bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Value creation in the metaverse age: a thematic analysis of press releases
Authors: Ferrigno Giulio , Di Paola Nadia , Oguntegbe Kunle Francis , Kraus Sascha
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Since Zuckerberg's announcement to change Facebook's name to Meta Platforms Inc. on October 28, 2021, the concept of the metaverse has gained unprecedented popularity in the business world. Tech giants, SMEs and start-ups across various sectors are making substantial investments in metaverse-related technologies. Despite this, scholarly research in entrepreneurship and strategic management regarding the metaverse remains limited. This paper, grounded in value creation theory, aims to analyze how value is generated in the metaverse era.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducts a thematic analysis of 895 press releases published by LexisNexis between October 28, 2021, and October 28, 2022. The analysis identifies the primary emerging themes related to value creation in the metaverse age.

Findings

The thematic analysis reveals four significant emerging themes concerning value creation in the metaverse age: (1) factors enabling value creation, (2) digital resources contributing to value creation, (3) motives driving value creation and (4) practices of value creation.

Originality/value

This paper represents the inaugural attempt to analyze the metaverse through a value creation lens. Given the substantial investments and growing academic interest in the metaverse, understanding value creation in this context is a pressing concern. Additionally, this study provides valuable insights and suggests critical questions for future research on the metaverse.
Empirical nexus of hospital brand gestalt, patient satisfaction and revisit intention
Authors: Mandagi Deske W. , Rampen Derby Chriestofle , Soewignyo Tonny Irianto , Walean Ronny H.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this investigation is to scrutinize the unexplored realm concerning the interplay of hospital brand gestalt on patient satisfaction and revisit intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-administered online survey was conducted with 227 patients who had stayed at and received health-care services from a private hospital in the city of Manado, Indonesia, within the past 12 months. The quantitative data were subsequently analyzed using a structural equation model with the assistance of Smart PLS statistical software.

Findings

The results suggest that the hospital brand gestalt significantly and positively influences patient satisfaction, which, in turn, leads to patients’ intentions to revisit. Furthermore, patient satisfaction serves as a significant mediator in the relationship between brand gestalt and revisit intentions.

Research limitations/implications

This study enhances the comprehension of brand gestalt’s influence on customer attitudes and behaviors within the health-care context, contributing to the expanding body of literature concerning holistic brand perception. For health-care providers, the study underscores the significance of creating a uniform and distinctive brand experience to boost patient satisfaction and cultivate loyalty. In summary, this study paves the way for strategic branding initiatives in health care, ultimately enhancing patient experiences and organizational outcomes.

Practical implications

For health-care providers, this study emphasizes the importance of crafting a consistent and differentiated brand experience to enhance patient satisfaction and foster loyalty. Overall, this study opens avenues for strategic branding efforts in health care, ultimately improving patient experiences and organizational outcomes.

Originality/value

While there is a growing interest in the role of brand gestalt in marketing research, there is still a need for more empirical research to explore the link between brand gestalt, customer satisfaction and revisit intention. Surprisingly, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous studies have investigated the role of brand gestalt in the context of health care.
Millennial perceptions of private label and national brand apparel
Authors: Sorensen Katelyn , Johnson Jorgensen Jennifer
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to use Q methodology to investigate Millennial perceptions toward private label or national brand apparel.

Design/methodology/approach

Q methodology was chosen to identify factors, which correspond to patterns of perceptions prevalent among Millennials. Participants were supplied with 14 statements that they sorted into two Q sorts – One representing perceptions of private label and the other representing perceptions of national brands. The Q sorts were completed through Qualtrics and participants answered open-ended questions on the placement of each statement within each Q sort.

Findings

Two factors emerged on private labels, highlighting patterns in price consciousness and uniqueness (acknowledged as patterns surrounding the desire for particular apparel characteristics). Three factors arose for national brand apparel, emphasizing the need for national brands to provide consumers with product security, quality and uniqueness (as identified through the unpreferred qualities national brands typically exhibit).

Originality/value

This study illustrates the various viewpoints retailers must consider when marketing apparel to a specific target demographic. In addition, a single perception (uniqueness) was found to connect motivations, which led to the development of a model for future inquiry.

Research limitations/implications

Despite complete Q sorts and qualitative statements, participants' unfamiliarity with Q methodology and the sorting action of statements could be considered a limitation. The use of MTurk is also considered a limitation owing to the anonymity and possible deception of the workforce.

Practical implications

Private label brand personality growth has many retailers expanding their brand portfolios. Based on the findings of this study, specific opportunities are highlighted for the expansion and marketing of private labels and brand labels based on specific perceptions of a broad Millennial cohort.
When commuting becomes a pain: a daily diary study of the effect of commuting stressors on abusive supervision
Authors: Chen Yushuai , Ashkanasy Neal M. , Liu Xin , Wu Lijun , Yang An
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Studies of the antecedents of daily abusive supervision have mainly focused on work stressors and family stressors, ignoring the potential importance of commuting stressors that are encountered enroute to work. Based in affective events theory, the authors propose a daily, within-person model to examine how the commuting stressors faced by supervisors affect their propensity to engage in abusive supervision behavior and the mechanisms underlying this effect.

