bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of faculty in collaborative online international learning (COIL) – a pedagogical tool for Internationalization at Home (IaH)
Authors: Grover Priya , Phutela Nidhi , Yadav Manish
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The research paper explores the role of faculties in teaching collaborative online international learning (COIL) courses as a pedagogical tool toward Internationalization at Home. The study examines what motivates faculties to teach COIL courses and what is their experience in designing and delivering a COIL course as a pedagogical tool for Internationalization at Home.

Design/methodology/approach

The research paper explores the role of faculties in conducting a COIL course through qualitative research of 16 faculties selected through purposive sampling. The verbatim transcripts of the interviews taken were analyzed through Braun and Clarke thematic analysis.

Findings

COIL is an innovative Internationalization at Home initiative built on the internationalization of curriculum. Faculties perceived COIL as an innovative pedagogical tool enhancing their professional advancement and providing equal global learning opportunities to all students at home, thereby ensuring inclusivity. COIL promotes enhanced cross-cultural student engagement and cultural understanding, thereby developing the global competency of students.

Research limitations/implications

This research is a qualitative study done with a sample of 16 faculties using the in-depth interview as a tool. The outcome may not be applicable to the population at large.

Practical implications

This research would guide higher education institutions (HEIs) to enhance Internationalization at Home and enable inclusivity in providing international exposure to a large number of place-bound students. The findings of the research would encourage HEIs to train faculties to design innovative COIL courses and enhance cross-cultural student engagement. The research would motivate policymakers in the higher education sector to design policies and practices to embed COIL in the curriculum of HEIs.

Social implications

COIL ensures quality of education (SDG 4) and reduces inequalities (SDG 10). Therefore, this research would pave a pathway for HEIs to attain sustainable development goals, especially SDG 4 and SDG 10.

Originality/value

The study is original in the area of the international virtual education sector.
Digital finance and MSME performance in India: evidence from World Bank Enterprise Survey data
Authors: Verma Anil , Das Khanindra Ch. , Misra Pooja
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The impact of digitalisation on smaller firms remains sparsely studied across emerging economies. The paper aims to examine the relationship between digital adoption and multiple performance parameters of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) in a prominent emerging economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs data from the World Bank Enterprise Survey (WBES) 2022, capturing 9,024 Indian MSME firms spread across the country. Performance indicators are derived from growth in sales, employment and labour productivity (LPROD). Multiple regression estimates are derived that also correct for sample selection bias using Heckman’s two-step process.

Findings

Digital proliferation is found to increase as firms mature up in terms of age, size and constitution. A significant difference could also be observed in business performance across digital and non-digital businesses, with sales growth (SG) and productivity higher for digital firms. Digital financial variables are found to have a significant impact on SG but not as much in the case of employment growth and LPROD. The results are robust to correction for sample selection bias in digital adoption using inverse mills ratio (IMR).

Practical implications

The study highlights digital adoption gaps across various strata of MSMEs, highlighting lower adoption when firms are younger, smaller and lacking formal constitutional setup. Digital variables indicating positive association with SG highlight the need for concerted efforts at the public policy level for building appropriate skills and infrastructure for micro and small enterprises to boost their digital adoption to promote growth.

Originality/value

There is a lack of micro-level empirical evidence measuring the impact of advanced digital technology usage on multiple aspects of enterprise performance amongst micro and small firms. The study deploys unique digital variables including TReDS and use of online credit applications to assess the impact on business performance. The findings provide insights for practice and public policy, besides making the case for a higher focus on launching digital initiatives for smaller enterprises.
Factors influencing meta-banking adoption: an empirical study
Authors: Yaseen Husam , Ayoub Majda Al-Salim , Hattar Christina , Al-Adwan Ahmad Samed , Alsoud Malek
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the main factors influencing customer meta-banking (metaverse banking) adoption intention based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the PLS-SEM modelling technique was used to analyse the quantitative data collected from a total of 407 participants who were purposefully chosen.

Findings

The findings revealed that performance expectation, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions and hedonic motivation have significant positive effects on customers’ perception of the value associated with adopting the metaverse. However, the effect of social influence was found to be statistically insignificant. The results further emphasised that technostress is an obstacle that negatively influences the perceived value. Lastly, perceived value is found to be a key facilitator of adoption intention as it shows a positive effect on it.

