bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Competitive interactions with Aedes albopictus alter the nutrient content of Aedes aegypti
Authors: Deerman Hunter , Yee Donald A.
Published: June 2023

Competition is often cited as a central force that affects the distribution and performance of organisms. Ecological stoichiometry is the balance of elements within animal bodies that can be affected by resource acquisition and processing, as well as by intra‐ or interspecific interactions. Though relatively underexplored for mosquitoes, stoichiometry may provide a wealth of information linking ecological interactions to body nutrient content, and potentially on to pathogen transmission. Detritus, which often varies in nutrient content, forms the base of the food web within the small aquatic habitats occupied by larval mosquitoes, and detrital nutrient content can alter mosquito growth, survival, and population growth. The invasive mosquitoes Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) and Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) interact as larvae in aquatic systems, often altering their adult populations. Herein, we investigated how different detritus combinations as well as how intra‐ and interspecific densities of Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti would affect coexistence; we also measured how nutrient composition (carbon and nitrogen) and stoichiometry (C:N) of adults would vary with those interactions. Ae. albopictus survival, population growth, and stoichiometry were not affected by intra‐ or interspecific competition; nutrient values did vary with detritus ratios. However, Ae. aegypti nutrient content and stoichiometry and survival were negatively affected within the lowest nutrient environments in the presence of Ae. albopictus, but in the highest nutrient environments, both species showed high survival rates and population growth. This is the first study to show that adult mosquito body nutrients can be altered by interspecific interactions, and as nutrient content in adults has been linked to pathogen transmission, it provides a novel role of competition in affecting disease dynamics.
Neonatal organ donation: Retrospective audit into potential donation in a single neonatal unit
Authors: Ali Faizah , Chant Kathy , Scales Angie , Sellwood Mark , Gallagher Katie
Published: June 2023

Background

Research has shown that many babies who die in neonatal units could have been potential tissue and/or organ donors. Despite the existence of guidelines supporting its implementation, the incidence of neonatal donation remains rare in the United Kingdom.

Aim

The aim of this audit was to retrospectively determine potential eligibility for neonatal tissue and/or organ donation referral in infants who died in a single UK tertiary‐level neonatal unit between 2012 and 2021. Cause of death and documentation of any discussions held regarding referral for donation were also explored.

Study design

An audit was undertaken to identify all neonatal deaths at a single tertiary‐level NICU in London from 2012‐2021. Infants who retrospectively could have been referred as potential tissue and/or organ donors were identified using current NHS Blood and Transplant inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results and conclusion

A significant missed potential for neonatal tissue and/or organ donation referrals was identified, which is likely not just limited to the unit audited. Causes of death were as expected for a tertiary level neonatal unit and centre for therapeutic cooling of babies born with hypoxic perinatal brain injuries. Only one documented conversation was found regarding neonatal donation.

Relevance to clinical practice

To enable conversations regarding neonatal donation to become a routine part of end‐of‐life care discussions with families as appropriate, good links between neonatal healthcare professionals and Specialist Nurses in Organ Donation need to be established. This will facilitate the referral of all suitable neonates as potential donors and ensure that neonatal staff feel supported to care for babies identified as potential donors.
Absolution of a Causal Decision Theorist
Authors: Fusco Melissa
Published: June 2023

I respond to a dilemma for Causal Decision Theory (CDT) under determinism, posed in Adam Elga's paper “Confessions of a Causal Decision Theorist”. The treatment I present highlights (i) the status of laws as predictors, and (ii) the consequences of decision dependence, which arises natively out of Jeffrey Conditioning and CDT's characteristic equation.

My argument leverages decision dependence to work around a key assumption of Elga's proof: to wit, that in the two problems he presents, the CDTer must employ subjunctive‐suppositional (rather than evidential) transformations of a shared prior.
Marine heatwave and reduced light scenarios cause species‐specific metabolomic changes in seagrasses under ocean warming
Authors: Jung E. Maria U. , Abdul Majeed N. Adibah B. , Booth Mitchell W. , Austin Rachel , Sinclair Elizabeth A. , Fraser Matthew W. , Martin Belinda C. , Oppermann Larissa M. F. , Bollen Maike , Kendrick Gary A.
Published: June 2023

Climate change and extreme climatic events, such as marine heatwaves (MHWs), are threatening seagrass ecosystems. Metabolomics can be used to gain insight into early stress responses in seagrasses and help to develop targeted management and conservation measures.

We used metabolomics to understand the temporal and mechanistic response of leaf metabolism in seagrasses to climate change. Two species, temperate Posidonia australis and tropical Halodule uninervis, were exposed to a combination of future warming, simulated MHW with subsequent recovery period, and light deprivation in a mesocosm experiment.

