bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IPOs and knowledge management practices: a systematic literature review and future research agenda
Authors: Nirino Niccoló , Battisti Enrico , Erben Michal , Salvi Antonio , Bresciani Stefano
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the connection between initial public offerings (IPOs) and knowledge management (KM). Specifically, the manuscript critically examines the literature on IPOs and KM underlying how KM practices influence the IPO processes of companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ a systematic literature review methodology to identify and thematically investigate 21 articles published in journals by the Chartered Association of Business Schools (ranked 2, 3, 4, 4*).

Findings

This research sheds new light on the relevance of KM practices in the context of IPOs. Specifically, the authors identify four crucial aspects concerning companies that opt for an IPO: (i) reasons for IPO and the role of KM; (ii) IPO process and the role of KM; (iii) underpricing and the role of KM; (iv) post-IPO and the role of KM.

Originality/value

This paper shows the pivotal role of effective KM strategies in fostering a successful IPO. Additionally, it provides practical recommendations for companies seeking to effectively harness their intellectual assets during the IPO process.
Processing paradoxes through chiasmic organising – the contribution of Merleau-Ponty process-oriented philosophy for a post-dualistic approach towards paradoxes in organisations
Authors: Küpers Wendelin
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to critically examine traditional approaches to paradoxes and propose a new approach and perspective that views “chiasmic” organizing as a intertwining combination of structure and processes that facilitate the handling of multiple interrelations for processing paradoxes and harness their creative potential in organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a cross-disciplinary approach, a literature review and a critical lens, along with conceptual work (typology), are used to identify problems and deficiencies in existing research on paradoxes. Specifically, it draws on Merleau-Ponty's process-oriented phenomenology and post-Cartesian ontology to gain a comprehensive understanding of post-dualistic forms of chiasmic organizing and its relationship with paradoxical phenomena.

Findings

The process-oriented phenomenology and post-Cartesian ontology used in this article offer valuable insights and a critical approach to comprehend post-dualistic forms of chiasmic organizing in relation to paradoxes. This understanding can help in tapping into the energizing and creative potential of paradoxes. The paper also highlights the significance of the “in(ter)-between” as a reversible principle in chiasmic organizing and proposes some implications.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations and implications of this study are identified and discussed.

Practical implications

The paper offers practical implications for organizations in processing paradoxes.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the existing literature by providing a conceptual critique and proposing a novel understanding of chiasmic organizing as an intertwining structure and mediating processes by employing a process-oriented phenomenology and post-Cartesian ontology. It also offers innovative ways to approach paradoxes and tap into their creative potentials, which can bring about change in organizations.
What are the drivers of sustainable development web-reporting in Portuguese local governments?
Authors: Monteiro Sónia , Ribeiro Verónica , Gomes Patricia , Fernandes Maria José , Molho Cristiana
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Local governments (LGs) play a crucial role as policymakers and catalysts for change at the local level, making them well-positioned to connect the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda goals with local communities. Therefore, LGs should collect and analyze data to monitor progress toward the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and report on the outcomes. In this regard, webpages on the internet stand out as a valuable tool to enhance accountability in LGs and to promote stakeholder engagement with the community. Thus, this paper aims to analyze whether Portuguese municipalities disclose information regarding the SDGs on their websites, and to identify the main drivers of SDG web-reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the theoretical foundation of legitimacy theory, this study examines the relationship between SDG reporting and the characteristics of several municipalities (such as geographical location, municipality size, financial performance, political ideology and gender), as well as adherence to some programs/networks/platforms (such as CESOP_Local and ODSLocal). The websites of 306 Portuguese municipalities were analyzed using the content analysis technique. A bivariate and multivariate statistical analysis was applied.

Findings

Bivariate analysis shows that coastal, larger and financially efficient municipalities are more likely to disclose SDG information on their websites due to visibility and stakeholder pressure. Contrary to extant literature, left-wing municipalities are not necessarily more inclined to embrace the 2030 Agenda. However, the presence of women in decision-making bodies and adherence to networks and sustainable programs positively influence SDG disclosure. In multivariate analysis, logistic regression identifies two significant factors impacting online SDG disclosure: the representation of women in municipal plenaries; and adherence to the CESOP_local network. Other factors show no significant influence, highlighting these two variables as the main drivers for SDG information disclosure.

Practical implications

The findings are in line with the literature review and lead us to conclude that SDG reporting in LGs is still in its infancy. Therefore, policymakers and regulators need to work together to implement and standardize sustainability reporting within LGs.

Social implications

Considering the significance of the gender variable, the findings could have implications for policy formulation, promoting gender diversity and its impact on the quality of SDG reporting.

