bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The street begging economy: investigating the economic strategies of street beggars in Ghana
Authors: Agyemang Eric , Forkuor John Boulard , Kondor Ronald , Odongo Douglas Attoh
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the economic strategies street beggars (SBs) employ in Ghana to gain a competitive advantage within the contested urban spaces they occupy. By conceptualising SBs as economic actors, the research shifts the focus from perceiving them as passive recipients of charity to recognising their intentional decision-making and strategic behaviour to maximise financial benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a qualitative case study approach, using non-participant observation and semi-structured interviews with 40 SBs in Kumasi, Ghana. Thematic analysis was used to identify the economic strategies used by SBs to gain a competitive advantage.

Findings

The study reveals three main strategies adopted by SBs: child advertisement, body marketing, and narrative marketing. These strategies emerge from the SBs' contextual understanding of the public’s social protection needs and are used to develop strategies that give them an advantage over other SBs within contested urban streets.

Research limitations/implications

Future research could explore the effectiveness of different economic strategies employed by street beggars and compare their financial outcomes. Investigating the public’s perceptions and attitudes towards these strategies could provide valuable insights.

Practical implications

Policymakers and city authorities should acknowledge some street begging as an economic activity and develop regulations, designate begging areas, and establish guidelines for acceptable practices. Creating targeted skill training, entrepreneurship programs, and access to microfinance can facilitate the transition of street beggars from begging to more sustainable forms of livelihood.

Social implications

This study challenges the perception of street beggars as passive victims, highlighting their agency and strategic decision-making. Recognizing their economic strategies can inform policies that regulate begging as an economic activity, create alternative opportunities, and prevent exploitation of vulnerable groups, ultimately promoting more sustainable and dignified livelihoods for street beggars.

Originality/value

This study seeks to enrich the current literature and bridge the research gap by investigating the phenomenon of street begging and the diverse economic strategies street beggars employ to gain a competitive advantage within urban areas. This research moves beyond computing financial income and regulating begging by conceptualizing SBs as economic actors and begging as an economic activity. It explores how SBs use conscious efforts and rational strategies to maximize financial benefits from passers-by and outperform other SBs, providing novel insights into the complex dynamics of street begging.
Platform control and multi-realized platform benefits: a meta-analysis
Authors: Roberts Nicholas , Kim Inchan , Iyengar Kishen , Pullin Jennifer
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Platform owners need to encourage yet control complementors in ways that generate benefits. Retaining too much control can restrict innovation and knowledge flows; giving up too much control can lead to poor quality and platform instability. Studies provide mixed findings that make it difficult to draw generalizable conclusions. We aim to provide a more accurate understanding of the link between platform control and platform benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted a meta-analysis of empirical research in this area.

Findings

Access-based control positively influences realization benefits, but it does not appear to affect creation benefits. Authority-based control does not appear to affect creation or realization benefits. Control is positively linked to benefits on transaction platforms but not on innovation platforms. Platform control is positively related to platform benefits in studies that use objective measures and in studies that measure control from the complementor’s perspective. However, the relationship between control and benefits is uncertain in studies that use perceptual measures and in studies that measure control from the owner’s perspective.

Research limitations/implications

Tighter restrictions on who can join the platform can lead to greater use of platform innovations. Platform control is also an effective driver of benefits on transaction platforms. Researchers should carefully think through the manner in which they measure platform control and platform benefits. Our study is limited by a small sample size, four moderators and a set of empirical-only studies.

Originality/value

Our findings can guide future research and help practitioners better understand when platform control is related to platform benefits.
Intersubjectivity on organizational goal congruence and performance measurement process: evidence from an Indonesian firm
Authors: Muttaqin Muhammad , Birton M. Nur A.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the role of intersubjectivity portrayed in employees’ mundane activities in achieving goal congruence between individual and organizational goals within the performance measurement process.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with five employees as key informants of each department. Observations were carried out unstructured to collect information about key performance indicator (KPI) and their achievements. Combining the interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) and Schutz’s phenomenology, the data analysis stage includes coding (interpretation, condensation and categorization of themes) and thematic analysis.

Findings

The findings show employees’ different feelings and actions in achieving their KPIs. Therefore, the anticipations of obstacles in achieving KPI were based on the intersubjective influence of personal goals, company goals, peers, bosses/departments and customers. Thus, in achieving KPI, employees strive to simultaneously achieve personal goals as well as company goals.

Research limitations/implications

Previous literature on management accounting mainly focuses on organizational perspective and less on individual-centred phenomenological perspective. This study tries to fill this gap by exploring how intersubjectivity plays a role in employees’ mundane experiences.

