. maintaining boundaries, planting vegetation to network with surrounding foraging habitat) and monitoring should be implemented to highlight potential negative effects.
Tectonic and geological setting influence hot spring microbiology
Authors: Colman Daniel R. , Veach Allison , Stefánsson Andri , Wurch Louie , Belisle B. Shafer , Podar Peter T. , Yang Zamin , Klingeman Dawn , Senba Kazuyo , Murakami Katsuhiko S. , Kristjánsson Jakob K. , Björnsdóttir Snædís H. , Boyd Eric S. , Podar Mircea
Published: August 2023

Hydrothermal systems form at divergent and convergent boundaries of lithospheric plates and within plates due to weakened crust and mantle plumes, playing host to diverse microbial ecosystems. Little is known of how differences in tectonic setting influence the geochemical and microbial compositions of these hydrothermal ecosystems. Here, coordinated geochemical and microbial community analyses were conducted on 87 high‐temperature (>65°C) water and sediment samples from hot springs in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA (n = 41; mantle plume setting), Iceland (n = 41, divergent boundary), and Japan (n = 5; convergent boundary). Region‐specific variation in geochemistry and sediment‐associated 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequence variant (ASV) composition was observed, with 16S rRNA gene assemblages being nearly completely distinguished by region and pH being the most explanatory parameter within regions. Several low abundance ASVs exhibited cosmopolitan distributions across regions, while most high‐abundance ASVs were only identified in specific regions. The presence of some cosmopolitan ASVs across regions argues against dispersal limitation primarily shaping the distribution of taxa among regions. Rather, the results point to local tectonic and geologic characteristics shaping the geochemistry of continental hydrothermal systems that then select for distinct microbial assemblages. These results provide new insights into the co‐evolution of hydrothermal systems and their microbial communities.
Eco‐innovation and environmental sustainability in Germany: An empirical approach with smooth structural shifts
Authors: Pata Ugur Korkut , Sofuoglu Emrah , Ahmed Zahoor , Kizilkaya Oktay
Published: August 2023

Germany has set an ambitious goal of meeting the recommendations of COP‐26 and reducing its carbon intensity to zero by 2045. Germany is a leader in environmental patents after the United States, Japan, and South Korea, and the environmental implications of Germany's leadership in eco‐innovation hold important clues for achieving net zero goals. In particular, the European Union is one of the global communities making the greatest efforts to combat emissions, and the success of the leading role of environmental patents in this Union in reducing CO2 emissions is an important research topic for scholars. Therefore, this study investigates the impact of environmental patents on CO2 emissions under the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis in Germany. To this end, the study applies Bayer–Hanck and Fourier ADL approaches from 1970 to 2019. The main findings do not confirm the EKC hypothesis, while environmental patents play an active role in CO2 reduction. Based on these outcomes, Germany should consider a long‐term green policy to decouple economic growth and emissions. At the same time, German policy should promote the development and application of environmental patents to achieve the net zero targets for 2045.
Daily cannabis use may cause cannabis‐induced hyperalgesia
Authors: Zhang‐James Yanli , Wyon Evelyn , Grapsas Dennis , Johnson Brian
Published: August 2023

Background and Objectives

Public opinion about cannabis as a medical treatment is generally favorable. As many as 35% of primary care patients report medical use of cannabis, most commonly for pain treatment. We designed a way to test whether cannabis helps chronic pain.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted to explore whether daily long‐term cannabis use was associated with increased pain sensitivity using the cold pressor test (CPT) to measure pain tolerance. Patients who used cannabis every day were compared to patients who inhaled tobacco and control patients who never used tobacco or cannabis. The effect of cannabis use on CPT was assessed using a generalized linear model.

Results

Patients using cannabis daily had a median CPT of 46 s, similar to those who did not use cannabis but who inhaled tobacco (median CPT 45 s). Patients who used both cannabis and tobacco had the lowest CPT (median 26 s). The control group had a median CPT of 105 s. Cannabis use was associated with a significantly decreased pain tolerance (χ²(1) = 8.0, p = .004). The effect of tobacco on CPT was only marginally significant (χ²(1) = 3.8, p = .052).