Originality/value

This study stands at the forefront of research on banking customers’ adoption intention of meta-banking. Going beyond the investigation of adoption intention, the research also critically assesses the applicability of UTAUT in the context of meta-banking. The results demonstrate that UTAUT is a viable theoretical framework for examining the dynamics of meta-banking. In particular, the findings indicate that UTAUT model provides a reliable lens for comprehending the intricacies of meta-banking adoption.
Financial liberalisation and illicit financial outflows in African countries: does institutional quality and macroeconomic stability matter?
Authors: Jeke Leward , Moyo Clement Zibusiso , Apau Richard
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Although the consequences of illicit financial outflows on the economies of the world continue to exert adverse impacts on many economies of the world, explanations regarding specific drivers of the illicit outflows remain divergent in the literature. This study aims to investigate the effect of financial liberalisation on illicit financial outflows in Africa. Furthermore, the study also examines the effect of macroeconomic stability and institutional quality on illicit outflows.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the objectives, the study uses a dynamic panel system generalised method of moments technique to analyse annual data from the period 1995 to 2015 of 22 African countries.

Findings

The results show that financial liberalisation helps to reduce illicit capital outflows. Furthermore, improved institutional quality is associated with lower levels of capital outflows, thus affirming the theoretical expectations that stable political environment boost investor confidence. Overall, the study show that financial liberalisation reduces illicit outflows. However, liberalisation without sound macroeconomic stability and institutional quality may avail opportunities for illicit outflows.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of the study was lack of data that spans periods beyond 2015 for most of the variables on financial illicit flows. The available data sources could not test the objectives beyond 2015.

Originality/value

Current literature on the relationship between financial liberalisation and illicit fund outflows are generally conducted in the context implications on economic growth. However, beyond economic growth, financial liberalisation may impact on illicit financial outflows. Furthermore, other institutional and macroeconomic dynamics may influence illicit financial outflow, especially for developing economies in Africa.
Illegitimate tasks and knowledge hiding: the mediating role of psychological contract violation and moderating role of optimism
Authors: Yuan Shuai , Yan Yu
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Based on social exchange theory (SET), the current research aims to investigate the relationship between illegitimate tasks (ITs) and employees’ knowledge-hiding behavior (KHB), incorporating the mediating role of psychological contract violation (PCV) and the moderating role of optimism.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-wave time-lagged survey was conducted to collect data from 196 adult Chinese full-time employees.

Findings

ITs were positively related to KHB, and this relationship was mediated by PCV. Furthermore, optimism buffered the connection between ITs and PCV as well as the mediating effect of PCV on the relationship between ITs and KHB.

Practical implications

For managers, this study made them aware of the hidden costs of ITs; that is, employees may respond by concealing knowledge in the organization.

Originality/value

This study provides a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between ITs and employees’ subtle deviant behavior, KHB and hitherto unspecified mediating and moderating factors that explain this process.
How does the technology environment impact supply chain strategy and operational performance?
Authors: Oliveira-Dias Diéssica , Maqueira-Marín Juan Manuel , Moyano-Fuentes José , Tortorella Guilherme
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper investigates the relationship between technological uncertainty and the use of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies, and its impact on the implementation of agile and lean supply chain strategies. It also examines the effect of both of these supply chain strategies on focal firm operational performance in terms of efficiency in manufacturing processes and delivery performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were gathered from 256 focal manufacturing companies in Spain using a structured questionnaire. Covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) is used to test the conceptual model.

Findings

Underpinned by the Contingency Theory and the Resource Orchestration Theory, the results indicate that technology uncertainty has a strong association with I4.0 technology use. Furthermore, the use of I4.0 technologies facilitates the implementation of the lean supply chain strategy and the agile supply chain strategy. Focal firm operational performance was also observed to be affected by the two strategies in different ways.

Originality/value

This study extends the literature on operations management by studying the fit between the external environment and strategy by incorporating an in-between element: the use of I4.0 technologies. This research provides a unique empirical analysis of the role of technology uncertainty and integration between I4.0 technologies and supply chain strategies.
Influence of nozzle temperatures on the microstructures and physical properties of 316L stainless steel parts additively manufactured by material extrusion
Authors: Musa Nur Hidayah , Mazlan Nurainaa Natasya , Mohd Yusuf Shahir , Binti Mohd Redzuan Farah Liana , Nordin Nur Azmah , Mazlan Saiful Amri
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Material extrusion (ME) is a low-cost additive manufacturing (AM) technique that is capable of producing metallic components using desktop 3D printers through a three-step printing, debinding and sintering process to obtain fully dense metallic parts. However, research on ME AM, specifically fused filament fabrication (FFF) of 316L SS, has mainly focused on improving densification and mechanical properties during the post-printing stage; sintering parameters. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of varying processing parameters during the initial printing stage, specifically nozzle temperatures, Tn (190°C–300°C) on the relative density, porosity, microstructures and microhardness of FFF 3D printed 316L SS.

Design/methodology/approach

Cube samples (25 x 25 x 25 mm) are printed via a low-cost Artillery Sidewinder X1 3D printer using a 316L SS filament comprising of metal-polymer binder mix by varying nozzle temperatures from 190 to 300°C. All samples are subjected to thermal debinding and sintering processes. The relative density of the sintered parts is determined based on the Archimedes Principle. Microscopy and analytical methods are conducted to evaluate the microstructures and phase compositions. Vickers microhardness (HV) measurements are used to assess the mechanical property. Finally, the correlation between relative density, microstructures and hardness is also reported.