Practical implications

In designing and applying KPI, the company should consider employees’ happiness as it could reflect job satisfaction, leading to high performance.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on goal congruence, performance measurement and management control by extending prior research by Cugueró-Escofet and Rosanas (2013) and Cugueró-Escofet et al. (2019) in empirically portraying how employees perceive goal congruence in the performance measurement process with IPA.
Digital disruption: unveiling antecedents propelling the revolution in contemporary accounting practices
Authors: Bathla Sakshi , Himanshu Himanshu , Ahmad Farah
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the relative prominence of antecedents of digital accounting practices in the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) industry. The Ministry of MSME defines the sector as comprising manufacturing enterprises and enterprises rendering services in terms of investment in plant and machinery and the annual turnover. The study is motivated by the rapid usage of digitalisation that has become the driving force guiding organisational development.

Design/methodology/approach

This study builds on technological–organisational–environmental framework to analyse the objective. It identifies five technological sub-antecedents, six organisational sub-antecedents and five environmental sub-antecedents. Data were gathered from 202 accounting professionals from MSMEs and academicians. Semi-structured interviews with experts were also conducted to corroborate the analysis of results. Then, the study applied fuzzy analytic hierarchy process to analyse the prominence.

Findings

This study finds that the technological antecedent captures the topmost position among all three antecedents, followed by organisational antecedent. They play a critical role in driving digitalisation in accounting practices. Among sub-antecedents, the highest priority is provided to technological accounting infrastructure, followed by cybersecurity precautions, training and allied services for accounting software, support from management and availability of accounting resources.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the scant literature by establishing hierarchy of relevance of different antecedents of digital accounting practices in MSMEs. It offers valuable insights to accounting practitioners and MSME owners/managers. They can pay attention to the prominent antecedents identified in this study to build a robust innovation structure for implementing digitalised accounting practices. The study also has significance to policymakers, specifically when they are more focused on the growth and development of MSMEs.
A bibliometric and visual analysis of revisit intention research in hospitality and tourism
Authors: Zulfiqar Urooj , Abbas Alhamzah F. , Aman-Ullah Attia , Mehmood Waqas
Published: June 2024

Purpose

One of the issues currently being discussed around the globe, and especially in the tourism industry, is revisit intention. This study uses a bibliometric analysis strategy based on the Web of Science (WOS) database to examine the literature on revisit intention.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a sample of 482 articles was analyzed. The R programming language was used to process the data and graph the results.

Findings

The results found the occurrence of publications by year, publication source information and authors, journals, countries, institutions, thematic maps, current trends of topics in hospitality and tourism toward revisiting intention, and the most cited papers in revisit intention. This study highlights the importance of revisiting intention in the hospitality and tourism industry. The bibliometric analysis helps to set the research agenda on revisit intention.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study of its kind to present an empirical evaluation of revisit intention using inclusive mapping.
Shaping future home: understanding quality of life and citizenship in smart cities
Authors: Huang Shuxin , Huang Hui , He Shaoyao , Yu Xiaoping
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effects of technology-, organisation- and environment-readiness, smart economic development, change valence, social cohesion and quality of life on citizenship in the context of smart cities.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a customized questionnaire which was completed by 280 residents of China’s first-tier cities. This study tested the framework using the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) technique.

Findings

The results indicated that smart economy development, social cohesion, change valence, technological readiness, organizational readiness and environmental readiness have a significant impact on the quality of life. Quality of life has a positive impact on citizenship.

Originality/value

This study adds new insights to smart city academic discussions. The study addresses a critical gap identified in existing literature which urges the need for a balance between user-centric, organization-centric and technology-centric approaches. It offers a fresh perspective on how the smart economy, social cohesion and readiness factors are interlinked. These elements together shape urban living experiences. For policymakers and urban planners, our findings provide clear guidance. They highlight the complex dynamics that must be considered to build more unified, inclusive and sustainable smart cities.
Effects of spironolactone on skin biophysical properties in women with acne treated with oral spironolactone
Authors: Kiratikanon Salin , Maneenut Ananya , Noppakun Nopadon , Kumtornrut Chanat
Published: June 2024

Background

Spironolactone (SPL) is an effective treatment for women acne, but other effects on skin biophysical properties remain to be investigated.

Objectives

The aim of the current study was to explore the effects of oral SPL used to treat women acne on skin biophysical properties, including hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin surface lipid (SSL) levels, mechanical properties, color, pH, and pore size.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐five Thai women with acne treated with oral SPL were followed for 6 months. Skin hydration, TEWL, SSL levels, mechanical properties, color, pH, and pore size of the forehead, chest, and inner arm were evaluated at baseline and 2, 4, and 6 months after treatment with oral SPL. Facial and upper back pore size were also assessed. Clinical outcomes were changes in these skin biophysical properties at each visit compared with baseline.