Originality/value

Empirical research on SDG reporting remains limited, particularly within the context of LGs. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous studies have delved into the reporting of SDGs specifically in this Portuguese context.
Towards environmental impact of inward foreign direct investment: the moderating role of varieties of democracy
Authors: Bento João , Torres Miguel
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to clarify the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI), democracy and carbon intensity. This study examines the influence of types of democracy on the relationship between inward FDI and carbon intensity. For this purpose, it uses five varieties of democracy, including a composite democracy indicator as moderating variables.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies the fixed-effects panel quantile regression approach that considers unobserved heterogeneity and distributional heterogeneity using panel data from 160 countries during 1990–2020. By taking into account sudden changes in the volume of inward FDI, an event study is conducted across various sub-samples of democracy to check the robustness of the results.

Findings

The results show that FDI has a significantly negative impact on carbon intensity of the host country in the upper quantiles. In general, different types of democracy have a significant positive impact on carbon intensity across different quantiles. After considering the other factors, including industry intensity, trade openness, green technology, fossil fuel dependency and International Environmental Agreements, there is evidence that all types of democracy moderate the relationship between FDI and carbon intensity, thereby supporting the halo effect hypothesis. In addition, the interaction effects have a significant negative impact on carbon intensity of low- and high-carbon-intensive countries.

Originality/value

This paper offers several contributions to the literature on the effect of FDI and democracy on carbon intensity. This study overcomes the limitations related to the conceptualization and measurement of democracy found in the literature. While prior research has predominately concentrated on how democracy promotes the selection of FDI host-country locations, this study seeks to answer the question of whether democracy type has any effect on inward FDI, thus contributing to improving carbon intensity. Furthermore, this paper analyses the interaction effect on carbon intensity in different countries with different carbon intensity levels separately.
Improving school mindfulness: analysing the impact of principals’ effective communication and teachers’ trust on schools’ organisational mindfulness in Kuwait
Authors: Alajmi Munirah
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the influence of school principals’ effective communication and teachers’ trust in principals on schools’ organisational mindfulness from the perspective of public school teachers in Kuwait.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a cross-sectional research design. A quantitative survey questionnaire was electronically sent to public school teachers in Kuwait. The final sample size consisted of 641 teachers.

Findings

The teachers exhibited a moderate level of school principal effective communication and organisational mindfulness, in addition to higher levels of school principal trust. Multiple regression analysis results revealed that schools’ organisational mindfulness was significantly related to the teacher’s trust in school principals’ and their effective communication.

Research limitations/implications

This study used quantitative data from a survey of public school teachers in Kuwait in a given period.

Practical implications

The findings indicate that the school principal’s communication and teachers’ trust in the principal are critical for creating a mindful and high-quality school culture. Thus, policymakers should empower principals to prioritise mindfulness in creating a positive and supportive school environment.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the understanding of the influence of leadership aspects on organisational mindfulness in schools. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the impact of school principals’ practices on the quality of school organisations in Kuwait’s centralised educational system. This will pave the way for further research in the field.
Automatic seismic first‐break picking based on multi‐view feature fusion network
Authors: Wu Yinghe , Pan Shulin , Lan Haiqiang , Badal José , Wei Ze , Chen Yaojie
Published: August 2024

Automatic first‐break picking is a basic step in seismic data processing, so much so that the quality of the picking largely determines the effect of subsequent processing. To a certain extent, artificial intelligence technology has solved the shortcomings of traditional first‐break picking algorithms, such as poor applicability and low efficiency. However, some problems still remain for seismic data, with a low signal‐to‐noise ratio and large first‐break change leading to inaccurate picking and poor generalization of the network. In order to improve the accuracy of the automatic first‐break picking results of the above seismic data, we propose a multi‐view automatic first‐break picking method driven by multi‐network. First, we analysed the single‐trace boundary characteristics and the two‐dimensional boundary characteristics of the first break. Based on these two characteristics of the first break, we used the Long Short‐Term Memory and the ResNet attention gate UNet (resudual attention gate UNet) networks to extract the characteristics of the first arrival and its location from the seismic data, respectively. Then, we introduced the idea of multi‐network learning in the first‐break picking work and designed a feature fusion network. Finally, the multi‐view first‐break features extracted by the Long Short‐Term Memory and resudual attention gate UNet networks are fused, which effectively improves the picking accuracy. The results obtained after applying the method to field seismic data show that the accuracy of the first break detected by a feature fusion network is higher than that given by the above two networks alone and has good applicability and resistance to noise.
Resource limitation of compensatory responses in ecosystem processes after biodiversity loss
Authors: Hiddink J. G. , Davies T. W.
Published: August 2024

Biodiversity loss may result in the decline in important ecosystem processes. The effect of biodiversity loss on ecosystem functioning is determined by the functional contribution of the species lost and the compensatory responses of the remaining species. It is unknown to what extent the strength of the compensatory response of the remaining species depends on resources availability.

Here we evaluate how the primary production of an assemblage of salt marsh plants responds to a realistic sequence of species loss in an 7‐year experiment, with and without the addition of fertiliser.

We found near‐full compensation of progressive species loss in gross community primary production by the extinction‐resistant species with fertiliser as long as one species (Triglochin maritima) remained. Without fertiliser, at least four species, including the particularly abundant species Plantago maritima, were needed to maintain gross community primary production.

