bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The emotional side of price: reference price as a decision maker in consumer purchase
Authors: Guzmán Martínez Francisco Jesús , Orozco Gómez Ma. Margarita
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The objective of this study is to elucidate the influence of reference price on consumers' willingness to buy (WTB). Additionally, the study seeks to investigate the impacts of consumer perceived value (CPV): emotional, social, and monetary levels in relation to reference price and WTB. Furthermore, it aims to identify the moderating effect of product type, distinguishing between hedonic and utilitarian products.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection was conducted through an anonymous questionnaire survey using a web-based platform called Prolific. The sample consisted of 258 individuals. The study performed experimental studies to assess the connections among variables and used structural equation modeling as well as Hayes' PROCESS macro models 4 and 8.

Findings

Presenting reference price alongside regular prices for products significantly enhances WTB. Furthermore, the mediating effect of the CPV exhibited a significant influence, particularly in the emotional and monetary dimensions but not although the social aspect. Additionally, the findings unveiled substantial variations in the mediating effect of CPV when examining hedonic versus utilitarian products.

Research limitations/implications

Presenting reference price alongside regular prices for products significantly enhances WTB. Furthermore, the mediating effect of the CPV exhibited a significant influence, particularly in the emotional and monetary dimensions but not although the social aspect. Additionally, the findings unveiled substantial variations in the mediating effect of CPV when examining hedonic versus utilitarian products.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature by integrating emotional values into pricing strategies. Furthermore, the findings provide insight for managers into establishing a consistent method for implementing price display advertisements on the basis of the product type within the retail industry.
Sustainability accounting education: challenges and outlook
Authors: Cho Charles H. , Costa Ericka
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This viewpoint aims to discuss the transformative role, the current challenges and the outlook of sustainability accounting education (SAE).

Design/methodology/approach

Higher education institutions (HEIs) have a “social responsibility” to foster competencies and skills for sustainable development within their student bodies and communities. Previous literature has explored the interplay between HEIs and sustainable development goals (SDGs) by exploring the need to incorporate the SDGs within an institution’s learning and teaching objectives. We conduct a review of previous studies, together with an informative understanding of the role of sustainability accounting education in HEIs.

Findings

Based on this review, we argue that universities can enhance the SDGs by training skilled young people in sustainability accounting, thus fostering a “transformative role” in society. The authors highlight two directions for expanding SAE: (1) there is an urgent need to improve the accounting curriculum, thus including greater attention to ecological systems, business ethics and values; and (2) new inclusive and constructionist pedagogies should be offered to radically transform the education of future accounting professionals.

Practical implications

Accounting and business educators in HEIs need to consider updating and upgrading systematically the existing curricula with pertinent learning outcomes and competency development relevant to SDGs and sustainability accounting. This transformative opportunity also requires engagement with the professional bodies to determine the professional curriculum. Engagement with professional accounting bodies could be challenging to transform the accountancy professions in two directions – employability and lifelong learning. New accounting professions will emerge in the future and the interplay with the current HEI model and program is crucial.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need to discuss, support and move sustainability accounting education forward.
Value capture in IoT-driven business models: considerations about smart resources and isolating mechanisms in networked environments
Authors: Gretzinger Susanne , Royer Susanne , Leick Birgit
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This conceptual paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of value creation and value capture with smart resources in the Internet of Things (IoT)-driven business models against the backdrop of an increasingly networked and connectivity-based environment. More specifically, the authors screen strategic management theories and adapt them to the specificities of new types of smart resources by focusing on a conceptual analysis of isolating mechanisms that enable value creation and value capture based upon different types of smart resources.

Design/methodology/approach

By adapting the state of the art of the contemporary resource-based discussion (resource-based view, dynamic capabilities view, relational view, resource-based view for a networked environment) to the context of IoT-driven business models, the paper typifies valuable intra- and inter-organisational resource types. In the next step, a discursive discussion on the evolution of isolating mechanisms, which are assumed to enable the translation of value creation into value appropriation, adapts the resource-based view for a networked environment to the context of IoT-driven business models.

Findings

The authors find that connectivity shapes both opportunities and challenges for firms, e.g. focal firms, in such business models, but it is notably social techniques that help to generate connectivity and transform inter-organisational ties into effective isolating mechanisms.

Originality/value

This paper lays a foundation for a theoretically underpinned understanding of how IoT can be exploited through designing economically sustainable business models. In this paper, research propositions are established as a point of departure for future research that applies strategic management theories to better understand business models that work with the digitisation and connectivity of resources on different levels.
The agency of attachment orientation and parenthood: an investigation of individuals’ social comparison and self-gifting motivations
Authors: Smith Brent , Eng Sereikhuoch
Published: August 2024

Purpose

We aim to ascertain whether and how an individual’s social comparison affects their self-gifting motivations (SGMs).

