bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of Pineal Region Lesions in Children
Authors: Huang Li-tian , Zhou Quan , Tong Xiaoguang
Published: November 2023

Background:

Pineal region lesions are more common in children than adults; however, therapeutic strategies for pineal region lesions in children are controversial.

Methods:

A retrospective study involving 54 pediatric with pineal region lesions was conducted. The therapeutic strategies for lesions and hydrocephalus were classified and analyzed.

Results:

Radiotherapy of pineal region lesions was shown to result in better postoperative recovery and fewer complications in the short-term compared with lesion resection. Total resection was related to smaller lesion size, endoscopic procedures, and a better prognosis. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion before the resection reduced hydrocephalus recurrences, whereas further lesion resection had a negative short-term influence on CSF diversion. Among the 4 therapeutic strategies to manage hydrocephalus, a third ventriculostomy (ETV) was reasonable and further resection did not have a negative impact on the ETV. The relief of hydrocephalus was also related to better postoperative recovery, a higher total resection rate, fewer complications, and a better prognosis. Logistical regression analysis indicated that lesion size and intracranial complications were predictors of outcome.

Conclusions:

For lesion treatment, total resection and radiotherapy are essential components in children. Total resection and CSF diversion before resection were beneficial, whereas further lesion resection had a negative impact on CSF diversion. For hydrocephalus treatment, ETV was shown to be the best therapeutic strategy for management of pediatric hydrocephalus. Total resection and better preoperative health status were associated with greater hydrocephalus relief. For the overall prognosis, a lack of hydrocephalus relief was associated with poor outcomes. Lesion size and intracranial complications may be the best predictors of outcome.
Current State and Proposal of Best Practices of Standardized Patients for Spanish-Language Objective Structured Clinical Encounters in US Medical Schools
Authors: Iñiguez Reniell X. , Figueroa Narváez José A. , Diamond Lisa C. , Gregorich Steven E. , Karliner Leah , González Javier , Pérez-Cordón Cristina , Shin Tiffany M. , Izquierdo Karen , Ortega Pilar
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Medical Spanish programs commonly engage Spanish-speaking standardized patients (SPs) for communication skills assessment, yet no studies address SP recruitment, selection, or training.

Methods

We sent questionnaires to medical Spanish faculty at 20 US medical schools to gauge their practices in recruiting and selecting Spanish-language SPs. We invited faculty to distribute a separate questionnaire to Spanish-language SPs to gather SP language abilities, training, and experience. We analyzed data using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis. When available, we reviewed SP video encounters to formally assess participating SPs' linguistic performance using the SP Oral Language Observation Matrix, a rating tool adapted from the Physician Oral Language Observation Matrix to assess oral medical Spanish proficiency.

Results

Eighty percent of faculty (16/20) responded. Standardized patient recruitment sources included institutional English-language SPs, Hispanic student groups and professional organizations, communities, and language professionals. Faculty-reported strategies to determine language readiness included interviewing SP candidates in Spanish and asking them to self-rate language skills using a validated scale. Fifteen SPs (54%, 15/28) from 5 schools responded to the SP questionnaire, and one third (5/15) reported that their Spanish was not assessed before being selected as an SP. In addition, one third (5/15) did not receive any initial training before performing a medical Spanish case. Raters assessed 11 different SPs using the SP Oral Language Observation Matrix, and 6 were rated as linguistically “ready” for the SP role.

Conclusions

Current approaches to recruitment, training, and language assessment of SPs vary. We propose strategies to ensure that medical Spanish encounters authentically reflect Spanish-speaking patients.
Finding needles in haystacks: identification of novel conserved PETase enzymes inStreptomyces
Authors: Verschoor Jo-Anne , Croese Martijn R. J. , Lakemeier Sven E. , Mugge Annemiek , Burgers Charlotte M. C. , Innocenti Paolo , Willemse Joost , Crooijmans Marjolein E. , van Wezel Gilles P. , Ram Arthur F. J. , de Winde Johannes H.
Published: November 2023

The rising use of plastic results in an appalling amount of waste which scatters into the environment affecting environmental, animal, and human health. One of these plastics is PET which is mainly used for bottles and textiles. In this research, we investigate the PET degrading ability of theIsPETase homologScLipA fromStreptomyces coelicolor.Of 96 differentStreptomycesstrains screened, 18 % were able to degrade the model substrate BHET. Three different variants of lipase A, namedScLipA, S2LipA andS92LipA were identified and analyzed in detail. ThelipAgene was deleted fromS. coelicolorM145 using CRISPR/Cas9, resulting in reduced BHET degradation.LipAoverexpression in the knock-out background significantly enhanced BHET degradation. All three enzymes were expressed inE. coliBL21 for protein purification and biochemical analysis, showing that enzymatic activity most likely resides in a dimeric form of the enzyme. The optimum pH and temperature were determined to be pH 7 and 25 °C for all three variants. Using these conditions, the activity on BHET and amorphous PET film was investigated.S2LipA efficiently degraded BHET and caused roughening and small indents on the surface of PET films, consistent with PET-degrading activity. The frequent occurrence of theS2LipA variant inStreptomycessuggests an environmental advantage towards the degradation of more hydrophobic substrates such as these polluting plastics in the environment.
Striatum supports fast learning but not memory recall
Authors: Reinhold Kimberly , Iadarola Marci , Tang Shi , Kuwamoto Whitney , Sun Senmiao , Hakim Richard , Zimmer Joshua , Wang Wengang , Sabatini Bernardo L.
Published: November 2023