The leaf metabolome of P. australis was altered under MHW exposure at ambient light while H. uninervis was unaffected. Light deprivation impacted both seagrasses, with combined effects of heat and low light causing greater alterations in leaf metabolism. There was no MHW recovery in P. australis. Conversely, the heat‐resistant leaf metabolome of H. uninervis showed recovery of sugars and intermediates of the tricarboxylic acid cycle under combined heat and low light exposure, suggesting adaptive strategies to long‐term light deprivation.

Overall, this research highlights how metabolomics can be used to study the metabolic pathways of seagrasses, identifies early indicators of environmental stress and analyses the effects of environmental factors on plant metabolism and health.
Levels of presence in the drama text: Between close and distant reading1
Authors: Kallenbach Ulla , Lawaetz Anna
Published: June 2023

Digital studies of drama have tended to emphasise the written text and network analyses. As theatre scholars, we have approached the field from a different perspective by focusing on levels of presence. This includes the embodied presence of not only the speaking characters, but also the non‐speaking characters and the imagined characters mentioned by characters present on stage. This in turn includes another embodied presence, namely that of the audience, which actively engages with the text in performance and gives presence to these imagined characters. We also emphasise the implicit performance, the spatiality of the play and the maintenance of the temporal dramaturgical structure. The study is based on the 37 plays of the Danish‐Norwegian playwright Ludvig Holberg (1684–1754), published during the period 1723–1754. Holberg's comedies were heavily influenced by Italian commedia dell'arte and stock characters, or masks, were central to his plays. In this article, we discuss the question of how we can analyse levels of presence in drama texts via digital drama analysis, both from a historical and dramaturgical point of view. Our article points to a number of potentials as well as shortcomings of digital drama analysis and to the necessary synergy of close and distant reading.
Hikikomori: A perspective from bibliometric analysis
Authors: Cai Hong , Sha Sha , Zhang Qinge , Si Tong Leong , Liu Yu‐Fei , Zheng Wan‐Ying , Su Zhaohui , Cheung Teris , Ungvari Gabor S. , Teo Alan R. , Kato Takahiro A. , Ng Chee H. , Xiang Yu‐Tao
Published: June 2023

Aims

Hikikomori is a common phenomenon reported in Japan and many other countries. However, the broad trends of the research publications on hikikomori are unclear. Therefore, this study examined the patterns of research on hikikomori using bibliometric analysis.

Methods

Relevant publications were searched in Web of Science. Bibliometric analyses were performed with CiteSpace, R and VOSviewer.

Results

In total, 297 publications on hikikomori met the eligibility criteria. The International Journal of Social Psychiatry (IF = 10.461) published the most papers (K = 17, or 5.7%) on hikikomori. Takahiro A. Kato from Kyushu University (41; 13.8%; H‐index = 18) was the most influential author, while Takahiro A. Kato (total link strength [TLS]: 235), Alan R. Teo (TLS: 157), and Masaru Tateno (TLS: 153) separately had the strongest research collaboration with other researchers. Of all countries that published on hikikomori, Japan had the highest number of publications (K = 91). The keywords “United States” and “psychiatric diagnosis” received the most attention between 2013 and 2015, whereas “health” and “autism spectrum disorder” received the most attention in 2021 and 2022.

Conclusions

Peer‐reviewed research publications on hikikomori are growing rapidly and the research trends in this field are also changing.
Limbic self‐neuromodulation as a novel treatment option for emotional dysregulation in premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD); a proof‐of‐concept study
Authors: Tene Oren , Bleich Cohen Maya , Helpman Liat , Fine Naomi , Halevy Anat , Goldway Noam , Perry Daniella , Bary Plia , Aisenberg Romano Gabi , Ben‐Zion Ziv , Hendler Talma , Bloch Miki
Published: June 2023

Aim

To assess the efficacy of a novel neurofeedback (NF) method, targeting limbic activity, to treat emotional dysregulation related to premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Methods

We applied a NF probe targeting limbic activity using a functional magnetic resonance imaging‐inspired electroencephalogram model (termed Amyg‐EFP‐NF) in a double‐blind randomized controlled trial. A frontal alpha asymmetry probe (AAS‐NF), served as active control. Twenty‐seven participants diagnosed with PMDD (mean age = 33.57 years, SD = 5.67) were randomly assigned to Amyg‐EFP‐NF or AAS‐NF interventions with a 2:1 ratio, respectively. The treatment protocol consisted of 11 NF sessions through three menstrual cycles, and a follow‐up assessment 3 months thereafter. The primary outcome measure was improvement in the Revised Observer Version of the Premenstrual Tension Syndrome Rating Scale (PMTS‐OR).

Results

A significant group by time effect was observed for the core symptom subscale of the PMTS‐OR, with significant improvement observed at follow‐up for the Amyg‐EFP group compared with the AAS group [F(1, 15)=4.968, P = 0.042]. This finding was specifically robust for reduction in anger [F(1, 15) = 22.254, P < 0.001]. A significant correlation was found between learning scores and overall improvement in core symptoms (r = 0.514, P = 0.042) suggesting an association between mechanism of change and clinical improvement.

