bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advertising of a national importance the Swedish Advertisers’ Association and the institutionalization of Sweden's international advertising 1955–1972
Authors: Funke Michael
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the Swedish Advertisers’ Association's role in the institutional development of Swedish international advertising during 1955–1972.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative analysis of business association sources is used to explore the institutional development of international advertising.

Findings

A new postwar paradigm that focused on a consumer-oriented brand ideology enabled marketing executives in the Swedish Advertisers’ Association to develop a new discourse on international advertising in Sweden, which then was institutionalized within a national network on export promotion. The institutionalization process was supported by a corporatist system typical of smaller export dependent postwar European economies.

Research limitations/implications

While based on a national case, this study points to the importance of understanding how advertising concepts are embedded within other economic, political and cultural systems than in those they originated in and how this contributes to a heterogenous implementation of similar ideas and practices. This study also illustrates how members can use their association to institutionalize a new discourse on marketing and network with other actors to enhance the use and reputation of its ideas and practices.

Practical implications

By highlighting the importance of analyzing both internal and external organizational relations, this study contributes to the research on history of marketing by making salient the importance of an institutional perspective to understand key processes in marketing. In practice neither the institutional perspective nor the explanatory power of discourse has received much attention, therefore the study results should be both interesting and valid for practitioners as well.

Originality/value

The study of the historical development of international advertising is limited and often descriptive. This study contributes to the literature by using a theoretical and methodological approach to make salient how the interaction between discourse, marketing associations and other collective actors propelled the institutionalization of international advertising within a specific national context.
How an industrial internet platform empowers the digital transformation of SMEs: theoretical mechanism and business model
Authors: Li Honglei , Yang Ziyu , Jin Chunhua , Wang Jinxia
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reveal the inner mechanisms of the role of industrial internet platforms in empowering the digital transformation of SMEs. This ROOTCLOUD-based case study shows that knowledge integration and knowledge sharing and driving play essential empowering roles in the impact of industrial internet platforms on the digital transformation of SMEs. The industrial internet platform promotes knowledge integration on the supply side, empowers cross-domain knowledge sharing and shapes the knowledge-driven digital supply chain system in the digital transformation processes of SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a qualitative analysis of the knowledge empowerment role played by industrial internet platforms in the digital transformation process of SMEs. Based on theoretical sampling, this paper selects ROOTCLOUD as a typical case to analyse the implementation mechanism of the industrial internet platform in solving the digital transformation problems and challenges faced by SMEs.

Findings

Knowledge management (knowledge integration, sharing and driving) plays an important intermediary role between the empowerment of industrial internet platform and the digital transformation of SMEs. Specifically, the industrial internet platform empowers SMEs with knowledge, empowers supply-side knowledge integration, empowers cross-domain knowledge sharing and facilitates the formation of knowledge-driven supply chain systems.

Research limitations/implications

This study clarifies the mechanism underlying the digital transformation of SMEs empowered by industrial internet platforms, that is, the empowerment of industrial internet platform enhances the level of knowledge integration and sharing of SMEs, thus improving the effectiveness of SMEs in achieving digital transformation. Further empirical studies should be conducted on the above mechanism.

Originality/value

Based on the theoretical perspective of knowledge management, this paper discusses the problems and challenges faced in the digital transformation of SMEs through knowledge empowerment by the industrial internet platform ROOTCLOUD and proposes that knowledge empowerment in the industrial internet platform helps supply-side knowledge integration, promotes cross-domain knowledge sharing and contributes to forming a knowledge-driven supply chain system, thereby promoting the digital transformation of SMEs. System architects and relevant policy departments should pay attention to data-centred system construction, improve the construction of data-based collaborative application ecology and encourage industrial internet platforms to provide more targeted knowledge empowerment solutions for SMEs.
Exploring the tourism development strategies of Gulf Cooperation Council countries: commonalities, contrasts and clusters
Authors: Mahate Ashraf A. , Parahoo Sanjai K.
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the commonalities and contrasts in the tourism objectives and strategies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, thereby revealing the foundations and pillars underlying the strategic initiatives implemented.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory study applied the resource-based view (RBV) lens to the country level. A comparative analysis of the tourism strategy in each GCC country was undertaken to determine commonalities and contrasts between the different strategies and to classify them into clusters. In the next stage, in-depth interviews were carried out to validate the findings.

Findings

Four distinct clusters were identified in this paper: lifestyle glamor, emerging giant, sports-induced country branding and eco-friendly regional-based strategies.

Practical implications

The findings and cluster classification are pertinent to policymakers and industry marketers in crafting tourism development plans.