Animals learn to carry out motor actions in specific sensory contexts to achieve goals. The striatum has been implicated in producing sensory-motor associations, yet its contribution to memory formation or recall is not clear. To investigate the contribution of striatum to these processes, mice were taught to associate a cue, consisting of optogenetic activation of striatum-projecting neurons in visual cortex, with forelimb reaches to access food pellets. As necessary to direct learning, striatal neural activity encoded both the sensory context and outcome of reaching. With training, the rate of cued reaching increased, but brief optogenetic inhibition of striatal activity arrested learning and prevented trial-to-trial improvements in performance. However, the same manipulation did not affect performance improvements already consolidated into short- (within an hour) or long-term (across days) memories. Hence, striatal activity is necessary for trial-to-trial improvements in task performance, leading to plasticity in other brain areas that mediate memory recall.
AreEscherichia colicausing recurrent cystitis just ordinary UropathogenicE. coli(UPEC) strains?
Authors: Vautrin Nicolas , Dahyot Sandrine , Leoz Marie , Caron François , Grand Maxime , Feldmann Audrey , Gravey François , Legris Stéphanie , Ribet David , Alexandre Kévin , Pestel-Caron Martine
Published: November 2023

Specific determinants associated with UropathogenicEscherichia coli(UPEC) causing recurrent cystitis are still poorly characterized. The aims of this study were (i) to describe genomic and phenotypic traits associated with recurrence using a large collection of recurrent and paired sporadic UPEC isolates, and (ii) to explore within-host genomic adaptation associated with recurrence using series of 2 to 5 sequential UPEC isolates. Whole genome comparative analyses between 24 recurrent cystitis isolates (RCIs) and 24 phylogenetically paired sporadic cystitis isolates (SCIs) suggested a lower prevalence of putative mobile genetic elements (MGE) in RCIs, such as plasmids and prophages. The intra-patient evolution of the 24 RCI series over time was characterized by SNP occurrence in genes involved in metabolism or membrane transport, and by plasmid loss in 5 out of the 24 RCI series. Genomic evolution occurred early in the course of recurrence, suggesting rapid adaptation to strong selection pressure in the urinary tract.

However, RCIs did not exhibit specific virulence factor determinants and could not be distinguished from SCIs by their fitness, biofilm formation, or ability to invade HTB-9 bladder epithelial cells. Taken together, these results suggest a rapid but not convergent adaptation of RCIs that involves both strain- and host-specific characteristics.

Author summary

The recurrence of cystitis is a frequent but poorly understood phenomenon. There are currently many hypotheses trying to explain recurrence, but data on large collections of well-characterized clinical isolates are lacking. In order to identify specific recurrence-associated markers, we conducted a large genomic and phenotypic study involving 48 well-characterized cystitis isolates: 24 recurrent cystitis isolates (RCIs) and 24 pairs of isolates causing sporadic cystitis (SCIs). Moreover, we were able to explore intra-host overtime RCI evolution, by analyzing up to 5 sequential UPEC isolates per RCI series. Our results suggest that RCI rapidly adapt to their host through mobile genetic elements loss and SNP accumulation in genes involved in metabolism and membrane transport. However, no convergent genomic nor phenotypic evolution was observed between isolates collected from distinct patients. Taken together, these results suggest a host-shaped evolution of RCIs, highlighting a need for future studies focused on the host-pathogen relationships.
Distinct Roles of Kif6 and Kif9 in Mammalian Ciliary Trafficking and Motility
Authors: Fang Chuyu , Pan Xinwen , Li Di , Chen Yawen , Li Luan , Gao Qi , Li Dong , Zhu Xueliang , Yan Xiumin
Published: November 2023

Ciliary beat and intraflagellar transport (IFT) depend on dynein and kinesin motors. Kinesin-9 family members Kif6 and Kif9 are implicated in ciliary motilities across protists and mammals. How they function and whether they act redundantly, however, remain unclear. Here, we show that they play distinct roles in mammals. Kif6 forms puncta that move bidirectionally without or with IFT-B particles along axonemes, whereas Kif9 is immobilized on ciliary central apparatus. Only Kif6 binds to and glides microtubules, and the activities are self-inhibited.Kif6deficiency in mice impairs directional ciliary beat across ependymal tissues and cerebrospinal fluid flow, resulting in severe hydrocephalus and high mortality, whereasKif9deficiency induces mild hydrocephalus without obviously defective ciliary beat and life span. BothKif6-/-andKif9-/-males are infertile but show respectively oligozoospermia with poor sperm motility and defective forward motion of sperms. These results suggest Kif6 as a motile cilia-specific IFT motor and Kif9 as a central apparatus regulator.
Hippocampal networks support reinforcement learning in partially observable environments
Authors: Pedamonti Dabal , Mohinta Samia , Dimitrov Martin V. , Malagon-Vina Hugo , Ciocchi Stephane , Costa Rui Ponte
Published: November 2023