Conclusion

Our preliminary findings suggest that Amyg‐EFP‐NF may serve as an affordable and accessible non‐invasive treatment option for emotional dysregulation in women suffering from PMDD. Our main limitations were the relatively small number of participants and the lack of a sham‐NF placebo arm.
Efficacy of daikenchuto after laparoscopic surgery for perforated appendicitis
Authors: Higashio Atsushi , Sato Masahito , Endo Kosuke , Saga Kenichi , Miyauchi Yuya , Hattori Kengo , Suzuki Kumiko , Morotomi Yoshiki
Published: June 2023

Background: Although many recent studies have scientifically verified the efficacy of the traditional herbal medicine daikenchuto (DKT) for postoperative gastrointestinal function, its efficacy has not been established in children. We retrospectively evaluated the effect of DKT in pediatric patients with panperitonitis associated with perforated appendicitis (PaPA) who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy.

Methods: Among 34 children with PaPA who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy from May 2012 to May 2021, 19 received DKT (group D) and 12 did not (group C). We compared postoperative gastrointestinal function, complications, and improvement in the inflammatory response between the two groups.

Results: Of the evaluation parameters for postoperative gastrointestinal function, the mean ± standard deviation time to first flatus was significantly shorter in group D than in group C (1.21 ± 0.42 and 2.17 ± 0.94 days respectively; p = 0.0005). The time to ingestion of half a meal was also significantly shorter in group D than in group C (8.42 ± 3.69 and 12.50 ± 4.96 meal occasions respectively; p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in complication rates between the two groups.

Conclusion: Daikenchuto rapidly and safely improved postoperative gastrointestinal symptoms in children with PaPA. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the effect of DKT on postoperative symptoms in laparoscopic appendectomy and in children.
A qualitative analysis of gaslighting in romantic relationships
Authors: Klein Willis , Li Sherry , Wood Suzanne
Published: June 2023

Gaslighting is an understudied form of abuse wherein a sane and rational survivor is convinced of their own epistemic incompetence on false pretenses by a perpetrator. The current study aimed to characterize the features of gaslighting as well as test and verify common claims about gaslighting. We recruited participants (N = 65) who self‐identified as having experienced gaslighting in romantic relationships to fill out a qualitative survey wherein they described instances of gaslighting, features of their relationships, and the consequences of gaslighting on their mental health. The age of participants in this study ranged from 18 to 69 (M = 29), most participants identified as female (48), and heterosexual (43). Gaslighting occurs within relationships that are typified by a combination of affectionate and abusive behaviors extended over the course of a relationship. Gaslighting victimization was associated with a diminished sense of self, mistrust of others, and on occasion, post‐traumatic growth. Those who recovered from gaslighting often emphasized the importance of separation from the perpetrator, prioritization of healthier relationships, and engaging in meaningful and re‐embodying activities. This study provides a basis for further research into gaslighting and recovery from gaslighting, which will contribute to the prevention and treatment for this type of abuse.
Full‐length transcriptome analysis provides insights into flavonoid biosynthesis in Ranunculus japonicus
Authors: Xu Jingyao , Shan Tingyu , Zhang Jingjing , Zhong Xinxin , Tao Yijia , Wu Jiawen
Published: June 2023

Ranunculus japonicus Thunb. is a traditional Chinese herb. Plants in the genus Ranunculus are generally rich in flavonoids, which have antibacterial, anti‐infective, and other pharmacological effects. However, owing to the lack of reference genomes, little is known about the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway in R. japonicus. In this study, PacBio isoform sequencing (PacBio iso‐seq) and DNA nanoball sequencing (DNB‐seq) were combined to build a full‐length transcriptome database for three different tissues of R. japonicus. A total of 395,402 full‐length transcripts were obtained, of which 308,474 were successfully annotated. A Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis identified 29 differentially expressed genes encoding nine key enzymes for flavonoid biosynthesis. Correlation analysis indicated that flavanone 3‐hydroxylase and flavonol synthase genes might have key roles in the accumulation of flavonoid substances in the different tissues of R. japonicus. The structures of chalcone synthase and chalcone isomerase enzymes were spatially modeled. Reverse‐transcription quantitative PCR was used to verify gene expression levels of key enzymes associated with flavonoid biosynthesis. In addition, 22 MYB transcription factors involved in flavonoid biosynthesis and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis were discovered. The reliable transcriptomic data from this study provide genetic information about R. japonicus as well as insights into the molecular mechanism of flavonoid biosynthesis. The results also provide a basis for developing the medicinal value R. japonicus.
The modulating effect of musical expertise on lexical‐semantic prediction in speech‐in‐noise comprehension: Evidence from an EEG study
Authors: Zheng Yuanyi , Gao Panke , Li Xiaoqing
Published: June 2023