Design/methodology/approach

We survey a North American sample comprising 619 Canadian and US respondents. We apply partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine relationships between social comparison, attachment orientation, parenthood, and self-gifting motivations.

Findings

We find that social comparison positively impacts self-gifting motivations. Additionally, we find that attachment orientation and parenthood can moderate social comparison’s impact on positively valenced SGMs and negatively valenced SGMs, respectively.

Originality/value

We elevate and expand existing scholarship on consumers’ self-gifting. Through the current study, we contribute new, empirical evidence illuminating how individuals’ attachment orientation (i.e. secure v. insecure) and parenthood status (i.e. parent v. non-parent) serve as agency-oriented moderators to temper social comparison’s influences on SGMs.
Impact of financial inclusion on healthcare access: evidence from developing countries
Authors: Malak Nazish , Arshad Ameena
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study is to explore how financial inclusion can impact healthcare access in developing countries using panel data for the period 2004–2022.

Design/methodology/approach

To check the impact of financial inclusion on healthcare access, the estimation techniques used are the fixed-effect model (FEM), two-stage least squares (2SLS) and the system generalized method of moments (GMM). The data were collected from different websites such as the World Development Indicators (WDI), the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Findings

It is found in the study that financial inclusion has a significant positive effect on healthcare access, and it is also confirmed from previous literature results. The study found that if there are high financial services in the countries, healthcare sectors can be improved by timely facilities, care and funds. Proper development of financial services could be possible by conducting awareness initiatives, financial planning and implementing literacy programs to educate individuals, particularly in rural and underdeveloped areas. According to the results, trade openness and foreign direct investment have a positive impact on healthcare access, while urbanization has negatively influenced healthcare access.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of this study were restricted to only 29 developing countries. The main reason behind the lack of availability of data insurance data for developing countries was the limitation in generalizing the results.

Practical implications

The government and policymakers must check what are the best financial inclusion programs and policies that can be implemented to improve healthcare access. Previous literature does not show visibly the impact of financial inclusion’s dimensions on healthcare access.

Originality/value

This study presents a pioneering examination of financial inclusion and healthcare in 29 lower- and middle-income countries (developing countries). This study has used a comprehensive financial inclusion index of 29 developing countries to cover the overall impact of financial inclusion on healthcare in these countries.
Stimulating investments in manufacturing: can policy create supply chains from a void?
Authors: Leseure Michel , Onyeocha Chukwunonyelum Emmanuel , Robins Dawn
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of a policy, the 2014 UK Supply Chain Plan, which aimed to create a local supply chain in a sector (offshore wind) where the central manufacturing node capabilities and knowledge are not possessed locally. It aims to address the following question: can policy create a new manufacturing supply chain from a void?

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative field research approach is used to derive an original set of theoretical propositions explaining the motivation behind the Supply Chain Plan policy. The outcomes of this policy are examined 10 years later in order to provide an opportunity to observe the impact of the policy.

Findings

The conclusion is that the policy has been successful in increasing local content, and some of that local content has benefited local manufacturers. However, a lot of the increase in local content has been achieved in non-manufacturing areas or in new areas. The main issue, i.e. the lack of a central manufacturing capability, remains unaddressed. The impact of the local content policy on cost is undocumented.

Originality/value

There is an increasing amount of interest in regional/local supply chains after the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing geopolitical tensions. This paper's originality is to document with an industry case study the fact that manufacturing knowledge and capabilities are the central growth engine of supply chains and that creating a new manufacturing supply chain competing with well-established clusters is not a simple matter that can be achieved through a local content policy. Such policies raise critical questions about the policy makers' implicit valuation of manufacturing technology.
Family SMEs post-entry in international markets: decision modes on foreign partners
Authors: Kampouri Katerina , Hajidimitriou Yannis
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to address two research questions: Do the decision modes on foreign partner selection post-entry vary between different types of family small and medium enterprises (SMEs)? How does socio-emotional wealth (SEW) affect (if so) decision modes in international partnership post-entry decisions (e.g. engagements with or changes of international partners) in different types of family SMEs?

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a qualitative case study design of different types of family SMEs, namely, one family firm with a high level of family involvement in the internationalisation activities of the firm (FMH) and one family firm with a low level of family involvement in the internationalisation activities of the firm (FML).

Findings

The case study evidence indicates different decision modes on foreign partner selection post-entry in the investigated family SMEs: a bounded rationality mode in the FMH firm and a real option reasoning in the FML firm. The bounded rationality mode was linked with the appearance of SEW goals in the FMH firm, which in turn led to foreign partner engagements resulting also in a low speed of internationalisation growth. In contrast, the real option reasoning mode in the FML firm was not linked with SEW goals, and it led to international partner changes, resulting in a speedier internationalisation growth.