Originality/value

This study analyzed the economic diversification strategies adopted by GCC countries as new entrants in the tourism sector and classified them into four clusters.
3D printing of microbial communities: A new platform for understanding and engineering microbiomes
Authors: Krishna Kumar Ravinash , Foster Kevin R.
Published: December 2022

3D printing has emerged as a powerful way to produce complex materials on‐demand. These printing technologies are now being applied in microbiology, with many recent examples where microbes and matrices are co‐printed to create bespoke living materials. Here, we propose a new paradigm for microbial printing. In addition to its importance for materials, we argue that printing can be used to understand and engineer microbiome communities, analogous to its use in human tissue engineering. Many microbes naturally live in diverse, spatially structured communities that are challenging to study and manipulate. 3D printing offers an exciting new solution to these challenges, as it can precisely arrange microbes in 3D space, allowing one to build custom microbial communities for a wide range of purposes in research, medicine, and industry.
Consequences of local social norms: A review of the literature in accounting, finance, and corporate governance
Authors: Habib Ahsan , D' Costa Mabel , Al‐Hadi Ahmed Khamis
Published: December 2022

We synthesise the empirical archival research on the consequences of local social norms on accounting, finance, and corporate governance outcomes in an international setting. The literature reviewed is premised on the theory that corporations do not make decisions, but managers do, and managers are likely to be influenced by the socioeconomic environment of the region in which they operate and/or by the people with whom they interact. To provide a structure to our review, we identify social capital, religiosity, gambling norms, and corruption culture, as four constructs of local social norms and link these with financial reporting and external auditing, financial, investment, and dividend decisions, capital market consequences and finally, corporate governance and corporate social responsibility behaviour of firms. We highlight some limitations of the existing research and offer some suggestions for future research.
Advance planning for research participation: Time to translate this innovation into practice
Authors: Ries Nola , Johnston Briony , Jeon Yun‐Hee , Mansfield Elise , Nay Rhonda , Parker Deborah , Schnitker Linda , Sinclair Craig
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Advance planning for research is a process that involves thinking about, discussing and expressing preferences for taking part in research during future periods of incapacity. The process may include making an advance research directive and naming trusted people to be involved in decisions about research participation. Advance research planning could help to overcome barriers to including people with dementia in research. To encourage innovation in this area, this article presents recommendations informed by a stakeholder workshop that brought together consumer representatives and representatives active in dementia, ageing and health‐related research, policy‐making, advocacy and service delivery in health and aged care.

Methods

An online workshop where 15 stakeholders shared perspectives and suggestions for implementing advance research planning, with a focus on research involving people with dementia.

Results

Raising awareness of advance research planning requires multi‐faceted strategies. Training and resources are needed for researchers, ethics committees and organisations regarding this form of advance planning and the use of research directives. Like any form of advance planning, planning ahead for research must be a voluntary, informed and person‐centred process. There is a lack of uniform legal rules on research involving people who lack the capacity to consent; however, advance research directives could, in principle, inform decisions about research participation.

Conclusions

As a matter of law, policy and practice, people are encouraged to plan ahead in many areas of their life. Research planning has been relatively neglected, and the recommendations offered here aim to encourage innovation in research and implementation in this area.
Transition from open to robotic distal pancreatectomy in a low volume pancreatic surgery country: a single Australian centre experience
Authors: Masuda Hiro , Kotecha Krishna , Gall Tamara , Gill Anthony J. , Mittal Anubhav , Samra Jaswinder S.
Published: December 2022

Background

Advances in technology and techniques have allowed for robotic distal pancreatectomies to be readily performed in patients at high volume centres. This study describes the experience of a single surgeon during the learning curve and transition from open to robotic distal pancreatectomy in Australia, a traditionally low volume pancreatic surgery country.

Methods

All patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy at an Australian‐based tertiary referral centre between 2010 and 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic, clinicopathologic and survival data were analysed to compare perioperative and oncological outcomes between patients who underwent open, laparoscopic and robotic distal pancreatectomies.

Results

A total of 178 distal pancreatectomies were identified for analysis during the study period. Ninety‐one open distal pancreatectomies (ODP), 48 laparoscopic distal pancreatectomies (LDP), and 39 robotic distal pancreatectomies (RDP) were performed. Robotic distal pancreatectomy was non‐inferior with respect to perioperative outcomes and yielded statistically non‐significant advantages over LDP and ODP.

Conclusion

RDP is feasible and can be performed safely in well‐selected patients during the learning phase at large pancreatic centres in a traditionally low‐volume country like Australia. Referral to large pancreatic centres where access to the robotic platform and surgeon experience is not a barrier, and where a robust multidisciplinary team meeting can take place, remains pivotal in the introduction and transition toward the robotic approach for management of patients with pancreatic body or tail lesions.
Functional outcomes after single quadriceps muscle resection in patients with soft tissue sarcoma of the anterior compartment of the thigh
Authors: Gu Xinchen , Ricketts Sophie , Mah Eldon
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND

Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) occurs most commonly in the anterior compartment of the thigh. Limb salvage surgery is the mainstay of treatment, however, resections frequently involve muscle sacrifice. This study determines the impact of a single quadriceps muscle sacrifice on daily living functions. This is to assist clinical decision‐making relating to when a functional reconstruction should be offered over simple soft tissue coverage for these defects.

