bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of halal value chain, Sharia financial inclusion, and digital economy in socio-economic transformation: a study of Islamic boarding schools in Indonesia
Authors: Qizam Ibnu , Berakon Izra , Ali Herni
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of the halal value chains (HVCs) in the Islamic boarding schools (IBSs) for the food and fashion industry on socio-economic transformation, focusing on changes in entrepreneurial attitudes, quality of life and social inclusion. The study also incorporates HVCs as a mediating variable to assess the indirect influence of Sharia financial inclusion and economic digitalization on socio-economic transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a quantitative approach using primary data collected through surveys. The population consists of IBSs registered in the Independence Program of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. The research sample was selected using purposive sampling, and the research model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling with WarpPLS 8.0 software.

Findings

The results of the direct analysis indicate that halal value chain (HVC) has a positive and significant effect on socio-economic transformation. The indirect analysis reveals that HVC plays a strategic role in facilitating the impact of Sharia financial inclusion and digital economy adoption on changes in entrepreneurial attitudes, quality of life and social inclusion. The findings are further validated through multigroup analysis, demonstrating the robustness of the result.

Practical implications

The results highlight two key points. First, the positive characteristics of the IBS-HVCs, enabled by Sharia financial inclusion, will drive the continuous development of new services, products, networks, collaborations and capital support, leading to the expansion of a financially inclusive and equitable HVC system from the IBSs to the broader community, with significant social and economic impacts nationally and internationally. Second, the adoption of economic digitalization within IBSs will enhance productivity and efficiency for business management, fostering expanded business models and facilitating upward social mobility.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to explore the role of HVC in socio-economic transformation. Additionally, it uses HVC as a mediating variable to explain the relationship between Sharia financial inclusion, digital economy and socio-economic transformation. A robustness test through multigroup analysis further strengthens the study’s contributions.
Student participation in data-informed decision making: from passive data sources to active data users
Authors: Schildkamp Kim , Fosnæs Anders Ruud , Lindvig Yngve , Wærness Jarl Inge
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Specific forms of data use in schools, particularly those that involve students in interpreting and utilizing the data about themselves, are gaining recognition. This exploratory qualitative study focused on students’ involvement in the use of data coming from a national survey.

Design/methodology/approach

In three best-practice schools, six focus groups were conducted with educators and students (N = 16) to find out how students were involved in the use of data, and what the perceived benefits were.

Findings

The results indicated that student participation ranged from involving students from specific groups (e.g. the student council) to taking a whole-classroom approach. The results also pointed to two missed opportunities: (1) students were not involved in goal setting, which may influence ownership and (2) students were mostly not involved in analyzing the data, thereby foregoing the chance to develop data literacy in students. Finally, the results confirm the importance of the dialogic use of data together with students to increase student participation, motivation, well-being and achievement.

Originality/value

Although data use in schools has been studied extensively, including students as a participant in this process has received little attention so far. This study sheds new light on how to include students in the use of data, and its possible benefits.
Consumer intentions to purchase remanufactured products: a behavioral reasoning theory approach
Authors: Güngördü Belbağ Aybegüm , Belbağ Sedat
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The 12th sustainable development goal, responsible consumption and production, includes increasing awareness of circular economy practices. In this context, the authors base their study on remanufactured electronic products, a circular economy practice. The current research aims to examine the relationships between collectivistic values, reasons for purchasing remanufactured products (RPs) (product knowledge, perceived benefits, perceived awareness), reasons against purchasing RPs (perceived risk), attitude toward RPs and the intention to purchase RPs.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted quantitative research on 259 consumers in an emerging market-Turkey. The authors benefited from structural equation modeling for data analysis.

Findings

This study shows that perceived awareness, attitude and product knowledge affect purchase intention. Perceived benefits, perceived risk, perceived awareness and product knowledge predict attitude. Collectivistic values affect product knowledge. Furthermore, attitude acts as a mediator between reasons and purchase intention in our model.

Originality/value

The escalating problem of electronic waste demands a shift toward sustainable consumer behavior with the help of social marketing. Hence, exploring the acceptance of remanufactured electronic products based on circular economy principles aligns with the goal of reducing waste generation. The remanufacturing literature on consumer behavior, which mainly benefits from the theory of planned behavior, overlooked the reasons for and against behavior. The authors base their study on behavioral reasoning theory, highlighting that reasons for and against behavior are critical in decision-making.
Understanding barriers to the adoption of blockchain-enabled smart contracts in construction projects: perspectives of construction practitioners
Authors: Ameyaw Ernest E. , Agyekum-Mensah George , Kumar Bimal , Edwards David John
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Traditional paper-based contracts are document-intensive, insecure, susceptible to forgery and errors, detrimental to productivity improvement and require multiple intermediaries. Addressing these challenges requires computerised construction to modernise the way modern construction projects are procured with blockchain-enabled smart contracts. Smart contracts could replace paper-based contracts by improving transparency and security and automating contractual terms, processes and transacting activities. However, smart contracts are an emerging technology with limited adoption in construction projects, and the issues influencing its widespread adoption remain unclear and unexplored. Hence, this study aims at exploring and understanding the important obstacles to adoption of smart contracts in construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an international questionnaire survey, the study draws on experienced construction practitioners with direct involvement and knowledge in blockchain technology and smart contract initiatives and activities. Descriptive statistics and fuzzy logic techniques were used to analyse and model the quantitative survey data to establish the critical barriers to smart contracts adoption.