Originality/value

This study unearths the case that different types of family SMEs can employ different decision modes in their international partnerships, whereas SEW tendencies do not always appear.
A fast and robust two‐point ray tracing method in layered vertical transversely isotropic media with strong anisotropy
Authors: Jiang Xingda , Pan Xiaoyan , Yang Huayong , Zhang Wei , Chen Xiaofei
Published: August 2024

A fast and robust two‐point ray tracing method was developed for layered vertical transversely isotropic media with strong anisotropy. Utilizing the Christoffel slowness equation, a novel generalized dimensionless ray parameter, , modified from the ray parameter (horizontal slowness), was proposed to efficiently and simultaneously determine the ray paths and travel times for direct and reflected quasi‐P, quasi‐SV and quasi‐SH waves. The Newton optimization algorithm was employed to solve the nonlinear offset equation accurately, resulting in rapid convergence to the true value. The inferred analytical equations show that the generalized ray parameter stabilizes the inversion process at large offsets. Additionally, a piecewise function was introduced to enhance the initial value estimation and calculation efficiency. The numerical results demonstrate that this novel approach can reduce the iteration error to 10−10 m in less than three iterations. Monte Carlo simulations further validated the effectiveness of the method for inferring the true ray paths at various offsets within complex velocity models. Furthermore, the method can address the triplication issue in quasi‐SV waves and exhibit robustness in strong‐layered vertical transversely isotropic media.
Is the ordinary high water mark ordinarily at bankfull? Applying a weight‐of‐evidence approach to stream delineation
Authors: David Gabrielle C. L. , Hamill Daniel
Published: August 2024

The ordinary high water mark (OHWM) is a regulatory boundary essential to identifying the lateral jurisdictional limits of rivers and streams in the United States (U.S.). Bankfull is a scientific concept that has been defined and identified in a multitude of ways by scientists. Geomorphologist and hydrologist have long recognized that there can be variability in the identification of bankfull depending on how bankfull is defined. Furthermore, this variability is only increased by the inherent variability in stream characteristics that occurs along a reach of channel. Because of the overlap in the regulatory definition of OHWM and the scientific definitions of bankfull, one of the primary purposes of the study is to apply the definition of OHWM and compare it to bankfull in a variety of channel types in different climatic, hydrologic, and geologic settings. Our results show that there is a clear overlap between the identification of the OHWM and bankfull elevations. Regulatory practitioners are generally not specialized in fluvial geomorphology and yet are tasked with consistently and accurately identifying the OHWM in a variety of stream types throughout the U.S. Therefore, we also present how to apply a weight‐of‐evidence approach through a clear step‐by‐step process to potentially improve consistency and accuracy in identification of OHWM and bankfull by both scientists and non‐scientists.
Negative allosteric modulation of CB1 cannabinoid receptor signalling decreases intravenous morphine self‐administration and relapse in mice
Authors: Oliva Idaira , Kazi Fezaan , Cantwell Lucas N. , Thakur Ganesh A. , Crystal Jonathon D. , Hohmann Andrea G.
Published: August 2024

The endocannabinoid system interacts with the reward system to modulate responsiveness to natural reinforcers, as well as drugs of abuse. Previous preclinical studies suggested that direct blockade of CB1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1R) could be leveraged as a potential pharmacological approach to treat substance use disorder, but this strategy failed during clinical trials due to severe psychiatric side effects. Alternative strategies have emerged to circumvent the side effects of direct CB1 binding through the development of allosteric modulators. We hypothesized that negative allosteric modulation of CB1R signalling would reduce the reinforcing properties of morphine and decrease behaviours associated with opioid misuse. By employing intravenous self‐administration in mice, we studied the effects of GAT358, a functionally‐biased CB1R negative allosteric modulator (NAM), on morphine intake, relapse‐like behaviour and motivation to work for morphine infusions. GAT358 reduced morphine infusion intake during the maintenance phase of morphine self‐administration under a fixed ratio 1 schedule of reinforcement. GAT358 also decreased morphine‐seeking behaviour after forced abstinence. Moreover, GAT358 dose dependently decreased the motivation to obtain morphine infusions under a progressive ratio schedule of reinforcement. Strikingly, GAT358 did not affect the motivation to work for food rewards in an identical progressive ratio task, suggesting that the effect of GAT358 in decreasing opioid self‐administration was reward specific. Furthermore, GAT58 did not produce motor ataxia in the rotarod test. Our results suggest that CB1R NAMs reduced the reinforcing properties of morphine and could represent a viable therapeutic route to safely decrease misuse of opioids.
Association between adolescent alcohol use and cognitive function in young adulthood: A co‐twin comparison study
Authors: Cooke Megan E. , Stephenson Mallory , Brislin Sarah J. , Latvala Antti , Barr Peter B. , Piirtola Maarit , Vuoksimaa Eero , Rose Richard J. , Kaprio Jaakko , Dick Danielle M. , Salvatore Jessica E.
Published: August 2024

Background and Aims

Studies on adolescent alcohol use and cognition are often unable to separate the potential causal effects of alcohol use on cognition from shared etiological influences, including genetic influences or other substance use comorbidities also known to be associated with cognition, such as nicotine use. The present study aimed to fill this gap and clarify the relationship between adolescent alcohol use and young adult cognition by accounting for both measured and unmeasured confounders.