Mastering navigation in environments with limited visibility is crucial for survival. While the hippocampus has been associated with goal-oriented navigation, its specific role in real-world behaviour, particularly in scenarios with partial observability, remains elusive. To investigate this, we combined deep reinforcement learning (RL) modelling with behavioural and neural data analysis. First, we trained RL agents to perform reward-based navigational tasks in partially observable environments. We show that agents equipped with recurrent hippocampal circuitry, as opposed to purely feedforward networks, successfully learned the tasks, resembling animal behaviour. By employing neural dimensionality reduction, our models predicted reward, strategy and temporal representations, which we validated using large-scale hippocampal neuronal recordings. Moreover, hippocampal RL agents predicted state-specific trajectories and action certainty, which mirror empirical findings. In contrast, agents trained in fully observable environments failed to capture experimental data, suggesting that partial observability is often implicit in goal-driven tasks. Finally, we show that hippocampal-like RL agents demonstrated improved generalisation across novel task conditions. In summary, our findings suggest a key role of hippocampal networks in facilitating learning in naturalistic environments.
Fold-and-fuse neurulation in zebrafish requires Vangl2
Authors: MacGowan Jacalyn , Cardenas Mara , Williams Margot Kossmann
Published: November 2023

Shaping of the future brain and spinal cord during neurulation is an essential component of early vertebrate development. In amniote embryos, primary neurulation occurs through a “fold-and-fuse” mechanism by which the edges of the neural plate fuse into the hollow neural tube. Failure of neural fold fusion results in neural tube defects (NTDs), which are among the most devastating and common congenital anomalies worldwide. Unlike amniotes, the zebrafish neural tube develops largely via formation of a solid neural keel that later cavitates to form a midline lumen. Although many aspects of primary neurulation are conserved in zebrafish, including neural fold zippering, it was not clear how well these events resemble analogous processes in amniote embryos. Here, we demonstrate that despite outward differences, zebrafish anterior neurulation closely resembles that of mammals. For the first time in zebrafish embryos, we directly observe enclosure of a lumen by the bilateral neural folds, which fuse by zippering between at least two distinct closure sites. Both the apical constriction that elevates the neural folds and the zippering that fuses them coincide with apical Myosin enrichment. We further show that embryos lackingvangl2, a core planar cell polarity and NTD risk gene, exhibit delayed and abnormal neural fold fusion that fails to enclose a lumen. These defects can also be observed in fixed embryos, enabling their detection without live imaging. Together, our data provide direct evidence for fold-and-fuse neurulation in zebrafish and its disruption upon loss of an NTD risk gene, highlighting the deep conservation of primary neurulation across vertebrates.

Highlights

The anterior neural tube of zebrafish undergoes “fold-and-fuse” neurulation to enclose a lumen, highlighting conservation of primary neurulation mechanisms across vertebrates.

Anterior neural tube closure is delayed and abnormal in zebrafish embryos lacking the planar cell polarity genevangl2, occurring by excessive “buttoning” rather than smooth “zippering” and failing to enclose a lumen.

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are visible in fixedvangl2deficient embryos, enabling simple assessment of neural tube phenotypes with potential utility in screening NTD risk genes.
Inflammation primes the kidney for recovery by activating AZIN1 A-to-I editing
Authors: Heruye Segewkal , Myslinski Jered , Zeng Chao , Zollman Amy , Makino Shinichi , Nanamatsu Azuma , Mir Quoseena , Janga Sarath Chandra , Doud Emma H , Eadon Michael T , Maier Bernhard , Hamada Michiaki , Tran Tuan M , Dagher Pierre C , Hato Takashi
Published: November 2023