Musical expertise has been proposed to facilitate speech perception and comprehension in noisy environments. This study further examined the open question of whether musical expertise modulates high‐level lexical‐semantic prediction to aid online speech comprehension in noisy backgrounds. Musicians and nonmusicians listened to semantically strongly/weakly constraining sentences during EEG recording. At verbs prior to target nouns, both groups showed a positivity‐ERP effect (Strong vs. Weak) associated with the predictability of incoming nouns; this correlation effect was stronger in musicians than in nonmusicians. After the target nouns appeared, both groups showed an N400 reduction effect (Strong vs. Weak) associated with noun predictability, but musicians exhibited an earlier onset latency and stronger effect size of this correlation effect than nonmusicians. To determine whether musical expertise enhances anticipatory semantic processing in general, the same group of participants participated in a control reading comprehension experiment. The results showed that, compared with nonmusicians, musicians demonstrated more delayed ERP correlation effects of noun predictability at words preceding the target nouns; musicians also exhibited more delayed and reduced N400 decrease effects correlated with noun predictability at the target nouns. Taken together, these results suggest that musical expertise enhances lexical‐semantic predictive processing in speech‐in‐noise comprehension. This musical‐expertise effect may be related to the strengthened hierarchical speech processing in particular.
The impact of physical exercise on the consolidation of fear extinction memories
Authors: Jentsch Valerie L. , Wolf Oliver T. , Otto Tobias , Merz Christian J.
Published: June 2023

Based on the mechanisms of fear extinction, exposure therapy is the most common treatment for anxiety disorders. However, extinguished fear responses can reemerge even after successful treatment. Novel interventions enhancing exposure therapy efficacy are therefore critically needed. Physical exercise improves learning and memory and was also shown to enhance extinction processes. This study tested whether physical exercise following fear extinction training improves the consolidation of extinction memories. Sixty healthy men underwent a differential fearconditioning paradigm with fear acquisition training on day 1 and fear extinction training followed by an exercise or resting control intervention on day 2. On day 3, retrieval and reinstatement were tested including two additional but perceptually similar stimuli to explore the generalization of exercise effects. Exercise significantly increased heart rate, salivary alpha amylase, and cortisol, indicating successful exercise manipulation. Contrary to our expectations, exercise did not enhance but rather impaired extinction memory retrieval on the next day, evidenced by significantly stronger differential skin conductance responses (SCRs) and pupil dilation (PD). Importantly, although conditioned fear responses were successfully acquired, they did not fully extinguish, explaining why exercise might have boosted the consolidation of the original fear memory trace instead. Additionally, stronger differential SCRs and PD toward the novel stimuli suggest that the memory enhancing effects of exercise also generalized to perceptually similar stimuli. Together, these findings indicate that physical exercise can facilitate both the long‐term retrievability and generalization of extinction memories, but presumably only when extinction was successful in the first place.
Imprinting and contested practices: The impact of public directors' private‐sector experience on temporary employment in Dutch public organizations
Authors: Wiersma Sofie , Lippényi Zoltán , Wittek Rafael
Published: June 2023

This paper studies how organizational leaders' early private‐sector leadership experiences impact adopting a contested organizational practice, temporary employment, in public organizations. We employed unique organization/year‐level register panel data on the executive careers of the directors of Dutch public organizations and the prevalence of temporary employment in organizations they lead. Fixed‐effect regression analyses of 29,031 organization/year observations between 2006 and 2019 show greater use of temporary employment in public organizations when directors have early private‐sector executive experience. We found a similar impact of leaders' imprinted experiences in “fully” public and “hybrid” organizations that combine public and private sector elements. We discuss implications and suggestions for future studies on organizational leaders' role in contested practice adoption in the public sector.
Zinc oxide nanoparticles functionalized with curcumin supplementation during in vitro embryo culture impaired in a concentration‐dependent‐manner blastocyst production in cattle
Authors: Miglio Luisa , Novaes Marco Aurélio Schiavo , de Lima Laritza Ferreira , Arantes Tatiane Moraes , Alves Kele Amaral , Dias Francisca Elda Ferreira , Beletti Marcelo Emílio , de Figueiredo José Ricardo
Published: June 2023

This work investigated the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles functionalized with curcumin (ZnO(np) + CUR) supplementation during the in vitro embryo culture (IVC) on the bovine in vitro embryo production, and the cellular antioxidant response. The cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured, fertilized and then the presumptive zygotes were cultured in the medium in the absence (0 μM—control) or presence of different concentrations of ZnO(np) + CUR (3, 6 or 12 μM). After IVC, the embryos were destined either to assay intracellular ROS levels and mitochondrial membrane potential. The results demonstrated that only the addition of 12 μM ZnO(np) + CUR during IVC decreased intracellular ROS production and the rate of blastocyst production when compared to the control (p < .05). In conclusion, ZnO(np) + CUR addition during the IVC impaired in concentration‐dependent‐manner bovine in vitro embryo production.
Multiphase solutions and their reductions for a nonlocal nonlinear Schrödinger equation with focusing nonlinearity
Authors: Matsuno Yoshimasa
Published: June 2023