Design

A random effects model accounting for nesting in families was used to control for measured confounders. Next, co‐twin comparisons were conducted within the full sample and in monozygotic twin pairs (MZ) to control for unmeasured genetic and environmental confounders shared by co‐twins.

Participants/Setting

Participants were 812 individuals (58.6% female, 361 complete pairs, 146 MZ pairs) from the longitudinal FinnTwin12 study in Finland.

Measurements

Adolescent alcohol use was indexed with measures of frequency of use and intoxication averaged across ages 14 and 17. Cognitive outcomes were measured at average age 22 and included Trail Making Test, California Stroop test, Wechsler Adult Intelligence subtests (Vocabulary, Block Design, Digit Symbol), Digit Span subtest of Wechsler Memory Scale, Mental Rotation Test and Object Location Memory test. Covariates included sex, parental education, general cognitive ability, current alcohol use and nicotine use.

Findings

Greater frequency of alcohol use and frequency of intoxication across adolescence was associated with decreased vocabulary scores in the co‐twin control [freq: stnd beta = −0.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.234, −0.013] and MZ only co‐twin control models (freq: stnd beta = −0.305, 95% CI = –0.523, −0.087; intox: stnd beta = −0.301, 95% CI = ‐0.528, −0.074).

Conclusions

In Finland, there appears to be little evidence that adolescent alcohol use causes cognitive deficits in young adulthood, except modest evidence for association of higher adolescent alcohol use with lower young adult vocabulary scores.
Prospective development and validation of a universal classification for paediatric videolaryngoscopic tracheal intubation: the PeDiAC score
Authors: Dohrmann Thorsten , Gutsche Nelly , Kramer Rilana , Zeidler Eva M. , Röher Katharina , Wünsch Viktor A. , Dankert André , Krause Linda , Zöllner Christian , Sasu Phillip B. , Petzoldt Martin
Published: August 2024

Background

The VIDIAC score, a prospectively developed universal classification for videolaryngoscopy, has shown excellent diagnostic performance in adults. However, there is no reliable classification system for videolaryngoscopic tracheal intubation in children. We aimed to develop and validate a multivariable logistic regression model and easy‐to‐use score to classify difficult videolaryngoscopic tracheal intubation in children and to compare it with the Cormack and Lehane classification. A secondary aim was to externally validate the VIDIAC score in children.

Methods

We conducted a prospective observational study within a structured universal videolaryngoscopy implementation programme. We used C‐MAC™ videolaryngoscopes in all children undergoing tracheal intubation for elective surgical procedures. We validated the VIDIAC score externally and assessed its performance. We then identified eligible co‐variables for inclusion in the PeDiAC score, developed a multivariable logistic regression model and compared its performance against the Cormack and Lehane classification.

Results

We studied 809 children undergoing 904 episodes of tracheal intubation. The VIDIAC score outperformed the Cormack and Lehane classification when classifying the difficulty of videolaryngoscopic tracheal intubation, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.80 (95%CI 0.73–0.87) vs. 0.69 (95%CI 0.62–0.76), respectively, p = 0.018. Eight eligible tracheal intubation‐related factors, that were selected by 100‐times repeated 10‐fold cross‐validated least absolute shrinkage selector operator regression, were used to develop the PeDiAC model. The PeDiAC model and score showed excellent diagnostic performance and model calibration. The PeDiAC score achieved significantly better diagnostic performance than the Cormack and Lehane classification, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.97 (95%CI 0.96–0.99) vs. 0.69 (95%CI 0.62–0.76), respectively, p < 0.001.

Conclusion

We developed and validated a specifically tailored classification for paediatric videolaryngoscopic tracheal intubation with excellent diagnostic performance and calibration that outperformed the Cormack and Lehane classification.
The datafied hand in our health
Authors: Vora Kalindi
Published: August 2024

This article looks at a smart ring as a window into how contemporary datafication in fitness and medical wearables is informed by the longer history of notions of fitness and the datafication of health within the practice of medicine. After introducing some of the concerns arising from the history of eugenics, specifically out of disability studies critiques, and the more recent organizing of health through data‐driven algorithmic medicine, as well as discussing the difference between non‐optional wearables and their use as part of transhumanism, I briefly consider how wearables could be a site of intervention, to seize rather than relinquish power over our datafied bodies.
ARCHAEOMETRIC analysis of pigments from archaeological contexts in the upper DELTA of the PARANÁ river (ARGENTINA)
Authors: Bonomo Mariano , Latorre Carola Castiñeira , Di Prado Violeta , van Raap María Agustina Ramos , Blasi Adriana , Arzadún Guadalupe , Block Diego
Published: August 2024

