bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unveiling the science behind erectile dysfunction topical therapy: investigating transdermal papaverine as a novel treatment approach
Authors: Rezaiezadeh Hojjat , Ranjbar Tavakoli Marziyeh , Langarizadeh Mohammad Amin , Saeedi Garaghani Zahra , Karami-Mohajeri Somayyeh
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction is among the most prevalent urologic issues affecting men globally and is characterized by a high incidence rate. This condition significantly affects the quality of life of patients and their sexual partners.

Objectives

Due to the interactions, contraindications, and side effects associated with systemic drugs, recent research has increasingly focused on topical and transdermal medications for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Methods

Based on previous studies, this article examines papaverine in terms of local effectiveness, methods of increasing therapeutic efficiency, possible local side effects, and evaluation of its various formulations.

Results

Among these approaches, notable strategies include using novel formulations and nanoformulations as compared with classic ones, employing permeation enhancers, and combining treatments with other oral and topical drugs with synergistic mechanisms. These methods aim to improve transdermal papaverine’s bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects and enhancing patient compliance.

Conclusion

Transdermal papaverine may not be as effective as its injectable form, but the treatment path is more pleasant, with less pain and fewer side effects for patients. For this reason, using solutions that remove the penile skin and fascial absorption barrier can be very effective.
Taxation of Czech trust funds and foundations in the international context
Authors: Bartíková Andrea
Published: August 2024

The foundation’s purpose is traditionally public benefit activities in the Czech environment. In addition to a foundation, a trust fund, primarily used for the management of family assets but often for public benefit purposes, can be used for philanthropic purposes. Foundations and trust funds are subject to different tax regimes depending on the purpose for which they were established. The aim of this article is to use the analytical-descriptive and comparative method to explain, also in the international context, the tax aspects of foundations and trust funds, their different purposes and potential problems, as in the Czech environment we can still encounter the belief that foundations and trust funds serve to circumvent the tax system.
Influence of Hybrid Class and Ensiling Duration on Deoxynivalenol Accumulation and Its Derivative Deoxynivalenol-3-Glucoside While Ensiling Corn for Silage
Authors: Chibuogwu Maxwell O. , Reed Hannah , Groves Carol L. , Mueller Brian , Barrett-Wilt Gregory , Webster Richard Wade , Goeser John , Smith Damon L.
Published: August 2024

In silage corn (Zea mays L.), Fusarium graminearum causes diseases and produces the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON). The work presented here investigated DON accumulation and its fate during the ensiling of ground, whole-plant material obtained from dual-purpose (DP) and brown midrib (BMR) corn hybrids. Multiyear field trials arranged in a randomized complete block design were conducted in Wisconsin to evaluate BMR and DP corn hybrids in response to fungicide treatment. At harvest, the samples were chopped and vacuum sealed for a mini-silo time series assessment with silos opened following anaerobic fermentation for 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days. Repeated measures analysis of ensiled corn showed that hybrid (P < 0.01) and ensiling duration (P < 0.01) significantly impacted DON concentration through ensiling, whereas fungicide treatment had no significant effect (P > 0.05). Across hybrids and treatments, DON concentrations detected at harvest were the lowest with DON-3-glucoside at harvest significantly (P < 0.01) and highly correlated (r = 0.74) with DON concentration 30-days after ensiling. These findings suggest that mycotoxin testing in corn should include not only DON but also conjugates of DON that can be metabolized back to DON and increase the final DON concentration during ensiling.
Mental health disparities in people living with human immunodeficiency virus: A cross-sectional study on physician-patient concordance and treatment regimens
Authors: Shi Jinchuan , Zhang Zhongdong , Zhang Junyan , Zhang Yishu , Qiu Jiating , Liu Fang , Song Daoyuan , Ma Yanfang , Zhong Lianmei , Wang Hongxing , Liu Xiaolei
Published: August 2024

Background:

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) can profoundly affect the mental health of the people living with HIV (PLWH), with higher rates of anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. The disparities in neuropsychological problems evaluated by physicians and self-assessed by patients are still unknown.

Methods:

A total of 5000 PLWH and 500 physicians from 167 hospitals were enrolled in this cross-sectional study from September 2022 to February 2023. 4-Item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4) was used for the evaluation of depressive issues and anxiety issues by PLWH. Each physician assessed 10 PLWH under their care for the presence of depressive or anxiety issues. The primary outcomes of this study are the concordance rates on the depressive issues and anxiety issues evaluation between physicians and PLWH. The Cohen’s kappa test was used to assess the agreement between physicians and PLWH.