Findings

Organisational and external characteristics, personal characteristics and technology characteristics constitute major obstacles to the successful adoption of smart contracts. Construction practitioners’ limited knowledge of smart contracts, resistance to technology change, insufficiently digitalised construction industry and lack of or weak governmental support are critical to smart contracts adoption.

Originality/value

The research contributes to the body of knowledge on diffusing cutting-edge technology by advancing the understanding of practitioners’ perspectives on the primary obstacles to smart contracts adoption. Understanding the obstacles provides industry stakeholders (policymakers, leaders and practitioners) with underpinning knowledge with which to develop and implement corrective actions.
Exploring the impact of artificial intelligence on the transparency and rationality of Peruvian public works: perceptions, expectations, challenges and opportunities
Authors: Miranda-Hospinal Oscar , Villodre Julián , Valle-Cruz David , Angulo-Sánchez Kesber
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the perception of public works experts on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool to potentially increase the rationality and transparency of public works.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on an exploratory quantitative design. It uses an original survey on the use of AI in public works, targeting public works experts from Peru. Data was analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Findings reveal public works experts’ interest in AI, highlighting its potential to improve transparency and efficiency, although labor changes are anticipated. AI monitoring could impact economic and quality control areas, vital in the fight against corruption. Infrastructure, government policies and financial resources emerge as fundamental enablers.

Originality/value

The advent of advanced AI systems has raised promises to help fight corruption through new monitoring capabilities that enhance transparency and rationality. However, few studies have assessed the impact of AI on public works. This paper contributes to this gap by testing a framework that explores how public works experts perceive the use of AI, considering their perceptions, expectations, perceived challenges and opportunities over public works’ rationality and transparency.
Influence of fermentation period on the chemical and functional properties, antinutritional factors, and in vitro digestibility of white lima beans flour
Authors: Ojo Mofoluwaso O. , Oni Oyekunle K. , Zubair Adeiza B. , Femi Fortune A. , Audu Yohanna , Etim Blessing , Adeyeye Samuel A. O.
Published: November 2024

This study evaluated the variation in chemical and functional properties, antinutritional factors, and in vitro digestibility during the natural fermentation of white lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) at different fermentation periods of 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h using standard methods. The results showed that an increase in the fermentation period resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) increase in protein and ash content, while fiber and fat content decreased with the length of fermentation. Also, there was an optimum increase by 92%, 56.39%, and 58.16% in β‐carotene, vitamin B2, and vitamin B3 at 24 h fermentation. Results showed that the fermentation period increased the mineral composition except for sodium which had a slight reduction though no significant (p < 0.05) difference was observed in the fermented samples. The antinutritional factors decreased linearly as fermentation progresses from 19.05–13.26 mg/100 g, 35.29–19.05 mg/100 g, 18.00–7.15 mg/100 g, and 3.09–1.35 mg/100 g for phytate, tannins, alkaloids, and oxalate, respectively. Fermentation significantly decreased the bulk densities, and swelling index, while water and oil absorption capacity, foaming properties, and emulsion capacities increased as fermentation progresses. Furthermore, protein digestibility improved from 50.33% to 58.50% and the glycemic index (GI) increased significantly (p < 0.05) with GI values of 57.18, 62.36, 62.67, and 62.82 for 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, respectively. This implies that these are all intermediate GI foods. This study showed that fermentation periods influence the quality of lima beans and this can be used to improve nutrition especially in the rural communities and find applications in food product development.

Practical Application

Lima beans are underutilized crops in comparison with other legumes. This is attributed to problems associated with digestion on consumption and its long hours in cooking described as “hard to cook” phenomenon which is reported to be attributed to the presence of significant amount of antinutrients such as tannins and phytates. The nutritional value of lima beans will be increased, along with their acceptance and consumption as food, by the reduction or inactivation of these antinutritional factors.
Kombucha enables to inhibit digestive enzymes activity and adipocyte differentiation of OP9 cells
Authors: Liu Yaowei , Zheng Yan , Wang Wei , Wang Zhe , Han Shanshan , Zhou Peng
Published: November 2024