Design/methodology/approach

Using experience-sampling methodology, the authors collected data from 49 supervisors in China who responded to two daily surveys for 10 working days.

Findings

The authors found that daily morning commuting anger mediates the link between daily morning commuting stressors and subsequent abusive supervision. The authors also found that trait-displaced aggression moderates this relationship, such that the mediating effect occurs only when supervisors' trait-displaced aggression is high rather than low.

Originality/value

This study enriches the antecedents of daily abusive supervision and extends the commuting literature to the leadership context.
Test anxiety's influence on attitudes, confidence and efficacy in STEM courses: a pilot study
Authors: Hyseni Duraku Zamira , Hoxha Linda , Konjufca Jon , Blakaj Artë , Bytyqi Blerinë , Mjekiqi Erona , Bajgora Shkurtë
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This pilot study aims to examine the prevalence of test anxiety and its interplay with attitudes, confidence, efficacy, academic performance and socio-demographic factors within the domain of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) courses.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employed a quantitative, cross-sectional design with 549 sixth-grade students from public lower secondary schools in Prishtina, Kosovo, using the Student Attitudes Toward STEM Survey (S-STEM) for middle/high schools and the test anxiety questionnaire.

Findings

Over 70% of Kosovo's sixth-grade students reported moderate to severe test anxiety. The age of students was found to be inversely related to academic performance in STEM. The father's employment was associated with favorable STEM attitudes, confidence, efficacy and academic performance. Having a personal study environment was connected with favorable STEM attitudes, confidence and efficacy in STEM, whereas access to technology was associated with positive academic performance. Test anxiety, academic performance and personal study space predicted students' attitudes, confidence and efficacy in STEM and 21st-century learning.

Practical implications

Educational institutions should prioritize student well-being. By addressing test anxiety, these institutions can create supportive learning environments that improve attitudes, confidence and efficacy in STEM fields. These efforts are crucial for STEM career development and student success in the 21st-century workforce.

Originality/value

The current study findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the factors influencing STEM student engagement and performance, highlighting the importance of addressing test anxiety for positive learning outcomes while emphasizing the need to consider socio-economic and contextual factors in education.
Do contingent liabilities affect dividend decisions?
Authors: Chaklader Barnali , Mundi Hardeep Singh
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The paper examines contingent liabilities' effect on the firm's dividend decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

Fixed-effects regression and logit model results estimate the influence of contingent liabilities on firms' dividend decisions using a sample of 2,288 firm-year observations of S&P 500 firms from 2012 until 2022. Robustness checks and results from the 2SLS model further support the authors’ findings.

Findings

The results show that contingent liabilities negatively affect dividend payment decisions. This analysis further demonstrates that the stated effect of contingent liabilities on dividend decisions is more substantial for firms with financing deficits and those with above-industry-average corporate governance scores.

Research limitations/implications

There needs to be more systematic conceptual reason for measuring uncertainty for firms and its influence on dividend decisions. Future research should use other measures of firm uncertainty to examine the relation of the firm's uncertainty with dividend decisions.

Practical implications

The authors suggest that contingent liabilities create uncertainty for future cash flows, influence a firm's agency costs and provide credible signals on a firm's prospects to the market. The findings support existing literature that measurable firm-specific variables significantly influence a firm's dividend decisions. The results are robust for an alternative explanation.

Originality/value

By investigating the impact of the influence of contingent liabilities on dividends, the authors extend research on dividend decisions and attempt to provide insights into a firm's dividend decisions by incorporating an off-the-balance sheet item (contingent liabilities) as a significant predictor for dividend decisions.
Typical faults and safety analysis of brake controller for AC locomotive
Authors: Ren Yujie , Chi Hai
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The brake controller is a key component of the locomotive brake system. It is essential to study its safety.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper summarizes and analyzes typical faults of the brake controller, and proposes four categories of faults: position sensor faults, microswitch faults, mechanical faults and communication faults. Suggestions and methods for improving the safety of the brake controller are also presented.

Findings

In this paper, a self-judgment and self-learning dynamic calibration method is proposed, which integrates the linear error of the sensor and the manufacturing and assembly errors of the brake controller to solve the output drift. This paper also proposes a logic for diagnosing and handling microswitch faults. Suggestions are proposed for other faults of brake controller.