The progression of kidney disease varies among individuals, but a general methodology to quantify disease timelines is lacking. Particularly challenging is the task of determining the potential for recovery from acute kidney injury following various insults. Here, we report that quantitation of post-transcriptional adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing offers a distinct genome-wide signature, enabling the delineation of disease trajectories in the kidney. A well-defined murine model of endotoxemia permitted the identification of the origin and extent of A-to-I editing, along with temporally discrete signatures of double-stranded RNA stress and Adenosine Deaminase isoform switching. We found that A-to-I editing of Antizyme Inhibitor 1 (AZIN1), a positive regulator of polyamine biosynthesis, serves as a particularly useful temporal landmark during endotoxemia. Our data indicate that AZIN1 A-to-I editing, triggered by preceding inflammation, primes the kidney and activates endogenous recovery mechanisms. By comparing genetically modified human cell lines and mice locked in either A-to-I edited or uneditable states, we uncovered that AZIN1 A-to-I editing not only enhances polyamine biosynthesis but also engages glycolysis and nicotinamide biosynthesis to drive the recovery phenotype. Our findings implicate that quantifying AZIN1 A-to-I editing could potentially identify individuals who have transitioned to an endogenous recovery phase. This phase would reflect their past inflammation and indicate their potential for future recovery.
Universal Digital High Resolution Melt for the detection of pulmonary mold infections
Authors: Goshia Tyler , Aralar April , Wiederhold Nathan , Jenks Jeffrey D. , Mehta Sanjay R. , Sinha Mridu , Karmakar Aprajita , Sharma Ankit , Shrivastava Rachit , Sun Haoxiang , White P. Lewis , Hoenigl Martin , Fraley Stephanie I.
Published: November 2023

Background

Invasive mold infections (IMIs) such as aspergillosis, mucormycosis, fusariosis, and lomentosporiosis are associated with high morbidity and mortality, particularly in immunocompromised patients, with mortality rates as high as 40% to 80%. Outcomes could be substantially improved with early initiation of appropriate antifungal therapy, yet early diagnosis remains difficult to establish and often requires multidisciplinary teams evaluating clinical and radiological findings plus supportive mycological findings. Universal digital high resolution melting analysis (U-dHRM) may enable rapid and robust diagnosis of IMI. This technology aims to accomplish timely pathogen detection at the single genome level by conducting broad-based amplification of microbial barcoding genes in a digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) format, followed by high-resolution melting of the DNA amplicons in each digital reaction to generate organism-specific melt curve signatures that are identified by machine learning.

Methods

A universal fungal assay was developed for U-dHRM and used to generate a database of melt curve signatures for 19 clinically relevant fungal pathogens. A machine learning algorithm (ML) was trained to automatically classify these 19 fungal melt curves and detect novel melt curves. Performance was assessed on 73 clinical bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples from patients suspected of IMI. Novel curves were identified by micropipetting U-dHRM reactions and Sanger sequencing amplicons.

Results

U-dHRM achieved an average of 97% fungal organism identification accuracy and a turn-around-time of 4hrs. Pathogenic molds (Aspergillus, Mucorales, LomentosporaandFusarium)were detected by U-dHRM in 73% of BALF samples suspected of IMI. Mixtures of pathogenic molds were detected in 19%. U-dHRM demonstrated good sensitivity for IMI, as defined by current diagnostic criteria, when clinical findings were also considered.

Conclusions

U-dHRM showed promising performance as a separate or combination diagnostic approach to standard mycological tests. The speed of U-dHRM and its ability to simultaneously identify and quantify clinically relevant mold pathogens in polymicrobial samples as well as detect emerging opportunistic pathogens may provide information that could aid in treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes.
Glutamate inputs send prediction error of reward but not negative value of aversive stimuli to dopamine neurons
Authors: Amo Ryunosuke , Uchida Naoshige , Watabe-Uchida Mitsuko
Published: November 2023

Midbrain dopamine neurons are thought to signal reward prediction errors (RPEs) but the mechanisms underlying RPE computation, particularly contributions of different neurotransmitters, remain poorly understood. Here we used a genetically-encoded glutamate sensor to examine the pattern of glutamate inputs to dopamine neurons. We found that glutamate inputs exhibit virtually all of the characteristics of RPE, rather than conveying a specific component of RPE computation such as reward or expectation. Notably, while glutamate inputs were transiently inhibited by reward omission, they were excited by aversive stimuli. Opioid analgesics altered dopamine negative responses to aversive stimuli toward more positive responses, while excitatory responses of glutamate inputs remained unchanged. Our findings uncover previously unknown synaptic mechanisms underlying RPE computations; dopamine responses are shaped by both synergistic and competitive interactions between glutamatergic and GABAergic inputs to dopamine neurons depending on valences, with competitive interactions playing a role in responses to aversive stimuli.
m6A RNA modification of mHttintron 1 regulates the generation ofHtt1ain Huntington’s Disease
Authors: Pupak Anika , Navarro Irene Rodríguez , Sathasivam Kirupa , Essmann Amelie , Singh Ankita , del Toro Daniel , Ginés Silvia , Bates Gillian P. , Vang Ørom Ulf Andersson , Marti Eulalia , Brito Verónica
Published: November 2023