Obesity is a global challenging epidemic caused by surplus adipose accumulation or energy intake, and available medications are quite limited. Studies focused on identifying potent anti‐adipogenic pharmaceuticals and functional foods have gained great interests. This study evaluated the obesity prevention potential of oolong tea kombucha (OTK) and yellow tea kombucha (YTK) by in vitro experiments. The results showed that the total polyphenol content in OTK and YTK increased by 50.00% and 47.49% after fermentation, and the antioxidative capacity of kombucha was enhanced by 7.57% and 7.83% as well. After fermentation, the inhibitory activity of OTK and YTK on α‐amylase and lipase was increased by 53.15% and 64.43%, and 45.24% and 39.74%, respectively. The anti‐adipogenic effects evaluated by using mouse OP9 cell model indicated that both OTK and YTK could downregulate the expression levels of FABP4, PPARγ, C/EBPα, and SERBP‐1C which are involved with adipocyte differentiation. Taken together, kombucha showed great potential in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism by inhibiting digestive enzymes and adipocyte differentiation, which could be a functional beverage in aiding obesity prevention or treatments. However, further animal or clinical experiments are needed to verify its potential in obesity intervention.

Practical Application

This study showed that kombucha showed great potential in preventing obesity, which provided an alternative functional beverage for obesity intervening or prevention.
Effect of growing environment on the antioxidant activity of recultivated pea seedlings (Pisum sativum L.)
Authors: Tsuruoka Yuki , Hosoya Takahiro
Published: November 2024

Pea seedlings (Pisum sativum L.) are young pea plants with the potential for sustainable cultivation; these plants are cost‐effective and provide high nutritional value. Although numerous studies have explored the nutritional content and functionality of pea seedlings, a few reports exist on the regrowth of pea seedlings after the initial harvest of their edible parts. Hence, this study aimed to elucidate the effect of the growing environment during recultivation on the properties and functionalities of pea seedlings. The non‐edible parts of commercially acquired pea seedlings were recultivated in three different environments: (1) indoors under sunlight during the day, (2) indoors with only artificial fluorescent light, and (3) in a dark room. The edible parts of the recultivated seedlings were extracted with methanol, and the antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated using the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay. Plants grown in environment 1 exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. The antioxidant components of pea seedlings were identified to be kaempferol glycoside (1), quercetin glycoside (3), and their respective p‐coumaroyl acylated glycosides (2 and 4). This determination was made by separating the components via liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry using activity as an indicator. An analysis of these components across the studied environments revealed that the isolated quantities of components 2 and 4 were 2.7‐ and 6.2‐fold greater, respectively, from the plants recultivated in environment 1 than those recultivated in environment 2. This study highlights the importance of the recultivation environment on the production of plant functional components.
High‐flow nasal cannula for stabilisation of very premature infants: A prospective observational study
Authors: Jonáš Klára , Lamberská Tereza , Nguyen Truong An , Kudrna Petr , Plavka Richard
Published: November 2024

Aim

To assess the feasibility, safety and efficacy of using a high‐flow nasal cannula (HFNC) for stabilising very preterm infants after birth.

Methods

A prospective observational study included preterm infants born at 28 + 0 to 31 + 6 weeks' gestation between February 2021 and December 2022 at the General University Hospital in Prague. Following delayed cord clamping, HFNC was administered at a flow rate of 8 L/min through the infants' nostrils. Criteria for switching to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or positive pressure ventilation (PPV) included persistent bradycardia in the first few minutes or low saturation of oxygen (SpO2) after 5 min, respectively.

Results

Of the 65 infants enrolled in the study, 56 (86%) were successfully stabilised exclusively using HFNC while 7 (11%) required PPV. Additionally, 52 (80%) infants achieved SpO2 > 80% at 5 min, and 54 (83%) infants were successfully treated with HFNC within the first 3 h of life.

Conclusion

The primary use of HFNC seems to be an appropriate alternative to CPAP for the stabilisation of very premature infants after birth and subsequent transfer to the NICU. A randomised trial comparing HFNC and CPAP in the delivery room will enable to answer the questions raised in this study.
A Nomogram for Predicting Recurrence in Stage I Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Bian Rongrong , Zhao Feng , Peng Bo , Zhang Jin , Mao Qixing , Wang Lin , Chen Qiang
Published: November 2024

Background

Early‐stage non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is being diagnosed increasingly, and in 30% of diagnosed patients, recurrence will develop within 5 years. Thus, it is urgent to identify recurrence‐related markers to optimize the management of patient‐tailored therapeutics.

Methods

The eligible datasets were downloaded from TCGA and GEO. In the discovery phase, two algorithms, least absolute shrinkage and selector operation and support vector machine‐recursive feature elimination, were used to identify candidate genes. The recurrence‐associated signature was developed by penalized Cox regression. The nomogram was constructed and further tested via other independent cohorts.