These results suggest that the magnitude of the compensation by extirpation‐resistant species for the decline in ecosystem processes associated with progressive biodiversity loss depends on the resource context, and that compensation after the loss of plant species can be accelerated by increasing resource availability. Ultimately, full compensation appears to be limited by the presence and abundance of species in the remaining community that possess traits that allow them to compensate for the species lost.

Synthesis and applications: These findings suggests that the conclusions of a large body of biodiversity‐ecosystem experiments cannot be used for informing the management of natural systems because they do not simulate realistic extinction sequences and therefore cannot quantify the potential for compensation of ecosystem services in the real world.
‘Where are we in this process’? Teachers' attitudes regarding the amendment to the special education law in Israel
Authors: Huri Orna , Shoshana Avihu
Published: August 2024

The study's primary research question is how teachers whose inclusive classes include children with disabilities experienced the most recent amendment (2018) to Israel's Special Education Law. Interviews with 20 teachers revealed four key findings: a sense of professional isolation when having to cope with the challenges of having students with disabilities in general classrooms; concealing emotions (e.g., shame) linked to their ambivalent views of the amendment; dealing with the new dynamics of teacher‐parent relationships; sensing internal conflict regarding the implementation of inclusion. The article discusses the relationship between top‐down educational policy and bottom‐up implementation through teachers' accounts.
Organizational and patient factors associated with positive primary care experiences for veterans with current or recent homelessness
Authors: Kertesz Stefan G. , deRussy Aerin J. , Hoge April E. , Varley Allyson L. , Holmes Sally K. , Riggs Kevin R. , Austin Erika L. , Gordon Adam J. , Gabrielian Sonya E. , Pollio David E. , Montgomery Ann E. , Gelberg Lillian , Steward Jocelyn L. , Jones Audrey L. , Richman Joshua R.
Published: August 2024

Objective

To identify organizational service features associated with positive patient ratings of primary care within primary care clinics tailored to accommodate persons with ongoing and recent experiences of homelessness (PEH).

Data Sources and Study Setting

PEH receiving primary care in 29 United States Veterans Health Administration homeless‐tailored clinics were surveyed about their primary care experience using the validated Primary Care Quality‐Homeless (PCQ‐H) survey. Characteristics of the clinics were assessed through surveys of clinic staff using a new organizational survey developed through literature review, site visits, statistical analysis, and consensus deliberation.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional examination of patients' ratings of care based on surveys of patients, and of clinic characteristics, analyzed with Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis, a form of machine learning.

Data Collection Methods

Patient surveys (n = 3394) were obtained from a random sample of enrolled patients by both mail and telephone by an external survey contractor. Staff (n = 52 from 29 clinics) were interviewed by telephone.

Principal Findings

This analysis identified service features that impact patient experience favorably, including aspects of patient‐centeredness, team identity, strong external leadership support, and service that reach beyond traditional primary care clinic confines. Results varied according to the patient experience scale analyzed. Individual characteristics of PEH, such as degree of social support, general health, and unsheltered status, were also correlated with how they rate care.

Conclusions

Organizational characteristics correlate with ratings of primary care from patients with recent and ongoing homelessness. Primary care programs serving homeless individuals can assure better care based on who they hire, how they foster team identity, what services they provide, and the strength of leadership support to protect a homeless‐focused mission.
Farm‐saved seed, royalty rates, and innovation in plant breeding
Authors: Hervouet Adrien , Lemarié Stéphane
Published: August 2024

Seed innovation is one major factor for improving agricultural productivity. For some self‐pollinated varieties, such as wheat, farmers have the option to buy certified seed from seed dealers or to use their own farm‐saved seed. Historically, farmers could use farm‐saved seeds for free, which led to reduced incentives to innovate for private breeding companies. In recent decades, several countries have established different royalty systems for farm‐saved seeds to favor research investment. We developed a theoretical model to compare these different systems. We compared six stylized systems by analyzing their impact on incentives to innovate, as well as production efficiencies at both the seed and agricultural production levels. Our findings indicate that royalty systems allowing for a certain proportion of farm‐saved seeds result in improved welfare. The systems that lead to the highest total welfare levels are those in which the royalty level on farm‐saved seeds is regulated. This includes systems where the royalty is either directly defined by a regulator (as in the French or UK systems) or imposed to match the royalty level of the certified seeds (as in the Australian system). The Australian system performs better under high research costs. Conversely, under low research costs, the best system is either the French or the UK system, depending on the relative cost of producing farm‐saved seeds versus certified seeds. In conclusion, it is possible to design efficient royalty systems to create and produce innovation, in a context where farmers can self‐produce this innovation.
Effect of time of day on outcomes in elective surgery: a systematic review
Authors: Meewisse Arjen J. G. , Gribnau Annerixt , Thiessen Steven E. , Stenvers Dirk Jan , Hermanides Jeroen , van Zuylen Mark L.
Published: August 2024

Background

The timing of elective surgery could affect clinical outcome because of diurnal rhythms of patient physiology as well as surgical team performance. Waiting times for elective surgery are increasing in many countries, leading to increasing interest in undertaking elective surgery in the evening or at night. We aimed to systematically review the literature on the effect of the timing of elective (but not urgent or emergency) surgery on mortality, morbidity and other clinical outcomes.