Findings

The results from this study suggest a suitable temperature range of 195°C–205°C for the successful printing of 316L SS green parts with high dimensional accuracy. On the other hand, Tn = 200°C yields the highest relative density (97.6%) and highest hardness (292HV) in the sintered part, owing to the lowest porosity content (<3%) and the combination of the finest average grain size (∼47 µm) and the presence of Cr23C6 precipitates. However, increasing Tn = 205°C results in increased porosity percentage and grain coarsening, thereby reducing the HV values. Overall, these outcomes suggest that the microstructures and properties of sintered 316L SS parts fabricated by FFF AM could be significantly influenced even by adjusting the processing parameters during the initial printing stage only.

Originality/value

This paper addresses the gap by investigating the impact of initial FFF 3D printing parameters, particularly nozzle temperature, on the microstructures and physical characteristics of sintered FFF 316L SS parts. This study provides an understanding of the correlation between nozzle temperature and various factors such as dimensional integrity, densification level, microstructure and hardness of the fabricated parts.
One small state university library’s transformation through rightsizing
Authors: Gladis Pam , Wiggins Māra
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Academic libraries are having to reconsider personnel, collections, space, and budget. This paper provides examples of how rightsizing opportunities in those areas can be approached in a positive way.

Design/methodology/approach

Librarians at a small, rural, public university library approached rightsizing as an opportunity to shape the library in positive ways. This paper provides a reflection on those efforts in personnel, collections, space, and budget that have taken place over the past decade at this university, and highlights how the library’s role as the driver of these changes helped foster a positive culture.

Findings

This paper explains the ways the library is viewed both internally and externally as a more student-focused service and location. Examples in this paper may provide ideas for other libraries to utilize in their rightsizing efforts.

Originality/value

Historically, this library encountered forced cuts due to lower than anticipated enrollments and reduced funding from the state. This contributed to low morale and understandably defensive attitudes; however, these did not serve the library well. Post 2013, the library transitioned to a self-initiated approach to making changes. Some of these changes came about due to stagnation in budgets while others can be attributed to changes in staff due to retirements and new hires. Through this shift to proactive rightsizing, our library team has recognized we are adaptable and nimble. This has benefitted morale and helped the library grow a positive reputation on campus.
Environment court, shareholder conflict and corporate governance: evidence from market reactions to bank loan announcements
Authors: Wei Ping , Mao Yue , Zhu Meng , Zhu Qi
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impact of environmental risk on corporate governance through market reaction to bank loan announcements.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the establishment of environment court in China as a quasi-natural experiment, this paper adopt the difference-in-differences approach based on listed firms during 2003–2013 to explore the impact of environment court on corporate governance.

Findings

This paper find that the environment court would weaken the cumulative abnormal return of loan announcements. Then, this paper confirm that the potential reason is that environment court worsens the interest conflict between majority and minority shareholders. Further, cross-sectional analysis suggests that bank’s supervision, market competition and analyst coverage can alleviate the impact of environment court on corporate governance.

Practical implications

Environment courts intensify firms’ internal interest disputes, thus causing the decrease of corporate governance, which can be observed through the effect of bank loan announcements.

Social implications

This paper provide reference for environmental policy formulation and implementation, firms’ decision-makings and improving the banking regulatory system.

Originality/value

This paper makes a contribution to the studies about the impact of environment court on firms’ decision-making and investors’ reaction, the impact of external factors on corporate governance and bank loan announcements effect.
The indirect effects of coping strategies on the relationship between service failures and negative behavioral intention in the fitness industry: moderated mediation analysis
Authors: Song Hyunseok , Jang Wooyoung (William) , Min Sophia , Jara-Pazmino Su , Byon Kevin K.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the mediating effect of three coping strategies (i.e. active, expressive, and denial coping) in the relationships between service failures (i.e. high- and low-contact service failures) and negative behavioral intentions (i.e. switching intention).

Design/methodology/approach

The critical incident technique (CIT) was used to identify the conceptually categorized service failure types in the fitness industry, and then confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) were performed to examine the mediating effect of coping strategies among high-contact service failure and switching intention (study 1) and the mediating effect of coping strategies among low-contact service failure and switching intention (study 2).

Findings

While the mediating effect of coping strategies was significant in the relationship between high-contact service failures (study 1) and negative behaviors (i.e. switching intention and complaints), it was not significant in the relationship between low-contact service failures (study 2) and switching intention. Out of the three coping strategies, the impact of active coping was significant.