Results

Skin hydration, TEWL, SSL levels, color, pH, and pore size remained stable throughout the study. Facial skin parameters at 6 months demonstrated the following changes: hydration levels, 7.60 (95% confidence interval [CI], −59.74 to 74.94); TEWL, −2.36 (95% CI, −5.77 to 1.06); L* value, 0.51 (95% CI, −0.70 to 1.72); individual typology angle, 1.65 (95% CI −2.27 to 5.57); pH, 0.01 (95% CI −0.43 to 0.46); pore size, −0.24 (95% CI, −1.21 to 0.73); and SSL levels, 7.60 (95% CI −59.74 to 74.94). Improvement of facial mechanical properties was observed. R0 (indicating skin tightness) and R1 (indicating elasticity) showed significant decreases (−0.076 [95% CI, −0.141 to −0.010] and −0.016 [95% CI, −0.033 to −0.001]). R3 and R4 (representing tiring effects) were also improved (−0.091 [95% CI, −0.158 to −0.025] and −0.022 [95% CI, −0.044 to −0.001]). Parameters in the truncal and inner arm areas remained stable, except for skin elasticity and tiring effects, which exhibited a similar trend of improvement as the facial area. The changes were notable as early as 4 months.

Conclusion

Oral SPL used for acne did not impair the skin barrier. Moreover, the skin mechanical properties were improved at 4 to 6 months.
Shear wave velocity prediction for fractured limestone reservoirs based on artificial neural network
Authors: Feng Gang , Yang Zhe , Xu Xing‐Rong , Yang Wei , Zeng Hua‐Hui
Published: June 2024

Shear wave velocity is an essential parameter in reservoir characterization and evaluation, fluid identification and prestack inversion. However, conventional data‐driven or model‐driven shear wave velocity prediction methods exhibit several limitations, such as lack of training data sets, poor model generalization and weak model robustness. In this study, a model‐ and data‐driven approach is presented to facilitate the solution of these problems. We develop a theoretical rock physics model for fractured limestone reservoirs and then use the model to generate synthetic data that incorporates geological and geophysical knowledge. The synthetic data with random noise is utilized as the training data set for the artificial neural network, and a well‐trained shear wave velocity prediction model, random noise shear wave velocity prediction neural network, is established by parameter tuning, which fits the synthetic data with noise well. The neural network is applied directly to the real field area. Compared with conventional shear wave prediction methods, such as empirical formulas and the improved Xu–White model, the prediction results show that the random noise shear wave velocity prediction neural network has better prediction performance and generalization. Furthermore, the prediction results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach, and the approach has the potential to perform shear wave velocity prediction in real areas where training data sets are unavailable.
Real‐world efficacy of dupilumab in four cases of paediatric‐onset fibrostenotic eosinophilic esophagitis
Authors: Patel Sophia A.
Published: June 2024

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an increasingly prevalent immune‐mediated disease that leads to chronic changes in the oesophagus. These changes can include strictures, narrowing, and stenosis, mediated by an interleukin (IL)‐13 pathway, which leads to remodelling and fibrosis through increasing migration of fibroblasts and subepithelial fibrosis via collagen deposition 1. IL‐13 downregulates TSPAN12, a gene whose expression regulates fibrosis and causes changes in barrier function and higher rates of fibrostenosis in EoE. Dupilumab, a biologic therapy aimed at blocking IL‐13, has been shown to improve EoE‐related inflammation and fibrosis in clinical trials. We report here four unique patients with documented oesophageal stenosis with inability to pass a paediatric endoscope due to structuring disease, requiring dilation, who had resolution of their oesophageal narrowing following dupilumab therapy.
Saving one's face while saving one's soul? The refraction of tactical approaches to penance as a disciplinary device in Counter‐Reformation Italy
Authors: Zampieri Giovanni
Published: June 2024

Sociohistorical research suggests that religious discourses and practices have been powerful in producing disciplined lines of conduct. Typically, however, this work has only considered the long‐term consequences of discursive shifts or the one‐sided outcomes of disciplinary practices. In contrast, this paper shows how the creative appropriation of disciplinary devices can instigate their transfiguration into additional disciplinary tools. By examining manuals for confession published in Counter‐Reformation Italy, I identify three tactics via which believers allegedly approached Sacramental Penance as an impression management tool. The authors of these cultural objects detected the diffusion of these tactics and circulated their depictions to alert confessors and stigmatize believers who enacted them. These findings suggest that the theorizing of disciplining processes has to consider how the tactical appropriation of disciplinary practices can trigger processes of refraction via which their negative representations are reified and circulated as further disciplinary tools.
Analyzing the effectiveness of the interagency coordination on environmental risk communication to the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh
Authors: Campbell Thomas , Ahmed Saleh , Winkler Brittany
Published: June 2024