Methods

We searched databases for relevant studies combining the terms ‘circadian rhythm’ and ‘anaesthesia/surgery’. Additional relevant articles were found by hand‐searching the references. All studies were screened for bias. Included studies examined daytime vs. evening/night‐time surgery, morning vs. afternoon surgery, multiple timeslots or used time as a continuous variable.

Results

Nineteen retrospective cohort studies, one prospective cohort study and one randomised controlled trial were included (n = 798,914). Evening/night‐time elective surgery was associated with a higher risk of mortality when compared with daytime procedures in three studies (n = 611,230), with odds ratios (95%CI) for mortality ranging from 1.35 (1.16–1.56) to 3.98 (1.54–10.30), while no differences were found in three other studies (n = 142,355). No differences were found for morning vs. afternoon surgery (four studies, n = 3277). However, most studies had a low quality of evidence due to their retrospective nature and because not all studies corrected for patient characteristics. Moreover, the studies were heterogeneous in terms of the reported time slots and clinical outcomes.

Conclusions

We found that evening/night‐time elective surgery is associated with a higher risk of mortality compared with daytime surgery. However, the quality of evidence was graded as low, and thus, future prospective research should publish individual patient data and standardise outcome measures to allow firm conclusions and facilitate interventions.
Letter: Light in the lumen—The expanding role of intestinal ultrasound for functional symptoms in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Mathias R. M. , Bryant R. V.
Published: August 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Aliu et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17988 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18196
A personalised algorithm predicting the risk of intravenous corticosteroid failure in acute ulcerative colitis
Authors: Croft Anthony , Okano Satomi , Hartel Gunter , Lord Anton , Walker Gareth , Tambakis George , Radford‐Smith Graham
Published: August 2024

Background

An episode of acute ulcerative colitis (UC) represents an important watershed moment in a patient's disease course.

Aims

To derive a personalised algorithm for identifying patients at high risk of corticosteroid non‐response from variables available at hospital presentation using a large prospectively collected acute UC patient database and machine learning‐based techniques.

Methods

We analysed data from 682 consecutive presentations of acute UC. We used an Akaike information criterion‐based elastic net model to select variables based on the 419 earliest presentations of acute UC (1996–2017). We constructed two risk‐scoring algorithms, with and without utilising additional endoscopic variables, using logistic regression models. We validated these risk scores on separate cohorts of 181 (2018–2022) and 82 (2015–2022) acute UC presentations.

Results

The partial risk of rescue (ROR) score included the admission indices of oral corticosteroid treatment, bowel frequency ≥6/24 h, albumin, CRP ≥12 mg/mL and log10CRP. The full ROR score incorporates the same variables with the addition of the Mayo endoscopic subscore and disease extent. The AUCs in the main validation cohort were 0.76 (95% CI: 0.69–0.83) and 0.78 (95% CI: 0.71–0.85) for the partial and full ROR scores, respectively.

Conclusions

These pragmatic personalised risk scores (available at www.severecolitis.com) have comparably strong performance characteristics and usability enabling the identification of individuals at high risk of corticosteroid non‐response before or after endoscopic assessment. The ROR scores have the potential to challenge conventional acute UC treatment paradigms by identifying patients who may benefit from early rescue therapy or participation in relevant clinical trials.
Exploring the contribution of genetic variants to high sunitinib exposure in patients with cancer
Authors: Giraud Eline L. , Krens Stefanie D. , Böhringer Stefan , Desar Ingrid M. E. , Vermeulen Sita H. , Kiemeney Lambertus A. , Huitema Alwin D. R. , Steeghs Neeltje , van Erp Nielka P. , Swen Jesse J.
Published: August 2024

Aims

Sunitinib exhibits considerable interindividual variability in exposure. While the target total plasma concentration of sunitinib and its active metabolite is 50–87.5 ng/mL for the intermittent dosing schedule, ~10–21% of patients experience higher exposures (>87.5 ng/mL), correlated with an increased risk for toxicity. Previous research identified single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in genes from the sunitinib pharmacokinetic pathway to be associated with efficacy and toxicity. However, significant interindividual variability in exposure remains unexplained. Our aim was to identify genetic variants associated with supratherapeutic exposure of sunitinib.

Methods

This was a genome‐wide association study. Cases were identified during routine therapeutic drug monitoring and consisted of patients with dose‐normalized sunitinib plasma concentrations >87.5 ng/mL (intermittent dosing) or >75 ng/mL (continuous dosing). Controls were sampled from the historical cohort EuroTARGET who tolerated the standard dose of 50 mg in an intermittent schedule. SNVs were tested for an association with sunitinib exposure. A P‐value ≤5 × 10−8 was considered significant and a P‐value between 5 × 10−8 and 5 × 10−6 was considered suggestive.