Conclusion and Scientific Significance

This suggests a phenomenon similar to opioid‐induced hyperalgesia; a drug that reduces pain short term, induces pain long term—opponent process. Daily cannabis use may make chronic pain worse over time by reducing pain tolerance. In terms of risk/benefit, daily cannabis users risk addiction without any long‐term benefit for chronic pain.
The first case of laparoscopic surgery for cecal cancer occurring in a blind loop
Authors: Matsuda Keiji , Fukushima Yoshihisa , Asako Kentaro , Miyata Toshiya , Kaneko Kensuke , Hayama Tamuro , Nozawa Keijiro , Ochiai Hiroki , Sasajima Yuko
Published: August 2023

Cancer occurrence in a blind loop is extremely rare. An 86‐year‐old Japanese woman underwent colonoscopy for tarry stools and weight loss; it revealed a bypass of the transverse colon and small intestine, cecal cancer, and a polyp. She had suffered from acute appendicitis and had undergone two surgeries at age 25: an appendectomy and then a bypass surgery between the transverse colon and the small intestine. We performed a laparoscopy‐assisted ileocecal resection for the cancer and polyp in the blind loop with an end‐to‐side instrumental anastomosis. The pathological examination demonstrated that the cancer was medullary carcinoma (T2, N0, M0, Stage I) and the polyp was tubular adenoma. Two months have passed since the patient's discharge, and she is free of abdominal complaints. Our literature search identified 10 cases of cancer in a blind loop. Laparoscopy‐assisted surgery may be possible in patients who have undergone blind‐loop surgery.
Impacts of climate change on herpetofauna diversity in the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Karuno Alex Plimo , Mi Xue , Chen Youhua , Zou Da‐Hu , Gao Wei , Zhang Bao‐Lin , Xu Wei , Jin Jie‐Qiong , Shen Wen‐Jing , Huang Song , Zhou Wei‐Wei , Che Jing
Published: August 2023

Although numerous studies on the impacts of climate change on biodiversity have been published, only a handful are focused on the intraspecific level or consider population‐level models (separate models per population). We endeavored to fill this knowledge gap relative to the Qinghai‐Tibetan plateau (QTP) by combining species distribution modeling (SDMs) with population genetics (i.e., population‐level models) and phylogenetic methods (i.e., phylogenetic tree reconstruction and phylogenetic diversity analyses). We applied our models to 11 endemic and widely distributed herpetofauna species inhabiting high elevations in the QTP. We aimed to determine the influence of environmental heterogeneity on species’ responses to climate change, the magnitude of climate‐change impacts on intraspecific diversity, and the relationship between species range loss and intraspecific diversity losses under 2 shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP245 and SSP585) and 3 future periods (2050s, 2070s, and 2090s). The effects of global climatic change were more pronounced at the intraspecific level (22% of haplotypes lost and 36% of populations lost) than the morphospecies level in the SSP585 climate change scenario. Maintenance of genetic diversity was in general determined by a combination of factors including range changes, species genetic structure, and the part of the range predicted to be lost. This is owing to the fact that the loss and survival of populations were observed in species irrespective of the predicted range changes (contraction or expansion). In the southeast (mountainous regions), climate change had less of an effect on range size (>100% in 3 species) than in central and northern QTP plateau regions (range size <100% in all species). This may be attributed to environmental heterogeneity, which provided pockets of suitable climate in the southeast, whereas ecosystems in the north and central regions were homogeneous. Generally, our results imply that mountainous regions with high environmental heterogeneity and high genetic diversity may buffer the adverse impacts of climate change on species distribution and intraspecific diversity. Therefore, genetic structure and characteristics of the ecosystem may be crucial for conservation under climate change.
Using social media records to inform conservation planning
Authors: Chowdhury Shawan , Fuller Richard A. , Ahmed Sultan , Alam Shofiul , Callaghan Corey T. , Das Priyanka , Correia Ricardo A. , Di Marco Moreno , Di Minin Enrico , Jarić Ivan , Labi Mahzabin Muzahid , Ladle Richard J. , Rokonuzzaman M. , Roll Uri , Sbragaglia Valerio , Siddika Asma , Bonn Aletta
Published: August 2023