Originality/value

The methods proposed in this paper can greatly improve the usability of the brake controller and reduce the failure rate.
Low and high nucleic acid content bacteria play discrepant roles in response to various carbon supply modes
Authors: Zhang Hui , Hu Wei , Liu Ruidan , Bartlam Mark , Wang Yingying
Published: November 2023

Planktonic bacteria can be grouped into ‘high nucleic acid content (HNA) bacteria’ and ‘low nucleic acid content (LNA) bacteria.’ Nutrient input modes vary in environments, causing nutrient availability heterogeneity. We incubated them with equal amounts of total glucose added in a continuous/pulsed mode. The pulse‐treated LNA bacteria exhibited twice the cell abundance and four times the viability of the continuous‐treated LNA, while HNA did not show an adaptation to pulsed treatment. In structural equation modelling, LNA bacteria had higher path coefficients than HNA, between growth and carbon‐saving metabolic pathways, intracellular ATP and the inorganic energy storage polymer, polyphosphate, indicating their low‐cost growth, and flexible energy storage and utilisation. After incubation, the pulse‐treated LNA bacteria contained more proteins and polysaccharides (0.00064, 0.0012 ng cell−1) than the continuous‐treated LNA (0.00014, 0.00014 ng cell−1), conferring endurance and rapid response to pulses. Compared to LNA, HNA keystone taxa had stronger correlations with the primary glucose metabolism step, glycolysis, and occupied leading positions to explain the random forest model. They are essential to introduce glucose into the element cycling of the whole community under both treatments. Our work outlines a systematic bacterial response to carbon input.
simRestore: A decision‐making tool for adaptive management of the native genetic status of wild populations
Authors: Hernández Flor , Janzen Thijs , Lavretsky Philip
Published: November 2023

Anthropogenic hybridization, or higher and non‐natural rates of gene flow directly and indirectly induced by human activities, is considered a significant threat to biodiversity. The primary concern for conservation is the potential for genomic extinction and loss of adaptiveness for native species due to the extensive introgression of non‐native genes. To alleviate or reverse trends for such scenarios requires the direct integration of genomic data within a model framework for effective management. Towards this end, we developed the simRestore R program as a decision‐making tool that integrates ecological and genomic information to simulate ancestry outcomes from optimized conservation strategies. In short, the program optimizes supplementation and removal strategies across generations until a set native genetic threshold is reached within the studied population. Importantly, in addition to helping with initial decision‐making, simulations can be updated with the outcomes of ongoing efforts, allowing for the adaptive management of populations. After demonstrating functionality, we apply and optimize among actionable management strategies for the endangered Hawaiian duck for which the current primary threat is genetic extinction through ongoing anthropogenic hybridization with feral mallards. Simulations demonstrate that supplemental and removal efforts can be strategically tailored to move the genetic ancestry of Hawaii's hybrid populations towards Hawaiian duck without the need to completely start over. Further, we discuss ecological parameter sensitivity, including which factors are most important to ensure genetic outcomes (i.e. number of offspring). Finally, to facilitate use, the program is also available online as a Shiny Web application.
Investigation of response of patients with non‐small cell lung cancer to docetaxel (plus ramucirumab) therapy in second‐line treatment
Authors: Takahara Yutaka , Abe Ryudai , Nagae Sumito , Tanaka Takuya , Ishige Yoko , Shionoya Ikuyo , Yamamura Kouichi , Nishiki Kazuaki , Nojiri Masafumi , Kato Ryo , Shinomiya Shohei , Oikawa Taku
Published: November 2023

Background

Several options for second‐line therapy are available for patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, the optimal therapy remains unclear. Docetaxel (DTX) monotherapy and DTX plus ramucirumab (RAM) are the recommended second‐line treatment options. However, the efficacy of these treatments remains unsatisfactory. The aim of this study was to identify the clinical characteristics of patients with NSCLC who respond to DTX or DTX + RAM and factors that predict response.

Methods

Patients with NSCLC treated with DTX or DTX + RAM after second‐line therapy were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were compared with those who responded or did not respond to the post‐treatment efficacy assessment.

Results

Of 53 patients, 12 (22.6%) had lung cancer that responded to DTX or DTX + RAM therapy (response group). Multivariate analysis identified the absence of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in the immediate prior therapy and a reduced dose of DTX after the second cycle as significant independent risk factors predicting nonresponse to DTX and DTX + RAM therapy in patients with NSCLC. The overall survival was significantly longer in the response group compared to the nonresponse group (p = 0.016).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that DTX and DTX + RAM therapies immediately after treatment with ICI‐containing regimens as well as continuation of DTX without dose reduction after the second cycle may increase the response rate and prolong survival in patients with NSCLC.
Leaf water shedding: Moving away from assessments based on static contact angles, and a new device for observing dynamic droplet roll‐off behaviour
Authors: Dunkerley David
Published: November 2023

Leaf wettability and drainage characteristics of different taxa are often hypothesised to have emerged as a result of evolutionary selection, perhaps to limit the duration of leaf wetness, or to direct water toward efficiently to the soil and root system, rather than suffering loss to evaporation. Methods for quantifying leaf wetting and drainage are however not well‐developed. The present work describes a low‐cost, electro‐mechanical tilting table intended to facilitate precise and reproducible measurements of droplet shedding from leaves, describe by the roll‐off angle αroll.

The new tilting table uses widely‐available components (microcontroller, stepper motor and driver, liquid‐crystal display (LCD) and custom operating code) to achieve controlled tilting through the range 0° to >90° at user‐controlled rates of tilting. It is suitable for field use, such that leaf specimens can be tested within minutes of collection.