Results

Sixty‐nine cases and 345 controls were included for association analysis. One SNV (rs6923761), located on the gene glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor, was significantly associated with increased sunitinib exposure (P = 7.86 × 10−19). Twelve SNVs were suggestive for an association with sunitinib exposure (P ≤ 5 × 10−6).

Conclusions

While rs6923761 is associated with high sunitinib exposure, the underlying mechanism is not yet clarified and warrants further investigation. [Corrections made on 23 September 2024, after first online publication: In the preceding sentence, identifier rs6923671 has been changed to rs6923761 in this version.] We could not confirm the earlier found associations between SNVs in candidate genes involved in the pharmacokinetic pathway of sunitinib and its efficacy and toxicity.
Revisiting the full blood count: Circulating blood cells and their role in coagulation
Authors: Schofield Jeremy , Yong Jun , Toh Cheng‐Hock
Published: August 2024

There has been an expansion in our understanding of the multifaceted roles of circulating blood cells in regulating haemostasis and contributing to thrombosis. Notably, there is greater recognition of the interplay between coagulation with inflammation and innate immune activation and the contribution of leucocytes. The full blood count (FBC) is a time‐honoured test in medicine; however, its components are often viewed in isolation and without consideration of their haemostatic and thrombotic potential. Here, we review how the individual components of the FBC, that is, haemoglobin, platelets and leucocytes, engage with the haemostatic system and focus on both their quantitative and qualitative attributes. We also explore how this information can be harnessed into better management of people with multiple long‐term conditions because of their higher risk of adverse clinical events.
ADO09, a co‐formulation of pramlintide and insulin A21G, lowers body weight versus insulin lispro in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Andersen Grit , Eloy Rosy , Heise Tim , Gaudier Martin , Mégret Claire , Seroussi Cyril , Chan You‐Ping , Soula Olivier , Riddle Matthew , DeVries J. Hans
Published: August 2024

Aim

To study safety, efficacy and weight loss with ADO09, a co‐formulation of insulin A21G and pramlintide, in type 1 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

A randomized, two‐arm ambulatory 16‐week study compared ADO09 with insulin lispro in 80 participants with type 1 diabetes. We compared changes of weight, glycated haemoglobin, glycaemic patterns during continuous glucose monitoring, and insulin doses at baseline and at the end of treatment.

Results

A significant and continuing weight loss, the primary endpoint, was observed with ADO09 compared with lispro as prandial insulin. In the whole group, the weight loss with ADO09 relative to lispro was 2.1 kg. Glycaemic control was relatively good (7.7% mean glycated haemoglobin) in both groups and did not change during treatment. Prandial insulin doses were reduced by 21% in the ADO09 group, whereas basal insulin dosage was not modified. Gastrointestinal symptoms were more frequent with ADO09, but no clear difference in hypoglycaemia was observed.

Conclusions

These results extend previous observations on the efficacy and safety of this insulin/pramlintide co‐formulation. They show a beneficial effect on weight, using less mealtime insulin and without increased hypoglycaemia.
Efficacy, adherence and persistence of various glucagon‐like peptide‐1 agonists: nationwide real‐life data
Authors: Kassem Sameer , Khalaila Buthaina , Stein Nili , Saliba Walid , Zaina Adnan
Published: August 2024

Aim

The management of type 2 diabetes mellitus has advanced in the last two decades since the introduction of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs). However, multiple factors may interfere with achieving better glycaemic control. This study evaluated the differences between various GLP‐1RAs in efficacy, adherence and persistence.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the electronic medical database from Clalit Health Services. Adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus who purchased any GLP‐1RA between 2009 and 2021 were included. The Index Date was defined as the date of the first purchase of any GLP‐1RA. We evaluated the adherence, persistence and glycaemic control after GLP‐1RAs initiation. Baseline glycaemic and post‐treatment glycaemic controls were analysed.

Results

In total, 70 654 patients were included. The mean age was 11.7 ± 60.4, and 51% were females. A significant reduction in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was observed in all patients who received GLP‐1RAs. However, the percentage of changes in the HbA1c was higher among weekly GLP‐1RA than daily initiators (14.6% vs. 10.2%, p < 0.001). The proportion of subjects with any decrease in HbA1c was higher among the once‐weekly compared with the daily dose (82.4% vs. 74.7%) and mainly patients initiated semaglutide or dulaglutide, with 16.0% and 14.7% reduction. The frequency of good adherence (the proportion of days covered ≥80%) was significantly higher among the weekly group odds ratio = 1.25 (95% confidence interval 1.21–1.28). Good adherence was reported in older age, female gender, Jewish ethnicity and high socio‐economic status (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Weekly GLP‐1RAs initiators were more adherent, persistent to therapy and achieved better glycaemic control. Epidemiological variables might play a role in achieving this goal.
Real‐world smartphone data can trace the behavioural impact of epilepsy: A case study
Authors: van Nieuw Amerongen Arthur R. , Meppelink Anne Marthe , Ghosh Arko , Thijs Roland D.
Published: August 2024

Background

Neurobehavioural comorbidities have a detrimental effect on the quality of life of people with epilepsy, yet tracking their impact is challenging as behaviour may vary with seizures and anti‐seizure medication (ASM) side effects. Smartphones have the potential to monitor day‐to‐day neurobehavioural patterns objectively. We present the case of a man in his late twenties with drug‐resistant focal epilepsy in whom we ascertained the effects of ASM withdrawal and a convulsive seizure on his touchscreen interactions.