Results

In this retrospective study, 14 eligible datasets and 7 published signatures were included. A 13‐gene based signature was generated by penalized Cox regression categorized training cohort into high‐risk and low‐risk subgroups (HR = 8.873, 95% CI: 4.228–18.480 p < 0.001). Furthermore, a nomogram integrating the recurrence‐related signature, age, and histology was developed to predict the recurrence‐free survival in the training cohort, which performed well in the two external validation cohorts (concordance index: 0.737, 95% CI: 0.732–0.742, p < 0.001; 0.666, 95% CI: 0.650–0.682, p < 0.001; 0.651, 95% CI: 0.637–0.665, p < 0.001, respectively). The nomogram was further performed well in the Jiangsu cohort enrolled 163 patients (HR = 2.723, 95% CI: 1.526–4.859, p = 0.001). Post‐operative adjuvant therapy achieved evaluated disease‐free survival in high and intermediate risk groups (HR = 4.791, 95% CI: 1.081–21.231, p = 0.039).

Conclusions

The proposed nomogram is a promising tool for estimating recurrence‐free survival in stage I NSCLC, which might have tremendous value in management of early stage NSCLC and guiding adjuvant therapy strategies.
Lessons lost: Lack of requirements for post‐project evaluation and reporting is hindering evidence‐based conservation
Authors: Caruana Alex , Muir Matthew , White Thomas B. , Jones Julia P. G.
Published: November 2024

For conservation to be based on evidence, the outcomes of conservation actions need to be shared. The European Union (EU) is a major funder of conservation action in Europe through the well‐studied LIFE program. Less well‐known, but also funding substantial conservation action, is the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Through a systematic review of conservation projects funded by LIFE and ERDF, we identify substantial expenditure on biodiversity conservation (€1300 M and €760 M between 2014 and 2024 respectively). We explore the extent to which LIFE and ERDF contribute to building an evidence base about the effectiveness of conservation actions. There were differences between LIFE and ERDF in the extent to which documentation about the project was publicly available (89% and 26% respectively), and large differences in whether any form of project evaluation was available (63% and 5% respectively). A possible explanation for these results is differing funder requirements regarding the monitoring and reporting of project implementation and outcomes. We explore funder requirements across a sample of other conservation funders and suggest how changes could incentivize higher quality sharing of project outcomes. This would expand the evidence base needed to improve the effectiveness of conservation actions.
Usefulness of the right lateral decubitus push method in endoscopic submucosal dissection for upper gastric lesions
Authors: Matsunaga Takuya , Tominaga Naoyuki , Ogata Shinichi
Published: November 2024

Watch a video of this article.
Linked color imaging and upper gastrointestinal neoplasia
Authors: Ono Shoko , Inoue Masaki , Higashino Masayuki , Hayasaka Shuhei , Tanaka Shugo , Egami Hiroki , Sakamoto Naoya
Published: November 2024

White light imaging (WLI) can sometimes miss early upper gastrointestinal (UGI) neoplasms, particularly minimal changes and flat lesions. Moreover, endoscopic diagnosis of UGI neoplasia is strongly influenced by the condition of the surrounding mucosa. Recently, image‐enhanced endoscopy techniques have been developed and used in clinical practice; one of which is linked color imaging (LCI), which has an expanded color range for better recognition of slight differences in mucosal color and enables easy diagnosis and differentiation of noncancerous mucosa from carcinoma. LCI does not require magnified observation and can clearly visualize structures using an ultrathin scope; therefore, it is useful for screening and surveillance endoscopy. LCI is particularly useful for detecting gastric cancer after Helicobacter pylori eradication, which accounts for most gastric cancers currently discovered, and displays malignant areas in orange or orange–red surrounded by intestinal metaplasia in lavender. Data on the use of convolutional neural network and computer‐aided diagnosis with LCI for UGI neoplasm detection are currently being collected. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical role of LCI and whether it can replace WLI.
Development of soil spectroscopy models for the Western Highveld region, South Africa: Why do we need local data?
Authors: Kock Anru‐Louis , Ramphisa‐Nghondzweni Prudence Dimakatso , Van Zijl George
Published: November 2024

The increasing global demand for sustainable agriculture requires accurate and efficient soil analysis methods. Conventional laboratory techniques are often time‐consuming, costly and environmentally damaging. To address this challenge, we developed and validated locally calibrated mid‐infrared (MIR) spectroscopy models for predicting key soil properties pH, phosphorus (P) and exchangeable cations in soil samples from South Africa's Western Highveld region, using a dataset of 979 soil samples and machine learning algorithms Cubist, partial least squares regression (PLSR) and random forest (RF). A subset of spectra was also submitted to the newly developed Open Soil Spectral Library's (OSSL) prediction models to determine whether global prediction models could be used for local soil property prediction. Accurate predictions for pH, calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg), with coefficient of determination (R2) values exceeding 0.76 were obtained with the local calibration algorithms. The predictions for P, potassium (K) and sodium (Na) did not meet the requirements for reliability. Soil spectroscopic prediction models calibrated with local soils outperformed the corresponding global prediction models considered. The OSSL prediction results were inaccurate, with a RPIQ <1, and consistently underpredicted all soil properties. Furthermore, the OSSL collection of prediction models does not include a pH (KCl) model, the routinely used pH measurement method in South Africa. These findings highlight the importance of local calibration for accurate soil property prediction and underscore the need for regional representation in global spectral libraries. This research serves as the first local calibration of MIR spectroscopy models for the Western Highveld region of South Africa and provides a foundation for future local soil property inference model development. It also serves as a potential starting point for a comprehensive South African soil spectral library that can be contributed to global spectral libraries.
Comparison of metrics to reveal the role of soil fauna in soil health assessment in peat meadow restoration
Authors: Mioulet Charlie , Schrama Maarten , Berg Matty P. , Hannula S. Emilia
Published: November 2024