Citizen science plays a crucial role in helping monitor biodiversity and inform conservation. With the widespread use of smartphones, many people share biodiversity information on social media, but this information is still not widely used in conservation. Focusing on Bangladesh, a tropical megadiverse and mega‐populated country, we examined the importance of social media records in conservation decision‐making. We collated species distribution records for birds and butterflies from Facebook and Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), grouped them into GBIF‐only and combined GBIF and Facebook data, and investigated the differences in identifying critical conservation areas. Adding Facebook data to GBIF data improved the accuracy of systematic conservation planning assessments by identifying additional important conservation areas in the northwest, southeast, and central parts of Bangladesh, extending priority conservation areas by 4,000–10,000 km2. Community efforts are needed to drive the implementation of the ambitious Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework targets, especially in megadiverse tropical countries with a lack of reliable and up‐to‐date species distribution data. We highlight that conservation planning can be enhanced by including available data gathered from social media platforms.
Twelve‐month results of the ADAPT randomized controlled trial: Reproducibility and sustainability of advanced hybrid closed‐loop therapy outcomes versus conventional therapy in adults with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Edd Shannon N. , Castañeda Javier , Choudhary Pratik , Kolassa Ralf , Keuthage Winfried , Kroeger Jens , Thivolet Charles , Evans Mark , Ré Roseline , Cellot Jessica , de Portu Simona , Vorrink Linda , Shin John , van den Heuvel Tim , Cohen Ohad ,   the ADAPT study Group
Published: August 2023

Aims

To reassess the 6‐month efficacy and to assess the 12‐month sustained efficacy of the MiniMed™ 780G advanced hybrid closed‐loop automated insulin delivery (AID) system compared to multiple daily injections plus intermittently scanned glucose monitoring (MDI+isCGM) in people with type 1 diabetes not meeting glucose targets.

Methods

The ADAPT study was a prospective, multicentre, open‐label, randomized control trial in people with type 1 diabetes, with a glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) concentration of at least 8.0% (64 mmol/mol), on MDI+isCGM therapy. After a 6‐month study phase, participants randomized at baseline to MDI+isCGM switched to AID (SWITCH) while the others continued AID therapy (SUSTAIN) for an additional 6 months. The primary endpoint of this continuation phase was the within‐group change in mean HbA1c between 6 and 12 months, with superiority in the SWITCH group and noninferiority in the SUSTAIN group (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04235504).

Results

A total of 39 SWITCH and 36 SUSTAIN participants entered the continuation phase. In the SWITCH group, HbA1c was significantly decreased by −1.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] −1.7% to −1.1%; P < 0.001) from a mean ± SD of 8.9% ± 0.8% (73.9 ± 8.6 mmol/mol) at 6 months to 7.5% ± 0.6% (58.5 ± 6.9 mmol/mol) at 12 months. Mean HbA1c increased by 0.1% (95% CI −0.05% to +0.25%), from 7.3% ± 0.6% (56.5 ± 6.7 mmol/mol) to 7.4% ± 0.8% (57.7 ± 9.1 mmol/mol) in the SUSTAIN group, meeting noninferiority criteria. Three severe hypoglycaemia events occurred in two SWITCH participants during the continuation phase.

Conclusion

ADAPT study phase glycaemic improvements were reproduced and sustained in the continuation phase, supporting the early adoption of AID therapy in people with type 1 diabetes not meeting glucose targets on MDI therapy.
Sleep hygiene behaviours mediate the association between health/e‐health literacy and mental wellbeing
Authors: Alijanzadeh Mehran , Yahaghi Rafat , Rahmani Jalal , Yazdi Nahid , Jafari Elahe , Alijani Hashem , Zamani Narges , Fotuhi Razie , Taherkhani Elham , Buchali Zeinab , Zarenejad Masoume , Mahmoudi Narges , Shahmahdi Najmeh , Poorzolfaghar Leila , Ahmadizade Safie , Shahbazkhania Azam , Gozal David , Lin Chung‐Ying , Pakpour Amir H.
Published: August 2023

Background

Health literacy and e‐health literacy are important factors helping people shape awareness of health behaviours in different aspects, including sleep hygiene behaviours. Good sleep hygiene behaviours promote sleep quality and are beneficial to overall mental wellbeing.

Objective

We aimed to examine if sleep hygiene behaviours may mediate the association between health literacy/e‐health literacy and mental wellbeing.