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expanded, somatically unstable CAG repeat in the first exon of the huntingtin gene (HTT). In the presence of an expanded CAG repeat, huntingtin mRNA undergoes an aberrant processing that generatesHTT1atranscripts with exon 1 and intron 1 sequences, which encodes the aggregation-prone and pathogenic HTTexon 1 protein. The regulatory mechanisms that contribute to the production ofHTT1aare not fully understood. In a previous transcriptome-wide m6A landscape study performed inHdh+/Q111knock-in mice, we have found that the proximal region of intron 1 to exon1-intron 1 splice site inHttRNA is highly modified by m6A. Several pieces of evidence have demonstrated that m6A is involved in RNA processing and splicing. Therefore, in this study we set out to explore the impact of m6A RNA modifications in the generation ofHtt1a. We show in the striatum ofHdh+/Q111mice that m6A is enriched in intronic sequences 5’ to the cryptic poly (A) sites (IpA1 and IpA2) at 680 and 1145 bp into intron 1 as well as inHtt1apolyadenylated mRNA. We also verified the presence of specific m6A-modified sites near the 5’ exon1-intron1 splice donor site. IntronicHTTm6A methylation was recapitulated in human samples showing a significantly increased methylation ratio in HD putamenpost-mortemsamples and in HD fibroblast cell lines from pre-symptomatic and symptomatic patients. In order to test the hypothesis that the m6A modification is involved in mutantHttRNA processing, we performed a pharmacological inhibition of METTL3 and a targeted demethylation ofHttintron 1 in HD cells using a dCas13-ALKBH5 system. We found thatHtt1atranscript levels in HD cells are regulated by METTL3 and by methylation status inHttintron 1. Site-specific manipulation with an RNA editing system resulted in decreased expression levels ofHtt1a, which was accompanied by a reduction in DNA damage, a major hallmark in HD. Finally, we propose that m6A methylation in intron 1 is likely dependent on the expanded CAG repeats. These findings provide insight into the role of m6A in the generation of the aberrantly spliced mutantHtttranscripts with important implications for therapeutic strategies.
Synthesis, characterization, crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of isobutyl 4-[4-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2,6,6-trimethyl-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydroquinoline-3-carboxylate
Authors: Yıldırım Sema Öztürk , Akkurt Mehmet , Çetin Gökalp , Şimşek Rahime , Butcher Ray J. , Bhattarai Ajaya
Published: November 2023

In the title compound, C24H29F2NO4, which crystallizes in the orthorhombic Pca21 space group with Z = 4, the 1,4-dihydropyridine ring adopts a distorted boat conformation, while the cyclohexene ring is in a distorted half-chair conformation. In the crystal, the molecules are linked by N—H...O and C—H...O interactions, forming supramolecular chains parallel to the a axis. These chains pack with C—H...π interactions between them, forming layers parallel to the (010) plane. The cohesion of the crystal structure is ensured by van der Waals interactions between these layers. Hirshfeld surface analysis shows the major contributions to the crystal packing are from H...H (56.9%), F...H/H...F (15.7%), O...H/H...O (13.7%) and C...H/H...C (9.5%) contacts.
Debt maturity structure, credit ratings and audit fees: new evidence
Authors: Opare Solomon , Bhuiyan Md. Borhan Uddin
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This research aims to revisit Gul and Goodwin (2010), which focuses on exploring the relationship between debt maturity structure, credit ratings and audit fees. Furthermore, the authors investigate whether this association varies based on firm size, firm life cycle and financial reporting quality.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate the research question, the authors use an extended sample period, 2004–2017, in comparison to the sample period, 2003–2006, used in Gul and Goodwin (2010). The authors use ordinary least squares regression as a baseline methodology along with two-stage least-squares regression and change analysis to control for endogeneity concerns.

Findings

According to Gul and Goodwin (2010), auditors charge lower audit fees for firms with higher short-maturity debt and better credit ratings, indicating a lower likelihood of financial misreporting. Further, Gul and Goodwin (2010) find that lower credit rated firms benefit more from short-term debt. Primarily, the findings are consistent with Gul and Goodwin (2010) and provide further evidence that the beneficial effects of short-maturity debt for firms with poor ratings are evident for small firms, firms in the growth stage of their life cycle and firms with poor earnings quality.

Practical implications

The findings imply that practitioners in the audit profession and investors should take a more nuanced and comprehensive approach to varied firm and financial factors, taking into consideration the intricate relationships between many elements impacting a firm’s financial health. As a result, audit professionals may give more accurate appraisals of a firm’s financial condition, and investors can make better investment decisions.

Originality/value

The authors reconfirm the findings of Gul and Goodwin (2010) using an extended sample. The findings are novel, which evidence that the lower audit fees for rated firms with short-maturity debt are moderated by firm size, life cycle and financial reporting quality.
A combined BEM and Laplace transform for unsteady modified-Helmholtz equation of time–space variable coefficients for anisotropic media
Authors: Azis Mohammad Ivan
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Two-dimensional (2D) problems are governed by unsteady anisotropic modified-Helmholtz equation of time–space dependent coefficients are considered. The problems are transformed into a boundary-only integral equation which can be solved numerically using a standard boundary element method (BEM). Some examples are solved to show the validity of the analysis and examine the accuracy of the numerical method.