A nonlocal nonlinear Schrödinger equation with focusing nonlinearity is considered, which has been derived as a continuum limit of the Calogero–Sutherland model in an integrable classical dynamical system. The equation is shown to stem from the compatibility conditions of a system of linear partial differential equations (PDEs), assuring its complete integrability. We construct a nonsingular N‐phase solution (N: positive integer) of the equation by means of a direct method. The features of the one‐ and two‐phase solutions are investigated in comparison with the corresponding solutions of the defocusing version of the equation. We also provide an alternative representation of the N‐phase solution in terms of solutions of a system of nonlinear algebraic equations. Furthermore, the eigenvalue problem associated with the N‐phase solution is discussed briefly with some exact results. Subsequently, we demonstrate that the N‐soliton solution can be obtained simply by taking the long‐wave limit of the N‐phase solution. The similar limiting procedure gives an alternative representation of the N‐soliton solution as well as the exact results related to the corresponding eigenvalue problem.
An asymptotic expansion of eigenpolynomials for a class of linear differential operators
Authors: Borrego‐Morell Jorge A.
Published: June 2023

Consider an M‐th order linear differential operator, ,where is a monic complex polynomial such that and are complex polynomials such that . It is known that the zero counting measure of its eigenpolynomials converges in the weak star sense to a measure μ. We obtain an asymptotic expansion of the eigenpolynomials of in compact subsets out of the support of μ. In particular, we solve a conjecture posed in Masson and Shapiro [On polynomial eigenfunctions of a hypergeometric type operator. Exper Math. 2001;10:609‐618].
Identification of a novel HLA‐DPA1 allele, HLA‐DPA1*02:102Q
Authors: Moya‐Quiles María Rosa , Muro Manuel
Published: June 2023

HLA‐DPA1*02:102Q, a novel HLA class II allele detected by next‐generation sequencing.
Cultural Niche Construction as a Framework for Reorienting Human−Environment Relations
Authors: Nagatsu Michiru , Kaaronen Roope O. , Salmela Mikko , MacLeod Miles
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we argue that the theory of cultural niche construction provides a cogent and fruitful framework for studying and managing human−environment relationships, including our conceptualizations of them. We first review the development of the ideas of niche construction from evolutionary to social contexts. We then discuss how various human cognitive and affective goals are achieved through our engagement and interaction with the environment, as cognitive and affective niche construction. We extend this analysis to the built environment, as urban niche construction, and provide two examples of urban design for which niche construction provides useful theoretical and practical insights. We also discuss how different urban policy initiatives are related through the lens of cultural niche construction.
Are Humans Part of the Natural World? U.S. Children's and Adults’ Concept of Nature and its Relationship to Environmental Concern
Authors: Pizza Lizette , Kelemen Deborah
Published: June 2023

Understanding factors that promote conservation attitudes is essential given ongoing environmental crises and the need for sustainability. Our research adopted various close‐ and open‐ended tasks to explore: the extent to which U.S. urban adults (Study 1) and children (Study 2) have a basic conception of humans as part of nature, cognitive factors that predict more human‐inclusive concepts of nature, and, finally, the relationship of their nature concepts and other individual differences to environmental moral concern and biocentric reasoning. General environmental moral concern and biocentric moral reasoning were a focus because both variables have previously been linked to sustainable attitudes. Across studies, adults and children did not tend to categorize humans as part of nature except when induced or disposed to attribute mind or life to nature. Among adults, a human‐inclusive nature concept did not predict environmental moral concern or biocentrism. However, the degree of exposure to nature was positively predictive while a cluster of beliefs about humans as intrinsically unique, superior, and influential (human exceptionalism) was negatively predictive. Among children, a basic human‐inclusive concept of nature was related to environmental concern but only among children who also tended to reason in ecological terms. These findings have important implications for sustainability efforts: They suggest that environmental moral concern and biocentric attitudes may be enhanced over‐development by nature exposure and interventions that enduringly promote human‐inclusive concepts of nature and ecological‐systems understanding. Such intervention effects might be achieved by selectively inducing individuals to attribute mind and life to non‐human natural phenomena and scaffolding accurate mechanistic understanding of evolution and common ancestry, which may also help to inhibit the development and deleterious effects of human exceptionalism.
The mystery of misreported trade: A novel method to identify distorted trade figures
Authors: Farhad Mohammad , Madsen Jakob B. , Jetter Michael , Williams Andrew
Published: June 2023