Originality/value

This study extends the understanding of the mediating effect of coping strategies in the relation between high- and low-contact service failures and switching intention.
Accuracy improvement of resonant sensor by an additional electrode in the measurement of liquid density and viscosity
Authors: An Nam Chol , Jang Hyon , Kim Chung Hun , Ri Un Hyang , Kim Hyon Chol
Published: August 2024

Purpose

In the measurement of liquid density and viscosity, the change of resonance parameters due to the parasitic parallel capacitance of resonator affects the measurement accuracy. To improve the accuracy, a method was proposed to compensate the parasitic parallel capacitance of resonator by adding an electrode.

Design/methodology/approach

The new electrode (compensation electrode) was added into resonant sensor to make compensation capacitance. The closer the compensation capacitance was to the parasitic parallel capacitance, the better compensation was. The structural parameters of resonant sensor with the compensation electrode were determined by the simulation and experiment.

Findings

The effect of this method was examined by the experiment. The relative errors of density and viscosity were less than 0.15, 0.5 % and standard deviations were less than 0.0004 g/cm3 and 0.005 mPas, respectively.

Practical implications

The experimental results show that this method is valuable for the parasitic parallel capacitance compensation of immersed resonant sensor.

Originality/value

This paper has not been published in other journals.
Natural resources, digital financial inclusion, and good governance nexus with sustainable development: Fuzzy optimization to econometric modeling
Authors: Huang Yongming , Shuaib Mohd , Rahman Md. Mominur , Rahman Mariya , Hossain Md. Emran
Published: August 2024

This study aims to investigate the complex interplay between natural resources, digital financial inclusion, good governance,  and sustainable development outcomes, employing a hybrid methodological approach which combines fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), necessary condition analysis (NCA), and econometric modeling. Drawing on data from 18 countries spanning 2013–2019, the study unravels the impact of these factors on sustainable development (SD) and explores the moderating role of governance. The findings reveal positive effects of digital financial inclusion, natural resources, and good governance on SD, with governance quality enhancing the relationship between digital financial inclusion and development outcomes. However, governance does not significantly moderate the link between natural resources and sustainability, which illustrates the need for tailored governance approaches in resource‐dependent contexts. Theoretical implications highlight the relevance of institutional theory in understanding the dynamic nature of development processes, while practical implications offer actionable insights to foster holistic and resilient pathways to sustainable development. Thus, the study contributes to advancing our understanding of the intricate relationships shaping SD outcomes and informs evidence‐based policy interventions in this critical domain.
The phototrophic purple non‐sulfur bacteria Rhodomicrobium spp. are novel chassis for bioplastic production
Authors: Conners Eric M. , Rengasamy Karthikeyan , Ranaivoarisoa Tahina , Bose Arpita
Published: August 2024

Petroleum‐based plastics levy significant environmental and economic costs that can be alleviated with sustainably sourced, biodegradable, and bio‐based polymers such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). However, industrial‐scale production of PHAs faces barriers stemming from insufficient product yields and high costs. To address these challenges, we must look beyond the current suite of microbes for PHA production and investigate non‐model organisms with versatile metabolisms. In that vein, we assessed PHA production by the photosynthetic purple non‐sulfur bacteria (PNSB) Rhodomicrobium vannielii and Rhodomicrobium udaipurense. We show that both species accumulate PHA across photo‐heterotrophic, photo‐hydrogenotrophic, photo‐ferrotrophic, and photo‐electrotrophic growth conditions, with either ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) or dinitrogen gas (N2) as nitrogen sources. Our data indicate that nitrogen source plays a significant role in dictating PHA synthesis, with N2 fixation promoting PHA production during photoheterotrophy and photoelectrotrophy but inhibiting production during photohydrogenotrophy and photoferrotrophy. We observed the highest PHA titres (up to 44.08 mg/L, or 43.61% cell dry weight) when cells were grown photoheterotrophically on sodium butyrate with N2, while production was at its lowest during photoelectrotrophy (as low as 0.04 mg/L, or 0.16% cell dry weight). We also find that photohydrogenotrophically grown cells supplemented with NH4Cl exhibit the highest electron yields – up to 58.89% – while photoheterotrophy demonstrated the lowest (0.27%–1.39%). Finally, we highlight superior electron conversion and PHA production compared to a related PNSB, Rhodopseudomonas palustris TIE‐1. This study illustrates the value of studying non‐model organisms like Rhodomicrobium for sustainable PHA production and indicates future directions for exploring PNSB metabolisms.
Guidelines to support the design, and selection and appraisal of multimedia teaching aids for microbiology education
Authors: Van Beek R. , Spijkerman D. J. C. , van der Burgt N. , Hermanns B. , Barendse S. , Sainsbury P. D. , Timmis K. N. , Timmis J. K.
Published: August 2024