Refugees often face structural inequities, a disproportionate share of environmental challenges, and receive inadequate risk information. In most cases, the host country, United Nations, and other humanitarian organizations provide critical weather and climate information and disaster risk management support. This is equally true for the Rohingya refugee in Bangladesh, who fled their home country Myanmar as a response to political violence. To provide critical humanitarian services to the Rohingya population, the in‐country United Nations agencies formed the Inter‐Sector Coordination Group (ISCG). This paper investigates the effectiveness of the ISCG's strategies for communicating monsoon risks in the Rohingya context. Particularly, it measures ISCG communication effectiveness by both the increased formalization of ISCG communication and the number of Rohingya refugees affected during the monsoon seasons in the years 2021–2022. The paper highlights the importance of the ISCG's existence in this humanitarian context as an effective coordinating institution. The ISCG provides impoartant environmental risk information to partner organizations that benefit the Rohingya's overall physical well‐being. Even though the geographical focus of this paper is on the Rohingya populations in Cox's Bazar, the discussions and findings have important policy implications in other parts of the world facing similar social, environmental, political, and humanitarian challenges.
At‐the‐market equity offerings and cash flow shortfalls: Evidence from real estate investment trusts
Authors: Howton Shawn , Howton Shelly , Scheick Benjamin
Published: June 2024

This article examines how access to at‐the‐market (ATM) equity offering programs can help mitigate the adverse effect of temporary cash flow shortfalls on firm performance. Using asset‐level exposure to the spread of COVID‐19 as a proxy for a REIT's sensitivity to a future operational cash flow shock, we find that ATM program access reduces the magnitude of the negative performance effect by nearly 70%. We extend our analysis outside of the pandemic period to provide further evidence of the broader importance of ATM program access as an important source of financial flexibility during more general periods of cash flow uncertainty.
Sleep–wake variations of electrodermal activity in bipolar disorder
Authors: Valenzuela‐Pascual Clàudia , Mas Ariadna , Borràs Roger , Anmella Gerard , Sanabra Miriam , González‐Campos Meritxell , Valentí Marc , Pacchiarotti Isabella , Benabarre Antoni , Grande Iria , De Prisco Michele , Oliva Vincenzo , Bastidas Anna , Agasi Isabel , Young Allan H. , Garriga Marina , Murru Andrea , Corponi Filippo , Li Bryan M. , de Looff Peter , Vieta Eduard , Hidalgo‐Mazzei Diego
Published: June 2024

Background

Affective states influence the sympathetic nervous system, inducing variations in electrodermal activity (EDA), however, EDA association with bipolar disorder (BD) remains uncertain in real‐world settings due to confounders like physical activity and temperature. We analysed EDA separately during sleep and wakefulness due to varying confounders and potential differences in mood state discrimination capacities.

Methods

We monitored EDA from 102 participants with BD including 35 manic, 29 depressive, 38 euthymic patients, and 38 healthy controls (HC), for 48 h. Fifteen EDA features were inferred by mixed‐effect models for repeated measures considering sleep state, group and covariates.

Results

Thirteen EDA feature models were significantly influenced by sleep state, notably including phasic peaks (p < 0.001). During wakefulness, phasic peaks showed different values for mania (M [SD] = 6.49 [5.74, 7.23]), euthymia (5.89 [4.83, 6.94]), HC (3.04 [1.65, 4.42]), and depression (3.00 [2.07, 3.92]). Four phasic features during wakefulness better discriminated between HC and mania or euthymia, and between depression and euthymia or mania, compared to sleep. Mixed symptoms, average skin temperature, and anticholinergic medication affected the models, while sex and age did not.

Conclusion

EDA measured from awake recordings better distinguished between BD states than sleep recordings, when controlled by confounders.
Trends in overweight and obesity in Bergen, Norway, using data from routine child healthcare 2010–2022
Authors: Balthasar Melissa R. , Roelants Mathieu , Brannsether‐Ellingsen Bente , Bjarnason Ragnar , Bergh Ingunn H. , Kvalvik Liv G. , Stangenes Kristine M. , Jugessur Astanand , Tollånes Mette C. , Markussen Finn , Juliusson Petur B.
Published: June 2024

Aim

Trends in childhood overweight, obesity and severe obesity have been lacking in Norway. This study assessed pre‐pandemic trends from 2010 to 2019 and evaluated differences in prevalence during the 2020–2022 pandemic years.

Methods

Routine height and weight measurements from child and school health centres were extracted retrospectively from children aged 2, 4, 6, 8 and 13 years. Overweight, obesity and severe obesity was classified according to the International Obesity Task Force cut‐offs. Pre‐pandemic trends were estimated using linear regression. The prevalence during the pandemic was compared to the 95% prediction interval of this model.

Results

We obtained 181 527 body mass index measurements on 78 024 children (51.0% boys). There was a decrease in the prevalence of overweight including obesity from 2010 to 2019 in boys and this was statistically significant at 4 and 13 years of age. We found no significant trends in girls during this period. During the pandemic, the prevalence of overweight including obesity exceeded the prediction intervals for boys aged 4, 6, and 8 years, and for 6‐year‐old girls.