METHODS

Patients who underwent single quadriceps resection as part of the management of STS between 2010 and 2020 were selected. Three functional tests were performed: Time Up and Go (TUG), Timed Up and Down Stairs (TUDS) and Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS). The results were compared with age/sex matched healthy reference values and literature cohorts of lower limb STS patients. Correlations between the tests and age and follow‐up duration were determined by the Spearman's test.

RESULTS

The mean TESS, TUG and TUDS results of the 13 patients were 89.6%, 9.8 and 1.01 s/step, respectively. These scores were either similar or significantly better than the comparator values. The TESS score showed no statistical significance compared with patients with no muscle resection. TUG and TUDS scores showed significant positive correlation with each other (ρ = 0.885, P = <0.01) and with age (ρ = 0.646, P = 0.017 and ρ = 0.567, P = 0.043, respectively).

CONCLUSION

This is the largest documented case series of single quadriceps resection for STS. The study suggests that this group of patients does not show a functional deficit and therefore does not require functional reconstruction.
Bayesian Sample Size Calculations for Comparing Two Strategies in SMART Studies
Authors: Turchetta Armando , Moodie Erica E. M. , Stephens David A. , Lambert Sylvie D.
Published: December 2022

In the management of most chronic conditions characterized by the lack of universally effective treatments, adaptive treatment strategies (ATSs) have grown in popularity as they offer a more individualized approach. As a result, sequential multiple assignment randomized trials (SMARTs) have gained attention as the most suitable clinical trial design to formalize the study of these strategies. While the number of SMARTs has increased in recent years, sample size and design considerations have generally been carried out in frequentist settings. However, standard frequentist formulae require assumptions on interim response rates and variance components. Misspecifying these can lead to incorrect sample size calculations and correspondingly inadequate levels of power. The Bayesian framework offers a straightforward path to alleviate some of these concerns. In this paper, we provide calculations in a Bayesian setting to allow more realistic and robust estimates that account for uncertainty in inputs through the ‘two priors’ approach. Additionally, compared to the standard frequentist formulae, this methodology allows us to rely on fewer assumptions, integrate pre-trial knowledge, and switch the focus from the standardized effect size to the MDD. The proposed methodology is evaluated in a thorough simulation study and is implemented to estimate the sample size for a full-scale SMART of an internet-based adaptive stress management intervention on cardiovascular disease patients using data from its pilot study conducted in two Canadian provinces.
Increased incidence of Graves' disease during the SARS‐CoV2 pandemic
Authors: Barajas Galindo David E. , Ramos Bachiller Beatriz , González Roza Lucía , García Ruiz de Morales José María , Sánchez Lasheras Fernando , González Arnáiz Elena , Ariadel Cobo Diana , Ballesteros Pomar María D. , Rodríguez Isidoro Cano
Published: December 2022

Introduction

COVID‐19 has a wide spectrum of clinical severity and there is evidence that SARS‐Cov2 affects several organs and systems. Among the organs affected since the beginning of the pandemic, the relationship between SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and thyroid involvement has been demonstrated. Novel and highly effective messenger RNA and DNA‐based vaccines have been rapidly developed to decrease SARS‐CoV‐2 morbidity and mortality. Early after mass vaccinations, cases of thyroid dysfunction mainly including episodes of subacute thyroiditis, began to be reported like adverse effects. The objective of this study is to determine the impact of the pandemic, both due to SARS‐CoV2 infections and vaccinations, on the incidence of Graves' disease (GD).

Methods

Cross‐sectional, observational study comparing incidence of GD in adult population (over 18 years) before (2017–2019) and after (2020–2021) Covid‐19 pandemic. Only patients with new cases of GD, no relapsed diseases, were included. SARS‐CoV‐2 diagnosis was based on nucleic acid amplification tests on nasopharyngeal swabs or measurement of class M and class G antibodies to SARS‐CoV‐2 by highly specific assays. Data on incidence and vaccination related to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection were obtained from the public records from Castilla y León autonomous regional government.

Results

A total of 180 subjects were diagnosed and treated for GD during the study period. We observed a notable increase in expected GD cases in 2021 compared to 2017–19. The number of GD cases was higher in the second (Q2) quarter. Among 2021 GD cases, 42/66 patients (63.6%) had been vaccinated in the 90 days before symptom onset, but none of them in the first quarter of the year. A total of 97.7% were women with a mean age of 48.9 (SD 15.6) years. On average they were diagnosed 19.9 (SD 17.6) days after receiving the vaccine. A total of 7/42 (16.67%) had another previously diagnosed autoimmune disease and 11/42 (26.19%) were smokers.