Results:

The concordance rate for the evaluation of depressive issues is 73.84% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 72.60–75.04%), and it is significantly different from the expected rate of 80% (P <0.001). Similarly, the concordance rate for the evaluation of anxiety issues is 71.74% (95% CI: 70.47–72.97%), which is significantly different from the expected rate of 80% as per the null hypothesis (P <0.001). The overestimation rate by physicians on depressive issues is 12.20% (95% CI: 11.32–13.14%), and for anxiety issues is 12.76% (95% CI: 11.86–13.71%). The mismatch rate for depressive issues is 26.16% (95% CI: 24.96–27.40%), and for anxiety issues is 28.26% (95% CI: 27.02–29.53%). The underestimation rate by physicians on depressive issues is 13.96% (95% CI: 13.03–14.95%), and for anxiety issues is 15.50% (95% CI: 14.52–16.53%). For the treatment regiments, PLWH sustained on innovative treatment regimen (IR) related to a lower prevalence of depressive issues (odds ratio [OR] = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.59–0.87, P = 0.003) and a lower prevalence of anxiety issues (OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.52–0.76, P <0.001). PLWH switch from conventional treatment regimen (CR) to IR also related to a lower prevalence of depressive issues (OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.64–0.98) and a lower prevalence of anxiety issues (OR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.67–0.99).

Conclusion:

Nearly one in three PLWH had their condition misjudged by their physicians. The findings underscore the need for improved communication and standardized assessment protocols in the care of PLWH, especially during the acute phase of HIV infection.
Reconstruction of Nasal Deformity Resulting from Mucormycosis Using a Chin Silicone Implant
Authors: Ahmad Ahmad Fayez
Published: August 2024

The clinical manifestations of mucormycosis vary depending on the location of the infection. In general, sepsis begins within the oral cavity or nose and then spreads to the central nervous system through the eyes. It is typically seen in immunocompromised patients, including those who have been exposed to high doses of cortisone, such as corona virus disease 2019 patients. The infection can lead to severe destruction of the bones of the palate, nose, and maxillary and sinusoid areas. Treatment may require both medical and surgical intervention. In the secondary stage of recovery from mucormycosis, various methods of reconstructive surgery for the external nasal structure can be used. To my knowledge, this is the first case that compares to secondary nasal restoration. A former patient with mucormycosis was treated using an autologous bone graft from the ilium, and after 2 years, the restoration was done using a silicone implant due to the absorption of the bone graft. The restoration using the silicone implant led to satisfactory results for the patient and the surgeon from an aesthetic standpoint, and we did not notice any inflammatory or infectious symptoms during the 11-month follow-up period.
Reproductive and pregnancy control in Wilson disease patients in Spain
Authors: Romero-Gutiérrez Marta , Alonso Pablo , Berenguer Marina , Olveira Antonio , González-Diéguez María Luisa , Iruzubieta Paula , Masnou Helena , Delgado Manuel , Hernández-Guerra Manuel , Lorente Sara , Lázaro María , Moreno-Planas José María , González Concepción , Fernández-Álvarez Paula , Cuenca Francisca , Gómez Judith , García-Villareal Luis , Rodríguez Olga , Mariño Zoe ,   on behalf of the AEEH Wilson Registry (Registro Wilson AEEH)
Published: August 2024

Background and aim

Recommendations on pregnancy, lactation, and contraception in women with Wilson disease are briefly stated in international guidelines but are not entirely homogeneous. Data regarding the management of these special events among patients with Wilson disease in Spain are lacking. We used the Wilson Registry platform of the Spanish Association for the Study of the Liver to question patients on their reproductive and gestational lives.

Methods

This was a multicentre ambispective study including adult women with Wilson disease in the Spanish Wilson Registry interviewed about their contraception, childbearing, pregnancy, and lactation experiences. Clinical and analytical data were extracted from the registry.

Results

The study included 92 women from 17 centres in Spain. Most (63%) reported having a previous pregnancy history. The rate of spontaneous miscarriages was 21.6%, mainly occurring in the first trimester and up to one third among undiagnosed patients. Most pregnant women received chelator therapy during pregnancy, but dose reduction was recommended in less than 10%. After delivery, artificial lactation predominated (60.3%) and its use was mainly based on physician’s recommendations (68%). Up to 40% of the women included reported some concerns about their reproductive lives, mainly related to the potential drug toxicity to their children. Most of the patients considered the information given by specialists to be sufficient.

Conclusion

Gestational management among women with Wilson disease in Spain was found to be highly heterogeneous and frequently different from what is described in international guidelines. Education on rare liver diseases should be a priority for scientific societies in order to homogenize patient follow-up and recommendations.
Glycemic Outcomes and Nurse Perceptions of Continuous Glucose Monitoring for Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Thullen Alexandra , Gerber Rebecca , Keen Alyson
Published: August 2024

Background:

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) can decrease hypoglycemic events and health care costs; however, barriers and facilitators that influence CGM use are unknown.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate hypoglycemic events and cost outcomes after CGM implementation and describe associated barriers and facilitators.