This research delves into ancient pigment practices among the Goya‐Malabrigo societies in the Upper Delta of the Paraná River during the Late Holocene. Utilising Raman microspectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction, we analysed 33 samples from six archaeological sites and four natural outcrops. Our discoveries uncovered hematite in red pigments across diverse materials (potsherds, shells, human bones, and sediments), anatase adorning ceramics with whitish tones, and charcoal creating darker shades. These findings not only contribute to the understanding of the mineral composition of ancient colours used by Indigenous people in domestic and funerary contexts but also set the first stage for forthcoming provenance research, integrating multiple archaeometric techniques to unravel the origins of these compelling pigments.
The effects of working memory training on working memory, self‐regulation, and analogical reasoning of preschool children
Authors: Tzuriel David , Weiss Tammy , Kashy‐Rosenbaum Gaby
Published: August 2024

Background and Aims

This study examined the effects of working memory training (WMT) on WM and fluid intelligence. A novel four‐pronged model of mediated learning, cognitive functions, task characteristics and metacognition is presented as a conceptual basis for the Modifiability of a Working Memory Program (MWMP). Our basic assumption is that increasing WM depends on a synchronized combination of the four components.

Sample

A group of typically developed preschool children (n = 62) participated in the experimental group, receiving the MWMP. They were compared with a control group (n = 56) of preschool children who engaged in a substitute program. This comparison allowed us to discern the specific effects of the MWMP.

Methods

All participants received tests of WM, self‐regulation and analogical reasoning before and after the intervention. The MWMP was administered to children in the experimental group for 10 weekly sessions, each lasting 40 minutes, in small groups of two children. The children in the control group engaged in didactic activities that were part of a school curriculum routine for kindergartners for the same length of time.

Results

We used ANCOVA analysis to compare the Treatment x Time with age and socioeconomic status as covariates. The findings revealed a higher improvement in some WM and self‐regulation tests among children in the experimental group compared to those in the control group. However, no significant transfer effects were observed in analogical thinking.

Conclusion

The findings confirm the effectiveness of a non‐computerized WMT among kindergartners and support our four‐pronged theoretical model. We also discuss earlier findings on far‐transfer effects and educational implications. We suggest that future WM studies adopt the following: (1) the development of training methods that are theoretically anchored; (2) training procedures should not rely heavily on computerized exercises but can be adapted to group characteristics, educational settings and cost‐effectiveness aspects; (3) varying the task characteristics and training strategies to stimulate task‐intrinsic motivation; (4) identifying training strategies to produce cognitive improvements underlying WM; (5) intervention should target individuals in early development as much as possible; (6) development of training procedures that facilitate motivation; and (7) providing empirical evidence of far‐transfer effects for WM training. The empirical evidence should link gains in WM capacity and achievements in academic and other life domains.
Disentangling the effects of similarity, familiarity, and liking on social inference strategies
Authors: Sened Haran , Phan Tony X. , Thornton Mark A. , Verosky Sara , Tamir Diana I.
Published: August 2024

People constantly make inferences about others' beliefs and preferences. People can draw on various sources of information to make these inferences, including stereotypes, self‐knowledge, and target‐specific knowledge. What leads people to use each of these sources of information over others? The current study examined factors that influence the use of these sources of information, focusing on three interpersonal dimensions – the extent to which people feel (a) familiar with, (b) similar to, or (c) like the target. In four studies (total N = 1136), participants inferred the beliefs and preferences of others – celebrities (Studies 1a–1b), constructed fictional targets (Study 2), and actual acquaintances (Study 3). Participants also rated familiarity with, similarity to, and liking of the target. Analyses assessed the use of each source of information by comparing inferences with information provided by those sources. Familiarity was associated with greater use of target‐specific knowledge, while similarity and liking were associated with self‐knowledge. Low similarity and high liking were associated with increased use of stereotypes. We discuss the implication of these findings and their applicability to unique cases, including inferences about celebrities, public figures, and positively stereotyped groups, in which familiarity, similarity, and liking do not perfectly align.
Alveolar bone regeneration using a 3D‐printed patient‐specific resorbable scaffold for dental implant placement: A case report
Authors: Ivanovski Sašo , Staples Reuben , Arora Himanshu , Vaquette Cedryck , Alayan Jamil
Published: August 2024

Background

This case report demonstrates the effective clinical application of a 3D‐printed, patient‐specific polycaprolactone (PCL) resorbable scaffold for staged alveolar bone augmentation.

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of a 3D‐printed PCL scaffold in facilitating alveolar bone regeneration and subsequent dental implant placement.

Materials and Methods

A 46‐year‐old man with a missing tooth (11) underwent staged alveolar bone augmentation using a patient‐specific PCL scaffold. Volumetric bone gain and implant stability were assessed. Histological analysis was conducted to evaluate new bone formation and graft integration.