This research shows that misreporting of trade is rampant, which markedly reduces the quality of reported bilateral trade data. We devise a novel methodology to correct for misreported bilateral trade while accounting for the composition of product types and for trading partners. Based on bilateral data for 196 countries in the world at the product level over the period 1996–2017, we find that (i) our corrected trade data are significantly more reliable than reported data; (ii) our corrected data are significantly more reliable than data based on conventional misreporting correction methods; (iii) corrected trade balances are often quite distinct from their reported counterparts; (iv) capital flight is the most important source of misreporting and (v) the misreporting propensity tends to cluster geographically, with the main offenders often deviating from common perceptions in the literature. Based on estimates of the gravity model, we show that geographical characteristics are more influential than institutional variables in explaining misreporting.
Age, CD34+ cell dose, conditioning and pre‐transplant cytopenias can help predict transfusion support in lymphoma patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation
Authors: Regalado‐Artamendi Isabel , García‐Fasanella Marta , Medina Laura , Fernandez‐Sojo Jesus , Esquirol Albert , García‐Cadenas Irene , Martino Rodrigo , Briones Javier , Sierra Jorge , Novelli Silvana
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives

Autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) is a widely used therapy for lymphoma patients and can nowadays be performed on an outpatient basis. This study aimed to describe transfusion support in lymphoma patients undergoing ASCT and identify increased or prolonged transfusion requirement predictors.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective study of all consecutive lymphoma patients undergoing ASCT between 2010 and 2020.

Results

Out of 226 patients, 145 (64%) received red blood cell (RBC) transfusions, whereas all 226 (100%) required platelet transfusion (PT). Transfusions between Day +1 and +30 were higher in patients over 60 (2 [1–4] vs. 2 [0–2] RBC; p = 0.001 and 4 [2–8] vs. 3 [2–4] PT; p < 0.001); patients with pre‐transplant anaemia (4 [2.5–6] vs. 2 [0–2] RBC; p < 0.001 and 5 [3–9] vs. 3 [2–4] PT; p = 0.001); pre‐transplant thrombocytopenia (2 [1–4] vs. 2 [0–2] RBC; p < 0.001 and 4 [3–8.5] vs. 2 [1–3] PT; p < 0.001) or CD34+ cell dose <4 × 106/kg (2 [0–4] vs. 2 [0–2] RBC; p = 0.024 and 4 [2–6] vs. 2 [1–3.5] PT; p < 0.001). RBC transfusion independence was reached later in patients receiving carmustine, cytarabine, etoposide and melphalan (BEAM) (hazard ratio [HR] 1.6; confidence interval [CI] 1.1–2.3) and those requiring RBC before infusion and/or with pre‐transplant anaemia (HR 2.2; CI 1.4–3.4). Age above 60 (HR 1.4; CI 1.0–1.9), BEAM conditioning (HR 1.4; CI 1.0–2.0) and pre‐transplant thrombocytopenia and/or requiring PT before infusion (HR 1.8; CI 1.4–2.5) entailed longer time until PT independence.

Conclusion

These four factors (age ≥60 years; BEAM conditioning, CD34+ dose <4 × 106/kg and pre‐transplant cytopenia and/or Day −10 to 0 transfusion) allowed dividing patients into three groups with significant differences between them regarding the time until transfusion independence.
Leaders’ Sensemaking in Communicating Organizational Change
Authors: Aprianto Yudie , Kumorotomo Wahyudi , Rajiyem Rajiyem
Published: June 2023

Organizational change management is highly dependent on leaders. However, more research is needed on how leaders react and interact with employees throughout organizational change, especially in the public sector. Current research commonly employs generalized beliefs, such as leadership behaviors, which frequently contradict each other, to explain leadership communication during the organizational transition. Therefore, this study aims to explore how leadership communication was conducted in organizational transformation. This research used qualitative, interpretive, and case study approaches to examine how two public organizations prepared for and integrated into a brand-new government agency. The sensemaking viewpoint was utilized to investigate leadership communication in managing organizational change. Twenty-seven participants from various organizational levels were interviewed to obtain a holistic picture of leadership communication. This article contributes to our understanding of leadership communication by illustrating how leaders integrate bracketed information from various relevant sources, select statements, and reconstruct change mindsets through communication to navigate the management change discourse within an organization. Additionally, communication by leaders implies the existence of environmental data intended for use in the development of growth-promoting policies. This study has a dichotomy between change-orientated communication and resistance to change leadership communication. This polarization suggests that a shift in the policy's professional emphasis on growth, eliminating existing tension, and constructing new institutions will be necessary. Communication among leaders is based on different organizational-level methods to gather and interpret information, which considers the organization's structure and work culture.
University Students’ Perceived Self-control and Prosocial Norms for Beneficial Social Media Use
Authors: Shahzalal Md , Adnan Hamedi M , Abdullah Fadli
Published: June 2023