Understanding the nuances of soil health is more important than ever to improve the quality and sustainability of agroecosystems. However, it is poorly understood how the variety of metrics currently in use to evaluate soil health relate to each other, and in what situations their use is not sensitive enough to indicate environmental changes. The use of faunal co‐occurrence networks is a novel, potentially valuable tool that has hitherto received little attention in the context of soil health. Here, we used a meadow land‐use intensity gradient to compare the response of a number of soil community metrics, including chemical and ecological indicators as well as faunal co‐occurrence network parameters. Our findings indicate that the examined metrics displayed distinct, often contrasting patterns to one another, and that network analysis detected patterns that strongly aligned with the land‐use effects. This pattern was qualitatively different from patterns arising from traditionally used metrics. The soils with conventional farming, that is, the least regenerative land‐use, generally scored well in traditionally used metrics, including C:N ratio, faunal abundance and the ratio of Acari to Collembola. Regenerative farming was comparable with conventional farming in all conventional metrics—however, network analysis revealed that the soil faunal communities under regenerative farming had the highest species connectivity out of all research areas potentially due to grazing increasing the connectivity of faunal networks. Overall, these results suggest that network analyses are best suited to capture subtle land‐use intensity differences while traditional metrics performed well in big changes. While more research is needed to better interpret soil faunal co‐occurrence networks, our findings imply that it could be a useful method to provide further insight in aspects of soil health.
The Potential for Experimental Evolution to Uncover Trade‐Offs Associated With Anthropogenic and Climate Change Adaptation
Authors: Griffiths Joanna S. , Sasaki Matthew , Neylan Isabelle P. , Kelly Morgan W.
Published: November 2024

Evolutionary responses to climate change may incur trade‐offs due to energetic constraints and mechanistic limitations, which are both influenced by environmental context. Adaptation to one stressor may result in life history trade‐offs, canalization of phenotypic plasticity, and the inability to tolerate other stressors, among other potential costs. While trade‐offs incurred during adaptation are difficult to detect in natural populations, experimental evolution can provide important insights by measuring correlated responses to selection as populations adapt to changing environments. However, studies testing for trade‐offs have generally lagged behind the growth in the use of experimental evolution in climate change studies. We argue that the important insights generated by the few studies that have tested for trade‐offs make a strong case for including these types of measurements in future studies of climate adaptation. For example, there is emerging consensus from experimental evolution studies that tolerance and tolerance plasticity trade‐offs are an often‐observed outcome of adaptation to anthropogenic change. In recent years, these types of studies have been strengthened by the use of sequencing of experimental populations, which provides promising new avenues for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying observed phenotypic trade‐offs.
Frailty in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Uchida Junji , Iwai Tomoaki , Machida Yuichi
Published: November 2024

Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice even for the elderly, as it improves quality of life and life expectancy, lowering the financial burden to the health care system compared to dialysis therapy. In Japan, kidney transplant recipients have become older due to the shift in demographics. Compared to community‐dwelling elderly adults, elderly kidney transplant recipients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy have a higher risk of age‐related outcomes including hospital readmissions, infections, dementia, malignancies, and fractures. In frailty, patients become vulnerable to adverse events after stressors due to a lack of physiologic reserve. Although it is often associated with aging, frailty can also occur in younger individuals with certain chronic illnesses or conditions including chronic kidney disease. Limited compensatory mechanisms result in functional impairment and adverse health outcomes, such as disability, falls, decreased mobility, hospitalization, and death. Although kidney transplant recipients can restore their kidney function after transplantation, most of them still have chronic kidney disease, as well as a gradual decline in graft function as a result of chronic allograft nephropathy. Wait‐listed candidates for kidney transplantation with frailty are more likely to experience wait‐list removal or death. Frailty at the time of transplantation is associated with complications after kidney transplantation such as delayed graft function, longer hospital stays, rehospitalizations, immunosuppression intolerance, surgical complications, and death. Nevertheless, kidney transplantation can be a viable intervention for frailty in dialysis patients.
Relationships Among Growth Mindset, Turnover Tendency, Workplace Adaptability and Essentials of Magnetism of New Nurses: A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Xue Youru , Zhang Wei , Wang Jing , Zhu Yating , Li Dan , Sun Jingxian , Gao Li , Zhang Yanyan
Published: November 2024

Aims

The study objective was to examine the mediating and moderating effects of workplace adaptability and essentials of magnetism, respectively, on the relationship between having a growth mindset and turnover tendency among new Chinese nurses.