Water shedding tests on juvenile leaves from Homolanthus populifolius, native to the wet tropics of northern Queensland, Australia, show that testing of whole leaves (rather than small excised samples) reveals quite complex behaviour in which the open leaf surface is hydrophobic but major adaxial veins are strongly hydrophilic and can trap droplets. These can remain attached to the leaf at inclinations beyond vertical. Moreover, the apparent droplet roll‐off angles are dependent on the tilt speed applied.

Droplet roll‐off tests used to characterise the propensity for leaf wetting or water shedding require controlled and reproducible experimental conditions, and a device suitable for studying the whole intact leaf surface. Preliminary results on H. populifolius show complex adaxial leaf surface characteristics, with mixed hydrophobic and hydrophilic components. This suggests that overall propensity to retain or shed water droplets is likely to depend on the size and intensity of rain or canopy drip from above. This makes the inferring of evolutionary costs or advantages more challenging and more likely to co‐vary with regional environmental conditions.
Trends in where people buy their vaping products and differences by user and device characteristics: A population study in England, 2016–23
Authors: Jackson Sarah E. , Tattan‐Birch Harry , Brown Jamie
Published: November 2023

Aims

To explore where people in England typically buy e‐cigarettes/vaping products, how their characteristics and the types of products purchased differ according to the source of purchase and whether this is changing over time.

Design

This was a nationally representative monthly cross‐sectional survey.

Setting

The study was conducted in England, 2016–23.

Participants

A total of 6507 adults (≥ 18 years) who reported current vaping.

Measurements

Participants were asked where they usually buy their vaping products: vape shops, supermarkets/convenience stores, on‐line or other sources (‘other’ or cheap from friends).

Findings

Up to 2020, vape shops were the most common source of purchase (mean monthly proportion = 43.3%), followed by supermarkets/convenience stores (29.7%) and on‐line retailers (20.5%). In 2020, these purchasing patterns shifted: on‐line purchasing increased and vape‐shop purchasing fell. The rise in on‐line purchasing was short‐lived, peaking at 33.6% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 31.0–36.5%] in July 2021, and soon returned to baseline levels. However, the fall in vape‐shop purchasing persisted, remaining below 31% from July 2021 onwards, displaced by a rapid rise in purchasing from supermarkets and convenience stores from 31.6% (95% CI = 29.6–33.7%) in January 2021 to 48.5% (95% CI = 42.9–54.8%) by April 2023. This rise was most pronounced among younger adults (aged 18–35 years; Pinteraction < 0.001) and those mainly using disposable devices (Pinteraction = 0.013). Purchasing from other sources was relatively rare, and declined from 9.1% (95% CI = 6.6–12.7%) in July 2016 to 4.3% (95% CI = 2.6–7.1%) in April 2023.

Conclusions

Supermarkets and convenience stores have recently overtaken vape shops to become the most popular places to buy vaping products in England. This change appears to have been driven by the rising popularity of new disposable e‐cigarettes among younger adults, who tend to buy these products from supermarkets/convenience stores.
Unusual imaging appearance of cemental tear in the maxillary first molar on cone‐beam computed tomography: A case report
Authors: Kuwada Chiaki , Kikuchi Takeshi , Kato Akiko , Naitoh Munetaka , Kise Yoshitaka , Mitani Akio , Honda Masaki , Ariji Eiichiro
Published: November 2023

A cemental tear (CeT) is a definitive clinical entity and its radiographic appearance is well known in single‐rooted teeth. However, the imaging features of CeT in multi‐rooted teeth have not been clarified. We report a case of CeT which arose in the maxillary first molar and exhibited an unusual appearance in cone‐beam computed tomography images. The torn structure was verified as cementum by micro‐computed tomography and histological analysis. The hypercementosis, most likely induced by occlusal force, might have been torn from the root by a stronger occlusal force caused by the mandibular implant. An unusual bridging structure was created between the two buccal roots. These features may occur in multi‐rooted teeth with long‐standing deep pockets and abscesses that are resistant to treatment.
Effect of different apical actions of new integrated endodontic motors on apical debris extrusion: An in vitro study
Authors: Kılıç Yağmur , Tulgar Mustafa Mert , Karataşlıoğlu Emrah
Published: November 2023

The new generation endodontic motors can perform different kinematics when they reach a certain predetermined level thanks to the integrated apex locator system. These actions consist of apical reverse, apical slow down and apical stop. The aim of this study is to compare this action's effect on apical debris extrusion. Sixty extracted human lower premolars were selected. Teeth are divided into four random groups (n = 15). Groups are prepared accordance to their group names as continuous rotation, apical slow down, apical reverse and apical stop. Extruded debris is collected into preweighted Eppendorf tubes and then calculated. One‐way ANOVA test showed no statistically significant result between experimental groups. Similar debris extrusion values of all motion modes of the integrated endodontic motor can be interpreted that there will be similar debris extrusion and consequently similar postoperative pain on clinical setting. More in vitro and in vivo research is needed to make a conclusion.
Early antenatal risk factors for births before arrival: An unmatched case–control study
Authors: Hubble Talia Rose , Nair Manisha , Aye Christina Y. L. , Mathewlynn Sam , Greenwood Catherine , Impey Lawrence
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Birth before arrival is associated with maternal morbidity and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Yet, timely risk stratification remains challenging. Our objective was to identify risk factors for birth before arrival which may be determined at the first antenatal appointment.