Discussion

Our results show a notable increase in the incidence of GD during the year 2021, specially in women with a history of smoking. Hyper activation of the immune system induced by SARS‐CoV2 and by the recently released SARS‐COV‐2 vaccines has been highlighted in recent months. To assess whether this observed increase in the incidence of GD is sustained in the coming years or has simply been a precipitous trigger for individuals who were already predisposed to develop the disease, future studies will be needed.
Five approaches to producing actionable science in conservation
Authors: Carr Kelman Candice , Barton Chris J. , Whitman Kyle , Lhoest Simon , Anderson Derrick M. , Gerber Leah R.
Published: December 2022

The knowledge produced by conservation scientists must be actionable in order to address urgent conservation challenges. To understand the process of creating actionable science, we interviewed 71 conservation scientists who had participated in 1 of 3 fellowship programs focused on training scientists to become agents of change. Using a grounded theory approach, we identified 16 activities that these researchers employed to make their scientific products more actionable. Some activities were more common than others and, arguably, more foundational. We organized these activities into 3 nested categories (motivations, strategies, and tactics). Using a co‐occurrence matrix, we found that most activities were positively correlated. These correlations allowed us to identify 5 approaches, framed as profiles, to actionable science: the discloser, focused on open access; the educator, focused on science communication; the networker, focused on user needs and building relationships; the collaborator, focused on boundary spanning; and the pluralist, focused on knowledge coproduction resulting in valuable outcomes for all parties. These profiles build on one another in a hierarchy determined by their complexity and level of engagement, their potential to support actionable science, and their proximity to ideal coproduction with knowledge users. Our results provide clear guidance for conservation scientists to generate actionable science to address the global biodiversity conservation challenge.
Quantifying and mapping species threat abatement opportunities to support national target setting
Authors: Mair Louise , Amorim Eduardo , Bicalho Monira , Brooks Thomas M. , Calfo Vincente , de T. Capellão Renata , Clubbe Colin , Evju Marianne , Fernandez Eduardo P. , Ferreira Gláucia C. , Hawkins Frank , Jiménez Randall R. , Jordão Lucas S. B. , Kyrkjeeide Magni Olsen , Macfarlane Nicholas B. W. , Mattos Bianca C. , de Melo Pablo H. A. , Monteiro Lara M. , Nic Lughadha Eimear , Pougy Nina , Raimondo Domitilla C. , Setsaas Trine Hay , Shen Xiaoli , de Siqueira Marinez Ferreira , Strassburg Bernardo B. N. , McGowan Philip J. K.
Published: December 2022

The successful implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity's post‐2020 Global Biodiversity Framework will rely on effective translation of targets from global to national level and increased engagement across diverse sectors of society. Species conservation targets require policy support measures that can be applied to a diversity of taxonomic groups, that link action targets to outcome goals, and that can be applied to both global and national data sets to account for national context, which the species threat abatement and restoration (STAR) metric does. To test the flexibility of STAR, we applied the metric to vascular plants listed on national red lists of Brazil, Norway, and South Africa. The STAR metric uses data on species’ extinction risk, distributions, and threats, which we obtained from national red lists to quantify the contribution that threat abatement and habitat restoration activities could make to reducing species’ extinction risk. Across all 3 countries, the greatest opportunity for reducing plant species’ extinction risk was from abating threats from agricultural activities, which could reduce species’ extinction risk by 54% in Norway, 36% in South Africa, and 29% in Brazil. Species extinction risk could be reduced by a further 21% in South Africa by abating threats from invasive species and by 21% in Brazil by abating threats from urban expansion. Even with different approaches to red‐listing among countries, the STAR metric yielded informative results that identified where the greatest conservation gains could be made for species through threat‐abatement and restoration activities. Quantifiably linking local taxonomic coverage and data collection to global processes with STAR would allow national target setting to align with global targets and enable state and nonstate actors to measure and report on their potential contributions to species conservation.
Current status, application, and challenges of the interpretability of generative adversarial network models
Authors: Wang Sulin , Zhao Chengqiang , Huang Lingling , Li Yuanwei , Li Ruochen
Published: December 2022

The generative adversarial network (GAN) is one of the most promising methods in the field of unsupervised learning. Model developers, users, and other interested people are highly concerned about the GAN mechanism where the generative model and the discriminative model learn from each other in a gameplay manner, which generates a causal relationship among output features, internal network structure, feature extraction process, and output results. Through the study of the interpretability of GANs, the validity, reliability, and robustness of the application of GANs can be verified, and the weaknesses of the GANs in specific applications can be diagnosed, which can provide support for designing better network structures. It can also improve security and reduce the decision‐making and prediction risks brought by GANs. In this article, the study of the interpretability of GANs is explored, and ways of the evaluation of the application effect of GAN interpretability techniques are analyzed. Besides, the effect of interpretable GANs in fields such as medical treatment and military is discussed, and current limitations and future challenges are demonstrated.
Geographies of Monetary Exclusion in Kenyan Slums: Financial Inclusion in Question
Authors: Dissaux Tristan
Published: December 2022

