bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of virtual try-on technology as an innovative e-commerce tool on consumers' online purchase intentions
Authors: Sekri Khawla , Bouzaabia Olfa , Rzem Haifa , Juárez-Varón David
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of using augmented reality (AR) in the form of virtual try-on technology in consumers' purchase decision-making process.

Design/methodology/approach

The study, executed in a beauty industry context, uses the value-based adoption model (VAM). Data were collected by means of a survey carried out on 238 Tunisian women. Subjects performed an experimental task using the virtual try-on (VTO) application in the L’Oréal website. Web-administered questionnaires were used to collect the data, which was processed using an exploratory factor analysis and partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

The findings shows that perceived value is positively related to purchase intentions and it was affected by both perceived benefits and perceived costs. In particular, perceived benefit (perceived usefulness) was found to have a strong positive effect on perceived value. Moreover, it turns out that perceived enjoyment does not have a significant effect on the perceived value. In terms of perceived costs, perceived intrusiveness was found to limit perceived value. The results also show a significant relationship between AR characteristics and perceived benefits. For personal traits, personal innovativeness is found positively influencing perceived usefulness, but it shows no significant effect on perceived enjoyment.

Practical implications

Companies should highlight the benefits for consumers (interactivity, informativeness and usefulness) and attempt to reduce the costs (intrusiveness) related to the use of VTO AR technology, which can play a substantial role in determining the perceived value and purchase intentions.

Originality/value

The existent literature, which examines the AR in e-tailing, shows weak acknowledgment of theories related to consumer barriers to AR adoption in e-tailing, they overlook the role of consumer psychology and individual differences in AR acceptance. Thus, this study contributes to the literature by enhancing the understanding of the roles that AR based VTO technology plays in determining consumers’ online purchase intentions by extending the application of perceived value theory and taking into account its characteristics and personal traits that play a role in weakening or strengthening the customer's benefits and cost perceptions.
E-commerce behavioral intention of Vietnam Gen Z by using the UTAUT2 model
Authors: Cao Phong Thanh
Published: October 2024

Purpose

It is important to note that research specifically focusing on the application of UTAUT2 to Gen Z in Vietnam remains limited. Consequently, future research should aim to explore the application of UTAUT2 to Gen Z, thereby contributing to the practical theory and actual development of e-commerce in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

To gather data, the researcher utilized a quantitative approach by conducting surveys through Google Forms. Regression analysis was employed with SPSS and AMOS software to explore the relationship between constructs in the UTAUT2 model and e-commerce behavioral intention and use behavior. The present study included 32 observed variables, and the final sample size was 302 participants based on the actual situation.

Findings

The findings demonstrate the successful testing of UTAUT2 and yield positive results within the context of a developing country like Vietnam. Furthermore, the author acknowledges the influence of gender in the model, contributing to the diverse outcomes within this research domain. According to the research results, the UTAUT2 model explains that 69.5% of consumers exhibit behavioral intentions to use e-commerce. Therefore, it represents the predictive power of the model.

Originality/value

This study contributes significantly by concentrating on Generation Z’s e-commerce acceptance in Vietnam. It validates the UTAUT2 model within this demographic, underscores the influence of hedonic motivation and habit and reveals intriguing gender differences in behavioral intentions. These findings offer valuable insights for businesses and policymakers targeting Gen Z consumers.
Service virtuousness: implementing the very best of human qualities in service delivery
Authors: Yagil Dana
Published: October 2024

Purpose

In light of the increasing prevalence of non-human services, organizations can benefit by emphasizing distinctively human qualities in their services. This paper suggests that cultivating virtues among employees can enhance the value of human-provided services.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper incorporates ideas from management and service research examining the notion of virtue as well as human qualities that are associated with virtuousness. The paper builds upon service research, which emphasizes the important role of human elements in service interaction, along with extensive research in positive organizational scholarship, which characterizes virtues as the finest attributes of human nature.

Findings

The paper introduces “service virtuousness,” the voluntary and authentic expression of human virtues like compassion and creativity in service delivery, treating customers as individuals beyond their formal roles. A review of the literature reveals how virtuousness appears in services. The study also identifies when it is most beneficial, explores the challenges in its implementation, and suggests future research directions.

Originality/value

The paper offers a novel concept for service research grounded in core human values. Although service virtuousness does not focus on outcomes, it offers numerous benefits to all parties involved in the service setting. The theoretical framework for studying service virtuousness provides new opportunities to identify the conditions in which virtuousness is most beneficial in a service context.
Enablers and inhibitors of science commercialization: a predictive framework
Authors: Tikas Gaurav Dilip
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a conceptual framework for measuring, comparing or predicting the science commercialization capability of academic research-driven organizations. Drawing on extant literature on innovation commercialization, two influential predictors were explored and the nature of their influence was proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the theoretical analysis of relevant literature on science commercialization, this conceptual paper proposes a predictive framework along with two critical antecedents – patronage and parochialism. The analysis further reveals their sub-dimensions and provides insights into how patronage and parochialism can be measured within empirical settings. The study concludes with theoretical propositions about how these two constructs influence science commercialization.