Conclusion

From 2010–2019, overweight including obesity plateaued in girls and decreased in boys but increased during the pandemic among prepubertal boys. Routine healthcare data is useful for estimating the prevalence of different weight status.
Successful robotic‐assisted resection of an esophageal duplication cyst in the upper thoracic esophagus: A case report with surgical video
Authors: Matsuoka Kohei , Kubo Naoshi , Sakurai Katsunobu , Hasegawa Tsuyoshi , Nishimura Junya , Iseki Yasuhito , Murata Akihiro , Kodai Shintaro , Nishii Takafumi , Shimizu Sadatoshi , Inoue Toru , Nishiguchi Yukio , Maeda Kiyoshi
Published: June 2024

Esophageal duplication cysts are rare congenital noncancerous growths. Symptoms of this disease are reported to be asymptomatic in approximately 70% but include respiratory symptoms such as coughing and difficulty breathing. Minimally invasive removal of these cysts without esophagectomy is typically recommended. However, when the cyst is situated in the upper mediastinum, surgical excision becomes technically challenging. Here, we report a case of an obese female patient with esophageal duplication cyst in the upper mediastinum who underwent successfully robotic‐assisted complete removal of the cyst. A 50‐year‐old woman presented to a local clinic with a persistent cough and hoarseness lasting 4 months. A computed tomography scan revealed a large cystic tumor in the upper mediastinum, causing displacement of the trachea. The resection of the cystic tumor was safely performed with robotic assistance. The use of robotic system for the removal of esophageal duplication cyst is technically safe and feasible.
The role of parenting‐ and employment‐related variables on fathers' involvement in their children's education
Authors: Mancini Vincent , Nevill Thom , Mazzucchelli Trevor , Chhabra Jasleen , Robinson Bruce
Published: June 2024

Background

Parent involvement strongly correlates with children's educational attainment. Sociocultural shifts in parenting roles and shared responsibilities have driven an increase in the need for involvement of fathers in activities to support their children's educational development. Several factors are thought to influence father involvement in children's education; however, the most salient factors remain unclear.

Aims

To examine which variables correlate with father involvement in their children's education using a combination of demographic, parent‐related and employment‐related variance.

Sample

A total of 166 fathers of at least one child aged 6–17 years and residing across five industrialized Western countries participated in an online survey.

Method

Hierarchical multiple regression analysis (HMRA) was performed to examine the total and incremental variance using regression models including demographic, parenting‐ and employment‐related variables linked to educational involvement.

Results and Conclusions

The variables included in the current study could explain a large and statistically significant 34% of the variability in fathers' educational involvement. Of these variables, only four were statistically significant in the final model. Specifically, fathers were more likely to be engaged in their children's education when their children were younger, and when parent self‐efficacy, positive work‐to‐family interface and financial anxiety were high. The study's findings indicate that a positive work environment can help fathers better support their children's education, offering a new focus for future interventions and policies. This includes those focused on targeting work‐related constructs to optimize family functioning.
Efficacy and safety of tocilizumab in patients with refractory generalized myasthenia gravis
Authors: Ruan Zhe , Tang Yonglan , Gao Ting , Li Chunhong , Guo Rongjing , Sun Chao , Huang Xiaoxi , Li Zhuyi , Chang Ting
Published: June 2024

Background

We aimed to compare the efficacy of tocilizumab with conventional immunotherapy in refractory patients with acetylcholine receptor antibody‐positive (AChR‐Ab+) generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG).

Methods

This single‐center prospective cohort study was based on patients from an MG registry study in China and conducted from February 10, 2021 to March 31, 2022. Adult refractory patients with AChR‐Ab+ gMG were assigned to tocilizumab or conventional immunotherapy groups. The primary efficacy outcome was the mean difference of MG activities of daily living (MG‐ADL) change at weeks 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24 corresponding to that at the baseline between the two groups. A generalized estimating equation model was used for the primary outcome analysis. Safety was assessed based on adverse events.

Results

Of 34 eligible patients, 20 (mean [standard deviation] age, 53.8 [21.9] years; 12 [60.0%] female) received tocilizumab and 14 received conventional immunotherapy (45.8 [18.0] years; 8 [57.1%] female). The tocilizumab group had greater reduction in MG‐ADL score at week 4 (adjusted mean difference, −3.4; 95% CI, −4.7 to −2.0; p < 0.001) than the conventional immunotherapy group, with significant differences sustained through week 24 (adjusted mean difference, −4.5; 95% CI, −6.4 to −2.6; p < 0.001). At week 24, the proportion of patients achieving higher levels of MG‐ADL (up to 7‐point reduction) and QMG (up to 11‐point reduction) scores improvement was significantly greater with tocilizumab. Tocilizumab had acceptable safety profiles without severe or unexpected safety issues.

Conclusion

Tocilizumab is safe and effective in improving the MG‐ADL score and reducing prednisone dose in refractory AChR‐Ab+ gMG, suggesting tocilizumab has the potential to be a valuable therapeutic option for such patients.
Draught and draught‐related breeds are also affected by testicular teratoma: A retrospective study on cryptorchidism
Authors: G. Bonilla Alvaro , Lamy Eva
Published: June 2024

Background

There is limited information regarding cryptorchid teratomas other than a few case report studies, and almost all involved standard‐frame horse breeds.

