bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bin picking: a review of recent developments
Authors: Bogue Robert
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight into the present-day state of bin picking by considering research, technology, products and applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a short introduction, this first provides examples of recent bin picking research. It then discusses a selection of commercial product developments and applications. Finally, brief conclusions are drawn.

Findings

Bin picking has the potential to eliminate repetitive, manual part handling practices in many sectors of the manufacturing and logistics industries. Systems combine robotic gripping and manipulation with machine vision and specialist software and tend to be complex to install and commission. They are produced by robot manufacturers, system integrators, software developers and machine vision specialists and all are constantly developing and improving the technology. These developments are supported by a strong academic research effort, much involving artificial intelligence methods, and while the technology is evolving rapidly, it is yet to reach the point where deployments are routine and widespread.

Originality/value

This provides a timely review of recent bin picking research and commercial developments.
Leadership perspectives on resilience capabilities for navigating disruption
Authors: Albuquerque Pai Asha , Anand Amitabh , Pazhoothundathil Nikhil , Ashok Lena
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted organizations, bringing in unforeseen situations and highlighting the need for organizational leaders to develop a capacity for resilience, i.e. the ability to recuperate, exhibit agility and rebound. Hence, this paper aims to explore leaders’ views on what resilience capabilities are needed to manage themselves, the team and the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative research study uses an in-depth interview tool and adopts a reflexive thematic analysis. The capabilities approach and resilience theory framework were applied to view resilience capabilities. The sample comprises 19 middle and senior leaders, both men and women, from the information technology Industry in India.

Findings

This study unravelled different capabilities to manage individuals, teams and organizations. The three key themes of resilience capabilities observed were as follows: self-leadership capabilities – where leaders focussed on capabilities that developed themselves; people leadership capabilities – which focussed on leading people and the team; and organisation-focussed leadership capabilities – which focussed on the macro level.

Originality/value

The findings of the study benefit organizations, leaders, human resource professionals, talent management strategists and academic leadership scholars to identify, train, conceive and deliver resilience capabilities.
Help-seeking at work: an integrative review, organizing framework and agenda for future research
Authors: Chen Keyu , Chen Guoquan , Wu Qiong , Liu Wei , Zhao Huiqun
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The literature on help-seeking at work has experienced significant growth in the past decades. However, our knowledge about this research domain remains fragmented and lacks sufficient theoretical integration. Therefore, this paper aims to comprehensively integrate the extant literature on help-seeking behavior at work and propose an overarching, organized framework to propel this field forward.

Design/methodology/approach

A state-of-the-art review and theoretical development on help-seeking at work are conducted.

Findings

First, the authors provide the conceptual clarity of its definitions, key characteristics, types and measurement techniques. Second, the authors develop a fine-grained and integrative process-based framework consisting of antecedents, proximal psychological mechanisms, subsequent influencing processes and distal outcomes to advance our understanding of seeking help in the workplace. Third, the authors offer a detailed agenda for future research to target opportunities within the field.

Originality/value

The current study is comprehensive in surveying the full body of knowledge on help-seeking at work. It uniquely provides a coherent overarching framework that organizes prior findings and channels future research. Additionally, this review paints a complete picture of what has been done and what needs to be done in the field. More research can be spurred based on our conceptual framework.
Synthesis of monoazo disperse dyes derived from N-(1-phthalimidyl)-naphthalimides and their dyeing properties on polyester fabrics
Authors: Suleiman Pendo Ukanah , Ademola Bello Kasali , Yakubu Mohammed Kabir , Giwa Abdulraheem , Ameuru Umar Salami , Harifi-Mood Ali Reza , Ziyaei Halimehjani Azim
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to synthesize a novel series of monoazo disperse dyes based on N-(1-phthalimidyl)-naphthalimides by coupling with substitute anilines, naphthylamines and naphthol derivatives.

Design/methodology/approach

The purification of the intermediates and the dyes was carried out by recrystallization. The structures of the synthesized intermediates and the dyes were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques. The absorption maxima, molar extinction coefficient and halochromic properties of the dyes were determined spectrophotometrically using solvents of different polarity.

Findings

The dyes were applied on polyester using a high-temperature high-pressure dyeing machine, and the dyeing performance parameters such as colour build-up on fabrics, wash fastness, perspiration fastness and light fastness were evaluated. The colour build-up was found to be very good and the wash fastness (4–5) and perspiration fastness (4–5) were excellent, whereas the light fastness was found to vary from moderate to very good (3–6).

Research limitations/implications

It is not possible to investigate the structure of the synthesized dyes by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic analysis due to the low solubility of dyes in deuterated solvents.

Originality/value

A novel method for the synthesis of a new category of monoazo disperse dyes based on N-(1-phthalimidyl)-naphthalimides was developed. These dyestuffs could be used in textile printing of polyester fabrics.
Mapping the structural properties of zinc scaffold fabricated via rapid tooling for bone tissue engineering applications
Authors: Kansal Abhishek , Dvivedi Akshay , Kumar Pradeep
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study to investigate the organized porous network zinc (OPNZ) scaffolds. Their mechanical characteristics, surface roughness and fracture mechanism were assessed in relation to their structural properties. The prospects of fused deposition modeling (FDM) for printing metal scaffolds via rapid tooling have also been studied.