Material and methods

This was an unmatched case–control study involving 37 348 persons who gave birth at a minimum of 22+0 weeks' gestation over a 5‐year period from January 2014 to October 2019 (IRAS project ID 222260; REC reference: 17/SC/0374). The setting was a large UK university hospital. Data obtained on maternal characteristics at booking was examined for association with birth before arrival using a stepwise multivariable logistic regression analysis. Data are presented as adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Area under the receiver‐operator characteristic curves (C‐statistic) were employed to enable discriminant analysis assessing the risk prediction of the booking data on the outcome.

Results

Multivariable analysis identified significant independent predictors of birth before arrival that were detectable at booking: parity, ethnicity, multiple deprivation, employment status, timing of booking, distance from home to the nearest maternity unit, and safeguarding concerns raised at booking by clinical staff. Our model demonstrated good discrimination for birth before arrival; together, the predictors accounted for 77% of the data variance (95% confidence interval 0.74–0.80).

Conclusions

Information gathered routinely at booking may discriminate individuals at risk for birth before arrival. Better recognition of early factors may enable maternity staff to direct higher‐risk women towards specialized care services at an early point in their pregnancy, enabling time for clinical and social interventions.
Harnessing the potential of data‐driven strategies to optimise transfusion practice
Authors: Evans H. G. , Murphy M. F. , Foy R. , Dhiman P. , Green L. , Kotze A. , von Neree L. , Palmer A. J. , Robinson S. E. , Shah A. , Tomini F. , Trompeter S. , Warnakulasuriya S. , Wong W. K. , Stanworth S. J.
Published: November 2023

No one doubts the significant variation in the practice of transfusion medicine. Common examples are the variability in transfusion thresholds and the use of tranexamic acid for surgery with likely high blood loss despite evidence‐based standards. There is a long history of applying different strategies to address this variation, including education, clinical guidelines, audit and feedback, but the effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of these initiatives remains unclear. Advances in computerised decision support systems and the application of novel electronic capabilities offer alternative approaches to improving transfusion practice. In England, the National Institute for Health and Care Research funded a Blood and Transplant Research Unit (BTRU) programme focussing on ‘A data‐enabled programme of research to improve transfusion practices’. The overarching aim of the BTRU is to accelerate the development of data‐driven methods to optimise the use of blood and transfusion alternatives, and to integrate them within routine practice to improve patient outcomes. One particular area of focus is implementation science to address variation in practice.
Translation, reliability and validity of the Greek version of the Child Engagement in Daily Life in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Dimakopoulos Rigas , Papadopoulou Μarianna , Pons Roser , Spinou Arietta
Published: November 2023

Background

Participation in family, recreational activities and self‐care is an integral part of health. It is also a main outcome of rehabilitation services for children and adolescents with disabilities. However, there are currently no available tools in Greek to assess participation in young children.

Methods

The Child Engagement in Daily Life (CEDL) was cross‐culturally translated into Greek using forward–backward translation, review by expert committee, pretest application and final review. Parents with children who have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) and were 18 months to 5 years old were recruited. Internal consistency was evaluated using the Cronbach alpha and test–retest reliability in 2 weeks using intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland–Altman plot for the agreement of each domain score. Measurement error was assessed utilising the standard error of measurement (SEM) and the smallest detectable change (SDC) and interpretability was assessed using the floor and ceiling effects. Validity was evaluated using the ‘known groups’ method, that is, assessing parents of children with typical development (TD).

Results

One hundred and seven children with CP (mean age 43.63 ± 13.5 months), Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I–V and 97 children with TD (mean age 43.63 ± 14.4 months) were included. Significant differences (p < 0.01) between children with CP and children with TD were recorded for all CEDL domains. Mean ± standard deviation of the CEDL domains ‘frequency of participation’, ‘enjoyment of participation’ and ‘self‐care’ were 58.8 ± 14.5, 3.9 ± 0.9 and 49.7 ± 23.5, respectively for children with CP and 62.3 ± 9.1, 4.4 ± 0.9 and 74.2 ± 15 for children with TD. Internal consistency of all domains was high; Cronbach alpha for ‘frequency of participation’ was 0.83, for ‘enjoyment of participation’ was 0.76 and for ‘self‐care’ was 0.92. Test–retest reliability (ICC) was excellent for the ‘self‐care’ (0.95) and good for ‘frequency of participation’ and ‘enjoyment of participation’ domains (0.90 and 0.88, respectively) while Bland–Altman analysis revealed no systematic differences or bias between the two measurements. SEM was 0.8, 0.05 and 1.6 for frequency of participation, enjoyment and self‐care with SDC of 2.4, 0.16 and 4.5, respectively. No relevant floor and ceiling effects were observed.