Although many studies have been conducted on social media abuse, socio-psychological determinants of positive social media usage are still underresearched, specifically concerning self-control and prosocial norms for university students. These two important antecedents of accountable behavior have not been thoroughly studied in developing countries. Therefore, the current study investigated university students’ perceptions of self-control and prosocial norms and determined whether they co-exist and are associated with intended behavior and desired beneficial usage. This study modified measurement items adopted from previous studies to fit the current context. A social media survey was conducted through Facebook Messenger among students from a public university in Bangladesh. 226 voluntary responses were recorded based on purposive sampling. The data were analyzed using SPSS and  SmartPLS 4. Descriptive statistics were analyzed. Hypotheses were tested using the structural equation modeling technique, whereas the differential effects of gender and social media platforms were tested using ANOVA. The findings demonstrate that university students value self-control and prosocial norms as crucial determinants of positive social media behavior. These factors strongly correlate with intended self-control and prosocial behavior, and desired beneficial use. Additionally, gender and the type of social media platform used have no significant impact on these results. This study explored valuable insights into the role of self-control and prosocial norms in promoting beneficial social media use among university students, which may have significant implications for their personal and social well-being.
Memory, Media, and Modernity in Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie: A Twenty-first Century Perspective
Authors: Sharma Vipin K
Published: June 2023

This article explores how effectively Tennessee Williams in The Glass Menagerie uses ‘memory’ to add new dramatic elements by recounting historical occurrences, ‘media’ to accurately depict people’s circumstances and an authentic picture of society, and ‘modernity’ through his characters that affected their lives in the play. In this study, a descriptive study design with a component of qualitative analysis is used to find out answers to three research questions based on “memory, media and modernity” in The Glass Menagerie, and get a credible solution to strengthen our arguments. The in-depth analysis reveals Williams’ concerns about middle-class people, society, and the office’s authority during this era of transition. Additionally, it underscores how The Glass Menagerie incorporates shards of memories, media, and modernity to exhibit a congenial depiction of a modern spirit that Williams shares with the common people and readers whose voices he intercepts. The article intends to see how far Williams accomplished his objectives in portraying the deterioration of values, culture, traditions, and socio-economic problems to bring new force and genre to American drama. The in-depth analysis is sufficient to deem the play a quintessential, play for readers of all ages, a “Plastic Glass” genre that blends the middle class, experiences, characters’ displays, and cultures. Finally, the discussion proves that the new genre is enlivened by the common people and eternal survivors of the 21st century.
Macro and Micro Environmental Perspectives on the Ability of SME Business to Innovate and Perform Good
Authors: Algarini Muthia , Nasution Dito Aditia Darma
Published: June 2023

The production environment has changed to a knowledge and technology system, and competition has also developed into a more global and innovation system, becoming a competitive environment in most countries and businesses. Companies must evolve and innovate to deal with intense competition and shifting consumer demands if they hope to succeed over the long term in today's global market economy. Small and medium enterprises should seek new business motivations and strategies to better develop new goods and services and take new information and technological advances into account. For a business to grow, innovation is essential. The traditional innovation literature, first published in 1934 by Joseph Schumpeter, focuses on the manufacturing sector and the level of competition in advanced markets and economies. Compared to other countries, Indonesia has a much higher proportion of small businesses per capita. Over the years, SMEs have made a significant contribution to developing countries in Asia (including ASEAN). SMEs are cited in ASEAN countries as a key driver of economic growth and development, the foundation of the national economy, the highest paying industry, and a potential tool for reducing poverty. Especially after the Asian financial crisis, including Indonesia's SMEs which are strategic in private sector growth.
The Role of Operational Audit in Supporting Sales Effectiveness (Study PT. Pacific Indo Packing)
Authors: Iswanto Ahmad Wawanda , Sulistyowati Anjar , Ali Muhajir
Published: June 2023

This study aims to determine how big the role of operational audit in supporting the effectiveness of sales in the company pt. pacific indo packing. because it is quite important to know how the role of operational audit and sales effectiveness in the company is whether the sales that have been carried out by the company have been effective or vice versa. In this study, the researcher used a quantitative descriptive method. The research method is intended to collect data according to the actual situation and provide an overview and analysis of the existing problems so that it can provide a fairly clear picture of the object under study. The sample in this study is the finance / sales department and the financial statements of the budget and sales realization in 2018 - 2020. The technique of analyzing the percentage results using the provisions, Less than or equal to 70% (≤ 70%) means that the sales function audit does not play a role in supporting sales effective. More than 70% (>70%) means that the sales function audit plays a role in supporting effective sales. Based on the analysis and the results of the questionnaire, the percentage of operational audit participation is 94.48%, this can be seen from the calculation of the answers to the questionnaire using existing benchmarks. So from the results of the percentage can be concluded that the role of operational audit at PT. PACIFIC INDO PACKING Lamongan can be said to play a role because the results of the operational audit presentation are 94.48% while the benchmark can be said to play a role if it is more than 70%.
The Impact Of Covid-19 On Stock Price And Stock Trade Volume (Case Study of Food and Beverages Companies Listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange)
Authors: Sholikhah Latifatus , Darmayanti Novi , Zulkarnaen Have
Published: June 2023