Design/methodology/approach

Zn scaffolds with different pore and strut sizes were manufactured via the rapid tooling method. This method is a multistep process that begins with the 3D printing of a polymer template. Later, a paraffin template was obtained from the prepared polymer template. Finally, this paraffin template was used to fabricate the Zn scaffold using microwave sintering. The characterization of prepared Zn samples involved structural characterization, microstructural study, surface roughness testing and compression testing. Moreover, based on the Gibson–Ashby model analysis, the model equations’ constant values were evaluated, which can help in predicting the mechanical properties of Zn scaffolds.

Findings

The scanning electron microscopy study confirmed that the fabricated sample pores were open and interconnected. The X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the Zn scaffold contained hexagonal closed-packed Zn peaks related to the a-Zn phase, validating that scaffolds were free from contamination and impurity. The range for ultimate compressive strength, compressive modulus and plateau stresses for Zn samples were found to be 6.75–39 MPa, 0.14–3.51 GPa and 1.85–12.6 MPa by adjusting their porosity, which are comparable with the cancellous bones. The average roughness value for the Zn scaffolds was found to be 1.86 µm.

Originality/value

This research work can widen the scope for extrusion-based FDM printers for fabricating biocompatible and biodegradable metal Zn scaffolds. This study also revealed the effects of scaffold structural properties like porosity, pore and strut size effect on their mechanical characteristics in view of tissue engineering applications.
Research café: an informal learning space to promote research learning experiences of graduate students in a private university of Pakistan
Authors: Ahmad Sohail , Ansari Aisha Naz , Khawaja Saman , Bhutta Sadia Muzaffar
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore contribution of informal learning space - Research Cafe - to enrich research learning experiences of graduate students. Developing strong research skills among graduate students is a prime focus of higher education around the world. Thereby, universities are striving to maximise opportunities that can foster and enrich students’ learning experiences of research; however, the focus is mostly confined to formal opportunities such as research method courses and thesis writing. The provision of informal learning spaces has been recognised as a useful tool for fostering research learning experiences of graduates. This reflective paper is among a few focusing on a model of student-led informal learning space for enriching research experiences in higher education in the context of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a reflective approach to generate a metalogue. The research experiences shared by the participants were further reflected by the authors after each research café session. The authors then shared their collective metacognitive reflections with each other, generating a metalogue, which was used as the data set. The metalogue was analysed thematically to generate themes.

Findings

Findings reveal that the research café is an informal space to promote academic socialisation by providing a conducive environment, peer support and informal supervision opportunities to foster the research learning experiences of graduate students. Importantly, the model presented in this paper provides a complimentary pathway for boosting learning experiences.

Research limitations/implications

This paper would be useful for graduate students, faculty and university manager to acknowledge the potential of informal learning spaces in promoting research learning experiences. This paper highlights opportunities for replication, and further empirical research are needed to establish the efficacy of research café.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the global debate about graduate research learning experiences through informal learning space, which is yet to be explored, particularly in developing contexts like Pakistan. The idea of the research café is original, as it was conceived keeping in consideration the contextual and cultural aspects. The methodology used in this paper was specifically derived which can be replicated by other researchers.
Design and simulation of a MEMS-based piezoelectric micropump for bio-medical applications
Authors: Habashi Youvalari Sajjad , Olianezhad Arash , Afrang Saeid
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design and simulate a piezoelectric micropump using microelectromechanical systems technology for drug delivery applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Two piezoelectric actuators are used to actuate and bend the diaphragms in the proposed structure. In this micropump, the liquid flow is rectified by two silicon check valves.

Findings

The use of two piezoelectric transducer (PZT) actuators in the parallel mod not only reduces dead volume but also increases stroke volume as well. In addition to increasing the flow rate, this phenomenon enhances the operation of the micropump to have self-priming as smoothly as possible.

Originality/value

This actuating method results in a 22% increase in flow rate and compression ratio, as well as a 15% reduction in function voltage. The fluid-solid interaction is simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics 5.3a.
Strong above‐ground impacts of a non‐native ungulate do not cascade to impact below‐ground functioning in a boreal ecosystem
Authors: Swain Makayla , Leroux Shawn J. , Buchkowski Robert
Published: August 2023

Experimental studies across biomes demonstrate that herbivores can have significant effects on ecosystem functioning. Herbivore effects, however, can be highly variable with studies demonstrating positive, neutral or negative relationships between herbivore presence and different components of ecosystems. Mixed effects are especially likely in the soil, where herbivore effects are largely indirect mediated through effects on plants.

We conducted a long‐term experiment to disentangle the effects of non‐native moose in boreal forests on plant communities, nutrient cycling, soil composition and soil organism communities.