Methods:

A mixed-methods study design was used to evaluate CGM implementation on 2 pulmonary units within an academic health center. Hypoglycemic events were evaluated before and after CGM implementation, and nurses were interviewed about facilitators and barriers that influence CGM use.

Results:

Hypoglycemic events decreased from a rate of 0.0906 per 1000 patient days to 0.0503 postimplementation, P < .0001. A $105 766 cost avoidance was recognized. Barriers and facilitators to CGM use are described.

Conclusions:

Findings support CGM implementation, while uniquely contributing financial impact and device use barriers and facilitators. Hospitals may consider CGM use to improve timely identification and treatment of hypoglycemia.
Palatable solution overconsumption in the Cntnap2−/− murine model of autism: a link with oxytocin
Authors: Harvey Savannah , Liyanagamage Donisha S.N.K. , Pal Tapasya , Klockars Anica , Levine Allen S. , Olszewski Pawel K.
Published: August 2024

Dysregulated appetite is common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and it includes excessive interest in tasty foods. Overconsumption of palatable fluids has been found in the valproic acid-induced ASD rat. Though ASD has a strong genetic component, the link between ASD-related genes and appetite for palatable foods remains elusive. We focused on the CNTNAP2 gene whose deletion in mice recapitulates human ASD symptoms. We investigated whether Cntnap2−/− male mice consume greater amounts of palatable 10% sucrose, 0.1% saccharin, and 4.1% intralipid solutions offered in episodic meals either in a no-choice paradigm or a two-bottle choice test. We examined how sucrose intake affects c-Fos immunoreactivity in feeding-related brain areas. Finally, we determined doses at which intraperitoneal oxytocin decreases sucrose intake in mutants. In the single-bottle tests, Cntnap2−/− mice drank more sucrose, saccharin, and intralipid compared to WTs. Given a choice between two tastants, Cntnap2−/− mice had a higher preference for sucrose than intralipid. While the standard 1 mg/kg oxytocin dose reduced sucrose intake in WTs, a low oxytocin dose (0.1 mg/kg) decreased sucrose intake in Cntnap2−/− mice. Sucrose intake induced a more robust c-Fos response in wild-type (WT) than Cntnap2−/− mice in the reward and hypothalamic sites and it increased the percentage of Fos-immunoreactivity oxytocin neurons in WTs, but not in mutants. We conclude that Cntnap2−/− mice overconsume palatable solutions, especially sucrose, beyond levels seen in WTs. This excessive consumption is associated with blunted c-Fos immunoreactivity in feeding-related brain sites, and it can be reversed by low-dose oxytocin.
Dissociative recombination of rotationally cold
ArH+
Authors: Kálosi Ábel , Grieser Manfred , Isberner Leonard W. , Kreckel Holger , Larson Åsa , Neufeld David A. , Orel Ann E. , Paul Daniel , Savin Daniel W. , Schippers Stefan , Schmidt Viviane C. , Wolf Andreas , Wolfire Mark G. , Novotný Oldřich
Published: August 2024

We have experimentally studied dissociative recombination (DR) of electronically and vibrationally relaxed ArH+ in its lowest rotational levels, using an electron-ion merged-beams setup at the Cryogenic Storage Ring. We report measurements for the merged-beams rate coefficient of ArH+ and compare it to published experimental and theoretical results. In addition, by measuring the kinetic energy released to the DR fragments, we have determined the internal state of the DR products after dissociation. At low collision energies, we find that the atomic products are in their respective ground states, which are only accessible via nonadiabatic couplings to neutral Rydberg states. Published theoretical results for ArH+ have not included this DR pathway. From our measurements, we have also derived a kinetic temperature rate coefficient for use in astrochemical models.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Spectroscopy with the tensor renormalization group method
Authors: Az-zahra Fathiyya Izzatun , Takeda Shinji , Yamazaki Takeshi
Published: August 2024