Financial inclusion has become a prominent development policy objective. Its promotion rests on the understanding that poverty and underdevelopment mainly result from financial constraints that individuals face. Better access to financial services, in particular via the use of mobile money services, is supposed to lift these constraints and allow for growth and development. After outlining this dominant approach and detailing its theory of change, this article challenges it on the basis of the mesoeconomic study (at territorial level) of areas particularly targeted by financial inclusion policies: Kenyan informal settlements. The study of their geography of money shows how the socio‐spatial flows of money shape people's economic constraints and opportunities. Based on this empirical account, it is argued that the poor are, first and foremost, in a situation of monetary exclusion, rather than being primarily financially constrained. The article conceptualizes monetary exclusion and highlights the theory and policy implications of this situation.
“CONVENTIONAL” MONETARY POLICY IN OLG MODELS: REVISITING THE ASSET‐SUBSTITUTION CHANNEL
Authors: Hu Guanliang , Ma Guoxuan , Qiao Wei , Wallace Neil
Published: December 2022

Conventional monetary policy involves actions by the monetary and fiscal authorities: the former sets a nominal interest rate and the latter sets lump‐sum taxes to finance the implied flow of interest payments on government debt. We model such policy within an overlapping generations framework and show that absent any other frictions the magnitude of the nominal interest rate gives rise to asset substitution between government debt and either private debt or capital—substitution that has both real and nominal effects. Such substitution is not in standard New Keynesian models because their dynastic specification implies that government debt is not net wealth.
Drug‐induced accelerated nodulosis: review of the literature
Authors: Palmeiro Ana G. , Lourenço Maria H. , Miroux‐Catarino Alexandre , Crispim Inês , Branco Jaime C. , Viana Isabel
Published: December 2022

Accelerated nodulosis, the rapid progression/extension of preexisting nodules, is a recognized complication of immunomodulatory therapy, occurring mostly in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with methotrexate. As of today, its physiopathology remains incompletely understood, and there are no standardized guidelines regarding its management. Here, we conduct a literature review of the reported cases of drug‐induced accelerated nodulosis and add our case of a 79‐year‐old female with an atypical clinical presentation.
Evaluation of the characteristics of root canal calcification after regenerative endodontic procedures: A retrospective cohort study over 3 years
Authors: Jiang Xijun , Dai Yunfei , Liu He
Published: December 2022

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of root canal calcification after regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) during long‐term follow‐up.

Design

Data of children who underwent REPs and were followed up for >3 years in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China, from January 2013 to January 2019, were collected. All the patients were treated by the protocol of REPs based on the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) protocol. A total of 91 teeth of 54 boys and 37 girls (average age 10.4 ± 1.9 years) with follow‐up duration >3 years were included. The follow‐up duration ranged from 36 to 92 months (average, 53.2 ± 13.4 months). The prevalence, contributing factors, and long‐term prognoses of root canal calcification after REPs are discussed. Independent t‐test and χ2 test were used for statistical analysis.

Results

The incidence of root canal calcification was 78% (71/91). The use of calcium hydroxide paste was significantly correlated with the occurrence of root canal calcification (p < .05). Some teeth showed aggravation of calcification with time; however, not all teeth showed calcification after longer follow‐up duration.

Conclusions

Teeth treated with REPs had a relatively high probability of root canal calcification detection during the long‐term follow‐up. The occurrence of calcification is related to the use of calcium hydroxide paste but does not affect the long‐term prognosis of teeth.
Abusive supervision and employee well‐being of nursing staff: Mediating role of occupational stress
Authors: Shih Fang‐Chi , Yeh Shu‐Chuan Jennifer , Hsu Wan‐Ling
Published: December 2022

Aim

The study examined whether occupational stress mediated the relationship between abusive supervision and well‐being of nursing staff.

Design

A cross‐sectional questionnaire survey was administered.

Methods

Data were collected at three‐time points between July 2020 and January 2021. A total of 313 valid responses were obtained from nurses working in a general hospital in Taiwan. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation analysis and the bootstrap method.

Results

Abusive supervision was positively associated with occupational stress (β = 0.288, SE = 0.069, 95% CI [0.152, 0.423]) and negatively associated with employee well‐being, including psychological (β = −0.350, SE = 0.084, 95% CI [−0.515, −0.186]), physical (β = −0.301, SE = 0.080, 95% CI [−0.459, −0.143]) and social well‐being (β = −0.422, SE = 0.121, 95% CI [−0.661, −0.183]). Occupational stress was negatively related to employee well‐being. A mediation analysis with bootstrapping revealed that occupational stress mediated the relationship between abusive supervision and employee well‐being, which included psychological (95% bootstrap CI [−0.183, −0.046]), physical (95% bootstrap CI [−0.212, −0.062]) and social well‐being (95% bootstrap CI [−0.178, −0.040]).

Conclusion

Abusive supervision influences employee well‐being. Occupational stress mediates the relationship between abusive supervision and employee well‐being. To improve employee well‐being, hospital administrators should develop policies for effectively managing nursing supervisors' abusive behaviour and subordinates' stress management.