To explore the effect of moose on soils, we conduct separate analyses on the soil organic and mineral horizons. Our data come from 11 paired exclosure‐control plots in eastern and central Newfoundland, Canada that provide insight into 22–25 years of moose herbivory. We fit piecewise structural equations models (SEM) to data for the organic and mineral soil horizons to test different pathways linking moose to above‐ground and below‐ground functioning.

The SEMs revealed that moose exclusion had direct positive impacts on adult tree count and an indirect negative impact on shrub percent cover mediated by adult tree count. We detected no significant impact of moose on soil microbial C:N ratio or net nitrogen mineralization in the organic or mineral soil horizon. Soil temperature and moisture, however, was more than twice as variable in the presence (i.e. control) than absence (i.e. exclosure) of moose. Overall, we observed clear impacts of moose on above‐ground forest components with limited indirect effects below‐ground. Even after 22–25 years of exclusion, we did not find any evidence of moose impacts on soil microbial C:N ratio and net nitrogen mineralization.

Our long‐term study and mechanistic path analysis demonstrates that soils can be resilient to ungulate herbivore effects despite evidence of strong effects above‐ground. Long‐term studies and analyses such as this one are relatively rare yet critical for reconciling some of the context‐dependency observed across studies of ungulates effects on ecosystem functions. Such studies may be particularly valuable in ecosystems with short growing seasons such as the boreal forest.
Frailty knowledge, training and barriers to frailty management: A national cross‐sectional survey of health professionals in Australia
Authors: Shafiee Hanjani Leila , Fox Sarah , Hubbard Ruth E. , Gordon Emily , Reid Natasha , Hilmer Sarah N. , Saunders Rosemary , Gnjidic Danijela , Young Adrienne
Published: August 2023

Objective(s)

To understand Australian health professionals' perceptions of their knowledge and previous training about frailty, as well as barriers to frailty assessment and management in their practice.

Methods

A cross‐sectional online survey was developed and distributed to health professionals (medical, nursing and allied health) engaged in clinical practice in Australia through convenience and snowball sampling techniques from March to May 2022. The survey consisted of five sections: frailty training and knowledge; confidence in recognising and managing adults with frailty; the importance and relevance of frailty; barriers to assessing and managing frailty in practice; and interest in further frailty training. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results

The survey was taken by 736 health professionals. Less than half of respondents (44%, 321/733) reported receiving any training on frailty, with 14% (105/733) receiving training specifically focussed on frailty. Most respondents (78%, 556/712) reported ‘good’ or ‘fair’ understanding of frailty. The majority (64%, 448/694) reported being ‘fairly’ or ‘somewhat’ confident with identifying frailty. Almost all respondents (>90%) recognised frailty as having an important impact on outcomes and believed that there are beneficial interventions for frailty. Commonly reported barriers to frailty assessment in practice included ‘lack of defined protocol for managing frailty’ and ‘lack of consensus about which frailty assessment tool to use’. Most respondents (88%, 521/595) were interested in receiving further education on frailty, with a high preference for online training.

Conclusions

The findings suggest frailty is important to health professionals in Australia, and there is a need for and interest in further frailty education.
Disease‐modifying therapies in multiple sclerosis: A focused review of rituximab
Authors: Alping Peter
Published: August 2023

Background

Treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, has changed drastically in the last 30 years. Several different disease‐modifying therapies are now available, with off‐label use of the B‐cell‐depleting antibody rituximab becoming an increasingly popular choice, as more and more studies report on its effectiveness.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to summarize the current state of evidence for rituximab as a treatment for relapsing‐remitting MS (RRMS).

Methods

A structured literature search was conducted in PubMed, focusing on peer‐reviewed studies of adult populations with RRMS. Ongoing trials with rituximab in MS were identified through Clinicaltrials.gov and additional references were identified through review articles.

Findings

Despite promising results for rituximab as a treatment of MS, the market‐authorization holder switched focus from rituximab and discontinued the industry‐sponsored trials programme. However, several observational studies, smaller clinical trials and one large investigator‐initiated randomized‐controlled trial have continued to report fewer clinical relapses, fewer contrast‐enhancing lesions on magnetic resonance imaging and better drug survival with rituximab, compared with MS‐approved alternatives.

Conclusions

Rituximab should be considered as both a first‐ and second‐line therapy option for most MS patients with active, non‐progressive disease. However, as an off‐label therapy for MS, regulatory approval remains a barrier for wider adoption in many countries.
F‐SHARP: a Phase I/II trial of focal salvage high‐dose‐rate brachytherapy for Radiorecurrent prostate cancer
Authors: Solanki Abhishek A. , Yoo Ryan K. , Adams William , Davicioni Elai , Mysz Michael L. , Shea Steven , Gupta Gopal N. , Showalter Timothy , Garant Aurelie , Hentz Courtney , Farooq Ahmer , Baldea Kristin , Small William , Harkenrider Matthew M.
Published: August 2023

Background

Intraprostatic local radiorecurrence (LRR) after definitive radiation is being increasingly identified due to the implementation of molecular positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) imaging for the evaluation of biochemical recurrence. Salvage high‐dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy offers a promising local therapy option, with encouraging toxicity and efficacy based on early series. Furthermore, the incorporation of advanced imaging allows for focal HDR to further reduce toxicity to maximise the therapeutic ratio. The objectives of the ‘focal salvage HDR brachytherapy for locally recurrent prostate cancer in patients treated with prior radiotherapy’ (F‐SHARP) trial are to determine the acute and late toxicity and efficacy outcomes of focal salvage HDR brachytherapy for LRR prostate cancer.