Objective

To investigate the prevalence of testicular teratoma in horses presented for cryptorchidism and to determine its relationship with horse breeds.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Medical records from all horses presented for cryptorchidism that underwent surgical cryptorchidectomy between January 2010 and August 2021 in a single institution were reviewed. Additionally, cryptorchid horses with a histopathological diagnosis of testicular teratoma were further analysed.

Results

Cryptorchidectomy was performed in 220 horses (253 testicles: 187 unilateral and 33 bilateral). Left abdominal cryptorchidism was the most common presentation (101/187, 54%), followed by right abdominal (37/187, 20%) and then, right (27/187, 14%) and left (22/187, 12%) inguinal. A teratoma was confirmed via histopathology in two Draughts, one Draught‐related breed (Canadian horse) and one Paint. Unfortunately, a pre‐operative diagnosis of teratoma was not reached in 3/3 horses where only routine caudal ultrasonography was performed. Draught and draught‐related breeds represented 6% (2219/36,857) of the hospital caseload during the study period and 11% (24/220) of the entire cryptorchid population. Draught and draught‐related breeds had a 37.1 relative risk ratio of having a cryptorchid teratoma (95% CI: 7.85–175.73) in this study. However, this may have been coincidental or specific to our geographic location given the small number of affected cases.

Main limitations

Retrospective nature of the study, small population of horses, one institution and by extent one geographical location.

Conclusions

We found that cryptorchid teratomas are encountered with a high prevalence in our draught and draught‐related breed caseload. A thorough pre‐operative ultrasound, including cranio‐ventral abdomen, may be recommended in cryptorchids to facilitate identification of large teratomas lying cranially within the abdomen as well as surgical planning.
Convolution‐enhanced vision transformer method for lower limb exoskeleton locomotion mode recognition
Authors: Zheng Jianbin , Wang Chaojie , Huang Liping , Gao Yifan , Yan Ruoxi , Yang Chunbo , Gao Yang , Wang Yu
Published: June 2024

Providing the human body with smooth and natural assistance through lower limb exoskeletons is crucial. However, a significant challenge is identifying various locomotion modes to enable the exoskeleton to offer seamless support. In this study, we propose a method for locomotion mode recognition named Convolution‐enhanced Vision Transformer (Conv‐ViT). This method maximizes the benefits of convolution for feature extraction and fusion, as well as the self‐attention mechanism of the Transformer, to efficiently capture and handle long‐term dependencies among different positions within the input sequence. By equipping the exoskeleton with inertial measurement units, we collected motion data from 27 healthy subjects, using it as input to train the Conv‐ViT model. To ensure the exoskeleton's stability and safety during transitions between various locomotion modes, we not only examined the typical five steady modes (involving walking on level ground [WL], stair ascent [SA], stair descent [SD], ramp ascent [RA], and ramp descent [RD]) but also extensively explored eight locomotion transitions (including WL‐SA, WL‐SD, WL‐RA, WL‐RD, SA‐WL, SD‐WL, RA‐WL, RD‐WL). In tasks involving the recognition of five steady locomotions and eight transitions, the recognition accuracy reached 98.87% and 96.74%, respectively. Compared with three popular algorithms, ViT, convolutional neural networks, and support vector machine, the results show that the proposed method has the best recognition performance, and there are highly significant differences in accuracy and F1 score compared to other methods. Finally, we also demonstrated the excellent performance of Conv‐ViT in terms of generalization performance.
Patients' and Caregivers' Suggestions for Improving Assisted Dying Regulation: A Qualitative Study in Australia and Canada
Authors: Jeanneret Ruthie , Close Eliana , Willmott Lindy , Downie Jocelyn , White Ben P.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Assisted dying (AD) has been legalised in a small but growing number of jurisdictions globally, including Canada and Australia. Early research in both countries demonstrates that, in response to access barriers, patients and caregivers take action to influence their individual experience of AD, as well as AD systems more widely. This study analyses how patients and caregivers suggest other decision‐makers in AD systems should address identified issues.

Methods

We conducted semistructured, qualitative interviews with patients and caregivers seeking AD in Victoria (Australia) and three Canadian provinces (British Columbia, Ontario and Nova Scotia). Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and codebook template analysis.

Results

Sixty interviews were conducted with 67 participants (65 caregivers, 2 patients). In Victoria, this involved 28 interviews with 33 participants (32 caregivers, 1 patient) about 28 patient experiences. In Canada, this involved 32 interviews with 34 participants (33 caregivers, 1 patient) about 33 patient experiences. We generated six themes, corresponding to six overarching suggestions by patients and caregivers to address identified system issues: (1) improved content and dissemination of information about AD; (2) proactively develop policies and procedures about AD provision; (3) address institutional objection via top‐down action; (4) proactively develop grief resources and peer support mechanisms; (5) amend laws to address legal barriers; and (6) engage with and act on patient and caregiver feedback about experiences.