We present a spectroscopy scheme for the lattice field theory by using the tensor renormalization group method combining with the transfer matrix formalism. By using the scheme, we cannot only compute the energy spectrum for the lattice theory but also determine quantum numbers of the energy eigenstates. Furthermore, the wave function of the corresponding eigenstate can also be computed. The first step of the scheme is to coarse grain the tensor network of a given lattice model by using the higher order tensor renormalization group, and then after making a matrix corresponding to a transfer matrix from the coarse-grained tensors, its eigenvalues are evaluated to extract the energy spectrum. Second, the quantum number of the eigenstates can be identified by a selection rule that requires to compute matrix elements of an associated insertion operator. The matrix elements can be represented by an impurity tensor network and computed by the coarse-graining scheme. Moreover, we can compute the wave function of the energy eigenstate by putting the impurity tensor at each point in space direction of the network. Additionally, the momentum of the eigenstate can also be identified by computing appropriate matrix elements represented by the tensor network. As a demonstration of the new scheme, we show the spectroscopy of the (1+1)d Ising model and compare it with exact results. We also present a scattering phase shift obtained from two-particle state energy using Lüscher’s formula.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Efficiency of magnetic Penrose process in higher dimensional Myers-Perry black hole spacetimes
Authors: Shaymatov Sanjar
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we consider a well-established magnetic Penrose process (MPP) and bring out its impact on the efficiency of energy extraction from higher dimensional (i.e., D>4) black holes. We derive the field equations of motion and determine the expressions for the energy efficiency of energy extraction for the case of higher dimensional black holes. We also examine the efficiency of energy extraction from black holes with (n−1) and n rotations. We demonstrate that black holes with (n−1) rotations has only one horizon, resulting in infinitely large energy efficiency even without MPP. On the other hand, for black holes with n rotations in D>4, the energy efficiency is not infinitely large, but the efficiency can be significantly enhanced by MPP. This enhancement allows for arbitrarily large energy efficiency. We find that the efficiency of energy extraction can exceed 100% for D=5, 6 and D=7, 8 dimensions. Interestingly, for rotation parameters near the extremal value, the energy efficiency remains above 100% in D=7, 8 compared to D=5, 6. MPP can eventually make higher dimensional black holes more efficient even with n rotations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
A distributed software system for integrating data-intensive imaging methods in a hard X-ray nanoprobe beamline at the SSRF
Authors: Zhang Peicheng , Jiang Zhisen , He Yan , Li Aiguo
Published: August 2024

The development of hard X-ray nanoprobe techniques has given rise to a number of experimental methods, like nano-XAS, nano-XRD, nano-XRF, ptychography and tomography. Each method has its own unique data processing algorithms. With the increase in data acquisition rate, the large amount of generated data is now a big challenge to these algorithms. In this work, an intuitive, user-friendly software system is introduced to integrate and manage these algorithms; by taking advantage of the loosely coupled, component-based design approach of the system, the data processing speed of the imaging algorithm is enhanced through optimization of the parallelism efficiency. This study provides meaningful solutions to tackle complexity challenges faced in synchrotron data processing.
Addiction recovery stories: Dee Hartley in conversation with Lisa Ogilvie
Authors: Hartley Dee , Ogilvie Lisa
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine recovery through lived experience. It is part of a series that explores candid accounts of addiction and recovery to identify important components in the recovery process.

Design/methodology/approach

The G-CHIME model comprises six elements important to addiction recovery (growth, connectedness, hope, identity, meaning in life and empowerment). It provides a standard against which to consider addiction recovery, having been used in this series, as well as in the design of interventions that improve well-being and strengthen recovery. In this paper, a first-hand account is presented, followed by a semi-structured e-interview with the author of the account. Narrative analysis is used to explore the account and interview through the G-CHIME model.

Findings

This paper shows that addiction recovery is a remarkable process that can be effectively explained using the G-CHIME model. The significance of each component in the model is apparent from the account and e-interview presented.

Originality/value

Each account of recovery in this series is unique, and as yet, untold.
Factors influencing readiness to implement digital audit among internal auditors of the Malaysian public sector
Authors: Ismail Suhaiza , Mokhtar Norsyahida , Ahmad Hawa
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the factors that influence the readiness of public sector internal auditors of the Accountant General’s Department (AGD) in Malaysia to implement digital audit.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used an online questionnaire survey that was administered to a population of 124 internal auditors of the AGD, Malaysia. The readiness was measured in two ways: change commitment (CCOM) and change efficacy (CEFF), whereas the predictors of readiness encompass three factors: change valence, task knowledge and task availability. A partial least squares modelling using the SmartPLS 4 version was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results reveal that change valence, task knowledge and task availability are positively significant factors influencing the CCOM of the AGD to implement digital audit. However, change valence is the only factor influencing CEFF.

Originality/value

This study offers useful empirical evidence on determinants of readiness to implement digital audit among internal auditors in the public sector, which is crucial towards supporting the Malaysian Government’s digital transformation agenda.
Application of roughness models to stationary and rotating minichannel flows
Authors: Pahlavanzadeh Mohammadsadegh , Rulik Sebastian , Wróblewski Włodzimierz , Rusin Krzysztof
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The performance of a bladeless Tesla turbine is closely tied to momentum diffusion, kinetic energy transfer and wall shear stress generation on its rotating disks. The surface roughness adds complexity of flow analysis in such a domain. This paper aims to assess the effect of roughness on flow structures and the application of roughness models in flow cross sections with submillimeter height, including both stationary and rotating walls.

Design/methodology/approach

This research starts with the examination of flow over a rough flat plate, and then proceeds to study flow within minichannels, evaluating the effect of roughness on flow characteristics. An in-house test stand validates the numerical solutions of minichannel. Finally, flow through the minichannel with corotating walls was analyzed. The k-ω SST turbulent model and Aupoix's roughness method are used for numerical simulations.