Design

This was a descriptive, cross‐sectional study.

Methods

The sample was selected through a multistage sampling method. A random sampling methodology was employed, with the selected regions comprising Heilongjiang, Beijing, Tianjin and Shandong Provinces. A total of 407 new nurses were selected from hospitals in these regions from March to May 2023 via convenience sampling. Multigroup path analysis was employed to test the mediating and moderating effects.

Results

Having a growth mindset was negatively associated with turnover tendency and positively associated with workplace adaptability. Workplace adaptability had a negative effect on job turnover tendency. Essentials of magnetism had a moderating effect on the association between workplace adaptability and turnover tendency.

Conclusions

Workplace adaptability plays a mediating role in the relationship between having a growth mindset and turnover tendency. Essentials of magnetism play a moderating role in the relationship between workplace adaptability and turnover tendency. These findings provide some theoretical evidence that nursing managers can use to prevent turnover behaviour in new nurses.

Implications

The findings provide confirmatory support for the mediating and moderating effect of workplace adaptability and essentials of magnetism, respectively, on the relationship between having a growth mindset and turnover tendency among new Chinese nurses. Different measures are needed to reduce turnover tendencies to improve the growth mindset of nurses, adaptability and the hospital environment.

Reporting Method

We have adhered to the transparent reporting of evaluations with quantitative design statements and the corresponding checklist was followed.

Patient or Public Contributions

No patient or public involvement.
Nurses' Perceptions of Organisational Attractiveness and Related Factors in Health Care: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review
Authors: Karjalainen Kirsi , Makkonen Marjo , Kuha Suvi , Kanste Outi
Published: November 2024

Aim

To identify and integrate the best evidence on nurses' perceptions of organisational attractiveness and related factors in health care.

Design

A mixed methods systematic review.

Methods

The review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute Mixed Methods Systematic Review methodology and a convergent segregated approach which involved separate qualitative and quantitative syntheses followed by integration in a narrative form.

Data Sources

A systematic search was conducted in August 2023 with no time or geographical limits in CINAHL, PubMed, Finnish database Medic, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science, MedNar and EBSCO databases. Studies published in English, Finnish and Swedish were included.

Results

Eleven studies (three qualitative, eight quantitative) were identified and studied further. The results indicated that key themes of organisational attractiveness in health care were the dimensions of patient and professional work well‐being, opportunities for professional growth and the responsibilities of the organisation.

Conclusions

Patient and work well‐being for nurses have a considerable effect on organisational attractiveness. Organisations play a notable role in enabling nurses' professional growth. Responsibilities of the organisation extend to higher political decision‐making as well as to managers of the healthcare organisations. Organisational attractiveness covers the entire organisation, its patients, professionals and managers. Enhancing multi‐professional cooperation, implementing effective management practices and branding of the organisation can contribute to increased organisational attractiveness.

Implications for Practice and Research

Organisations should consider nurses' wishes, develop strategies to improve competencies, leverage social media to develop their brand, extend the orientation to all levels of the organisation and increase interdepartmental and external collaboration. Future research on organisational attractiveness is necessary in health care and the views of healthcare professionals on a wider scale.

Reporting Method

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines were used when reporting the results.

Patient or Public Contribution

There was no patient or public contribution.

Trial and Protocol Registration

The protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database of the National Institute of Health Research (CRD42023451680).
Long‐term effects of sirolimus treatment for slow‐flow vascular malformations: Real‐world evidence from the French observational multicentre SIROLO study
Authors: Maillet Cécilia , Boccara Olivia , Mallet Stéphanie , Bessis Didier , Labrèze Christine , Mary‐Prey Sorilla , Guibaud Laurent , Bisdorff Annouk , Dompmartin Anne , Mazereeuw‐Hautier Juliette , Chiaverini Christine , Hubiche Thomas , Bonniaud Bertille , Degrugillier‐Chopinet Caroline , Bursztejn Anne‐Claire , Aubert Hélène , Severino Maella , Leducq Sophie , Tardieu Mathilde , Joly Aline , Boulouis Grégoire , Le Touze Anne , Paré Arnaud , Tavernier Elsa , Maruani Annabel
Published: November 2024

Rationale

Sirolimus is a treatment for slow‐flow vascular malformations (SFVMs). However, the long‐term management remains challenging.

Objectives

The SIROLO study assessed the long‐term effects and real‐life management of oral sirolimus for SFVMs by investigating data from 15 French tertiary centres for vascular anomalies.