Findings

The study reveals that patronage can positively influence science commercialization and be reflected through mentorship, specialized knowledge-sharing and providing decision-making support to academic innovators pursuing science commercialization. Alternatively, parochialism can positively influence science commercialization and be reflected through academic innovators’ perception, purpose and persistence of efforts toward science commercialization initiatives.

Originality/value

The study contributes to extant literature on science commercialization in three major ways – a conceptual predictive model, theoretically grounded antecedents and their corresponding influence on science commercialization.
An efficient attention-based hybridized deep learning network with deep RBM features for customer behavior prediction in digital marketing
Authors: Sakthi B. , Sundar D.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

An efficient customer behavior prediction model is designed using deep learning techniques. The necessary data used for the implementation are taken from standard datasets and presented to perform subsequent tasks. Here, deep restricted Boltzmann machines (RBM) features are retrieved from the input images. Further, the extracted deep RBM features are presented to the customer behavior prediction phase. Here, the attention-based hybrid deep learning (A-HDL) technique is designed based on the incorporation of a dilated deep temporal convolutional network (dilated-DTCN) and a weighted recurrent neural network (weighted RNN). Moreover, the weights in RNN are tuned using a modernized random parameter-based cheetah optimizer (MRPCO). Further, various experiments were performed on the implemented framework, and it secured an enhanced customer behavior prediction rate than the conventional models.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel hybrid deep network-based customer behavior prediction model was developed to predict the behavior of the customer so the companies yield more income by advertising their products based on the predicted results.

Findings

When considering the first dataset, the designed customer behavior prediction mechanism produced 94% accuracy, which is higher than the conventional techniques such as long short-term memory (LSTM), DTCN, RNN and A-HDL with 88%, 87%, 89% and 93%.

Originality/value

The precision and the accuracy of the developed MRPCO-A-HDL-based customer behavior prediction model progressed than the conventional techniques and algorithms.
Digital twins and biodiversity: a conceptual framework of opportunities and challenge
Authors: Sun Yanqi , Xu Cheng
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The intersection of digital twins and ecological diversity offers a new and complex landscape that requires interdisciplinary investigation. Recognizing the urgent need for a nuanced approach to the ethical, technological and practical challenges in this area, this paper presents a conceptual framework that serves as a roadmap for future research and policymaking.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a conceptual methodology deeply rooted in interdisciplinary perspectives. A systematic literature review was conducted using the Scopus database to identify relevant articles. The selected articles were rigorously analyzed to derive key dimensions, which were then validated through expert panel reviews and a pilot study.

Findings

Our framework identifies seven critical dimensions: Data Acquisition and Simulation, Impact Assessment, Ecological Protection and Management, Ethical and Legal Considerations, Social and Cultural Impacts, Technological Feasibility and Limitations and Policies and Regulations. These dimensions provide a comprehensive structure for understanding and addressing the intersection of digital twins and biodiversity conservation.

Originality/value

This study contributes a foundational guide for sustainable and ethical engagement between digital twins and biodiversity conservation. It offers a novel, interdisciplinary framework that integrates diverse perspectives and provides practical insights for scholars, policymakers and practitioners in this emerging field.
Brand livestream mode options: AI vs KOL livestream in the platform supply chain
Authors: Yu Xiaoxue , Li Tao , Tan Qi , Liu Bin , Li Hui
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Driven by the rapid expansion of online retail and the surge in livestream commerce, the impact of different livestream mode on brand and platform performance has become a critical issue. This paper analyzes the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and key opinion leader (KOL) livestream on the profitability of brands and the platform, incorporating the effects of horizontal interactions to identify the optimal livestream mode.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops a model of a platform supply chain involving two brands and a platform, where each brand independently decides whether to utilize KOL or AI livestream. Applying Stackelberg game approach, the study derives equilibria for various livestream scenarios, identifying the optimal livestream mode for both parties. Additionally, the model is extended to incorporate asymmetric market potential and network externality to evaluate their impact on a brand’s choice of livestream mode.

Findings

Several interesting and important results are derived in this paper. Firstly, it is found that AI livestream enables brands to leverage network externality and mitigate the market disadvantage, thereby gaining a competitive advantage. Secondly, while KOL livestream promotes trust, the medium KOL commission rates could cause brands to be trapped in a prisoner’s dilemma, and excessively high commission rates may render them less profitable. Thirdly, the KOL commission rate, network externality intensity, horizontal interactions and market disadvantage are critical determinants influencing a brand’s choice of livestream mode.