Findings

The findings emphasize the necessity of considering the constricted dimensions of the flow cross section, thereby improving the alignment of derived results with theoretical estimations. Moreover, this study explores the effects of roughness on flow characteristics within the minichannel with stationary and rotating walls, offering valuable insights into this intricate phenomenon, and depicts the appropriate performance of chosen roughness model in studied cases.

Originality/value

The originality of this investigation is the assessment and validation of flow characteristics inside minichannel with stationary and corotating walls when the roughness is implemented. This phenomenon, along with the effect of roughness on the transportation of kinetic energy to the rough surface of a minichannel in an in-house test setup, is assessed.
Progress and challenges of gender mainstreaming in Spanish university cooperation for international development: the technical staff’s viewpoints
Authors: Castellsagué Alba , Szyszlo Peter
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Considering the critical role of higher education institutions in the advancement of the 2030 Agenda, this paper aims to analyse the incorporation of the gender perspective (Sustainable Development Goal 5) in the University Cooperation for International Development.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a qualitative methodological strategy, this paper identifies the potentialities and challenges of this perspective from the point of view of the technical staff of the cooperation units of seven Spanish universities.

Findings

Results show a strong intention to incorporate gender principles, in accordance with the SDGs framework. However, the findings also point to certain divergences in the forms of understanding and implementing gender equality in practice. Finally, this paper uncovers a variety of strategies to navigate the resistances, still existing in the university community.

Originality/value

Spain is orienting the legal framework of its cooperation and international relations towards the ambitious horizon of a feminist foreign policy. Universities are key actors in international development cooperation and the implementation of the SDGs. This is an issue that has received little research attention, particularly from a gender perspective.
How do knowledge management practices, intellectual property protection and management innovation nurture the entrepreneurial leadership to attain sustainable growth?
Authors: Shaik Aqueeb Sohail , Alshibani Safiya Mukhtar , Mendiratta Aparna , Jain Dr Monika , Costanzo Bianca
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the this study is to discover the impact of practices of knowledge management, intellectual property protection and management innovation on entrepreneurial leadership, which in turn leads to sustainable growth in small and medium-sized enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

The data was collected from 292 small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in the USA using a cross-sectional survey. To evaluate the study hypotheses and analyse the data, structural equation modelling was used. SMART-PLS software was used for both confirmatory factor analysis and structural analysis.

Findings

The work has significantly contributed in revealing that knowledge management practices, management innovation and intellectual property protection have a substantial and constructive impact on entrepreneurial leadership, which in turn leads to sustainable growth in SMEs.

Practical implications

The study findings recommend that SMEs must focus on knowledge management practices, intellectual property protection and management innovation to nurture entrepreneurial leadership, which can lead to sustainable growth. SMEs can benefit from investing in knowledge management practices, protecting their intellectual property and innovating their management practices to achieve sustainable growth. Also, the absorptive capacity of an SME can help it to aggravate the impact of the above factors and lead them to sustainable growth faster.

Originality/value

The current work studies the association between knowledge management practices, intellectual property protection, management innovation, entrepreneurial leadership and sustainable growth in SMEs, thus contributing to the literature. The study provides insights into the factors that can nurture entrepreneurial leadership and contribute to sustainable growth in SMEs, which can inform policy and practice in the field of entrepreneurship.
Reducing food waste through persuasive communication design: how data visualisation principles reinforce behaviour change social marketing messages
Authors: Abos Regine Marguerite , Taffe Simone , Connory Jane , Karunasena Gamithri Gayana , Pearson David
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrate how the design of data visualisations can act as a tool to support social marketing messages in prompting behaviour change to reduce food waste using the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) as a theoretical framework. It also responds to a lack of consumer-led insight to develop campaigns in reducing food waste.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses data collected by the End Food Waste Cooperative Research Centre (EFW CRC) in Australia to determine which text-based campaign messages are most likely to prompt people toward reducing food waste. Behaviour change messages were first identified through workshops with 11 food waste experts, then explored through online focus group discussions with 18 participants from three food-wasting market segments. The messages were further tested via a quantitative survey among 1,000 decision makers in Australian households in their own homes, with the top three performing messages examined using summative content analysis.

Findings

The significant findings were that participants want to see 1) evidence of how adopting new behaviours would lead to financial savings and benefit the environment, and 2) concrete steps to reduce food waste. When examined through the ELM, the findings suggest that tools that encourage both cognitive and peripheral processing as a means of persuasion, like data visualisations, may be useful for changing food-wasting behaviours.

Research limitations/implications

Applying principles from the field of communication design to the ELM has uncovered the potential for a cross-disciplinary approach to enhance theoretical frameworks for understanding consumer engagement with messages. This process in turn, may lead to the development of more effective behaviour change marketing strategies.