Microbiology education has a serious handicap – the lack of visibility of the players of the subject and their interactions – which engenders a disproportionate reliance upon multimedia teaching aids (MTAs). The International Microbiology Literacy Initiative (IMiLI) is creating educational resources in societally‐relevant microbiology complemented by appropriate MTAs. However, proper guidance supporting microbiology educators in locating and selecting, or commissioning the creation of, adequate MTAs for different target audiences and learning objectives is lacking. The aims of this study were to (i) identify important considerations regarding educational/didactical standards and the design of educational multimedia and (ii) create an evidence‐based guideline for selecting and appraising existing, and informing the creation of new, microbiology MTAs. This investigation is based on an exploratory, mixed‐methods approach. The results of two literature reviews (covering educational and good practice multimedia design) informed the collation of a preliminary appraisal guideline for videos, animations, comics, and video games. A web‐scraping approach was utilised to locate and retrieve existing exemplars of the four multimedia types and create four pertinent multimedia databases (including metadata). The preliminary guideline was piloted (and revised accordingly) by appraising quasi‐random (or purposive) samples of each multimedia type. Educational multimedia experts were interviewed to discuss the findings. Finally, the guideline was updated to reflect the expert comments together with the results of the pilot appraisals. The final guideline has four components: (i) central considerations for selecting and appraising multimedia for specific audiences and educational purposes, (ii) multimedia selection tool, (iii) multimedia appraisal tools, and (iv) extensive background information as appendices linking all sections for further comprehension. Broad utilisation of the guideline has significant potential for simplifying and systematising multimedia selection/creation, leading to superior multimedia‐based learning outcomes, establishing a rapid selection database (pre‐appraised multimedia), reducing disparities in microbiology education and incentivising educational content creators.
Stability of environmental DNA methylation and its utility in tracing spawning in fish
Authors: Hirayama Itsuki T. , Wu Luhan , Minamoto Toshifumi
Published: August 2024

The use of environmental DNA (eDNA) is becoming prevalent as a novel method of ecological monitoring. Although eDNA can provide critical information on the distribution and biomass of particular taxa, the DNA sequences of an organism remain unaltered throughout its existence, which complicates the accurate identification of crucial events, including spawning. Therefore, we examined DNA methylation as a novel source of information from eDNA, considering that the methylation patterns in eggs and sperm released during spawning differ from those of somatic tissues. Despite its potential applications, little is known about eDNA methylation, including its stability and methods for detection and quantification. Therefore, we conducted tank experiments and performed methylation analysis targeting 18S rDNA through bisulphite amplicon sequencing. In the target region, eDNA methylation was not affected by degradation and was equivalent to the methylation rate of genomic DNA from somatic tissues. Unmethylated DNA, abundant in the ovaries, was detected in the eDNA released during fish spawning. These results indicate that eDNA methylation is a stable signal reflecting targeted gene methylation and further demonstrate that germ cell‐specific methylation patterns can be used as markers for detecting fish spawning.
Infantile colic is associated with development of later constipation and atopic disorders
Authors: Stokholm Jakob , Thorsen Jonathan , Schoos Ann‐Marie Malby , Rasmussen Morten Arendt , Brandt Sarah , Sørensen Søren Johannes , Vahman Nilo , Chawes Bo , Bønnelykke Klaus
Published: August 2024

Background

Infantile colic is a common condition with limited knowledge about later clinical manifestations. We evaluated the role of the early life gut microbiome in infantile colic and later development of atopic and gastrointestinal disorders.

Methods

Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood2010 cohort was followed with 6 years of extensive clinical phenotyping. The 1‐month gut microbiome was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Infantile colic was evaluated at age 3 months by interviews. Clinical endpoints included constipation to age 3 years and prospectively diagnosed asthma and atopic dermatitis in the first 6 years of life, and allergic sensitization from skin prick tests, specific Immunoglobulin E, and component analyses.

Results

Of 695 children, 55 children (7.9%) had infantile colic. Several factors were associated with colic including race, breastfeeding, and pets. The 1‐month gut microbiome composition and taxa abundances were not associated with colic, however a sparse Partial Least Squares model including combined abundances of nine species was moderately predictive of colic: median, cross‐validated AUC = 0.627, p = .003. Children with infantile colic had an increased risk of developing constipation (aOR, 2.88 [1.51–5.35], p = .001) later in life, but also asthma (aHR, 1.69 [1.02–2.79], p = .040), atopic dermatitis (aHR, 1.84 [1.20–2.81], p = .005) and had a higher number of positive allergic components (adjusted difference, 116% [14%–280%], p = .012) in the first 6 years. These associations were not mediated by gut microbiome differences.