Results

The novel approach resulted in a volumetric bone gain of 364.69 ± 2.53 mm3, sufficient to reconstruct the original alveolar bone contour and permit dental implant placement. Histological analysis showed new bone presence and successful graft integration across all defect zones (coronal, medial, and apical), with continuous new bone formation around and between graft particles. The dental implant achieved primary stability at 35 Ncm−1, indicating the scaffold's effectiveness in promoting bone regeneration and supporting implant therapy. The post‐grafting planned implant position deviated overall by 2.4° compared with the initial restoratively driven implant plan pre‐bone augmentation surgery. The patient reported low average daily pain during the first 48 h and no pain from Day 3.

Conclusions

This proof‐of‐concept underscores the potential of 3D‐printed scaffolds in personalized dental reconstruction and alveolar bone regeneration. It marks a significant step forward in integrating additive manufacturing technologies into clinical practice through a scaffold‐guided bone regeneration (SGBR) approach. The trial was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12622000118707p).
Safety and efficiency of deep brain stimulation in the elderly patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Wu Weidong , Gong Shun , Wang Shimiao , Lei Wei , Yuan Lijia , Wu Wei , Qiu Jiqing , Sun Weijin , Luan Guoming , Zhu Minwei , Wang Xudong , Liang Guobiao , Tao Yingqun
Published: August 2024

Aims

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is not routinely performed in elderly patients (≥75 years old) to date because of concerns about complications and decreased benefit. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of DBS in elderly patients with Parkinson's disease.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed using data from 40 elderly patients from four centers who were treated with neurosurgical robot‐assisted DBS between September 2016 and December 2021. These patients were followed up for a minimum period of 2 years, with a subgroup of nine patients followed up for 5–7 years. Patient demographic characteristics, surgical information, pre‐ and postoperative motor scores, non‐motor scores, activities of daily living, and complications were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

The mean surgical procedure duration was 1.65 ± 0.24 h, with a mean electrode implantation duration of 1.10 ± 0.23 h and a mean pulse generator implantation duration of 0.55 ± 0.07 h. The mean pneumocephalus volume, electrode fusion error, and Tao's DBS surgery scale were 16.23 ± 12.81 cm3, 0.81 ± 0.23 mm, and 77.63 ± 8.08, respectively. One patient developed a skin infection, and the device was removed. The Unified Parkinson's disease rating scale, Unified Parkinson's disease rating scale of Part III, tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, axial, and Barthel index for activities of daily living (ADL‐Barthel) scores significantly improved at the 2‐year follow‐up (p < 0.05). The levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD) was significantly reduced at the 2‐year follow‐up (p < 0.05). However, the Montreal cognitive assessment, Hamilton depression scale, and Hamilton anxiety scale scores did not significantly change during the 2‐year follow‐up (p > 0.05). Additionally, in the subgroup with a 5‐year follow‐up, the motor symptoms, ADL‐Barthel score, and cognitive function worsened over time compared to baseline. However, there was still an improvement in motor symptoms and ADL with DBS on‐stimulation compared with the off‐stimulation state. The LEDD increased 5 years after surgery compared to that at baseline. Eleven patients had passed away during follow‐up, the mean survival time was 38.3 ± 17.3 months after surgery, and the mean age at the time of death was 81.2 (range 75–87) years.

Conclusion

Robot‐assisted DBS surgery for the elderly patients with Parkinson's disease is accurate and safe. Motor symptoms and ADL significantly improve and patients can benefit from long‐term neuromodulation, which may decrease the risk of death.
Primary Pulmonary Angiosarcoma Found Incidentally in a Complicated Patient: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Basiri Reza , Ziaei Moghaddam Alireza , Rikhtegar Arezoo , Jafarian Amir Hossein
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Primary pulmonary angiosarcoma (PPA) is a highly aggressive and rare malignancy originating from the endothelial cells of blood vessels in the lungs. PPA is an extremely rare subtype, with less than 30 cases reported to date. PPA is not only challenging to diagnose but also has a poor prognosis, often resulting in a high mortality rate within a year of diagnosis, regardless of the treatment approach.

Method

We present the case of a 33‐year‐old woman with no significant past medical history who presented with abdominal pain and was incidentally found to have a right hilar mass with pleural effusion and empyema. After undergoing surgery for a perforated gastric ulcer, her pulmonary lesions were further worked up. Despite an extensive diagnostic evaluation, including imaging, bronchoscopy, and thoracotomy, establishing a diagnosis was challenging. Ultimately, PPA was diagnosed on surgical lung biopsy, and the patient was started on pazopanib and paclitaxel chemotherapy but expired after 1 month due to multiple complications.