Practical implications

Six principles for using data visualisations in a social marketing campaign are proposed: personal relevance, ease of use, emotional storytelling, context, prioritising the message itself and long-term usage.

Originality/value

This study proposes that data visualisations could enhance the effectiveness of social marketing campaigns by leveraging consumer-derived insights and the persuasive capacity inherent in their theoretical underpinnings.
Identity and influence: a comparative analysis of role perceptions among contingent staff employed in two UK higher education institutions
Authors: Knight Lisa , Gulati Steve , Hill Emma
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper presents findings from an exploration of the experiences of staff employed on sessional, part-time or fixed-term contracts (termed contingent staff), focusing on their perceptions and experiences of identity within a UK higher education context.

Design/methodology/approach

A comparative case study approach was adopted within a qualitative, interpretivist framework. Semi-structured interviews were used to facilitate an in-depth comparative analysis of the experiences of 11 contingent staff. Thematic analysis was employed to compare identity and practice across two settings to uncover distinct and shared factors.

Findings

Participants highlight several critical issues within the study units, including identity and perceived value, team dynamics, clarity of roles and the sense of inclusion within the broader academic community. The findings also reveal that the boundaries between educational roles – including educator, facilitator, coach, mentor and those associated with pastoral care – are increasingly indistinct, suggesting a convergence of pedagogical approaches and holistic practice.

Originality/value

This study provides insights into the underexplored area of pedagogic practice and identity among contingent staff in the UK higher education sector. Unlike previous research, which may broadly examine mentoring roles or apprenticeship outcomes, this study specifically highlights educators' identity perceptions and experiences on contingent contracts, providing a lens on their professional landscape. Employing a comparative case study design enhances the findings by allowing an in-depth juxtaposition of experiences across two distinct higher education institutions.
Examining workplace affordances within work-study programmes for becoming an engineer
Authors: Chue Shien , Billett Stephen
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Work-study programmes aim to support young adults transitioning from tertiary education to work and contribute to enhancing their employability. The purpose of this study is to provide a detailed analysis of the learning experiences of trainees in work-study programmes within the broad field of engineering.

Design/methodology/approach

The data gathering procedures used interviews with participants of a specific work-study programme and conducting thematic analyses to identify and understand the motivations of these adults for enrolling in work-study programmes and their associated workplace learning experiences. Fifty-two alumni of electrical and logistics engineering programmes completed 12 months of a separate work-study programme and consented to participate in an hour-long interview. They elaborated upon their work-learn experiences to explicate their work-learn needs and challenges in those interviews.

Findings

Findings include workplaces facilitated skills development through providing combinations of work tasks comprising both routine and novel work assignments; challenging circumstances at the workplace provided trainees with opportunities to develop adaptive capacities; and engaging in non-routine work processes fosters integration into the engineering workplace community.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the existing literature by exemplifying how routine engineering activities are practical affordances through which engineering trainees construct knowledge and dispositions for engaging in challenging, non-routine engineering work. Such experiences are crucial in preparing trainees for advanced roles in logistics or electronic sectors.
A comparison of anomaly detection algorithms with applications on recoater streaking in an additive manufacturing process
Authors: Stribos Reinier , Bouman Roel , Jimenez Lisandro , Slot Maaike , Stoelinga Marielle
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Powder bed additive manufacturing has recently seen substantial growth, yet consistently producing high-quality parts remains challenging. Recoating streaking is a common anomaly that impairs print quality. Several data-driven models for automatically detecting this anomaly have been proposed, each with varying effectiveness. However, comprehensive comparisons among them are lacking. Additionally, these models are often tailored to specific data sets. This research addresses this gap by implementing and comparing these anomaly detection models for recoating streaking in a reproducible way. This study aims to offer a clearer, more objective evaluation of their performance, strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, this study proposes an improvement to the Line Profiles detection model to broaden its applicability, and a novel preprocessing step was introduced to enhance the models’ performances.

Design/methodology/approach

All found anomaly detection models have been implemented along with several preprocessing steps. Additionally, a new universal benchmarking data set has been constructed. Finally, all implemented models have been evaluated on this benchmarking data set and the effect of the different preprocessing steps was studied.

Findings

This comparison shows that the improved Line Profiles model established it as the most efficient detection approach in this study’s benchmark data set. Furthermore, while most state-of-the-art neural networks perform very well off the shelf, this comparison shows that specialised detection models outperform all others with the correct preprocessing.