Conclusions

We link infantile colic with risk of developing constipation and atopic disorders in the first 6 years of life, which was not mediated through an altered gut microbiome at age 1‐month. These results suggest infantile colic to involve gastrointestinal and/or atopic mechanisms.
Phacoemulsification practices: A comprehensive analysis of the surgical landscape in Sweden 2021–2022
Authors: Ursberg Johan , Zetterberg Madeleine , Viberg Andreas
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This cross‐sectional survey study aimed to explore the phacoemulsification techniques among Swedish cataract surgeons, and investigate the association between technique preferences and surgical outcomes, particularly posterior capsular rupture (PCR).

Methods

A survey questionnaire was responded by 170 cataract surgeons and data from 192 494 cases, linked to the surgeons, were analysed from the Swedish National Cataract Registry (SNCR) for 2021–2022. Surgeons' demographic characteristics, surgical techniques and complications were assessed. Associations between surgical technique preferences and outcomes were analysed with binary logistic regression.

Results

The chopping technique (stop and chop or direct chop) was favoured by 64.6% of surgeons, followed by divide and conquer (32.4%), and tilt and tumble (7.6%). Surgeons' annual caseloads varied widely (range 11–2687). No significant correlation was found between technique preference and PCR rates, which was consistently 0.5%–0.6% in all groups, except for a trend suggesting reduced risk with tilt and tumble. Mentoring activity (35.0%) and public surgical setting (40.3%) was highest in the direct chop group. Notably, 75% of the surgeries were performed by surgeons with more than 10 years' experience. Confounding factors, such as high‐volume surgeons having a low frequency of complications, have been accounted for in a logistic regression.

Conclusion

This study provides insights into cataract surgery practices in Sweden and suggests that surgeons can choose their preferred approach without significantly affecting complication rates. This research also underscores the need for continued exploration of surgical practices and their impact on patient outcomes, particularly in the case of the tilt and tumble technique, which is less commonly employed.
Blood pressure increase preceded spontaneous and paracetamol‐induced, early ductal closure in very preterm infants
Authors: Ukkonen Tiina , Härkin Pia , Härmä Antti , Leskinen Markku , Valkama Marita , Saarela Timo , Hallman Mikko , Aikio Outi
Published: August 2024

Aim

To investigate the blood pressure (BP) and ductal calibre patterns associated with early ductal closure in very low gestational age (<32 weeks) infants.

Methods

Blood pressure was continuously measured intra‐arterially among 43 infants participating in a randomised, double‐blind trial of 4 days prophylactic intravenous paracetamol. Early closure of the ductus was verified by daily ultrasound examinations. The BP recordings, before and after the verified ductal closure, were examined and compared to control infants without ductal closure. In the 24‐h preceding the ultrasound‐verified ductal closure, periods of increased BP were searched and identified as suggestive ductal closure time points. In control infants without ductal closure, BP trends were examined during the corresponding age.

Results

Mean arterial BP increased significantly before ductal closure (p < 0.001) and stayed higher than in the control group. Mean BP during the 8 h preceding closure significantly predicted the ductal closure [OR 2.094 (95% CI 1.209–3.630), p = 0.008], and multiple potential confounders failed to abolish this association. A linear decrease pattern in ductal calibre was significantly associated with the ductal closure.

Conclusion

Blood pressure increased and stabilised before the early ductal closure, offering potential implications on treatment strategies of very premature infants.
Chapter 1. The state of the field: Emerging approaches to the archaeology of agricultural landscapes
Authors: Casana Jesse , McLeester Madeleine
Published: August 2024

Almost 30 years ago, Naomi Miller and Katheryn Gleason edited the influential volume, The Archaeology of Garden and Field, a guide to the identification and interpretation of evidence for past agricultural practice inscribed within the landscape. Here we introduce a new collection of papers that advance both theoretical discourses and methodological approaches to the study of ancient field systems. Contemporary archaeological debates bring new urgency to explorations of relict agricultural features, as they offer powerful perspectives on the entanglements of humans with their environment in the Anthropocene, while also serving to decolonize the past through engagement with Indigenous and traditional ecological knowledge. Although many ancient fields are at dire risk of destruction or have already been lost to modern land‐use changes, an emerging suite of new technologies and innovative methods are now enabling archaeologists to find and interpret past agricultural systems as never before. Herein, we argue for the critical importance of archaeological investigations that prioritize discovery and interpretation of relict fields and their constitution within larger landscapes, both as a means to better understand people in the past as well as our role as a species in shaping global ecosystems.
Chapter 10. Intensification does not require modification: Tropical Swidden and the Maya
Authors: Ford Anabel
Published: August 2024