The first Covid-19 case in Indonesia was announced on March 2 2020. This study aims to find out whether there is a significant difference in stock prices and stock trading before and after Covid-19 entered Indonesia (Case Study of Registered Food and Beverages Companies on the Indonesian Stock Exchange). The data for this study were taken 9 months before and 9 months after Covid-19 in Indonesia. Data were processed by paired sample t-test, using SPSS. From the results of the data processing, it shows that there was a significant difference in stock prices before and after the announcement of the first case of Covid-19 in Indonesia. This is indicated by a significance value of 0.011 <0.05. Where stock prices have decreased compared to before the Covid-19 case. Meanwhile, stock trading volume also shows a significant difference. Where the significance value is 0.003 <0.05. The stock trading volume after the announcement showed an increasing value.
Implication of Individual Plan for Professional Development (IPPD) on Teachers’ Professional Development and Career Advancement
Authors: Kilag Osias Kit T. , Bariquit Irene A. , Glipa Cynthia G. , Ignacio Renan A. Renan A. , Alvez Geraldine U. , Guilot Ritchel T. , Sasan John Michael
Published: June 2023

The research was conducted to determine the needs of teachers for their continuous professional development and to create an individual professional development plan for this aim. This study utilized qualitative investigation; the Heideggerian Phenomenology design was employed. This study seeks to comprehend the phenomenon from the participant's point of view and through their experiences. In total, twenty teachers from Philippine schools were interviewed. The interviews were verbatim captured on tape and then transcribed. Three main themes emerged from the analysis of the data: (a) IPPD gives greater insights and improves performance; (b) IPPD allows putting into practice the appropriate trainings and seminars attended; and (c) IPPD impacts students’ learning and behaviour. Based on the findings, professional development can encourage teachers' creativity and help break up the monotony of daily work. Offering regular professional development can also assist individuals in acquiring fresh knowledge and viewpoints that may influence how they approach their work. Furthermore, it is critical to give financial support for teachers' professional growth, as seen by the difficulties they face.
How Does Philippines's Education System Compared to Finland's?
Authors: Kilag Osias Kit T. , Zarco Junrel P. , Zamora Maribel B. , Caballero Jelly D. , Yntig Claudine Acece L. , Suba-an Jodhel D. , Sasan John Michael
Published: June 2023

This study examines the differences between the education systems in Finland and the Philippines. The education systems in both countries have significant differences in terms of policies, teacher qualifications, and curriculum structure. Finland has a highly decentralized curriculum that allows teachers to develop their own curriculum according to the needs and interests of students, while the curriculum in the Philippines is centralized and designed by the central government. The quality and competence of teachers in Finland are also higher compared to those in the Philippines, where a Bachelor's or Diploma Four degree is the minimum requirement for teaching. Finland's success in education can be attributed to the government's persistence and consistency in implementing education policies formulated over the years, and their emphasis on teacher quality and competence. On the other hand, the Philippines has struggled to improve the quality of education, with some policies having little to no positive impact. Given the differences between the two education systems, the study suggests that the Philippines should learn from Finland's education system and adopt some of its policies to improve its own education system. By doing so, the Philippines can improve the quality of education and potentially achieve the same success that Finland has achieved.
Predictors of Financial Management Behavior of Public Secondary School Teachers in a Municipality of Davao de Oro
Authors: Remis Radny Collin L.
Published: June 2023

Poor financial management, which results in financial problems, affects one’s productivity in the workplace; thus, an individual cannot perform competently once preoccupied with financial distress. This study aimed to investigate whether financial knowledge, financial attitude, and locus of control significantly predict the financial management behavior of the public secondary school teachers in a municipality of Davao de Oro, Philippines. The researcher used the descriptive-correlational research design. The respondents were 192 purposively chosen secondary school teachers in the East and West districts in the municipality of Davao de Oro for the school year 2021-2022. Sets of adapted survey questionnaires were used in this study. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as Pearson’s r and regression analysis. Findings reveal that financial knowledge was evident, financial attitude and financial management behavior were favorable, while the locus of control was manifested. Moreover, financial knowledge, financial attitude, and locus of control were significantly correlated with financial management behavior. However, only financial knowledge and locus of control could significantly predict financial management behavior in its individual capacity. Thirty-five percent of the variation in financial management behavior could be attributed to the combined influence of these factors.
Human resource management in the retail sector: challenges and trends
Authors: Kumar Atul , Trivedi Arpit , Dole Vikas S. , Singh Kiran , Yadav Abhinav
Published: June 2023

This article explores the challenges and trends in human resource management across the retail sector in India. The focus is on how retailers are coming to terms with wider recruitment patterns and skills sets, and how they are adapting their HR policies to suit these changes. The article also considers what this means for hiring managers in the future. Some of the challenges that Indian retailers face include finding people with experience in all of their stores; dealing with labour shortages when employees retire or become ill; attracting skilled staff, who have been displaced by automation, to work in retail; retaining staff by providing better opportunities for them to progress through training or promotion within a company; and retaining older workers so they do not leave at an age which is too early. It is argued that the retail sector has to recognize that a key function of HR is being prepared for future changes, in order to survive and flourish.