Impact

Abusive supervision increased the occupational stress of employees and influenced their well‐being. Thus, educational courses should be implemented to train supervisors to practice positive leadership and treat employees fairly. Promoting stress management among nursing staff may lead to the prompt reporting of abusive events and improved employee well‐being.

No Patient or Public Contribution

This study investigated the relationship between the abusive supervision and employee well‐being of nursing employees. No patient or public contribution is involved in this study.
Ablation of atrial fibrillation beyond pulmonary vein isolation: Do additional ablation lesions impact left atrial function?
Authors: Reynbakh Olga , Garcia Mario , Romero Jorge , Patel Hardikkumar , Braunstein Eric D. , Fazzari Melissa , Di Biase Luigi
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Electrical isolation of pulmonary veins (PVI) is a cornerstone for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. The overall effect of AF ablation, and especially lesions beyond PVI, on left atrial (LA) function is currently poorly understood. Our aim was to determine if LA function is different in patients after extensive LA ablation compared to PVI only. We performed non‐inferiority analysis of LA function after PVI with additional nonpulmonary vein ablation lesions in LA (PVI+) and PVI alone.

Methods

We studied 68 patients consecutive patients who underwent AF ablation and who had complete transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) within 12 months before AF ablation and 1−12 months after the procedure. Patients were stratified into two groups: PVI only and PVI+. Primary outcome was change in LA reservoir strain (LASr). Noninferiority margin was defined at 6%.

Results

The PVI only group had a higher proportion of patients with paroxysmal AF (70% vs. 30%). The PVI+ group was observed to have a slightly higher increase in LASr compared to PVI alone (5.0% vs. 4.3%, p < .01 for noninferiority). LASr noninferiority was confirmed when adjusted for age, sex, coronary artery disease, hyperlipidemia, and AF type, rhythm at preprocedure TTE in a multivariable linear regression model, 90% CI (−5.46 to 2.04), p < .01.

Conclusion

LA functional improvement evaluated by LASr was noninferior after PVI with additional LA ablation lesions compared to PVI alone. These findings were confirmed when adjusted for confounding clinical variables, suggesting that more extensive ablation does not negatively affect LA function.
Protection of primary cilia is an effective countermeasure against the impairment of osteoblast function induced by simulated microgravity
Authors: Liu Jing , Leng Fei‐Fan , Gao Yu‐Hai , He Wen‐Fang , Wang Ju‐Fang , Xian Cory J. , Ma Hui‐Ping , Chen Ke‐Ming
Published: December 2022

The molecular mechanism for the microgravity‐induced decrease in bone formation remains unclear and there is a lack of effective specific preventative therapies. We recently reported that primary cilia of osteoblasts became shorter and even disappeared when the cells were exposed to random positioning machine (RPM)‐simulated microgravity and that the microgravity‐induced loss of osteogenic potential of osteoblasts could be attenuated when the resorption of primary cilia was prevented by treatment with 0.1 μM cytochalasin D. In the current study, it was further found that the loss of the osteogenic capacity of rat calvarial osteoblasts (ROBs) was associated with the inhibition of the BMP‐2/Smad1/5/8 signalling pathway, of which most of the signalling proteins including BMP‐2, BMPRII, Smad1/5/8 and p‐Smad1/5/8 were found localized to primary cilia. Accompanying the resorption of primary cilia following the cells being exposed to simulated microgravity, the expression levels of these signalling proteins were reduced significantly. Furthermore, the expression of miRNA‐129‐3p, a microRNA previously reported to control cilium biogenesis, was found to be reduced quickly and changed in a similar tendency with the length of primary cilia. Moreover, overexpression of miRNA‐129‐3p in ROBs significantly attenuated microgravity‐induced inhibition of BMP‐2 signalling and loss of osteogenic differentiation and mineralization. These results indicated the important role of miRNA‐129‐3p in microgravity‐induced resorption of primary cilia of osteoblasts and the potential of replenishing the miRNA‐129‐3p as an effective countermeasure against microgravity‐induced loss of primary cilia and impairment of osteoblast function.
Diet and habit explain head‐shape convergences in natricine snakes
Authors: Deepak V. , Gower David J. , Cooper Natalie
Published: December 2022