What is involved in finding fields? Agricultural intensification and its archaeological correlates are not always obvious. Archaeologists frequently equate capital‐based investment and arable farming as the sole path to intensified production. The presence of terraces to slow water flows across land, canals to bring water to drier lands, and raised and drained fields to reduce water, are methods to bring marginal lands into productive use. Labor‐based economies, especially those of the Americas before European conquest, present an entirely distinct pathway toward intensification based on tending the landscape. Tropical societies in general, and the Maya in particular, demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the natural world, cultivating biological capital as a product of their culture with skill, hand tools, scheduling, and fire. Asynchronous and embedded fields transform into forests in a poly‐cultivation practice, emphasizing the diversity that prevails in tropical woodlands. As with most traditional land‐use systems around the world, the Maya milpa cycle reduces temperature and evapotranspiration, conserves water, maintains biodiversity, builds soil fertility, inhibits erosion, and nurtures people. Labor investments per se do not leave direct evidence on the landscape, apart from the implicit density of settlement, yet the imprint of their management lies in the forest landscape itself.
Chimerism and mosaicism shape our physical constitution and impact medical conditions
Authors: Flegel Willy Albert
Published: August 2024

ABO blood group discrepancies in healthy individuals were caused by body‐wide chimerism and mosaicism. They can be evaluated with new diagnostic options for disease‐related cell clones that are typically associated with mosaicism. The observations raise the attention for sporadic mixed‐field observations of any blood group antigen.

Commentary on: Dauber et al. Body‐wide chimerism and mosaicism are predominant causes of naturally occurring ABO discrepancies. Br J Haematol 2024 (Online ahead of print). doi:10.1111/bjh.19618.
PembroWM: A phase II trial to investigate the safety and efficacy of rituximab and pembrolizumab in relapsed/refractory Waldenström's Macroglobulinaemia
Authors: Kothari Jaimal , Eyre Toby , Rismani Ali , Ediriwickrema Kushani , Edwards Darren , Galani Sevasti , Wilson William , Lawrie Anthony , Clifton‐Hadley Laura , McCarthy Helen , Collins Angela , Lewis David , Arulogan Suzanne , Auer Rebecca , Pratt Guy , de Tute Ruth , Owen Roger , D'Sa Shirley
Published: August 2024

The optimal therapeutic approach for relapsed/refractory (R/R) Waldenström's Macroglobulinaemia (WM) has not been clearly defined, especially after treatment with chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) and covalent Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors (cBTKi). The PembroWM trial is a multi‐centre, phase II, single‐arm study assessing the safety, tolerability and efficacy of rituximab with pembrolizumab in R/R WM patients who had received at least one prior line of treatment, with all having relapsed post‐CIT and most also exposed to cBTKi. A total of 17 patients were enrolled, with a median age of 70, and median of three prior lines of therapy with 15 either refractory or intolerant of a cBTKi. A significant proportion was identified as genomically high risk with BTKC481, CXCR4 and MYD88 L265P wild‐type aberrations. Twenty‐four‐week overall response rate was 50% (60% CI 39.3%–60.7%), and median duration of response was 11.6 months (IQR: 6.3–17). The median progression‐free survival was 13.6 months (95% CI 3–19.8), and the median overall survival (OS) was not reached. Treatment was well tolerated, with minimal numbers of immune‐mediated AEs typically seen with checkpoint inhibitors. PembroWM is the first study to evaluate the feasibility of PD‐1 axis modulation in WM and has shown that in combination with Rituximab the combination is safe and deliverable.
Observational learning and firm dynamics
Authors: Mahone Zachary , Rebessi Filippo
Published: August 2024

This article investigates the implications of observational learning for firm dynamics. Because consumers learn through past purchase decisions, monopolistic firms can induce information cascades through prices. We characterize when cascades arise and argue that the fragile nature of cascades is reflected in firm‐level data. We measure fragility using reversals: periods when a firm with historically stable revenues experiences a large, sudden change in earnings. We document a robust pattern that the frequency of reversals among stable firms declines with age, and show a calibration exercise delivers an untargeted age profile in line with the data. Finally, efficiency is discussed.
Caries lesions progression in adults: A prospective 2‐year cohort study
Authors: Abdalla Hoda , Allison Paul J. , Madathil Sreenath A. , Veronneau Jacques E. , Pustavoitava Natallia , Tikhonova Svetlana
Published: August 2024

Objective

Dental caries is one of the most prevalent chronic non‐communicable diseases worldwide. There is a lack of evidence, especially in adult populations, documenting caries disease progression considering lesion severity, activity and tooth surface‐level characteristics. The study aimed to investigate the extent to which primary active caries lesions in adults affect caries lesions progression compared with inactive caries lesions over a 2‐year follow‐up period, considering their severity, surface and tooth type.