Conclusion

This case highlights the difficulty in diagnosing this rare tumor and its poor prognosis regardless of therapy. Greater awareness of PPA and more research are needed to improve early detection and treatment options for this deadly disease.
Reduced tillage intensity does not increase arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal diversity in European long‐term experiments
Authors: Vahter Tanel , Taylor Astrid R. , Landa Blanca B. , Linsler Deborah , Rodriguez Engracia Maria Madejon , Moreno Francisco Giron , Pérès Guénola , Engell Ilka , Hiiesalu Inga , Bengtsson Jan , Oja Jane , Torppa Kaisa A. , Arias‐Giraldo Luis F. , Guzmán Gema , Potthoff Martin , Vasar Martti , Sandor Mignon , Sepp Siim‐Kaarel , Stoian Vlad , Öpik Maarja
Published: August 2024

Mechanical soil disturbance is one among the key factors influencing soil biodiversity in agriculture. Although many soil organisms are sensitive to soil disturbance, fungi could be highly impacted due to their sessile lifestyle, relatively slow growth and filamentous body structure. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are of particular interest in arable lands, providing crop plants with numerous vital services such as nutrient acquisition and protection against abiotic and biotic stressors. Considering this, tillage practices that aim to reduce soil disturbance are often seen as a fungal‐friendly alternative to conventional inversion tillage. Although local studies exist on the impacts of minimal tillage practices on AM fungi, the universality of this approach has been debated. Our objective was to assess the effects of reduced tillage intensity on AM fungi in comparison with conventional tillage. Using high‐throughput sequencing techniques in long‐term field experiments in five European countries, we show that the effects of reduced tillage intensity may not necessarily be positive on soil AM fungal diversity. Plots which were tilled using reduced tillage techniques had lower AM fungal richness in three countries, whereas in one of them, no significant differences were found. We also observed a shift in AM fungal communities where prevalence of taxa preferring root colonisation rather than soil exploration increased under reduced tillage regimes. Here, we argue that more detailed and long‐term studies are needed to understand the factors that could make the reduction of soil disturbance more beneficial to AM fungi if agricultural sustainability goals are to be met.
Lessons learned during the pandemic: Parental coping and the positive effects of COVID‐19
Authors: Baugh Eboni , Bergeson Carrie , Johnston Carol A. , Pearce Chrishay
Published: August 2024

Objective

This exploratory mixed‐methods study examined the perceptions of parental experience, coping, and resiliency of 690 parents in the United States during the pandemic.

Background

In response to being faced with additional stressors from the onset of COVID‐19 pandemic, many families tapped into coping strategies and resilience.

Results

A survey administered during July–September of 2020 determined that parental stress, difficulties with COVID‐19, and family functioning significantly impacted overall parental experience. Health concerns did not have a significant impact on parenting. Qualitative data were coded and analyzed to answer two open‐ended questions regarding parents coping and positive effects of the pandemic. Four subthemes emerged: (a) readjusting connections, (b) intentional wellness, (c) family cohesion, and (d) deceleration of time.

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest that parents were able to develop coping strategies and find positives even during the early stages of the pandemic.

Implications

This study provides support for Walsh's (2020) description of “bouncing forward” versus the traditional notion of “bouncing back” in the face of change and uncertainty, especially for higher resourced families. A common experience for participants was the reported use of intentional strategies that aided in processing, healing, and hope during this time of uncertainty.
Nonresident fathers' seeking continuity in relationships with their children: Commitment, personal change, and reliance on others
Authors: Violi Dominic , Kwok Cannas , Lewis Peter , Wilson Nathan J.
Published: August 2024

Objective

To explore intrinsic and extrinsic factors that help nonresident fathers' continuing relationships with their children.

Background

Research on nonresident fathers tends to focus on rates or trajectories of contact and the perspectives or experiences of children or others and highlights significant barriers to development and maintenance of relationships between nonresident fathers and their children. What helps the growth and development of nonresident fathers' relationships with their children are less well understood and less frequently researched. This research sought to fill the gap in the literature of what is known that helps nonresident fathers maintain meaningful relationships with their children.

Method

A qualitative research approach was chosen using thematic analysis of semistructured, in‐depth interviews. Recruitment was via social media and community sites targeting nonresident fathers after divorce.

Results

Participants highlighted deep commitment to ongoing fathering and a deep desire for meaningful relationships with children. The experience of divorce had a highly negative impact, but some positives emerged that enhanced their relationship. Significant others played contingent roles helping participants improve their relationships with their children.

Conclusion

Continuity of relationships with children was the direct result of participants' actions to remain involved and their ongoing commitment to their children through strong and unwavering fatherhood role salience. These factors, together with actions for self‐improvement, managing change, and fostering cooperative relationships with relevant others, helped fathers maintain positive engagement and relationships with their children.