Conclusion

The Greek CEDL has good reliability, validity and interpretability. It can be used to evaluate participation in Greek young children with CP. Future studies should investigate the validity of this tool in longer periods and its responsiveness to intervention.
Why adolescents conform to high‐status peers: Associations among conformity, identity alignment, and self‐esteem
Authors: Field Nathan H. , Choukas‐Bradley Sophia , Giletta Matteo , Telzer Eva H. , Cohen Geoffrey L. , Prinstein Mitchell J.
Published: November 2023

This study examined whether conformity to high‐ but not low‐status e‐confederates was associated with increases in identification with popular peers and subsequent increases in self‐esteem. A sample of 250 adolescents (55.1% male; Mage = 12.70 years; 40.3% White, 28.2% Black, 23.4% Hispanic/Latino, and 7.7% multiracial/other) participated in a well‐established experimental chat room paradigm where they were exposed to norms communicated by high‐ and low‐status e‐confederates. Results revealed that for boys in the high‐status condition only, but not girls, the positive relation between conformity and self‐esteem was mediated by greater response alignment with popular peers. These findings bolster prior research by suggesting that conformity to popular peers may be partly motivated by drives for self‐esteem and alignment with a valued reference group.
A smartphone app effectively facilitates mothers' mind‐mindedness: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Larkin Fionnuala , Oostenbroek Janine , Lee Yujin , Hayward Emily , Fernandez Amy , Wang Ying , Mitchell Alex , Li Lydia Y. , Meins Elizabeth
Published: November 2023

The efficacy of a smartphone app intervention (BabyMind©) in facilitating mind‐mindedness was investigated in a randomized controlled trial, assigning mothers and their 6‐month‐olds (N = 152; 72 girls, 146 White) to intervention or active control conditions. Mothers who had received the BabyMind© app intervention scored higher for appropriate (d = .61, 95% CI .28, .94) and lower for non‐attuned (d = −.55, 95% CI −.92, −.18) mind‐related comments at follow‐up (age 12 months), compared with their control group counterparts. Adjusting for missing data did not alter this pattern of findings. Mothers' baseline parental reflective functioning did not moderate these relations. Results are discussed in terms of the benefits of early intervention and exploring the efficacy of the app in more diverse populations.
Histological and histomorphometric analysis of bone tissue using customized titanium meshes with or without resorbable membranes: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Cucchi Alessandro , Bettini Sofia , Fiorino Antonino , Maglio Melania , Marchiori Gregorio , Corinaldesi Giuseppe , Sartori Maria
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To date, no clinical studies have investigated the effect of using resorbable collagen membrane in conjunction with customized titanium mesh to promote bone formation in guided bone regeneration. Therefore, a non‐inferiority analysis (one‐sided 95% CI approach) was designed to compare the augmented bone gained using meshes with and without collagen membranes, through histological and histomorphometric investigations.

Materials and Methods

Thirty patients undergoing bone augmentation procedures at both maxillary and mandible sites were randomly treated with customized titanium meshes alone (M−, n = 15) or covered with resorbable membrane (M+, n = 15), in both cases filled with autogenous bone and xenograft. After 6 months of healing, bone tissue biopsies were taken from the augmented region. The bone tissue (B.Ar), grafting material (G.Ar), and non‐mineralized tissue (NMT.Ar) areas were quantified through histomorphometric analysis, as were the osteoid area (O.Ar) and its width.

Results

Collagen membrane did not appear to significantly influence the investigated parameters: B.Ar, G.Ar, NMT.Ar, and O.Ar were similar between Group M− (34.3%, 11.5%, 54.1%, 1.95 μm2, respectively) and Group M+ (35.3%, 14.6%, 50.2%, and 1.75 μm2, respectively). Considering the overall population, significantly higher rates of newly formed bone were obtained in mandibular sites, while non‐mineralized and dense connective tissue rates were higher in the maxilla (p < .05).

Conclusions

The application of collagen membrane over titanium mesh did not lead to significant results. Bone formation appeared significantly different in the maxilla compared with the mandible. Additional studies are required to further investigate the issues observed.
Utility of preoperative troponin I to predict mortality in adult liver transplant recipients: Revisiting pretransplant cardiac risk in the current MELD‐allocation era
Authors: Wray Christopher L. , Xia Victor W. , Ershoff Brent D. , Fields Sherri , Scovotti Jennifer C. , Grogan Tristan , Honda Henry M. , Kaldas Fady M.
Published: November 2023

Background

Preoperative risk assessment in liver transplant (LT) candidates, particularly related to cardiac risk, is an area of intense interest for transplant clinicians. Various cardiac testing methods are employed by transplant centers to characterize cardiac risk. Serum troponin is an established method for the detection of myocardial injury in a wide variety of clinical settings. Preoperative troponin screening has been reported to predict postoperative cardiac events and mortality in various surgical patient populations, however, the utility of preoperative troponin to predict posttransplant outcomes in current LT candidate populations requires further investigation.