Methods

A prospective study data set from a cohort of workers in a factory in Belarus were used. Participants aged 18–64 years with 20 or more natural teeth were included in the study. The participants were clinically examined twice within an interval of 2 years and completed a self‐reported questionnaire. One calibrated examiner evaluated caries lesions using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) and the Nyvad system. The primary outcome was caries lesions' progression. The lesion was classified as ‘progressed’ if it turned to a more advanced severity stage, was restored or missing/extracted due to caries. A multilevel Poisson regression was used to estimate the association between baseline caries lesions' characteristics and caries lesion progression.

Results

Out of 495 participants, 322 people completed clinical examinations at baseline and 2 years later, with an attrition rate of 35%. The prevalence of active DS1‐6 and DS5‐6 lesions at the baseline was 83.8% and 64.8%, respectively. In 2 years, 24% of active non‐cavitated and 31% of active micro‐cavitated/shadowed caries lesions progressed, while 15% of inactive caries lesions, non‐ or micro‐cavitated/shadowed, progressed. The adjusted rate ratio (RR) for ICDAS3 + 4 caries lesions progression was 1.41 (CI 95% 1.16, 1.70) than ICDAS1 + 2 lesions. The RR for ICDAS1 + 2, active and ICDAS3 + 4, active lesions was 1.78 (CI 95%, 1.40, 2.27) and 1.97 (CI 95%, 1.53, 2.55), respectively than ICDAS1 + 2, inactive lesions. The RR for caries lesions progression on proximal surfaces and on pits and fissures was 1.57 (CI 95%, 1.30, 1.89) and 1.37 (CI 95%, 1.11, 1.67), respectively than smooth surface lesions.

Conclusion

In caries active adults over 2 years, most non‐ and micro‐cavitated/shadowed active and inactive caries lesions did not progress. Among caries lesions that showed progression, more severe lesions were more likely to progress than less severe lesions; active lesions were more likely to progress than inactive lesions. Pit and fissure caries lesions and proximal lesions were more likely to progress than smooth surface lesions.
‘I Don't Know What I'd Do if My Kid Was Being Violent to Me, but These Parents Just Keep Pushing Through’: A Narrative Inquiry of Practitioner Responses to Child to Parent Violence
Authors: Toole‐Anstey Chye , Townsend Michelle , Keevers Lynne
Published: August 2024

Child to parent violence (CPV) is a serious concern. However, there is a paucity of research exploring practices for supporting families experiencing this violence. Many responses for CPV sit within a criminal justice setting and are underpinned by skill development and psychological approaches. This study is aimed at examining ‘What responses from services, including the conditions that enable responses, are identified as supportive for families experiencing CPV in services?’ Utilising a narrative inquiry methodology, this study analyses interviews with mothers who experience CPV (n = 11) and practitioners who work with CPV (n = 19). Three overarching themes for responding to CPV were found: (1) relatings underpin responses, (2) response‐ability and CPV and (3) strategies for addressing CPV. Foundational to all responses is the need for connections between parent and child, worker and family, and worker and worker, with a range of practices to foster connection identified in this study. Practitioners frame the response‐ability of the violence varyingly, which makes addressing the violence both possible and impossible. Responses for addressing CPV by practitioners predominantly include psychological based, behaviour based, skills/education based, relationship based and referrals to other services. Recommendations for practice with families experiencing CPV are explored, as are future research and education.
Trajectory of haemoglobin A1c and incidence of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wang Yuan , Chin Weng Yee , Lam Cindy Lo Kuen , Wan Eric Yuk Fai
Published: August 2024

Aim

To evaluate the association between changes in haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and the concurrent incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.

Method

We conducted a retrospective cohort study among T2DM patients with HbA1c measurement after T2DM diagnosis between August 2009 and September 2010. The patients were classified into six subgroups based on baseline HbA1c (<7%; 7%–7.9%; ≥8%) and age (<65; ≥65 years), and then clustered into classes by HbA1c trajectory and CVD incidence over the 12‐year follow‐up period using joint latent class mixture models. We explored the HbA1c trajectories and CVD incidences in each latent class. Multinomial logistic regression was used to compare the baseline characteristics among different latent classes.

Results

A total of 128 843 T2DM patients were included with a median follow‐up period of 11.7 years. Ten latent classes were identified in patients with baseline HbA1c ≥ 8% and age <65 years, while seven classes were identified in the other five groups. Among all the identified latent classes, patients with fluctuating HbA1c trajectories, characterized by alternating periods of increase and decrease, had higher CVD incidences. Male patients, and patients with higher baseline HbA1c and use of antidiabetic drugs were more likely to have a fluctuating HbA1c trajectory. More specifically, patients aged < 65 years with younger age or a smoking habit, and patients aged ≥ 65 years with a longer duration of T2DM were more likely to have a fluctuating HbA1c trajectory.

Conclusion

We found that T2DM patients with fluctuating HbA1c trajectories could have a higher CVD risk. Different trajectory‐associated characteristics in age subgroups highlight the need for individualized management of T2DM patients.