Study Design

The F‐SHARP is a multi‐institutional two‐stage Phase I/II clinical trial of salvage focal HDR brachytherapy for LRR prostate cancer enrolling patients at three centres.

Endpoints

The primary endpoint is the acute radiation‐related Grade ≥3 Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE, version 4.03) genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity rate, defined as within 3 months of brachytherapy. Secondary endpoints include acute and late CTCAE toxicity, biochemical failure, patterns of clinical progression, disease‐specific and overall survival, and health‐related quality of life, as measured by the International Prostate Symptom Score and 26‐item Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite instruments.

Patients and Methods

Key eligibility criteria include: biopsy confirmed LRR prostate adenocarcinoma after prior definitive radiation therapy using any radiotherapeutic modality, no evidence of regional or distant metastasis, and cT1–3a Nx or N0 prostate cancer at initial treatment. All patients will have multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and molecular PET/CT imaging if possible. In Stage 1, seven patients will be accrued. If there are two or more GI or GU Grade ≥3 toxicities, the study will be stopped. Otherwise, 17 additional patients will be accrued (total of 24 patients). For Stage 2, the cohort will expand to 62 subjects to study the efficacy outcomes, long‐term toxicity profile, quality of life, and compare single‐ vs multi‐fraction HDR. Transcriptomic analysis of recurrence biopsies will be performed to identify potential prognostic and predictive biomarkers.
Lightweight Curvature Estimation on Point Clouds with Randomized Corrected Curvature Measures
Authors: Lachaud J.‐O. , Coeurjolly D. , Labart C. , Romon P. , Thibert B.
Published: August 2023

The estimation of differential quantities on oriented point cloud is a classical step for many geometry processing tasks in computer graphics and vision. Even if many solutions exist to estimate such quantities, they usually fail at satisfying both a stable estimation with theoretical guarantee, and the efficiency of the associated algorithm. Relying on the notion of corrected curvature measures [LRT22, LRTC20] designed for surfaces, the method introduced in this paper meets both requirements. Given a point of interest and a few nearest neighbours, our method estimates the whole curvature tensor information by generating random triangles within these neighbours and normalising the corrected curvature measures by the corrected area measure. We provide a stability theorem showing that our pointwise curvatures are accurate and convergent, provided the noise in position and normal information has a variance smaller than the radius of neighbourhood. Experiments and comparisons with the state‐of‐the‐art confirm that our approach is more accurate and much faster than alternatives. The method is fully parallelizable, requires only one nearest neighbour request per point of computation, and is trivial to implement.
Influence of straight versus angulated screw channel titanium bases on failure loads of two‐piece ceramic and titanium implants restored with screw‐retained monolithic crowns: An in‐vitro study
Authors: Helal E. , Gierthmuehlen P. C. , Bonfante E. A. , Campos T. M. B. , Prott L. S. , Langner R. , Spitznagel F. A.
Published: August 2023

Objective

To analyze the influence of titanium‐base (straight [SSC]/angulated‐screw‐channel [ASC]) on failure‐loads and bending‐moments of two‐piece ceramic and titanium–zirconium implants restored with monolithic‐zirconia crowns after fatigue.

Materials and Methods

Thirty‐two anterior monolithic‐screw‐retained zirconia crowns were divided into four groups (n = 8/group) according to the factors: (1) type of implant material: two‐piece titanium–zirconium implant (Ti–Zr; control‐group) versus two‐piece ceramic implant (CI; test‐group) and (2) type of titanium‐base: SSC (0° angle) versus ASC (25°). An intact implant was used for field emission gun‐scanning electronic microscopy (FEG‐SEM) characterization and Raman spectroscopy for phase analyses and residual stress quantification. All samples were exposed to fatigue with thermodynamic loading (1.2‐million‐cycles, 49 N, 1.6 Hz, 5–55°C) at a 30° angle. Surviving specimens were loaded until failure (SLF) and bending moments were recorded. Failed samples were examined using light microscope and SEM. Statistical analyses included ANOVA and Mann–Whitney U‐test.

Results

Raman‐spectroscopy revealed the presence of residual compressive stresses. FEG‐SEM revealed a roughened surface between threads and polished surface at the cervical‐collar of the ceramic implant. All samples survived fatigue and were free of complications. Mean bending‐moments (±SD) were: Ti‐Zr‐0: 241 ± 45 N cm, Ti‐Zr‐25: 303 ± 86 N cm, CI‐0: 326 ± 58 N cm, CI‐25: 434 ± 71 N cm. Titanium‐base and implant‐material had significant effects in favor of ASC titanium bases (p = .001) and ceramic‐implants (p < .001). Failure analysis after SLF revealed severe fractures in ceramic implants, whereas titanium implants were restricted to plastic deformation.