Implications

The nonresident fathers in this study relied on their own initiatives, resilience, and resources to remain engaged with their children. Policies and programs should respond to and encourage the development of policies and programs that help nonresident fathers' relationships with children in practical and meaningful ways.
Mycorrhizal associations of temperate forest seedlings mediate rhizodeposition, but not soil carbon storage, under elevated nitrogen availability
Authors: Fitch Amelia A. , Goldsmith Sarah B. , Lankau Richard A. , Wurzburger Nina , Shortt Zachary D. , Vrattos Augustos , Laurent Ella N. , Hicks Pries Caitlin E.
Published: August 2024

Tree‐mycorrhizal associations are associated with patterns in nitrogen (N) availability and soil organic matter storage; however, we still lack a mechanistic understanding of what tree and fungal traits drive these patterns and how they will respond to global changes in soil N availability. To address this knowledge gap, we investigated how arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM)‐ and ectomycorrhizal (EcM)‐associated seedlings alter rhizodeposition in response to increased seedling inorganic N acquisition. We grew four species each of EcM and AM seedlings from forests of the eastern United States in a continuously 13C‐labeled atmosphere within an environmentally controlled chamber and subjected to three levels of 15N‐labeled fertilizer. We traced seedling 15N uptake from, and 13C‐labeled inputs (net rhizodeposition) into, root‐excluded or ‐included soil over a 5‐month growing season. N uptake by seedlings was positively related to rhizodeposition for EcM‐ but not AM‐associated seedlings in root‐included soils. Despite this contrast in rhizodeposition, there was no difference in soil C storage between mycorrhizal types over the course of the experiment. Instead root‐inclusive soils lost C, while root‐exclusive soils gained C. Our findings suggest that mycorrhizal associations mediate tree belowground C investment in response to inorganic N availability, but these differences do not affect C storage. Continued soil warming and N deposition under global change will increase soil inorganic N availability and our seedling results indicate this could lead to greater belowground C investment by EcM‐associated trees. This potential for less efficient N uptake by EcM‐trees could contribute to AM‐tree success and a shift toward more AM‐dominated temperate forests.
Participatory Design in Suicide Prevention: A Qualitative Study of International Students' Experiences of Adapting the LivingWorks safeTALK Programme
Authors: McKay Samuel , Ng Christina , Kenny Bridget , Armanto Rafi , Lamblin Michelle , Robinson Jo
Published: August 2024

Background

Current suicide prevention approaches are not adapted to international student needs, and participatory design is a method that may facilitate the development or adaptation of appropriate programmes for this group.

Methods

This qualitative study investigated the experiences of international university students studying in Australia who participated in a co‐consultation process to adapt the LivingWorks safeTALK suicide prevention programme. Eight international students from the co‐consultation workshop completed semi‐structured interviews about their workshop experience. The data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

The findings showed that participants found the co‐consultation process empowering and engaging. They also reported that the experience promoted mutual learning and challenged simplistic views of suicide. No students reported experiencing distress. Suggestions for improving participatory design for international students focussed on enhancing participant interaction, supporting quiet voices to be heard and ensuring understanding of mental health and suicide through shared language.

Conclusions

This study underscores the value of participatory design in suicide prevention, emphasising its potential to empower international students and facilitate culturally sensitive programme adaptations.

Patient or Public Contribution

International students were involved in the co‐consultation process to redevelop the training content and provided a series of recommendations for improving such processes for international students in the future. The two researchers who conducted the interviews and data analysis were former international students.
Does the extent of extraprostatic extension at radical prostatectomy predict outcome?—a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lazzereschi Lucia , Birks Jacqueline , Colling Richard
Published: August 2024

Extraprostatic extension (EPE) of prostate cancer is usually reported as either focal (F‐EPE) or established (E‐EPE), but data on the implication for outcomes of this subdivision are conflicting and no systematic review (SR) evaluating this exists. This SR aims to address this gap in the literature, focusing on the impact of F‐EPE and E‐EPE on outcome in radical prostatectomy (RP) patients. Searches on Embase, Medline(R), and Pubmed databases were conducted. Studies were included if they investigated the extent of EPE in RP patients and correlated this with defined outcomes (biochemical recurrence [BCR], death, metastasis). Quality was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. A random effects model was used for studies reporting hazard ratios (EPE extent and biochemical recurrence). 24 studies, including 49,187 men, were included. Six studies were of high quality. 20 studies reported how they measured EPE. 13 studies reported that the extent of EPE was associated significantly with BCR. Meta‐analysis showed there was a significant correlation between BCR and both F‐EPE and E‐EPE when compared to organ‐confined disease; no significant difference was found between F‐EPE and E‐EPE. This is the only SR to investigate the extent of EPE on outcomes after RP. EPE alone predicts outcome, but the value of subdivision by extent could not be demonstrated. Comparisons are limited due to variability in EPE assessment and in the methods used to report outcomes in the literature. Further work to standardize EPE reporting methods, in larger cohorts, may be helpful to resolve remaining questions.