Methods

Participants were retrospectively included if they had a SFVM that was being/had been treated with sirolimus for at least 3 years in total. Data were collected on treatment goals when initiating sirolimus, investigator‐reported efficacy, safety, dosages and treatment withdrawal.

Results

The cohort involved 67 patients with various SFVM entities (mean [±SD] age 19.6 ± 12.5 years, 35 children, 52.2%). We found a heterogeneity of predefined treatment goals, the most frequent being cessation of pain. The investigators considered that sirolimus had persistent efficacy for bleeding, ulceration and pain but only slight efficacy for reducing volume. It was reported to be well‐tolerated, although serious adverse events (mainly infections and also two ovarian cysts) were reported in 6 patients (9.0%) and required definitive sirolimus discontinuation for one. Overall, 11 patients (16.4%) had at least one temporary withdrawal period, leading to symptom recurrence and sirolimus resumption at a mean of 6.4 ± 9.6 months. The mean sirolimus concentration was 6.4 ± 3.7 ng/mL during the first 6 months and decreased over time (mean concentration during the last 6 months: 4.2 ± 3.2 ng/mL), probably to target the minimal efficient dosage. Eight patients (11.9%) switched to alpelisib because of insufficient efficacy of sirolimus.

Conclusion

This real‐life study gives answers to frequent questions patients and parents ask before sirolimus initiation for SFVMs, such as persistence of efficacy over time, long‐term side effects and time to recurrence in case of withdrawal.
Frailty integration in medical specialties: Current evidence and suggested strategies from the Clin‐STAR frailty interest group
Authors: Singh Namrata , Faye Adam S. , Abidi Maheen Z. , Grant Shakira J. , DuMontier Clark , Iyer Anand S. , Jain Nelia , Kochar Bharati , Lieber Sarah B. , Litke Rachel , Loewenthal Julia V. , Masters Mary Clare , Nanna Michael G. , Robison Raele Donetha , Sattui Sebastian E. , Sheshadri Anoop , Shi Sandra M. , Sherman Andrea N. , Walston Jeremy D. , Wysham Katherine D. , Orkaby Ariela R.
Published: November 2024

Frailty is a syndrome that can inform clinical treatments and interventions for older adults. Although implementation of frailty across medical subspecialties has the potential to improve care for the aging population, its uptake has been heterogenous. While frailty assessment is highly integrated into certain medical subspecialties, other subspecialties have only recently begun to consider frailty in the context of patient care. In order to advance the field of frailty‐informed care, we aim to detail what is known about frailty within the subspecialties of internal medicine. In doing so, we highlight cross‐disciplinary approaches that can enhance our understanding of frailty, focusing on ways to improve the implementation of frailty measures, as well as develop potential interventional strategies to mitigate frailty within these subspecialties. This has important implications for the clinical care of the aging population and can help guide future research.
Mapping modern kinship networks: First results from the KINMATRIX survey
Authors: Leopold Thomas , Raab Marcel , Becker Charlotte Clara , Buyukkececi Zafer , Çineli Beyda
Published: November 2024

Objective

This study presents initial results from the KINMATRIX survey, a large‐scale source of ego‐centric network data offering an unprecedented level of scope and detail in mapping family relationships.

Background

Research on kinship networks is limited by the scarcity of available data. As a result, key phenomena remain insufficiently understood, including the importance of extended kin, contrasts between kinship lines, and cross‐national differences. Notably, extended kin provide a unique “strength in numbers” that can enhance social transmission, integration, and support.

Method

We analyzed data from anchor respondents aged 25–35 (N = 11,788 anchors; 239,220 anchor‐kin dyads) collected in seven Western countries (Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, United Kingdom, and United States). Kinship networks included a large array of nuclear, extended, and complex kin (on average, 20 kin per anchor). We used descriptive methods to examine retrospective, current, and prospective assessments of kin ties across four measures: importance, closeness, contact, and support.

Results

We report three main findings: First, extended kin are central to younger adults' lives, representing at least half of the family members they are emotionally close to, regularly contact, and deem important. Second, kinship networks are matrilineally tilted. Maternal kin are emotionally closer, more frequently contacted, considered more important, and more supportive. Third, cross‐national comparisons reveal both similarities and notable differences, with the United States and Sweden showing elevated importance of extended and complex kin and Italy exhibiting higher social integration with nuclear and extended kin.