Methods

Adult Iranian subjects (n = 9775; mean [SD] age = 36.44 [11.97] years; 67.3% females) completed the Health Literacy Instrument for Adults, eHealth Literacy Scale, three items on sleep hygiene behaviour that have been used in prior research and the Short Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale. Data were then subjected to structural equation modelling (SEM) including 500 bootstrapping resampling to examine whether sleep hygiene is a mediator in the relationship between health literacy/e‐health literacy and mental wellbeing.

Findings

Both health literacy and e‐health literacy were significantly associated with mental wellbeing (r = .63 for health literacy and .39 for e‐health literacy; p < .001) and sleep hygiene behaviours (r = .58 for health literacy and .36 for e‐health literacy; p < .001). Sleep hygiene behaviours were significantly associated with mental wellbeing (r = .42; p < .001). Moreover, SEM that incorporated bootstrapping approaches indicated that sleep hygiene behaviours were significant mediators in the association between health literacy/e‐health literacy and mental wellbeing.

Conclusions

We conclude that health literacy and e‐health literacy are associated with mental health wellbeing in the Iranian population. Additionally, the association could be mediated via sleep hygiene behaviours.

Patient or Public Contribution

The study was co‐designed with healthcare providers from the vice‐Chancellor's Office for Health Affairs of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences as equal partners. Moreover, the women's health volunteers were involved in the design of the study.
The application of infrared thermography technology in flap: A perspective from bibliometric and visual analysis
Authors: Lu Yilei , Sun Nianzhe , Wu Panfeng , Zhou Guoling , Peng Lingli , Tang Juyu
Published: August 2023

The application of infrared thermography technology (IRT) in flap has become a major focus of research, as it provides a non‐invasive, real‐time, and quantitative approach for monitoring flap perfusion. In this regard, we conducted a comprehensive visualization and scientometric analysis to systematically summarize and discuss the current state of research in this field. We systematically reviewed publications on the application of IRT in flap procedures from 1999 to 2022, using the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). Through scientometric analysis, we examined annual trends, affiliations, countries, journals, authors, and their relationships, providing insights into current hotspots and future developments in this area. We analysed 522 English studies and found a steady increase in annual publications. The United States and Germany had the highest publication rates, with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Shanghai Jiaotong University being leading institutions. Notably, Lee BT and Alex Keller emerged as influential authors in this field. Compared to existing techniques, infrared‐based technology offers significant advantages for non‐invasive monitoring of flap perfusion, including simplicity of operation and objective results. Future trends should focus on interdisciplinary collaborations to develop new infrared devices and achieve intelligent image processing, enabling broader application in various clinical scenarios. This bibliometric study summarizes the progress and landscape of research on ‘the Application of infrared thermography technology in flap’ over the past two decades, providing valuable insights and serving as a reliable reference to drive further advancements and spark researchers' interest in this field.
Antibody targeting of mutant calreticulin in myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Kramer Frederike , Mullally Ann
Published: August 2023

Mutations in calreticulin are one of the key disease‐initiating mutations in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). In MPN, mutant calreticulin translates with a novel C‐terminus that leads to aberrant binding to the extracellular domain of the thrombopoietin receptor, MPL. This cell surface neoantigen has become an attractive target for immunological intervention. Here, we summarize recent advances in the development of mutant calreticulin targeting antibodies as a novel therapeutic approach in MPN.
Sonographic confirmation of placental detachment during placental delivery for uterine inversion prevention
Authors: Yonetani Naoto , Kaji Takashi , Shirakawa Aya , Sogawa Eishi , Yoshida Atsuko , Mineda Ayuka , Maeda Kazuhisa , Irahara Minoru , Iwasa Takeshi
Published: August 2023

Aim

To evaluate the usefulness of transabdominal sonographic confirmation of placental detachment in preventing uterine inversion.

Methods

This was 14‐year retrospective cohort study that included women who had transvaginal deliveries in our hospital. We introduced routine transabdominal ultrasonography during placental delivery to prevent uterine inversion. Followed by the confirmation of placental detachment by ultrasonography, we started placental delivery procedure. The frequency of uterine inversion during placental delivery was compared before and after the ultrasonography was introduced. Moreover, the duration of the third stage of labor and bleeding volume during labor were compared between the ultrasonography performing group (USG group) and the non‐performing group (non‐USG groups).