Conclusions

Ceramic and titanium implants exhibited high reliability after fatigue, with no failures. From a mechanical perspective, titanium bases with ASC can be recommended for both ceramic and titanium implants and are safe for clinical application.
GV‐971 attenuates α‐Synuclein aggregation and related pathology
Authors: Yu Zhenwei , Yang Ying , Chan Robin Barry , Shi Min , Stewart Tessandra , Huang Yang , Liu Zongran , Lan Guoyu , Sheng Lifu , Tian Chen , Yang Dishun , Zhang Jing
Published: August 2023

Rationale

Synucleinopathies, including Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), share a distinct pathological feature, that is, a widespread accumulation of α‐synuclein (α‐syn) in the brain. There is a significant clinical unmet need for disease‐modifying treatments for synucleinopathies. Recently, a seaweed‐derived mixture of oligosaccharides sodium oligomannate, GV‐971, was approved for Phase 2 clinical trials for PD. This study aimed to further evaluate the therapeutic effects of GV‐971 on synucleinopathies using cellular and animal models and explore its associated molecular mechanisms.

Methods

α‐Syn aggregation was assessed, in vitro and ex vivo, by ThT assay. A dopaminergic neuron cell line, Prnp‐SNCAA53T mice, and brain slices from PD and DLB patients were used to determine the efficacy of GV‐971 in ameliorating α‐syn pathology. Measurements of motor functions, including pole, cylinder, and rotarod tests, were conducted on Prnp‐SNCAA53T mice 4 weeks after intragastric administration of GV‐971 (200 mg day−1 kg−1).

Results

GV‐971 effectively prevented α‐syn aggregation and even disassembled pre‐aggregated α‐syn fibrils, in vitro and ex vivo. In addition, GV‐971 was able to rescue α‐syn‐induced neuronal damage and reduced release of extracellular vesicles (EVs), likely via modulating Alix expression. In the Prnp‐SNCAA53T mouse model, when treated at the age of 5 months, GV‐971 significantly decreased α‐syn deposition in the cortex, midbrain, and cerebellum regions, along with ameliorating the motor dysfunctions.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that GV‐971, when administered at a relatively early stage of the disease process, significantly reduced α‐syn accumulation and aggregation in Prnp‐SNCAA53T mice. Furthermore, GV‐971 corrected α‐syn‐induced inhibition of EVs release in neurons, contributing to neuronal protection. Future studies are needed to further assess GV‐971 as a promising disease‐modifying therapy for PD and other synucleinopathies.
Giving children with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder a roadmap to the future
Authors: McCabe Jessica
Published: August 2023

This commentary is on the invited review by Jacobs on pages 1587–1595 of this issue.
Critical thinking as the ability to sort and qualify the information available, to form one's own judgement
Authors: Pasquinelli Elena , Richard Olivier
Published: August 2023

In an era marked by an excessive exposure to information and disinformation, this article explores how the public in France engages with critical thinking on the topics of scientific information and knowledge, as well as associated debates. First, a panel survey was carried out in 2022 by the science education centre Universcience in Paris in collaboration with the survey institute GECE. A total of 3,218 respondents participated in the survey in France. The survey questions focused on three themes: (1) the substantial relationship between respondents' scientific reasoning and critical thinking; (2) sources that respondents used for information, particularly on scientific subjects, to form an understanding of current events; (3) respondent relationships to discourses in the sciences and otherness in reasoning. In this study, critical thinking was defined as the ability to sort and make sense of available information and to question one's opinions. Also, the ability to discern trustworthy sources and information. In this approach, critical thinking is a condition for correctly assessing information on science topics. This is understood to include knowledge about science, its processes of knowledge production, and quality sources of information in the natural sciences. In this study, a Barometer of Critical Thinking was developed, and a survey was carried out. Survey results and the development of the barometer are described. Finally, we discuss how developing scientific literacy (knowledge about scientific facts, methods, practices and sources) is crucial in order to foster critical thinking on scientific information, knowledge, debates, and beyond.
Defining standards for rankings: An investigation of global university rankings according to the Berlin Principles
Authors: Belenkuyu Cüneyt , Karadag Engin
Published: August 2023

The role of universities as the engines of knowledge‐based economies drives global internationalisation of higher education. This contributes to a competitive environment where higher education rankings indicate market value. Even though rankings are influential and are used a lot, ranking systems have been heavily critiqued. One of the problems is that there are few if any external checks on how rankings are created. The purpose of the study on which this article reports was to evaluate ranking systems. Within the scope of the study, we have sought to reveal to what extent current ranking systems comply with the Berlin Principles—prepared to create certain rules for rankings, and to ensure that rankings represent quality. A document analysis of publicly available documents online was carried out together with a review of printed and electronic publications on ranking systems. An evaluation form was prepared and used in this study for field experts to fill in. Findings show that ranking systems comply with the Berlin Principles in terms of methodology, transparency, and acceptability at a level that ranges from moderate to low. Overall, rankings do not consider differences in higher education and are not transparent about the processes by which rankings are developed. Rankings should for this reason be interpreted carefully and methodological weaknesses of rankings that can lead to false inferences should be recognised.
Pregnancy and fetal outcomes following maternal exposure to glatiramer acetate in all three trimesters of pregnancy
Authors: Kaplan Sigal , Zeygarnik Mikhail , Stern Tal , Hellwig Kerstin
Published: August 2023