Conclusion

AD systems should monitor and respond to suggestions from patients and caregivers with firsthand experience of AD systems, who are uniquely placed to identify issues and suggestions for improvement. To date, Canada has responded comparatively well to address identified issues, whereas the Victorian government has signalled there are no plans to amend laws to address identified access barriers. This may result in patients and caregivers continuing to take on the burdens of acting to address identified issues.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients and caregivers are central to this research. We interviewed patients and caregivers about their experiences of AD, and the article focuses on their suggestions for addressing identified barriers within AD systems. Patient interest groups in Australia and Canada also supported our recruitment process.
Significance of serpentinite‐hosted exhumation channels in a palaeo‐subduction complex, Nishisonogi unit, Nagasaki Metamorphic Complex: P–T trajectories of mélange blocks and coherent schists
Authors: Nishiyama Tadao , Moribe Yosuke , Mori Yasushi , Shigeno Miki
Published: June 2024

Serpentinite mélanges occur as thin horizons up to 350 m thick within coherent schists of the Nishisonogi unit of the Nagasaki Metamorphic Complex located in western Kyushu, which represent serpentinite‐hosted exhumation channels within a Cretaceous subduction complex. This study gives the petrography of coherent schists and various tectonic block types embedded in serpentinite or chlorite‐actinolite schist of the mélange. The P–T conditions recorded in these rocks were compared, to clarify a possible exhumation process and style of the Nishisonogi unit. In the mélange, two types of tectonic blocks were recognized based on peak temperature conditions: a lower temperature type (400–590°C) and a higher temperature type (780–830°C), the latter of which shows temperatures higher than those of the coherent schists (370–450°C). The garnet glaucophanite in the coherent schists shows a prograde pressure increment from 0.9 to 2.3 GPa. The serpentinite mélange comprises tectonic blocks with peak temperatures higher than those of the coherent schists, indicating that blocks from the deep structural levels of the lower‐plate underwent tectonic mixing into the mélange during exhumation. Ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) conditions have not been recorded either in the coherent schists or in the serpentinite mélanges, although microdiamonds have been reported from the Yukinoura mélange located at the western margin of the Nishisonogi unit (Nishiyama et al., Scientific Reports, 2020, 10, 11645). A possible correlation between the Nishisonogi unit and other HP metamorphic rocks or belts (Renge rocks, Suo Belt and Sanbagawa Belt) was examined to conclude that the Nishisonogi unit is a unique paleo‐subduction complex in terms of the coexistence of HP subduction complex with intercalated serpentinite mélanges and a UHP mélange derived from the slab‐mantle interface.
Synthesis of glucose‐derived MAX phases and investigation on the phase evolution behavior
Authors: Bai Ruixue , Li Mian , Feng Lingyan , Huang Qing
Published: June 2024

The family of MAX phases and their two‐dimensional derivative MXenes attract significant attention due to their unparalleled properties. Synthesis of MAX phases and MXene from biomass sources is important to expand their biology‐related applications, while it remains a challenge. The present work explores the possibility to synthesize MAX phases and subsequently derive MXenes by using biomass precursor. Ti3AlC2 MAX phase was synthesized by using glucose as the carbon source in molten salt. The conversion behavior from glucose to Ti3AlC2 was investigated, and the conversion rate of carbon from glucose reached to 70.4% by optimizing the reaction conditions. The as‐obtained Ti3AlC2 can be derived into Ti3C2Tx MXene and MXene quantum dots by common chemical treatments, which provides possibility for biomass‐derived nanolaminates applying in biological applications such as biological catalysis, bioinstrumentation, and biological tracking.
Near‐surface plastic deformation in polycrystalline SrTiO3 via room‐temperature cyclic Brinell indentation
Authors: Okafor Chukwudalu , Ding Kuan , Preuß Oliver , Khansur Neamul , Rheinheimer Wolfgang , Fang Xufei
Published: June 2024

Dislocations are being used to tune versatile mechanical and functional properties in oxides with most current studies focusing on single crystals. For potentially wider applications, polycrystalline ceramics are of concern, provided that dislocations can be successfully introduced. However, in addition to preexisting pores and flaws, a major barrier for bulk plastic deformation of polycrystalline ceramics lies in the grain boundaries (GBs), which can lead to dislocation pile‐up and cracking at the GBs due to the lack of sufficient independent slip systems in ceramics at room temperature. Here, we use the cyclic Brinell indentation method to circumvent the bulk deformation and focus on near‐surface regions to investigate the plastic deformation of polycrystalline SrTiO3 at room temperature. Dislocation etch‐pit analysis suggests that plastic deformation can be initiated within the grains, at the GBs, and from the GB triple junction pores. The deformability of the individual grains is found to be dependent on the number of cycles, as also independently evidenced on single‐crystal SrTiO3 with representative surface orientations (001), (011), and (111). We also identify a grain‐size‐dependent plastic deformation.
Impact of second victim distress on healthcare professionals' intent to leave, absenteeism and resilience: A mediation model of organizational support
Authors: Mahat Sanu , Lehmusto Helena , Rafferty Anne Marie , Vehviläinen‐Julkunen Katri , Mikkonen Santtu , Härkänen Marja
Published: June 2024