Design/methodology/approach

The 2D problems which are governed by unsteady anisotropic modified-Helmholtz equation of time–space dependent coefficients are solved using a combined BEM and Laplace transform. The time–space dependent coefficient equation is reduced to a time-dependent coefficient equation using an analytical transformation. Then, the time-dependent coefficient equation is Laplace transformed to get a constant coefficient equation, which can be written as a boundary-only integral equation. By utilizing a BEM, this integral equation is solved to find numerical solutions to the problems in the frame of the Laplace transform. These solutions are then inversely transformed numerically to obtain solutions in the original time–space frame.

Findings

The main finding of this research is the derivation of a boundary-only integral equation for the solutions of initial-boundary value problems governed by a modified-Helmholtz equation of time–space dependent coefficients for anisotropic functionally graded materials with time-dependent properties.

Originality/value

The originality of the research lies on the time dependency of properties of the functionally graded material under consideration.
Workers’ voice from the triangular employment relationship lens: towards a conceptual framework
Authors: Oyetunde Kabiru , Prouska Rea , McKearney Aidan
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper examines the circumstantial state of mediated work to develop a conceptual framework exemplifying the determinants of voice of workers in triangular employment relationships. These workers are in work context involving two or more firms – agency/platform and clients/client firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Paralleling employee voice research in the triangular employment relationship context, the authors theorised the influencing forces at four levels to propose 12 distinct antecedents of triangular workers' voice. External level (2) – legal employer ambiguity and legal regulation and protection; employment context level (3) – availability and presence, assignment duration and autonomy; firm level (3) – institutional complexity, cost and control and governance structure conflicts; individual level (4) – perceived relative equity, voice skill, self-identity and transition opportunity.

Findings

The triangular workers' voice determinants framework provides a comprehensive outlook on how the external, employment context, firm and individual forces influence voice of workers in triangular employment relationships.

Research limitations/implications

Emanating from the framework are propositions that can be empirically tested for validation. Hence, as with conceptual papers, this paper is limited by non-empirical testing.

Practical implications

Managers of workers in these employment relationships should be cognizant of the different levels of forces that can influence their voice.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the employee voice literature by presenting a four-level framework that demonstrate a holistic view of how triangular workers' voice is influenced.
The persistence of print books: exploring language preference and format preference among Arabic-speaking library patrons in Jordan
Authors: Hawatmeh Christina Zacharia , Alshmaseen Oraib Mousa , Alfayez Ghada Enad
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the reasons behind the persistent preference for printed content among Arabic-speaking library patrons in Jordan. Specifically, this study highlights the availability of reading materials in print, electronic and audible formats in Arabic as an intervening factor shaping reading behavior. More broadly, it aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of how language preference can impact reading format preferences.

Design/methodology/approach

This study’s research design revolves around understanding reading format preferences among registered members of Jordan’s largest and oldest private library. This approach involved the examination of secondary library user survey data collected from N = 313 of its patrons in 2022. To gain a greater understanding of the preference for printed materials, this study conducted semistructured interviews over the phone with n = 31 participants of the library’s survey.

Findings

The findings of this study indicate a strong preference for print books among Arabic-speaking library patrons in Jordan. However, the availability of content in electronic and audible formats in Arabic, their preferred reading language, emerged as a potentially significant factor in the persistent preference for printed reading materials.

Originality/value

This study offers new insights into the specific role that the availability of content in Arabic, and possibly languages other than English, may play in shaping reading format preferences. By shedding light on this aspect of reading behavior, this research offers valuable information for libraries and publishers seeking to cater to the needs and preferences of Arabic readers.
Future of work from everywhere: a systematic review
Authors: Itam Urmila Jagadeeswari , Warrier Uma
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Teleworking, working from home and flexible work have gained popularity over the last few years. A shift in policies and practices in the workplace is required owing to the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating current trends in work-from-everywhere (WFE) research. This article presents a systematic literature review of WFE research from 1990 to early 2023 to understand the transformation of the field.

Design/methodology/approach

The Web of Science database was used to conduct this review based on rigorous bibliometric and network analysis techniques. The prominence of the research studied using SPAR-4-SLR and a collection of bibliometric techniques on selected journal articles, reviews and early access articles. Performance and keyword co-occurrence analysis form the premise of cluster analysis. The content analysis of recently published papers revealed the driving and restraining forces that help define and operationalize the concept of WFE.

Findings

The major findings indicate that the five established and accelerated trends from cluster analysis are COVID-19 and the pandemic, telework(ing), remote working, work from home and well-being and productivity. Driving and restraining forces identified through content analysis include technological breakthroughs, work–life integration challenges, inequality in the distribution of jobs, gender, shifts in industry and sector preferences, upskilling and reskilling and many more have been published post-COVID in the restraining forces category of WFE.

Practical implications

A key contribution of this pioneering study of “work from everywhere” is the linking of the bibliometric trends of the past three decades to the influencing and restraining factors during the pandemic. This study illustrates how WFE could be perceived differently post-COVID, which is of great concern to practitioners and future researchers.