The concept of ecomorphs, whereby species with similar ecologies have similar phenotypes regardless of their phylogenetic relatedness, is often central to discussions regarding the relationship between ecology and phenotype. However, some aspects of the concept have been questioned, and sometimes species have been grouped as ecomorphs based on phenotypic similarity without demonstrating ecological similarity. Within snakes, similar head shapes have convergently evolved in species living in comparable environments and/or with similar diets. Therefore, ecomorphs could exist in some snake lineages, but this assertion has rarely been tested for a wide‐ranging group within a single framework. Natricine snakes (Natricinae) are ecomorphologically diverse and currently distributed in Asia, Africa, Europe and north‐central America. They are primarily semiaquatic or ground‐dwelling terrestrial snakes, but some are aquatic, burrowing or aquatic and burrowing in habit and may be generalist or specialist in diet. Thus, natricines present an interesting system to test whether snakes from different major habit categories represent ecomorphs. We quantify morphological similarity and disparity in head shape among 191 of the ca. 250 currently recognized natricine species and apply phylogenetic comparative methods to test for convergence. Natricine head shape is largely correlated with habit, but in some burrowers is better explained by dietary specialism. Convergence in head shape is especially strong for aquatic burrowing, semiaquatic and terrestrial ecomorphs and less strong for aquatic and burrowing ecomorphs. The ecomorph concept is useful for understanding natricine diversity and evolution, though would benefit from further refinement, especially for aquatic and burrowing taxa.
First report of Garella musculana (Erschov, 1874) (Lepidoptera: Nolidae) in Italy with insights into its identity
Authors: Scaccini Davide , Bramuzzo Davide , Bostancı Cengiz , Faccoli Massimo , Martinez‐Sañudo Isabel , Matov Alexey , Zilli Alberto , Pozzebon Alberto
Published: December 2022

The Asian walnut moth, Garella musculana (Erschov, 1874) (Lepidoptera: Nolidae), is a major pest of walnut. Native to Central Asia, it was found to be invasive in 2008 in Sevastopol (Crimea) and nowadays widespread in Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania and Russia. Here, we account for the finding of G. musculana in NE Italy (Veneto region) in 2021, where adults were found in a light lamp, representing the first record of the Asian walnut moth for this country and Western Europe. Adult specimens were identified morphologically on both external characters and genitalia features. G. musculana larvae and damage were also observed on a plantation of Juglans regia L. (Fagales: Juglandaceae) located in Veneto in October 2021. A COI‐barcoding analysis was performed to attain a molecular characterization of our specimens and probate our morphological identification. However, because no sequence of G. musculana was present in major gene databases and the similarity of our sequences with those attributed to Garella ruficirra (Hampson, 1905) (Lepidoptera: Nolidae) made clear that these taxa deserved further scrutiny regarding their specific distinction. Some subtle differences in the male terminalia could be found between them and their vast geographic distributions, but the strong similarity in most features calls for further morphological and genetical insights on a broad set of samples to assess whether they represent two closely related, substantially parapatric species, or a unique, geographically varying entity. Solving this issue may turn out crucial in the identification and proper management of walnut moths of the genus Garella.
Study of microwave and convective drying kinetics of pea pods (Pisum sativum L.): A new modeling approach using support vector regression methods optimized by dragonfly algorithm techniques
Authors: Hadjout‐Krimat Lynda , Belbahi Amine , Dahmoune Farid , Hentabli Mohamed , Boudria Asma , Achat Sabiha , Remini Hocine , Oukhmanou‐Bensidhoum Sonia , Spigno Giorgia , Madani Khodir
Published: December 2022

Machine learning and mathematical modeling techniques have been conducted to model the thin layer drying kinetics of pea pods, under either microwave or conventional air drying,. The effect of nine different microwave output powers (200–1000 W) and five different ventilated oven temperatures (40, 60, 80, 100, and 120°C) on drying kinetics was studied. The experimental drying rates were fitted to 11 literature semi‐empirical models to determine the kinetic parameters, finding the higher goodness‐of‐fit for the Midilli et al. model (average R2 = 0.999 for both drying methods). Moreover, the data were modeled using support vector machine (SVM) for regression which was optimized with dragonfly algorithm (DA) technique. The best result was obtained by Gaussian kernel with the optimal parameters σ, C, and ε values estimated as 0.2871, 78.45, and 0, respectively. The small root mean square error (RMSE = 0.0132) and the high determination coefficient (R2 = 0.9983) values proved how robust the SVM model is. DA‐SVM techniques can reliably be utilized to describe the thin layer drying kinetics of pea pods. It is useful to provide models that can assist in the development of food process control algorithms, and provided insights into complex processes, for the technological design of microwave or convective drying for pea pods preservation.

Practical applications

Drying of by‐products from pea processing industry was investigated as a critical step prior to their valorization. The drying of pea pods has never been investigated before which is the case of the present study whose objective was to study and model the microwave and convective drying kinetics of pea pods. Our research work reported that the Midilli et al. model was the most appropriate to describe the thin layer drying kinetics of pea pods for both drying methods, but mathematical drying models, although a useful tool, remains empirical in nature and product specific. Because of these limitations the new model DA‐SVM, developed using artificial intelligence techniques, can reliably be used to describe the nonlinear behavior of pea pods drying. These results could be further used for scale up calculation, which would further allow industrial scale preservation by microwave or convective drying of pea pods.
The devil's in the details: Variation in estimates of late‐life activity limitations across national cohort studies
Authors: Ankuda Claire K. , Covinsky Kenneth , Freedman Vicki A. , Langa Kenneth , Aldridge Melissa D. , Yee Cynthia , Kelley Amy S.
Published: December 2022

Background

Assessing activity limitations is central to aging research. However, assessments of activity limitations vary, and this may have implications for the populations identified. We aim to compare measures of activities of daily living (ADLs) and their resulting prevalence and mortality across three nationally‐representative cohort studies: the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), the Health and Retirement Survey (HRS), and the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS).