Originality/value

This comparison gives new insights into different recoater streaking (RCS) detection models, showcasing each one with its strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, the improved Line Profiles model delivers compelling performance in detecting RCS.
The use of AI in government and its risks: lessons from the private sector
Authors: Santos Ricardo , Brandão Amélia , Veloso Bruno , Popoli Paolo
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to understand the perceived emotions of human–artificial intelligence (AI) interactions in the private sector. Moreover, this research discusses the transferability of these lessons to the public sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This research analysed the comments posted between June 2022 and June 2023 in the global open Reddit online community. A data mining approach was conducted, including a sentiment analysis technique and a qualitative approach.

Findings

The results show a prevalence of positive emotions. In addition, a pertinent percentage of negative emotions were found, such as hate, anger and frustration, due to human–AI interactions.

Practical implications

The insights from human–AI interactions in the private sector can be transferred to the governmental sector to leverage organisational performance, governmental decision-making, public service delivery and the creation of economic and social value.

Originality/value

Beyond the positive impacts of AI in government strategies, implementing AI can elicit negative emotions in users and potentially negatively impact the brand of private and government organisations. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research bridging the gap by identifying the predominant negative emotions after a human–AI interaction.
Nomos aversion and the art of being somewhat governed among Jewish outpost settlers in the West Bank
Authors: Reicher Amir
Published: August 2024

Since the mid‐1990s, in clandestine co‐operation with state agencies, West Bank settlers have been establishing what have become known as the illegal outpost settlements. These are typically rustic communities located deep inside the frontier. Publicly, outpost residents insist that they want the state to retroactively legalize their communities. This is also the long‐sought goal of the leaders of the settlement movement. However, this article exposes how, in fact, many ‘outpost people’ actively resist and subvert the efforts of their leadership to legalize and subsequently enlarge their communities. They do so, I argue, from a sense of ‘nomos aversion’, which at its heart is a rejection of the law and the state. This article shows how, in this context, with the aim of keeping the state at a safe distance, the on‐the‐ground settlers – who are at the frontlines of settler‐colonial expansion – navigate their ambivalent relationship with the colonial centre by constantly reshaping their social structure between anti‐statist and statist modes. I conceptualize this social technique in terms of the ‘art of being somewhat governed’. By introducing these terms, this article offers an analysis of how an internal rivalry that latently underlies a settler colonial society shapes colonial expansion.
Review article: The nature of terror medicine
Authors: Braitberg George
Published: August 2024

In recent years, the landscape of disasters, conflicts and terror events has become more frequent and complex. Climate change, armed conflicts, terrorism, disinformation, cyber‐attacks, inequality and pandemics now present significant challenges to humanity. Emergency physicians today are likely to encounter ideologically motivated violent extremism or terrorist actions by radicalised lone actors. Terror medicine, distinct from disaster medicine, addresses the unique and severe injuries caused by terrorist incidents, including explosions, gunshots and chemical agents. The chaotic aftermath of such attacks demands rapid triage, prioritisation and strict adherence to scene safety protocols. Moreover, terrorist events have profound psychological impacts on victims and responders alike. Understanding the broader public health implications of these attacks is crucial for emergency physicians to enhance community safety and resilience. Terror medicine also brings unique ethical and legal challenges, such as patient confidentiality, mandatory reporting and mass casualty management. Effective responses to terror incidents necessitate close collaboration between healthcare providers and law enforcement. Familiarity with terror medicine principles fosters better communication and coordination, ultimately improving response efficiency and patient outcomes. This review offers a comprehensive approach to understanding terror medicine, defining the concept of ‘terror’, its significance for emergency physicians, and the known health impacts on patients, healthcare workers and responders. By delving into these aspects, the review aims to equip medical professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of terror‐related emergencies effectively.
Effects of cereal flour types and sourdough on dough physicochemical properties and steamed bread quality
Authors: Liu Junli , Zhao Wei , Zhang Aixia , Zhang Xiaodi , Li Pengliang , Liu Jingke
Published: August 2024

Coarse cereals have been promoted for their health benefits, and sourdough is used to improve their steamed bread sensory acceptance. However, grains vary in dough physiochemical properties and steamed bread–making performance. This study investigated the effects of yeast and sourdough fermentation on the biochemical, textural, and flavor properties of dough and steamed bread of eight grain types. Results indicated that sourdough dough had a lower pH and higher total titrable acidity compared with yeast group. The texture of sourdough‐steamed bread was significantly improved with reduced hardness and enhanced springiness. Microstructure revealed that sourdough resulted in starch surface corrosion and less amylopectin recrystallization. Aldehydes, alcohols, and esters are more dominant in sourdough group than yeast group. Foxtail millet and sorghum steamed breads exhibited the highest performances in texture, flavor, and sensory evaluation. This could provide a theoretical basis for producing coarse cereal products with desirable quality.
Preconception carrier screening and preimplantation genetic testing in the infertility management
Authors: Caroselli Silvia , Poli Maurizio , Gatta Valentina , Stuppia Liborio , Capalbo Antonio
Published: August 2024