Background and purpose

Data on disease‐modifying therapy (DMT) exposure throughout pregnancy in patients with multiple sclerosis are scarce. In this analysis, we assessed pregnancy and fetal outcomes following maternal glatiramer acetate (GA) exposure in all three trimesters among cases reported between 1997 and 2020.

Methods

Pregnancy reports of maternal in utero exposure to 20 and 40 mg/mL GA in all three trimesters from 1997 to 2020 were eligible. Both prospective pregnancy data, reported prior to knowledge of pregnancy outcome, and retrospective data were included. The primary endpoint was major congenital malformations (MCMs) based on the European Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies and Twins (EUROCAT) classification. Additional endpoints included fetal death, preterm birth, and low birth weight. The MCM rate was compared to the EUROCAT background rate.

Results

A total of 618 GA‐exposed pregnancies in all three trimesters resulted in 634 fetuses, including 14 twin pregnancies. One fetal death was reported. All 414 fetuses with data reported prior to knowledge of pregnancy outcome (prospective data) were live births and no fetal death was reported. Preterm birth was reported in 23/213 (10.8%) pregnancies with known gestational age. Low birth weight was reported in 13/203 (6.4%) infants with known birth weight. The prevalence of MCM in prospective live births ranged from 2.2% to 2.4%, which was similar to background rates (2.1%–3.0%). The frequency of these pregnancy and infant outcomes was comparable across GA doses.

Conclusions

In utero exposure to 20 and 40 mg/mL GA in three trimesters of pregnancy does not appear to be related to adverse pregnancy or infant outcomes.
Does media richness influence job applicants' experience in asynchronous video interviews? Examining social presence, impression management, anxiety, and performance
Authors: Rizi Mehdi Salimian , Roulin Nicolas
Published: August 2023

Asynchronous video interviews (AVIs) have become a popular alternative to face‐to‐face interviews for screening or selecting job applicants, in part because of their increased flexibility and lower costs. However, AVIs are often described as anxiety‐provoking or associated with negative applicant reactions. Building on theories of media richness and social presence, we explore if increasing the media richness of AVIs, by replacing “default” text‐based introductions and written questions with video‐based ones, can positively influence interviewees' experience. In an experimental study with 151 interviewees (Mage = 28.08, 56% female) completing a mock interview, we examine the (direct and indirect) impact of media richness on perceived social presence, interview anxiety, use of honest and deceptive impression management (IM) tactics, and ultimately interview performance. Results showed that media richer AVIs help increase interviewees perceived social presence and improve their interview performance. Higher perceived social presence was also associated with lower interview anxiety and facilitated using IM (especially other‐focused tactics). Our findings highlight that there might be ways for organizations to embrace the practical benefits of AVIs while still ensuring a positive experience for interviewees.
Alternative reproductive tactics in goby fishes of the Caspian Sea
Authors: Zarini Sina , Poli Federica , Balshine Sigal
Published: August 2023

Here we report on the reproductive morphology and histology of three Gobiidae species (the Caspian monkey goby, Neogobius pallasi; the Caspian goby, Neogobius caspius; and the round goby, Neogobius melanostomus) from the Iranian coastline of the Caspian Sea. Based on ageing, reproductive histology, and internal and external morphological measures, it appears that all three of these goby species have two types of reproductive males, a large courting, territorial, male type and a small cuckolding parasitic male type, a phenomenon known as alternative reproductive tactics (ART). Although ARTs have been reported previously for one of these species, the round goby, all reports stem from its invasive range; ARTs have never been reported before in any fish species in the Caspian Sea. In all three goby species there was a large, older male type, with a wide head, dark body colouration, and a large investment in accessory glands (AG), an organ important for female attraction and parental care. But there was also a small, light, younger male type, with a narrow head, longer urogenital papilla, and little investment in AGs. The Caspian goby were the largest of the three species, and in this species the smaller, lighter, presumably cuckolding male morph was quite rare (only about 5% of the reproductive male population). In contrast, many of the round goby and monkey goby males were the small, lighter parasitic type, making up nearly half the population of reproductive males (48% and 40%, respectively). Round goby and Caspian goby males had a prominent mesorchial gland, a fibrous sheath of pheromone‐releasing connective tissue that attaches the testes to the dorsal body wall, but all the monkey goby specimens examined lacked this structure. Although ARTs are well documented across fish species and appear to be particularly common in gobies, our study provides the first evidence for ARTs in goby fishes from the Caspian Sea.
Nursing assistants' use of best practices and pain in older adults living in nursing homes
Authors: Song Yuting , Bolt Sascha , Thorne Trina , Norton Peter , Poss Jeff , Fu Fangfang , Squires Janet , Cummings Greta , Estabrooks Carole A.
Published: August 2023