Conclusion

Data on kinship networks can significantly advance our understanding of key family phenomena.
Testing the incongruence model with longitudinal data: How employment status preferences affect mental health over time
Authors: Paul Karsten Ingmar , Zechmann Andrea , Mlynek Monika , Stiglbauer Barbara , Batinic Bernad , Moser Klaus , Selenko Eva
Published: November 2024

According to the incongruence model, unemployed people experience incongruence between their actual as compared to their desired employment status, which is an important source of distress. In contrast to other theories, this model is able to explain why unemployed people feel worse not only compared to employed people but also compared to people in other life situations, such as students, homemakers and retirees, who are assumed to experience low levels of incongruence. The current study analysed two longitudinal samples (n = 1066 and n = 1036 at T1) that were followed over 2.5 and 1.5 years, with six and five measurement points, respectively. The results show that (1) unemployed people who found new jobs experienced a reduction in their incongruence levels; (2) changes in incongruence were associated with changes in mental health; (3) changes in incongruence mediated the effects of changes in employment status on mental health. In addition, (4) mental health changes associated with other employment status changes such as entering (or leaving) the labour force (i.e., becoming a student, homemaker or retiree) were also mediated by changes in incongruence levels. Furthermore, the effects remained stable when the influence of the latent and manifest functions of employment was controlled.
Prevalence of culicine salivary antibodies in non‐human primates living in national parks in Thailand
Authors: Aguila Ariza Minelle A. , Boonnak Kobporn , Tongthainan Daraka , Reamtong Onrapak , Suthisawat Sarocha , Likhit Oranit , Fungfuang Wirasak , Hii Jeffrey , Sriwichai Patchara
Published: November 2024

Macaques are widely distributed in Thailand with remarkable adaptation to living close to humans in residential, religious sites, markets and tourist areas. They play an essential role in the persistence of pathogens in the environment. As reservoir hosts, they are exposed to hematophagous vectors that secrete saliva, a cocktail of bioactive molecules including antigenic components stimulating host antibody production. Subsequent to the detection of mosquito‐borne pathogens in macaques living in national parks, we aimed to determine the seroprevalence of antibodies to crude salivary gland extracts (SGEs) from culicine mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti [Linnaeus, 1762], Ae. albopictus [Skuse, 1895] and Culex quinquefasciatus [Say, 1823]) and compare individual titres between macaque species/national parks (33, Macaca arctoides [I. Geoffroy Saint‐Hilaire, 1831] [Primates: Cercopithecidae] from Kaeng Krachan, 23 M. leonina leonina [Blyth, 1863] [Primates: Cercopithecidae] from Khao Yai and four M. fascicularis [Raffles, 1821] [Primates: Cercopithecidae] from Mu Ko Ranong). The anti‐mosquito SGE antibodies found in 60 macaques from three national parks indicate varying levels of host‐vector exposure. Macaque antibody titres were high against culicine mosquitoes. However, the significant difference among national parks (or macaque species) was only observed against Cx. quinquefasciatus. Correlation analysis of titres between Aedes SGE and arboviruses revealed a significantly more intense immune response against Ae. albopictus in DENV3‐positive M. arctoides. Current findings support the concept of salivary biomarkers using accessible SGE, available from mosquito colonies of interest. However, we observed cross‐reactivity between Aedes species because of crude SGE containing species‐shared proteins. Nevertheless, a potential risk of pathogen transmission is emphasised between national park visitors and macaques via mosquitoes as bridge vectors. This information contributes to preventive measures against mosquito bites, including those implemented in tourist areas.
The effect of swimmer position during prone ventilation on the onset of brachial plexus injury in the intensive care unit: A multiprofessional clinical study protocol
Authors: Binda Filippo , Gambazza Simone , Marelli Federica , Rossi Veronica , Galazzi Alessandro , Del Monaco Cesare , Vergari Maurizio , Ticozzelli Benedetta , Panigada Mauro , Grasselli Giacomo , Lusignani Maura , Laquintana Dario
Published: November 2024

Background

Prone positioning improves oxygenation in adults with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and has been extensively applied in intensive care units (ICU) during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Although some complications due to the manoeuvre are well known, brachial plexus injury after prone positioning is reported as a rare complication and the phenomenon could be either very rare or underestimated.

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of swimmer position during prone ventilation on the onset of brachial plexus injury in patients admitted to ICU for ARDS. The study will also evaluate the safety of prolonged prone positioning collecting data on any adverse events occurred.

Study Design

A prospective, observational cohort study will be conducted in a tertiary level ICU in the metropolitan area of Milano (Italy) specialized in advanced treatment of patients with ARDS. This observational study will report clinical data on the electromyography (EMG) and the muscle strength assessment, including comorbidities and cardio‐respiratory status. A baseline EMG will be performed within 2 h from the first pronation manoeuvre and immediately at the end of each pronation cycle. The functional assessment of patients will be also performed at the end of ICU stay and at hospital discharge.

Results

The primary outcome is to estimate the prevalence of brachial plexus injury in patients with ARDS placed in the swimmer position during prone ventilation. Secondary outcomes will also include the safety of the manoeuvre by evaluation of all adverse events classified as skin or ocular damage, loss of tube and vascular access and new pressure ulcers.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The findings of this study will contribute to understand the possible benefits/harms of prone ventilation performed using swimmer position. Eventually, this will call for the development of specific and tailored rehabilitation programs for patients with upper limb injuries during ICU stay, including also timely follow‐up upon ICU‐discharge.