Background

Genetic testing serves as a valuable element of reproductive care, applicable at various stages of the reproductive journey: (i) before pregnancy, when a couple's genetic reproductive risk can be evaluated; (ii) before embryo implantation, as part of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, to ascertain several inherited or de novo genetic/chromosomal diseases of the embryo before transfer; (iii) during the prenatal period, to assess the genetic costitution of the fetus. Preconception carrier screening (CS) is a genetic test typically performed on couples planning a pregnancy. The primary purpose of CS is to identify couples at‐risk of conceiving a child affected by a severe genetic disorder with autosomal recessive or X‐linked inheritance. Detection of high reproductive risk through CS allows prospective parents to be informed of their predisposition and improve reproductive decision‐making. These include undergoing IVF with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) or donor gametes, prenatal diagnosis, adoption, remaining childless, taking no actions. Both the presence of the affected gene (PGT‐M) and chromosomal status (PGT‐A) of the embryo can be comprehensively assessed through modern approaches.

Objectives

We provide a review of CS and PGT applications to equip healthcare providers with up‐to‐date information regarding their opportunities and complexities.

Results and Discussion

The use of CS and PGT is currently considered the most effective intervention for avoiding both an affected pregnancy whilst using autologous gametes in couples with known increased risk, and chromosomal abnormalities. As our understanding in the genetic component in pathological conditions increases, the number of tested disorders will expand, offering a more thorough assessment of one's genetic inheritance. Nevertheless, implementation and development in this field must be accompanied by scientific and ethical considerations to ensure this approach serves the best long‐term interests of individuals and society, promoting justice and autonomy and preserving parenthood and the healthcare system.

Conclusion

The combination of CS and PGT aligns with principles of personalized medicine by offering reproductive care tailored to the individual's genetic makeup.
Twenty four‐hour blood pressure and cognitive outcomes in adolescents born extremely preterm and at term
Authors: Piazza Chandelle L. , Doyle Lex W. , Pascoe Leona , Mainzer Rheanna M. , Takagi Michael , Cheong Jeanie L. , Anderson Peter J. ,   the Victorian Infant Collaborative Study Group
Published: August 2024

Aim

To explore the impact of blood pressure on cognitive outcomes at 18 years of age in individuals born extremely preterm (<28 weeks' gestation) and at term (≥37 weeks' gestation).

Methods

Prospective longitudinal cohort comprising 136 young adults born extremely preterm and 120 matched term controls born in Victoria, Australia in 1991 and 1992. Using linear regression, we analysed the relationships between 24‐h mean ambulatory blood pressure, systolic and diastolic hypertension with cognitive outcomes.

Results

For both birth groups combined, higher 24‐h mean ambulatory blood pressure and systolic hypertension were associated with similar or worse cognitive outcomes. The strongest relationships were between higher 24‐h mean ambulatory blood pressure and systolic hypertension with poorer general intellect, visual learning and visual memory. We found little evidence that relationships between ambulatory blood pressure and cognitive outcomes differed by birth group.

Conclusion

Higher 24‐h mean ambulatory blood pressure and systolic hypertension were associated with poorer cognitive outcomes in individuals born extremely preterm and at term, particularly in general intelligence and visual memory.
Trends in habitat quality and habitat degradation in terrestrial protected areas
Authors: Zhao Jianqiao , Yu Le , Newbold Tim , Chen Xin
Published: August 2024

Protected areas are typically considered a cornerstone of conservation programs and play a fundamental role in protecting natural areas and biodiversity. Human‐driven land‐use and land‐cover (LULC) changes lead to habitat loss and biodiversity loss inside protected areas, impairing their effectiveness. However, the global dynamics of habitat quality and habitat degradation in protected areas remain unclear. We used the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade‐offs (InVEST) model based on global annual remotely sensed data to examine the spatial and temporal trends in habitat quality and degradation in global terrestrial protected areas. Habitat quality represented the ability of habitats to provide suitable conditions for the persistence of individuals and populations, and habitat degradation represented the impacts on habitats from human‐driven LULC changes in the surrounding landscape. Based on a linear mixed‐effects modeling method, we also explored the relationship between habitat degradation trends and protected area characteristics, biophysical factors, and socioeconomic factors. Habitat quality declined by 0.005 (0.6%) and habitat degradation increased by 0.002 (11%) from 1992 to 2020 globally, and similar trends occurred even in remote or restrictively managed protected areas. Habitat degradation was attributed primarily to nonirrigated cropland (62%) and urbanization (27%) in 2020. Increases in elevation, gross domestic production per capita, and human population density and decreases in agricultural suitability were associated with accelerated habitat degradation. Our results suggest that human‐induced LULC changes have expanded from already‐exploited areas into relatively undisturbed areas, and that in wealthy countries in particular, degradation is related to rapid urbanization and increasing demand for agricultural products.