Methods

Using a dedicated app, we recorded over 185 days the timestamps of 718,357 interactions. We divided the various smartphone behaviours according to the next‐interval dynamics of the interactions by using a joint interval distribution (JID). During two ASM load transitions, namely before versus during tapering and tapering versus restarting medication, we used cluster‐based permutation tests to compare the JIDs. We also compared the JID of the seizure day to the average of the previous 3 days.

Results

The cluster‐based permutation tests revealed significant differences, with accelerated next‐interval dynamics during tapering and a reversal upon medication restart. The day of the convulsion exhibited a marked slowing of next‐interval dynamics compared to the preceding 3 days.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the temporal dynamics of smartphone touchscreen interactions may help monitor neurobehavioural comorbidities in neurological care.
Family social support for college students with disabilities
Authors: Daly‐Cano Meada , Ruise Brandis L. , Moore Adam , Vaccaro Annemarie , Newman Barbara M. , Newman Philip R.
Published: August 2024

Objective

The purpose of this work was to provide insight into the complex processes through which families support their children with disabilities as they move into and through college.

Background

Students with disabilities, like all traditional‐age college students, must adapt to increased levels of freedom, opportunities for autonomous decision‐making, and expectations of self‐directed behavior. However, students continue to need social support as they adapt to the new demands of college environments and to changing postsecondary contexts where family roles are more limited.

Method

Constructivist grounded theory methods were used to examine the qualitative narratives from a study of 59 college students with disabilities in the United States. Using grounded theory constant comparative analysis (Charmaz, 2014), emergent themes related to perceived family support surfaced.

Results

Students described familial support in ways that expanded on the common types of family support documented in prior literature. Findings are organized into five sections with examples of the following: instrumental support, informational support, emotional support, support by resilience modeling, and support by reframing disability.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that students with disabilities experience various types of family support during college.

Implications

Policy‐informed implications for families and educators are discussed. Recommendations are made for parents and college educators about recognizing the variety of types of familial support to foster effective support for youth with disabilities as they transition away from home and into college.
Lineage tracing using Wnt2b‐2A‐CreERT2 knock‐in mice reveals the contributions of Wnt2b‐expressing cells to novel subpopulations of mesothelial/epicardial cell lineages during mouse development
Authors: Takahashi Masanori , Isagawa Takayuki , Sato Tatsuyuki , Takeda Norihiko , Kawakami Kiyoshi
Published: August 2024

Mesothelial and epicardial cells give rise to various types of mesenchymal cells via epithelial (mesothelial)‐to‐mesenchymal transition during development. However, the genes controlling the differentiation and diversification of mesothelial/epicardial cells remain unclear. Here, we examined Wnt2b expression in the embryonic mesothelium and epicardium and performed lineage tracing of Wnt2b‐expressing cells by using novel Wnt2b‐2A‐CreERT2 knock‐in and LacZ‐reporter mice. Wnt2b was expressed in mesothelial cells covering visceral organs, but the expression was restricted in their subpopulations. Wnt2b‐expressing cells labeled at embryonic day (E) 10.5 were distributed to the mesothelium and mesenchyme in the lungs, abdominal wall, stomach, and spleen in Wnt2b2A‐CreERT2/+;R26RLacZ/+ mice at E13.0. Wnt2b was initially expressed in the proepicardial organ (PEO) at E9.5 and then in the epicardium after E10.0. Wnt2b‐expressing PEO cells labeled at E9.5 differentiated into a small fraction of cardiac fibroblasts and preferentially localized at the left side of the postnatal heart. LacZ+ epicardium‐derived cells labeled at E10.5 differentiated into a small fraction of fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells in the postnatal heart. Taken together, our results reveal novel subpopulations of PEO and mesothelial/epicardial cells that are distinguishable by Wnt2b expression and elucidate the unique contribution of Wnt2b‐expressing PEO and epicardial cells to the postnatal heart.
Correlation of FUT3 and FUT6 Gene Polymorphisms With Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Zhou Shihang , Zheng Ziwei , Wang Liying , Song Wenqian , Xia Yuexin , Shao Linnan , Liang Xiaohua
Published: August 2024

Background

Helicobacter pylori infection is a significant pathogen in gastrointestinal diseases. Previous studies have identified single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are factors associated with H. pylori infection. Notably, Leb and Sialyl‐Lex antigens, regulated by the FUT3 and FUT6 genes, play a crucial role in H. pylori infection. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between FUT3 and FUT6 gene polymorphisms and H. pylori infection in the Han population of northern China.