Background

Inadequate pain management persists in nursing homes. Nursing assistants provide the most direct care in nursing homes, and significantly improving the quality of care requires their adoption of best care practices informed by the best available evidence. We assessed the association between nursing assistants' use of best practices and residents' pain levels.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional analysis of data collected between September 2019 and February 2020 from a stratified random sample of 87 urban nursing homes in western Canada. We linked administrative data (the Resident Assessment Instrument‐Minimum Data Set [RAI‐MDS], 2.0) for 10,093 residents and survey data for 3547 nursing assistants (response rate: 74.2%) at the care unit level. Outcome of interest was residents' pain level, measured by the pain scale derived from RAI‐MDS, 2.0. The exposure variable was nursing assistants' use of best practices, measured with validated self‐report scales and aggregated to the unit level. Two‐level random‐intercept multinomial logistic regression accounted for the clustering effect of residents within care units. Covariates included resident demographics and clinical characteristics and characteristics of nursing assistants, unit, and nursing home.

Results

Of the residents, 3305 (30.3%) were identified as having pain. On resident care units with higher levels of best practice use among nursing assistants, residents had 32% higher odds of having mild pain (odds ratio, 1.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.71; p = 0.040), compared with residents on care units with lower levels of best practice use among nursing assistants. The care units did not differ in reported moderate or severe pain among residents.

Conclusions

We observed that higher unit‐level best practice use among nursing assistants was associated with mild resident pain. This association warrants further research to identify key individual and organizational factors that promote effective pain assessment and management.
Interaction between benzodiazepines and prescription opioids on incidence of hard braking events in older drivers
Authors: Liang Zipei , Chihuri Stanford , Andrews Howard F. , Betz Marian E. , DiGuiseppi Carolyn , Eby David W. , Hill Linda L. , Jones Vanya , Mielenz Thelma J. , Molnar Lisa J. , Strogatz David , Li Guohua
Published: August 2023

Background

Polypharmacy use among older adults is of increasing concern for driving safety. This study assesses the individual and joint effects of benzodiazepines and prescription opioids on the incidence of hard braking events in older drivers.

Methods

Data for this study came from the Longitudinal Research on Aging Drivers project—a multisite, prospective cohort study of 2990 drivers aged 65–79 years at enrollment (2015–2017). Adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of hard braking events (defined as maneuvers with deceleration rates ≥0.4 g and commonly known as near‐crashes) were estimated through multivariable negative binominal modeling.

Results

Of the 2929 drivers studied, 167 (5.7%) were taking benzodiazepines,  163 (5.6%) prescription opioids, and 23 (0.8%) both drugs at baseline. The incidence rates of hard braking events per 1000 miles driven were 1.14 (95% CI 1.10–1.18) for drivers using neither benzodiazepines nor prescription opioids, 1.25 (95% CI 1.07–1.43) for those using benzodiazepines only, 1.55 (95% CI 1.35–1.76) for those using prescription opioids only, and 1.63 (95% CI 1.11–2.16) for those using both medications. Multivariable modeling revealed that the use of prescription opioids was associated with a 19% increased risk of hard braking events (aIRR 1.19, 95% CI 1.03–1.36). There existed a positive interaction between the two drugs on the additive scale but not on the multiplicative scale.

Conclusion

Concurrent use of benzodiazepines and prescription opioids by older drivers appears to affect driving safety through increased incidence of hard braking events.
Bridges that bind worlds: The emergence of diplomacy from below between Chiapas and Italy (1996–2001)
Authors: Ghilarducci Dario , Finzi Giacomo
Published: August 2023

Following the 2021 Zapatista tour in Europe, this article offers a reconstruction of the genealogy of the practice of diplomacy from below, based on the meeting between the Italian post‐autonomous collectives and the Zapatista rebel communities of the state of Chiapas in southern Mexico, and sets out its continuity after more than two decades. The research hypothesis is that this practice was born as a joint political construction thanks to the collaboration between two collective political subjects, organized and structured in their respective territories as constituent expressions of counterpower and in opposition to the hegemonic neoliberal model. How these collective actors relate to each other demonstrates the existence of two different political identities and cultures that, in the reciprocal encounter, recognize and feed each other—changing, hybridizing and, finally, strengthening each other.
Fourier‐transform infrared study on effects of ageing, oestrogen level and altered dietary loading on rat mandibular condylar cartilage
Authors: Hauru Riikka , Rieppo Lassi , Tuomisto Teresa , Yu Jia , Laaksonen Sakari , Saarakkala Simo , Raustia Aune , Pirttiniemi Pertti
Published: August 2023

Objective

Mandibular condylar cartilage (MCC) of the rat was examined with the Fourier‐transform infrared (FITR) spectroscopic imaging to study the effects of ageing, oestrogen level and altered dietary loading on the structure of MCC.