Methods

We compared the phrasing and context of questions around help and difficulty with six self‐care activities: eating, bathing, toileting, dressing, walking inside, and transferring. We then compared the prevalence and 1‐year mortality for difficulty and help with eating and dressing.

Results

NHATS, HRS, and MCBS varied widely in phrasing and framing of questions around activity limitations, impacting the proportion of the population found to experience difficulty or receive help. For example, in NHATS 12.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 11.5%–13.4%] of the cohort received help with dressing, while in HRS this figure was 6.4% [95% CI 5.7%–7.2%] and MCBS 5.3% [95% CI 4.7%–5.8%]. When combined with variation in sampling frame and survey approach of each survey, such differences resulted in large variation in estimates of the older population of older adults with ADL disability.

Conclusions

In order to take late‐life activity limitations seriously, we must clearly define the measures we use. Further, researchers and clinicians seeking to understand the experience of older adults with activity limitations should be careful to interpret findings in light of the framing of the question asked.
Coronatine promotes maize water uptake by directly binding to the aquaporin ZmPIP2;5 and enhancing its activity
Authors: He Rui , Su Huiqing , Wang Xing , Ren Zhijie , Zhang Kun , Feng Tianyu , Zhang Mingcai , Li Zhaohu , Li Legong , Zhuang Junhong , Gong Zhizhong , Zhou Yuyi , Duan Liusheng
Published: December 2022

Water uptake is crucial for crop growth and development and drought stress tolerance. The water channel aquaporins (AQP) play important roles in plant water uptake. Here, we discovered that a jasmonic acid analog, coronatine (COR), enhanced maize (Zea mays) root water uptake capacity under artificial water deficiency conditions. COR treatment induced the expression of the AQP gene Plasma membrane intrinsic protein 2;5 (ZmPIP2;5). In vivo and in vitro experiments indicated that COR also directly acts on ZmPIP2;5 to improve water uptake in maize and Xenopus oocytes. The leaf water potential and hydraulic conductivity of roots growing under hyperosmotic conditions were higher in ZmPIP2;5‐overexpression lines and lower in the zmpip2;5 knockout mutant, compared to wild‐type plants. Based on a comparison between ZmPIP2;5 and other PIP2s, we predicted that COR may bind to the functional site in loop E of ZmPIP2;5. We confirmed this prediction by surface plasmon resonance technology and a microscale thermophoresis assay, and showed that deleting the binding motif greatly reduced COR binding. We identified the N241 residue as the COR‐specific binding site, which may activate the channel of the AQP tetramer and increase water transport activity, which may facilitate water uptake under hyperosmotic stress.
Analysing the effect of sodium bicarbonate and glycine air polishing on tooth surfaces with two different imaging methods
Authors: Balta‐Uysal V. Merve , Orhan Kaan , Oguz Ece Irem , Guzeldemir‐Akcakanat Esra
Published: December 2022

The aim of this study was to compare two different imaging methods by assessing changes caused by sodium bicarbonate and glycine air polishing on the tooth surfaces. Fourteen single root teeth with exposed root surfaces were included into the study. The teeth were randomly divided into two groups: sodium bicarbonate and glycine group. Samples were scanned in a micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) and CAD/CAM (computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing) at baseline and then after air‐polishing powder applications, the defect volume values were evaluated. There was a statistically significant difference between mean defect volume values that occurred after glycine and sodium bicarbonate air polishing evaluated with micro‐CT and CAD/CAM (p < 0.05). After sodium bicarbonate air polishing, defect volume on enamel surface at maximum power and defect volume on the exposed root surface at medium power values calculated with CAD/CAM were higher. After glycine air polishing, defect volume values on both surfaces at medium power setting calculated with CAD/CAM were lower. Defect volume values on enamel surface at maximum power setting calculated with CAD/CAM were higher than calculated with micro‐CT. We concluded that CAD/CAM cannot provide as accurate results as micro‐CT. Glycine‐based powder is less abrasive than sodium bicarbonate, especially on enamel surface.

Lay Description: Micro‐CT is a non‐destructive imaging method with high resolution and allows to examine all tooth structures individually. CAD/CAM are systems that are widely used in dentistry today. Access to the device is easier than micro‐CT. Intraoral scanners in CAD/CAM systems also provide non‐destructive image scanning. The aim of this study was to compare two different imaging methods by assessing changes caused by sodium bicarbonate and glycine air polishing on the tooth surfaces. The results showed that because of the analyses made with CAD/CAM, similar results could not be obtained with micro‐CT and cannot be used to evaluate the changes that occur after air polishing.