Materials and Methods

An immunoturbidimetric assay was employed to detect H. pylori infection, categorizing subjects into infected and noninfected groups. Gene variants were identified through sequencing. Finally, FUT3 and FUT6 gene polymorphisms were analyzed to assess their association with H. pylori infection.

Results

The frequency of the T allele (rs778805) and the G allele (rs61147939) in the infection group was significantly higher than that in the noninfection group (63.4% vs. 55.1%, p = 0.045; 55.2% vs. 47.0%, p = 0.042, respectively). In the infection group, the frequency of the AA genotype (rs3745635) in the recessive model, the TT genotype (rs778805) in the recessive model, and the GG genotype (rs61147939) in the recessive model were significantly higher than the noninfection group (5.8% vs. 2.3%, p = 0.042; 41.9% vs. 29.3%, p = 0.022; 34.9% vs. 20.5%, p = 0.0068, respectively). The frequency of the A13 haplotype and the A13/A13 diplotype of the FUT6 gene was significantly higher in the infection group than in the noninfection group (55.56% vs. 46.32%, p = 0.019; 34.94% vs. 20.30%, p = 0.045, respectively). The rs778805‐rs17855739‐rs28362459‐rs3745635 combination was identified as the best interaction model (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study suggests that FUT3 and FUT6 gene polymorphisms are significantly associated with H. pylori infection in the Han Chinese from northern China.
Update of newly‐recognized salivary gland neoplasms: molecular and immunohistochemical findings and clinical importance
Authors: Wolk Rachelle A , Cipriani Nicole A
Published: August 2024

With the advancement of molecular testing and the routine use of immunohistochemical stains, salivary gland tumours previously categorized as adenoma or adenocarcinoma, not otherwise specified, are being reclassified with distinct diagnoses. Newly recognized benign entities include: sclerosing polycystic adenoma, keratocystoma, intercalated duct hyperplasia and adenoma, and striated duct adenoma. Newly recognized malignant salivary gland tumours include: microsecretory adenocarcinoma, sclerosing microcytic adenocarcinoma, and mucinous adenocarcinoma. Additionally, rare subtypes of mucoepidermoid carcinoma have been described, including Warthin‐like and oncocytic. Understanding of intraductal carcinoma continues to evolve. Correctly distinguishing these lesions from mimickers can be crucial for appropriate patient care and prognostication, as well as future conceptualization of salivary disease.
Update on occupational dermatitis: reviewing toxic substances from OSHA standards
Authors: Lee Juwon , Lin Rachel , Maderal Andrea
Published: August 2024

Occupational dermatitis (OD) is an inflammatory skin disease stemming from exposure to specific substances within a work setting. As the second most prevalent occupational health concern in 2020, affecting 1.8 per 10,000 workers, OD poses a significant challenge to workforce well‐being and imposes a substantial economic burden through lost wages, decreased productivity, and increased healthcare spending. Dermatologists emerge as pivotal figures in recognizing risk factors and delivering essential care to individuals with OD. This review focuses on chemical hazards and toxic substances regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration across general industry, maritime, and construction sectors. It explores the background of each hazard, pathophysiology to dermatitis, and human cases reported between 2017 and 2023 for formaldehyde, chromium, vinyl chloride, and cadmium.
Persistent indurated plaques involving the forehead and vulva
Authors: Witter Taylor L. , Jing Frank Z. , Aghazadeh Mohandesi Nessa
Published: August 2024

A 61‐year‐old female presented with progressive plaques on the left forehead and right labia.
Effect of different cooking oils and methods on physicochemical, nutritional, and microbial safety for mixed vegetables focusing on Bangladesh
Authors: Molla Mohammad Mainuddin , Dey Biddut Chandra , Khan Md. Hafizul Haque , Sabuz Ashfak Ahmed , Chowdhury Md. Golam Ferdous , Pervin Shahnaj , Alam Mahfujul , Khatun Anjumanara , Pathan Md. Hasib , Shaikh Md. Aftab Ali
Published: August 2024