Results

Five thousand and eighty‐one women, including 1724 and 3357 women who delivered before and after the ultrasonography was introduced, respectively. The frequency of uterine inversion after the introduction of the ultrasonography system was significantly reduced compared to that before the introduction (0.03% vs. 0.23%, p = 0.03). Even after the introduction of ultrasonography, the actual rate of performing ultrasonography remained 54.1% due to various restrictions. The mean duration of the third stage of labor in the USG group was slightly longer than that in the non‐USG group (8.4 ± 5.0 vs. 6.8 ± 3.6, p < 0.01). The mean bleeding volume during labor in the USG group was higher compared with the non‐USG group (457 ± 329 vs. 418 ± 285, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Transabdominal sonographic confirmation of placental detachment may be useful in preventing uterine inversion.
Effect of glucocorticoids on the development of COVID‐19‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis: A meta‐analysis of 21 studies and 5174 patients
Authors: Hashim Zia , Nath Alok , Khan Ajmal , Gupta Mansi , Kumar Anup , Chatterjee Riksoam , Dhiman Radha Krishan , Hoenigl Martin , Tripathy Naresh Kumar
Published: August 2023

COVID‐19‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) remains a high mortality mycotic infection throughout the pandemic, and glucocorticoids (GC) may be its root cause. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of systemic GC treatment on the development of CAPA. We systematically searched the PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus and Embase databases to collect eligible studies published until 31 December 2022. The pooled outcome of CAPA development was calculated as the log odds ratio (LOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using a random effect model. A total of 21 studies with 5174 patients were included. Of these, 20 studies with 4675 patients consisting of 2565 treated with GC but without other immunomodulators (GC group) and 2110 treated without GC or other immunomodulators (controls) were analysed. The pooled LOR of CAPA development was higher for the GC group than for the controls (0.54; 95% CI: 0.22, 0.86; p < .01). In the subgroups, the pooled LOR was higher for high‐dose GC (0.90; 95% CI: 0.17, 1.62: p = .01) and dexamethasone (0.71; 95% CI: 0.35, 1.07; p < .01) but had no significant difference for low‐dose GC (0.41; 95% CI: −0.07, 0.89; p = .09), and non‐dexamethasone GC (0.21; 95% CI: −0.36, 0.79; p = .47), treated patients versus controls. GC treatment increases the risk of CAPA development, and this risk is particularly associated with the use of high‐dose GC or dexamethasone treatment.
Y a‐t‐il un avenir après la crise climatique ? De La fantastique Odyssée de Chérif Arbouz
Authors: Malinowska Magdalena
Published: August 2023

La crise climatique devient de plus en plus souvent le sujet des œuvres de fiction, non seulement dans l'aire culturelle anglo‐saxonne. Le présent article soumet à l'analyse un exemple de fiction climatique postcoloniale francophone, à savoir La fantastique Odyssée de l'Algérien Chérif Arbouz, dans le but de reconstruire la vision du futur y proposée. L'étude des procédés littéraires engagés par l'auteur tels que le héros collectif, l'étendue spatiale et temporelle de l'intrigue, l'insertion des passages essayistiques et scientifiques, démontre que l'écrivain arrive à représenter habilement la crise climatique et ses conséquences, à avertir les lecteurs des dangers y liés, de même qu'à faire partie du débat mondial concernant le futur de notre planète.
Utilization of donor‐derived Cell‐Free DNA in pediatric kidney transplant recipients: A single center study
Authors: Ranch Daniel , Fei Mingwei , Kincade Elisabeth , Piburn Kim , Hitchman Kelley , Klein Kelsey
Published: August 2023

High donor‐derived cell‐free DNA (dd‐cfDNA) levels indicate transplant allograft injury and can identify graft rejection in kidney transplant recipients. Here, we evaluated the use of dd‐cfDNA in pediatric kidney transplant rejection monitoring and treatment.

Methods

Forty‐two pediatric kidney transplant patients were enrolled between February 2020 and August 2021. Dd‐cfDNA was tested before and after biopsy/rejection treatment. There was a total of 61 allograft biopsies (44 for‐cause, 17 surveillance).