Originality/value

A wide range of publications on WFE and multiple synonyms can create confusion if a systematic and effective system does not classify and associate them. This study uses both bibliometric and scientometric analyses in the context of WFE using systematic literature review (SLR) methods.
An empirical evaluation of the predictors and consequences of social media health-misinformation seeking behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Riaz Muhammad , Jie Wu , Sherani Mrs , Ali Sher , Boamah Fredrick Ahenkora , Zhu Yan
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Drawing upon social cognitive theory, this study aims to investigate the potential predictors and consequences of social media health-misinformation seeking behavior during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 230 international students studying at Wuhan University and Beijing Language and Cultural University, China, this study employs structural equation modeling to analyze the collected data.

Findings

The results indicate that personal factors such as lack of health information literacy, environmental factors, information overload and social media peer influence have a significant effect on behavior, namely social media health-misinformation seeking behavior, which further influences outcomes, namely social media users' anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, both lack of health information literacy and social media peer influence have significant and direct effects on social media users' anxiety. However, the direct effect of information overload on social media users' anxiety is insignificant.

Originality/value

First, this study contributes to the literature on the individuals' social media health-misinformation seeking behavior, its precursors and its consequences, specifically on their mental healthcare during a pandemic situation. Second, this research is one of the pioneer studies that extend social cognitive theory to the context of social media health-misinformation seeking behavior and users' anxiety relationship.
Transformational and transactional leadership behaviors and ethical perceptions: the effects of sensory processing sensitivity
Authors: Stenmark Cheryl K.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) is a trait that affects people's thinking and behavior. People who are higher in SPS are more sensitive to internal and environmental stimuli. The present study examined the effects of transformational and transactional leadership behaviors on follower ethical cognition and perception and the role that follower SPS plays in that process.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants read vignettes in which their leader was described as transformational or transactional. Participants then qualitatively answered a series of four emails asking questions about an ethical problem. Then they completed measures of ethical perceptions and SPS. Qualitative data were content coded to evaluate ethical cognition.

Findings

Results indicated that people higher in SPS had lower ethical perceptions than people lower in SPS when their leader was transactional. However, when their leader was transformational, people higher in SPS had higher ethical perceptions than people lower in SPS. Results suggest that a match between a follower's SPS and a leader's behaviors can influence followers' ethical perceptions. Findings suggest that organizational leader and management development interventions should encourage leaders to use transformational behaviors to improve followers' ethical perceptions.

Originality/value

Previous research has examined the effects of transformational and transactional leadership on many outcomes for followers, including ethical attitudes and behaviors. The present study contributes to this literature by examining the effects of transformational and transactional leadership behaviors on ethical cognition and perceptions.
Design of a remote assistance model for truck maintenance in the mining industry
Authors: Canelón Rodolfo , Carrasco Christian , Rivera Felipe
Published: November 2023

Purpose

It is well known in the mining industry that the increase in failures and breakdowns is due mainly to a poor maintenance policy for the equipment, in addition to the difficult access that specialized personnel have to combat the breakdown, which translates into more machine downtime. For this reason, this study aims to propose a remote assistance model for diagnosing and repairing critical breakdowns in mining industry trucks using augmented reality techniques and data analytics with a quality approach that considerably reduces response times, thus optimizing human resources.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, the six-phase CRIPS-DM methodology is used. Initially, the problem of fault diagnosis in trucks used in the extraction of material in the mining industry is addressed. The authors then propose a model under study that seeks a real-time connection between a service technician attending the truck at the mine site and a specialist located at a remote location, considering the data transmission requirements and the machine's characterization.

Findings

It is considered that the theoretical results obtained in the development of this study are satisfactory from the business point of view since, in the first instance, it fulfills specific objectives related to the telecare process. On the other hand, from the data mining point of view, the results manage to comply with the theoretical aspects of the establishment of failure prediction models through the application of the CRISP-DM methodology. All of the above opens the possibility of developing prediction models through machine learning and establishing the best model for the objective of failure prediction.

Originality/value

The original contribution of this work is the proposal of the design of a remote assistance model for diagnosing and repairing critical failures in the mining industry, considering augmented reality and data analytics. Furthermore, the integration of remote assistance, the characterization of the CAEX, their maintenance information and the failure prediction models allow the establishment of a quality-based model since the database with which the learning machine will work is constantly updated.
Dynamic scheduling for job shop with machine failure based on data mining technologies
Authors: Gui Yong , Zhang Lanxin
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Influenced by the constantly changing manufacturing environment, no single dispatching rule (SDR) can consistently obtain better scheduling results than other rules for the dynamic job-shop scheduling problem (DJSP). Although the dynamic SDR selection classifier (DSSC) mined by traditional data-mining-based scheduling method has shown some improvement in comparison to an SDR, the enhancement is not significant since the rule selected by DSSC is still an SDR.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a novel data-mining-based scheduling method for the DJSP with machine failure aiming at minimizing the makespan. Firstly, a scheduling priority relation model (SPRM) is constructed to determine the appropriate priority relation between two operations based on the production system state and the difference between their priority values calculated using multiple SDRs. Subsequently, a training sample acquisition mechanism based on the optimal scheduling schemes is proposed to acquire training samples for the SPRM. Furthermore, feature selection and machine learning are conducted using the genetic algorithm and extreme learning machine to mine the SPRM.