Methods

We performed a prospective blinded study in a cohort of 275 consecutive LT recipients at a single transplant center to determine if preoperative serum troponin I (TnI) was predictive for postoperative 1‐year mortality.

Results

Abnormal preoperative TnI levels (>.1 ng/mL) were found in 38 patients (14%). One‐year mortality occurred in 19 patients (7%). There was no significant difference in mortality between patients with normal and abnormal troponin levels. Additionally, we found that there was no significant difference in early postoperative major adverse cardiac events between patient groups.

Conclusions

Contrary to previous reports, elevated preoperative TnI was not significantly predictive of posttransplant mortality in LT recipients at our institution.
Risk factors for hyperglycemia in COVID‐19 patients treated with remdesivir
Authors: Kim Woorim , Lee Go Woon , Rhee Nuga , Min Kyung Hyun , Kim Jun Hyeob , Gil Jin Yeon , Kim Song Yi , Han Ji Min , Lee Kyung Eun
Published: November 2023

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the factors contributing to hyperglycemic adverse events (AEs) associated with the administration of remdesivir in hospitalized patients diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Furthermore, the study aimed to develop a risk score model employing various machine learning approaches. A total of 1262 patients were enrolled in this investigation. The relationship between covariates and hyperglycemic AEs was assessed through logistic regression analysis. Diverse machine learning algorithms were employed for the purpose of forecasting hyperglycemia‐related complications. After adjusting for covariates, individuals with a body mass index ≥23 kg/m2, those using proton pump inhibitors, cholinergic medications, or individuals with cardiovascular diseases exhibited approximately 2.41‐, 2.73‐, 2.65‐, and 1.97‐fold higher risks of experiencing hyperglycemic AEs (95% CI 1.271–4.577, 1.223–6.081, 1.168–5.989, and 1.119–3.472, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression, elastic net, and random forest models displayed area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values of 0.65, 0.66, and 0.60, respectively (95% CI 0.572–0.719, 0.640–0.671, and 0.583–0.611, respectively). This study comprehensively explored factors associated with hyperglycemic complications arising from remdesivir administration and, concurrently, leveraged a range of machine learning methodologies to construct a risk scoring model, thereby facilitating the tailoring of individualized remdesivir treatment regimens for patients with COVID‐19.
Cryptostroma corticale, the causal agent of sooty bark disease of maple, appears widespread in western Washington State, USA
Authors: Brooks Rachel K. , Omdal Daniel , Brown Samuel , Marshall Collin J. , Hulbert Joseph M. , Elliott Marianne , Chastagner Gary
Published: November 2023

The recent emergence of the fungus Cryptostroma corticale in Seattle, Washington, USA is concerning because of its invasive status in Europe, where it causes sooty bark disease of maples (SBD), killing both forest and urban trees. Additionally, the fruiting bodies (stromata) of C. corticale produce allergenic spores that can impact human health. Therefore, its presence in Washington has the potential to impact the state's populace and trees, including the native bigleaf maple, Acer macrophyllum. To better determine the distribution of C. corticale in western Washington, A. macrophyllum was surveyed on 50 Washington State Park properties. Bark samples were collected from trees with fruiting bodies resembling those of C. corticale and cores were removed from mature asymptomatic trees. The presence of C. corticale was confirmed using nested PCR. Acer macrophyllum with fruiting bodies of C. corticale were well distributed throughout western Washington, with an 89% detection rate at surveyed Park properties containing A. macrophyllum. Core samples indicated that latent infections appeared well distributed and common throughout western Washington on mature A. macrophyllum, with a 91% detection rate at surveyed Park properties containing A. macrophyllum and a 68% detection rate on cored trees. Signs of SBD and evidence of latent infections of C. corticale were widespread at surveyed properties. However, signs of SBD were rare on individual trees and the overall condition of A. macrophyllum was considered vigorous at the majority of Park properties. Awareness of C. corticale, SBD, and their likelihood to be present on a property containing A. macrophyllum in western Washington should help inform management actions and demonstrate the need for future research.
Prognostic value of Salzburg nonconvulsive status epilepticus criteria: The SACE score
Authors: Misirocchi Francesco , Zilioli Alessandro , Mannini Elisa , Lazzari Stefania , Mutti Carlotta , Zinno Lucia , Parrino Liborio , De Stefano Pia , Florindo Irene
Published: November 2023

Objective

This study was undertaken to investigate the association between the Salzburg nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) criteria and in‐hospital outcome, to determine the predictive accuracy of the Status Epilepticus Severity Score (STESS), modified STESS (mSTESS), Epidemiology‐Based Mortality Score in Status Epilepticus (EMSE), and END‐IT (encephalitis, NCSE, diazepam resistance, imaging features, and tracheal intubation) in NCSE patients, and to develop a new prognostic score specifically designed for NCSE patients.

Methods

Clinical and electroencephalographic (EEG) data of adult patients treated for NCSE from 2020 to 2023 were retrospectively assessed. Age, sex, modified Rankin Scale at admission, comorbidities, history of seizures, etiology, status epilepticus type, and outcome were collected from the patients' digital charts. EEG data were assessed and categorized applying the Salzburg NCSE criteria. In‐hospital death was defined as the primary outcome.