Results

Graft rejection was found in 35/61 biopsies. Rejection was more common in basiliximab induction compared to rATG (77.1% vs. 22.9%, p = .0121). Median dd‐cfDNA was higher in those with rejection (1.2% [0.34–3.12] vs. 0.24% [0.08–0.78], p < .0001). Dd‐cfDNA was highest in biopsies with AMR and mixed AMR/TCMR. In addition, dd‐cfDNA in basiliximab induction was higher compared to rATG (0.92% [0.27–1.8] vs. 0.26% [0.08–2], p = .0437). Median change in dd‐cfDNA after rejection treatment was −0.57% (−1.67 to 0.05). Median time to dd‐cfDNA <1% post‐rejection treatment was 8.5 days (3.0–19.5). Dd‐cfDNA in AMR was higher compared to TCMR or mixed rejection, and levels remained higher in AMR after treatment. In surveillance biopsies, 4/17 had rejection. Median dd‐cfDNA was not different in those with versus without rejection (0.48% vs. 0.28%, p = .2342). Those without rejection all had dd‐cfDNA <1%. In those with rejection, only one patient had dd‐cfDNA >1%, and all had TCMR.

Conclusions

Our findings support dd‐cfDNA as a useful indicator of graft rejection and response to treatment. Additional studies are needed to determine the role of dd‐cfDNA in graft health surveillance.
When the context withholds girls from gender a‐typical conduct: Schools' gender role culture and disruptive school behaviour of boys and girls
Authors: Van Houtte Mieke
Published: August 2023

On average, boys display more disruptive school behaviour than girls. This study looks at this behaviour in the first place as gendered behaviour, investigating whether boys' and girls' disruptive behaviour is associated with their schools' student and teacher gender role culture. Multilevel analyses (HLM7) of representative Flemish data of 2706 male and 2436 female 8th grade students in resp. 57 and 49 secondary schools, and 1247 teachers gathered at the end of school‐year 2013/14, revealed that a more traditional student gender role culture is associated with less disruptive school behaviour in girls. As for boys, the positive association between traditional student gender role culture and disruptive school behaviour disappears when accounting for their individual gender role attitudes, which are significantly more traditional than those of girls. More traditional gender role attitudes coincide with more disruptive behaviour in boys and girls. Moreover, boys displaying less disruptive behaviour report a higher felt pressure for gender conformity. No impact is found of the homogeneity of teachers' gender role attitudes. The findings demonstrate that disruptive school behaviour can be looked at as gendered behaviour and can be tackled, at least partly, by discouraging gender stereotypical beliefs in students.
The mechanisms related to fibroblasts in burn surface
Authors: Zhang Gaofei , Li Jiamei , Wang Di , Lou Hanxiao , Zhang Chenying , Liu Wenjun
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can promote burn wound healing, skin appearance, and function recovery by promoting the differentiation and migration of fibroblasts of a wound. The burn environment can activate the autophagy of MSCs. However, it is not clear whether this autophagy can affect the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts.

Methods

In this study, pretreated MSCs with rapamycin and 3‐methyladenine modulated autophagy and co‐cultured with fibroblasts of burn. Cell migration was detected by immunofluorescence chemical staining. Western blot analysis and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay were performed to detect 2,3‐Dioxygenase (IDO), cytokine synthesis inhibitory factor 10 (IL‐10), cytokine synthesis inhibitory factor 6 (IL‐6), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF‐β1) proteins levels, and the autophagy proteins p62 and microtubule‐associated protein LC3‐II/I.

Results

We demonstrated that autophagy regulates MSCs survival and proliferation in burn wound transplants and found that autophagy inhibition with 3‐methyladenine reduced MSCs‐mediated, fibroblast proliferation and migration in burn environment. However, rapamycin‐induced autophagy had the opposite effect and increased the TGF‐β1 expression. Therefore, we speculate that MSCs may promote fibroblast proliferation and migration by secreting TGF‐β1 via the AKT/mTOR (RAC‐alpha serine/threonine‐protein kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin) pathway.

Conclusion

Autophagy of MSCs regulates burn wound fibroblast proliferation and migration by affecting TGF‐β1 and prostaglandin E2 production adjacent to MSCs transplanted on the burn wound. The results of this study provide a potential strategy for promoting MSCs treatment of burns.