Cooking is an essential aspect of everyday life. Cooking oils and methods exert enormous effects on the nutritional, physicochemical, microbial qualities, and bioactive compounds of vegetables. Most of them are either directly or indirectly related to human health. Hence, the present investigation was undertaken to find out the effect of two cooking methods (traditional and steam cooking) and four selected culinary oils (soybean oil, mustard oil, extra virgin olive oil, and extra virgin coconut oil) on the cooked vegetables. The results indicated that steam‐cooked mixed vegetables retained more nutrients than traditional ones. The traditional cooking method of preparing mixed vegetables with soybean oil revealed higher amounts of crude fat, 26.90 ± 0.10%, whereas steam cooking and traditionally cooked vegetables without oils showed lower amounts of crude fat, 1.21 ± 0.04%, and 1.94 ± 0.04%, respectively. The highest crude fibre from 5.68 ± 0.20 to 6.48 ± 0.02% was recorded by the steam‐cooked vegetables in comparison with traditionally prepared mixed vegetables. Traditionally cooked vegetables with mustard oil showed a higher crude protein (13.30 ± 0.10%). The mixed vegetables that were steam‐cooked using extra virgin olive oil revealed a decreased percent of carbohydrates, 49.42 ± 0.03%. Most of the essential minerals especially for the human body like Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, and Zn were found notable in both traditional and steam‐cooking processes using extra virgin olive oil, and mustard oil. The leading bioactive compound ß‐carotene 67.04 ± 0.04 mg/100 g was noted by the steam‐cooked vegetables with mustard oil. The highest anthocyanin 32.69 ± 0.02 mg/100 g and ascorbic acid 42.31 ± 0.01 mg/100 g were recorded in the steam‐cooked vegetables without culinary oils. Steam‐cooking with extra virgin coconut and olive oil resulted in high total carotenoid and phenolic content (31.60 ± 0.05 and 3.11 ± 0.04 mg/100 g, respectively). However, the findings suggest that culinary oils used in the present study retained more essential minerals and bioactive compounds than soybean oil. Only sufficient amount of edible oil may be used for vegetables cooking and proper functioning of fat‐soluble vitamins.
Traditional Chinese‐version reliability test of the Pieper‐Zulkowski pressure ulcer knowledge: Psychometric and assessment
Authors: Chao Wen‐Yi , Hsu Mei‐Yu , Chen Su‐Ru , Wu Tzu‐Ling , Kuo Yu‐Chen , Huang Zih‐Chun , Wu Yu‐Lin
Published: August 2024

This study was to translate the Pieper–Zulkowski pressure ulcer knowledge test (PZ‐PUKT) into Traditional Chinese and evaluate its psychometric properties as well as identify the predictors of knowledge on pressure injury. The PZ‐PUKT was translated into Traditional Chinese (TC‐PZ‐PUKT), and its content validity was evaluated. A total of 296 nurses participated in this study and completed the 72‐item TC‐PZ‐PUKT online. The reliability of the TC‐PZ‐PUKT was analysed by evaluating its internal consistency and test–retest reliability. Hierarchical regression was used to determine factors associated with TC‐PZ‐PUKT scores. Content validity was achieved with a score of 0.986. Internal consistency was observed to be reliable, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.858. The mean knowledge score on the TC‐PZ‐PUKT was 72.5%, with a 1‐week test–retest reliability of r = 0.849. Education level, certification as a wound specialist and self‐learning through reading articles, books or guidelines on pressure injury were significantly associated with TC‐PZ‐PUKT scores. The TC‐PZ‐PUKT is a valid and reliable tool. Education level, certification as a wound specialist and self‐learning regarding pressure injury are related to knowledge of pressure injury.
Creativity, Practical Ability, Self‐Identity: Public Art Practice with Primary School Students in China
Authors: Song Haiou , Chen Shuai , Mustafa Muhizam
Published: August 2024

Public art is increasingly recognised for its pedagogical value, especially in higher education, where it enhances institutions’ educational outcomes and expands students’ learning experiences. However, its potential in basic education remains under‐exploited. This study aims to bridge the gap by investigating how public art is effectively integrated into school curriculums and the educational benefits it offers students in their learning journey. Researchers, therefore, designed a student‐centred public art intervention project, Dreams and Hopes, at a Chinese nonprofit primary school incorporating the school's educational goals. The project recruited 5th and 6th graders to create a giant mosaic mural for the campus’ public space during the school's club and regular curriculum. To determine the educational benefits of the public art practice, researchers collected qualitative data using ethnographic methods in the project. The results showed that students at different stages (design, making, exhibition) gained competencies in three key themes: creativity (divergence, convergence, expression), practical ability (operation, innovation, collaboration), and self‐identity (satisfaction, achievement, confidence). These competencies align with the school's educational goals and enhance students’ learning experience. Problem‐based guidance, a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, effective communication and a connection to reality are essential to these critical competencies. The study reveals that public art may support educational goals and benefit students. It also enhances the practical experience of public art in basic education and provides a model of intervention to educators. The study recommends that schools actively collaborate with external resources, emphasise the art practice's educational value, and provide platforms for student arts participation.
A Convincing Narrative to Control the Crisis Response? The Role of the President of the European Commission During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Camisão Isabel , Maior Paulo Vila
Published: August 2024

Sense‐making and meaning‐making are fundamental tasks of crisis management. They entail the construction of a persuasive crisis narrative for guaranteeing that the public understands and supports crisis responses. Building on a combination of literature on crisis management and policy narratives, we analysed von der Leyen's speeches on the pandemic (March 2020–December 2022) to answer one central research question: was the President of the Commission able to construct a compelling narrative to support the crisis response at the supranational level? Our findings suggest that she was able to create a convincing crisis narrative that helped to back the Commission's co‐ordination role and the crisis response devised at the supranational level.