Results

A total of 116 NCSE patients were included. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that Salzburg NCSE criterion A2 (ictal morphological, spatial, and temporal evolution) was associated with in‐hospital survival. The best STESS cutoff was ≥4 (sensitivity = .62, specificity = .69, accuracy = 67%). mSTESS ≥ 5 reached a sensitivity of .68, a specificity of .57, and an overall accuracy of 60%, EMSE ≥ 64 a sensitivity of .82, a specificity of .39, and an overall accuracy of 52%, and END‐IT ≥ 3 a sensitivity of .65, a specificity of .44, and an overall accuracy of 50%. Through a hypothesis‐generating approach, we developed the SACE score, which integrates EEG features (criterion A2) with patient age (with a 75‐year cutoff), history of seizures, and level of consciousness. With a cutoff of ≥3, it had a sensitivity of .77, a specificity of .74, and an overall accuracy of 76%, performing better than other prognostic scores.

Significance

We developed a new user‐friendly scoring system, the SACE score, which integrates EEG features with other established outcome‐related variables assessable in early stages, to assist neurologists and neurointensivists in making more tailored prognostic decisions for NCSE patients.
The evolution of resistance to synergistic multi‐drug combinations is more complex than evolving resistance to each individual drug component
Authors: Lozano‐Huntelman Natalie Ann , Bullivant Austin , Chacon‐Barahona Jonathan , Valencia Alondra , Ida Nick , Zhou April , Kalhori Pooneh , Bello Gladys , Xue Carolyn , Boyd Sada , Kremer Colin , Yeh Pamela J.
Published: November 2023

Multidrug antibiotic resistance is an urgent public health concern. Multiple strategies have been suggested to alleviate this problem, including the use of antibiotic combinations and cyclic therapies. We examine how adaptation to (1) combinations of drugs affects resistance to individual drugs, and to (2) individual drugs alters responses to drug combinations. To evaluate this, we evolved multiple strains of drug resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis in the lab. We show that evolving resistance to four highly synergistic combinations does not result in cross‐resistance to all of their components. Likewise, prior resistance to one antibiotic in a combination does not guarantee survival when exposed to the combination. We also identify four 3‐step and four 2‐step treatments that inhibit bacterial growth and confer collateral sensitivity with each step, impeding the development of multidrug resistance. This study highlights the importance of considering higher‐order drug combinations in sequential therapies and how antibiotic interactions can influence the evolutionary trajectory of bacterial populations.
The prime minister's chief of staff: Comparing profiles and trends in Westminster democracies, 1990–2021
Authors: Pickering Heath , Bellens Tom , Brans Marleen
Published: November 2023

Chiefs of Staff to heads of government hold a prominent position at the apex of the political executive. However, our knowledge of the personal and professional backgrounds of these unelected actors is surprisingly patchy. Not only is this an empirical gap, but it is also problematic as interactions between actors within political executives shape political decisions and ministerial operations. For this study, we present the most systematic dataset mapping the profiles of 56 chiefs of staff to prime ministers in four Westminster family countries from 1990 to 2021: Australia, Britain, Canada, and New Zealand. Their profiles are examined in relation to four concepts: (1) descriptive representation; (2) career de‐separation; (3) institutional (in)stability; and (4) the revolving door. The demographic results illustrate how prime ministers' offices attract individuals with certain characteristics more than others. In order to bolster these results, more research on the chief of staff role is needed to demonstrate how prime ministers exert power and use these staff to strengthen their capacity to govern.
Overexpression of JNK‐associated leucine zipper protein induces chromosomal instability through interaction with dynein light intermediate chain 1
Authors: Suzuki Ryusuke , Kanemaki Masato T. , Suzuki Takeshi , Yoshioka Katsuji
Published: November 2023

The c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase‐associated leucine zipper protein (JLP), a scaffold protein of mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathways, is a multifunctional protein involved in a variety of cellular processes. It has been reported that JLP is overexpressed in various types of cancer and is expected to be a potential therapeutic target. However, whether and how JLP overexpression affects non‐transformed cells remain unknown. Here, we aimed to investigate the effect of JLP overexpression on chromosomal stability in human non‐transformed cells and the mechanisms involved. We found that aneuploidy was induced in JLP‐overexpressed cells. Moreover, we established JLP‐inducible cell lines and observed an increased frequency of chromosome missegregation, reduced time from nuclear envelope breakdown to anaphase onset, and decreased levels of the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) components at the prometaphase kinetochore in cells overexpressing the wild‐type JLP. In contrast, we observed that a point mutant JLP lacking the ability to interact with dynein light intermediate chain 1 (DLIC1) failed to induce chromosomal instability. Our results suggest that overexpression of the wild‐type JLP facilitates premature SAC silencing through interaction with DLIC1, leading to aneuploidy. This study provides a novel insight into the mechanism through which JLP overexpression is associated with cancer development and progression.