Materials and Methods

The Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 96) aged 5 and 14 months were divided into 12 subgroups according to age, oestrogen status (ovariectomized [OVX], non‐ovariectomized [non‐OVX)]) and diet (hard, normal, soft). Specimens of the MCC were examined with FTIR spectroscopic imaging to quantify the distribution of collagens and proteoglycans. MCC was divided sagittally into three segments: anterior, most superior and posterior. From each segment, the collagen and proteoglycan contents at different depths of cartilage were statistically compared between the groups using an N‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results

The amount of collagen content was significantly associated with old age in the deep layer of the anterior segment and in the middle layer of the posterior segment of MCC. In the deep layer of the most superior segment, the collagen content also increased with ageing. The amount of proteoglycan content increased significantly when dietary loading increased, and the oestrogen level decreased in the deep layer of the most superior segment of MCC.

Conclusion

Ageing, oestrogen level and altered dietary loading have a significant effect on the location and content of collagens and proteoglycans of rat MCC. Ageing significantly increased the amount of collagen content in the superior and posterior segments, being highest in the older soft‐diet rats. Decreased oestrogen levels and increased dietary loading increased the amount of proteoglycan content.
Communities of practice in residential aged care: A rapid review
Authors: Read Martin , Peters Sanne , Bennett Noleen , Francis Jill J. , Fetherstonhaugh Deirdre , Lim Wen Kwang , Tropea Joanne
Published: August 2023

Background

Communities of practice (CoPs) have the potential to help address the residential aged care system's need for continuing education and quality improvement. CoPs have been used in healthcare to improve clinical practice; however, little is known about their application to the unique residential aged care context.

Objectives

This rapid review of CoPs for residential aged care was conducted to summarise the features of CoPs, how they are developed and maintained, and assess their effectiveness.

Methods

MEDLINE and CINAHL databases were searched for studies published from January 1991 to November 2022 about CoPs in residential aged care. Data were extracted regarding the CoPs' three key features of ‘domain’, ‘community’ and ‘practice’ as described by Wenger and colleagues. Kirkpatrick's four levels of evaluation (members' reactions, learning, behaviour and results) was used to examine studies on the effectiveness of CoPs. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used for quality appraisal.

Results

Nineteen articles reported on 13 residential aged care CoPs. Most CoPs aimed to improve care quality (n = 9, 69%) while others aimed to educate members (n = 3, 23%). Membership was often multidisciplinary (n = 8, 62%), and interactions were in‐person (n = 6, 46%), online (n = 3, 23%) or both (n = 4, 31%). Some CoPs were developed with the aid of a planning group (n = 4, 31%) or as part of a larger collaborative (n = 4, 31%), and were maintained using a facilitator (n = 7, 54%) or adapted to member feedback (n = 2, 15%). Thirteen (81%) studies evaluated members' reactions, and three (24%) studies assessed members' behaviour. The heterogeneity of studies and levels of reporting made it difficult to synthesise findings.

Conclusions

This review revealed the variation in why, and how, CoPs have been used in residential aged care, which is consistent with previous reviews of CoPs in healthcare. While these findings can inform the development of CoPs in this context, further research is needed to understand how CoPs, including the membership makeup, delivery mode, facilitator type and frequency of meetings, impact quality of care.
Roles of the pepper JAZ protein CaJAZ1‐03 and its interacting partner RING‐type E3 ligase CaASRF1 in regulating ABA signaling and drought responses
Authors: Koh Haeji , Joo Hyunhee , Lim Chae Woo , Lee Sung Chul
Published: August 2023

Plants have developed various defense mechanisms against environmental stresses by regulating hormone signaling. Jasmonic acid (JA) is a major phytohormone associated with plant defense responses. JASMONATE ZIM‐DOMAIN (JAZ) proteins play a regulatory role in repressing JA signaling, impacting plant responses to both biotic and abiotic stresses. Here, we isolated 7 JAZ genes in pepper and selected CA03g31030, a Capsicum annuum JAZ1‐03 (CaJAZ1‐03) gene, for further study based on its expression level in response to abiotic stresses. Through virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) in pepper and overexpression in transgenic Arabidopsis plants, we established the functional role of CaJAZ1‐03. Functional studies revealed that CaJAZ1‐03 dampens abscisic acid (ABA) signaling and drought stress responses. The cell‐free degradation assay showed faster degradation of CaJAZ1‐03 in drought‐ or ABA‐treated pepper leaves compared to healthy leaves. Conversely, CaJAZ1‐03 was completely preserved under MG132 treatment, indicating that CaJAZ1‐03 stability is modulated via the ubiquitin‐26s proteasome pathway. We also found that the pepper RING‐type E3 ligase CaASRF1 interacts with and ubiquitinates CaJAZ1‐03. Additional cell‐free degradation assays revealed a negative correlation between CaJAZ1‐03 and CaASRF1 expression levels. Collectively, these findings suggest that CaJAZ1‐03 negatively regulates ABA signaling and drought responses and that its protein stability is modulated by CaASRF1.