Aims

To examine the relationship between the second victim distress and outcome variables, specifically: ‘turnover intentions, absenteeism and resilience’. Furthermore, this study also assessed how organizational support mediates the relationship between second victim distress and outcome variables.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey study using regression and mediation analysis with bootstrapping was conducted among (n = 149) healthcare professionals in two university hospitals in Finland from September 2022 to April 2023 during different time periods. The Finnish version of the revised Second Victim Experience and Support Tool (FI‐SVEST‐R) was used to assess second victim distress, level of organizational support and related outcomes.

Results

Psychological distress was the most frequently experienced form of reported second victim distress, and institutional support was the lowest perceived form of support by healthcare professionals. The study found second victim distress to have a significant association with work‐related outcomes: turnover intention and absenteeism. However, no significant relationship was found with resilience. Mediation models with organizational support revealed a partially mediated relationship between second victim distress and work‐related outcomes.

Conclusions

The findings from this study indicate that second victim experiences if not adequately addressed can lead to negative work‐related outcomes such as increased job turnover and absenteeism. Such outcomes not only affect healthcare professionals but can also have a cascading effect on the quality of care. However, the mediating effect of organizational support suggests that if comprehensive support is provided, it is possible to mitigate the negative impact of the second victim phenomenon.

Impact

Raising awareness regarding the second victim phenomenon, promoting a culture of safety and shifting the paradigm from a blame to just culture helps in identifying the system flaws thus improving both patient and provider safety.

Reporting Method

The study adheres to the STROBE reporting guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Efficacy and safety of fire needle therapy in treating non‐segmental stable vitiligo: A randomized self‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Wang Yuyi , Lin Mao , Huang Fang , Jia Ruiling , Xu Wei , He Qi , Xiong Qiong , Hu Qin , Diao Qingchun , Liu Zhaolan
Published: June 2024

Background

Vitiligo remains a challenging condition to treat. Fire needle therapy, a traditional Chinese medicine technique, has potential as an alternative therapeutic strategy. However, rigorous evidence on its efficacy is lacking.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fire needle therapy, alone and combined with topical tacrolimus ointment, for non‐segmental stable vitiligo.

Methods

In this 6‐month randomized self‐controlled trial, 35 vitiligo patients were enrolled, providing three similar lesions each. Lesions were randomly allocated to receive fire needle monotherapy, 0.1% tacrolimus ointment monotherapy, or combined fire needle and tacrolimus ointment therapy. The main outcome was change in vitiligo surface area.

Results

In total, 29 patients completed the 6‐month follow‐up. The combination therapy group showed significantly greater reductions in vitiligo surface area compared to monotherapy groups starting at months 4 and 5. By the end of the study, combination therapy resulted in remarkably higher repigmentation responses, with 89.7% of lesions showing at least mild (≥25%) repigmentation and 51.7% showing good (≥50%) repigmentation. This significantly exceeded the outcomes with topical tacrolimus ointment alone, which only achieved 6.9% mild response and 6.9% good response. Fire needle monotherapy also demonstrated steady repigmentation over time, with 69% of lesions attaining a mild response by month 6. Importantly, no major adverse events occurred.

Conclusion

This study provides promising preliminary evidence supporting the use of fire needle therapy, alone or in combination with topical tacrolimus ointment, for inducing repigmentation in non‐segmental stable vitiligo. As a non‐pharmacological approach, fire needle therapy warrants further study as an alternative vitiligo treatment.
Trade and the environment, trade policies and environmental policies—How do they interact?
Authors: Felbermayr Gabriel , Peterson Sonja , Wanner Joschka
Published: June 2024

While international trade can offer gains from specialization and access to a wider range of products, it is also closely interlinked with global environmental problems, above all, anthropogenic climate change. This survey provides a structured overview of the economic literature on the interaction between environmental outcomes, trade, environmental policy and trade policy. In this endeavor, it covers approaches reaching from descriptive data analysis based on input‐output tables, over quantitative trade models and econometric studies to game‐theoretic analyses. Addressed issues are in particular the emission content of trade and emissions along value chains, the relocation of dirty firms and environmental impacts abroad, impacts of specific trade policies (such as trade agreements or tariffs) or environmental policies (such as border carbon adjustment), transportation emissions, as well as the role of firms. Across the different topics covered, the paper also tries to identify avenues for future research, with a particular focus on extending quantitative trade and environment models.