Findings

Results from numerical experiments demonstrate that the SPRM, mined by the proposed method, not only achieves better scheduling results in most manufacturing environments but also maintains a higher level of stability in diverse manufacturing environments than an SDR and the DSSC.

Originality/value

This paper constructs a SPRM and mines it based on data mining technologies to obtain better results than an SDR and the DSSC in various manufacturing environments.
The unity productions foundation film and the C3 framework
Authors: Wafa Nada , Douglass Susan Lynn
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to engage readers with Unity Productions Foundation (UPF) films, which provide a powerful, inspirational digital tool for teachers. The organization's mission is to create documentaries, films and educational materials that contribute to bringing to light compelling stories of Muslim engagement through history and culture. UPF films and educational projects aim to promote peace and understanding to increase cultural pluralism and counter bigotry in our world.

Design/methodology/approach

Teachers will be able to utilize the resources provided in this paper to harness the power of media in their classrooms. Outlining the process by which teachers can follow the C3 inquiry using the film Prince Among Slaves will prepare teachers to see the alignment of the C3 Framework with their teaching. The “best practice” classroom strategies in structuring deliberations are ones that encourage students to fully participate and emphasize their voice.

Findings

This paper will unpack the practice methods that address the film Prince Among Slaves to be of benefit when sharing narratives through digital film and engage students in critical thinking through the C3 Framework. UPF films are the product of scholarly research and innovative production teams as the films provide the opportunity to visualize and explore multiple perspectives to understand historical content by providing a context for inquiry teaching and learning that is inclusive through deliberative discussions in the classroom.

Originality/value

The author certifies that this manuscript submission is original work and that all authors were involved in the intellectual elaboration of the manuscript and all parties have been acknowledged.
Casemix and performance of Australian emergency departments: A comparison of major city, regional and remote locations
Authors: Tatkovic Annaleis , Moore Katie , Lim Jolene CJ
Published: November 2023

Objective

EDs are an essential service, and higher rates of presentations per population are seen in regional and remote areas compared to major cities. Australia‐wide differences in utilisation and performance remain largely unknown.

Methods

This was a descriptive, retrospective epidemiological study analysing data collected via the National Non‐Admitted Patient Emergency Department Care Database managed by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Data from all reporting public hospitals in Australia for the period between 1 July 2018 and 30 June 2019 were analysed. Reporting EDs were geographically categorised using the 2016 Australian Statistical Geography Standard – Remoteness Area.

Results

ED presentations for the 293 reporting EDs were 8 352 192 (median 17 904, range 8–113 929), one‐third (33.09%, 95% CI 33.06–33.12) were outside major cities. Remote ED presentations were less likely to arrive by ambulance (12.13% [12.01–12.26]; major cites 28.07% [28.03–28.10]; regional 22.55% [22.50–22.60]) but more likely by police/correctional services vehicle (major cities 0.59% [0.58–0.60]; regional 0.71% [0.70–0.72]; remote 1.71% [1.66–1.76]). Presentations to remote EDs were more likely to leave without being attended by a health professional (5.29% [5.21–5.38]; major cities 3.93% [3.92–3.95]; regional 3.53% [3.51–3.55]). A larger proportion of admitted patients stayed at least 8 h in remote (21.83% [21.46–22.20]) and regional (21.52% [21.41–21.62]) EDs compared to major cities (19.82% [19.76–19.88]).

Conclusions

Our study highlights ED utilisation, casemix and performance by location. The differences observed, especially areas of inequity and need for interventions, reiterate that imperative regional and remote EDs are appropriately resourced to support the communities they serve.
A simple score for malnutrition–inflammation complex syndrome (MICS) is associated with the risk of mortality in Japanese patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis
Authors: Yamada Shunsuke , Arase Hokuto , Taniguchi Masatomo , Kitazono Takanari , Nakano Toshiaki
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Malnutrition–inflammation complex syndrome (MICS) is highly prevalent in patients undergoing hemodialysis. We determined the prognostic value of the Simple MICS score, calculated using a combination of age, body mass index, and serum concentrations of albumin, creatinine, and C‐reactive protein.

Methods

We retrospectively recruited 218 Japanese patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality, and the main exposure was the Simple MICS score. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to characterize the relationship between the Simple MICS score and mortality.

Results

During a median 4.4‐year follow‐up period, 56 patients died. Multivariable‐adjusted models showed that a higher Simple MICS score was associated with higher risks of mortality. The predictability for all‐cause mortality of the Simple MICS score was significantly better than conventional nutrition‐related indices.

Conclusion

The Simple MICS score can be used to stratify mortality risk in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.