Originality/value

This study is the first to investigate the effects of horizontal interactions, asymmetric market potential and asymmetric network externality on livestream mode selection by brands within a platform supply chain. The research provides valuable insights into optimizing livestream strategies to enhance brand profitability.
Meritocratic beliefs in the United States, Finland, and China: A multidimensional approach using latent class analysis
Authors: Zhu Li
Published: October 2024

This study employs latent class analysis (LCA) as a novel methodology to investigate the multidimensional nature of meritocratic beliefs, addressing the limitations of traditional unidimensional approaches. Using data from the International Social Survey Program 2009 for the United States, Finland, and China, this study demonstrates several advantages of this multidimensional approach. First, LCA effectively identifies dual consciousness, where individuals simultaneously endorse meritocratic and structuralist explanations of social stratification. The analysis reveals three distinct narratives explaining social stratification: purely meritocratic beliefs, predominantly meritocratic beliefs, and dual consciousness. While all three subtypes consider merits highly important, they differ in their perceived importance of structural factors. Second, LCA facilitates cross‐national comparisons, unveiling qualitative typological variations in meritocratic beliefs across countries. Unique country‐specific subtypes or patterns emerge: Finland exhibits purely meritocratic beliefs, the United States shows predominantly meritocratic beliefs, and China demonstrates a dominance of dual consciousness. Although dual consciousness exists in all three countries, its prevalence varies significantly—dominant in China, moderate in the United States, and least in Finland. Third, this study reveals that the effect of education on meritocratic beliefs varies across the three countries. Education strengthens individual meritocratic beliefs in the United States, weakens them in Finland, and shows no significant effect in China. These findings highlight both within‐country and across‐country heterogeneity of meritocratic beliefs, underscoring the importance of a multidimensional approach.
Racial discrimination in helping situations depends on the cost of help: A large field experiment in the streets of Paris
Authors: Aranguren Martin
Published: October 2024

Decades of field experiments show that White Americans are more likely to discriminate against Black Americans when the situation provides a nonracist rationalization for withholding help from a Black target ‐ for instance, when the cost of helping looks unreasonable. However, work on racial discrimination in helping is scarcer outside of the US context. The present experiment extends this line of research to Europe and studies differences in helping asiatique (Asian), blanc (White) and noir (Black) men and women in France. In addition, it assesses to what extent racial discrimination in the probability to provide assistance is moderated by the perceived cost of help. The study rests on a sample of over 4500 independent observations collected through a factorial design that combines 12 testers (equally apportioned in race and gender groups), two social class conditions and four observation sites. Testers asked for directions to pedestrians in front of the traffic lights of a busy road, and pedestrians could provide different forms of help that varied in perceived cost. The analysis indicates that overall asiatique and noir testers receive help less often than their blanc counterparts. It also shows that racial discrimination is stronger when the perceived cost of helping is higher.
Quantifying allergenic proteins using antibody‐based methods or liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry: A review about the influence of food matrix, extraction, and sample preparation
Authors: Hu Wei , Zhang Xing , Shen Yunpeng , Meng Xuanyi , Wu Yong , Tong Ping , Li Xin , Chen Hongbing , Gao Jinyan
Published: October 2024

Accurate quantification of allergens in food is crucial for ensuring consumer safety. Pretreatment steps directly affect accuracy and efficiency of allergen quantification. We systematically reviewed the latest advances in pretreatment steps for antibody‐based methods and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) protein quantification methods in food. For antibody‐based methods, the effects induced by food matrix like decreased allergen solubility, epitope masking, and nonspecific binding are of the upmost importance. To mitigate interference from the matrix, effective and proper extraction can be used to obtain the target allergens with a high protein concentration and necessary epitope exposure. Removal of interfering substances, extraction systems (buffers and additives), assistive technologies, and commercial kits were discussed. About LC–MS/MS quantification, the preparation of the target peptides is the crucial step that significantly affects the efficiency and results obtained from the MS detector. The advantages and limitations of each method for pre‐purification, enzymatic digestion, and peptide desalting were compared. Additionally, the application characteristics of microfluidic‐based pretreatment devices were illustrated to improve the convenience and efficiency of quantification. A promising research direction is the targeted development of pretreatment methods for complex food matrices, such as lipid‐based and carbohydrate‐based matrices.
SAFE: Safety of procedural sedation and analgesia administration in the fast‐track area of the emergency department
Authors: Freeman Ned , Doolabh Ammara , Maas Ellie , Cupitt Braden , Shap Aaron , Bertenshaw Claire , Mitchell Gary
Published: October 2024

Objective

To determine whether undertaking procedural sedation in the low‐acuity fast‐track area is safe and effective in improving patient flow.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study reviewed patients who underwent procedural sedation in the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Emergency and Trauma Centre between December 2020 and December 2021.

Results

A total of 411 cases were included. Performing sedation in the fast‐track area was not associated with increased complication rates but was associated with reduced time to sedation (difference = 44.24 min, P < 0.001) and length of stay (difference = 60.64 min, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The sedation of patients outside a high‐acuity area is safe and significantly improves patient flow.
Information or Noise? Examining the Effect of Discretionary Disclosure of Accounting Estimates on Financial Analyst Forecasts
Authors: Boone Jeff P. , Sun Xueyun (Sherry) , Yin Jennifer
Published: October 2024

Whether discretionary disclosure of accounting estimates increases or decreases the decision usefulness of financial information is a fundamental issue in accounting and finance. Our paper speaks to this issue by examining the effect of discretionary disclosure of accounting estimates on the forecasting behaviour of financial analysts, who are sophisticated users of financial information and play a crucial role as an information intermediary in the capital markets. We find that discretionary disclosure of accounting estimates (made in the 10‐K management discussion and analysis and financial statement footnotes) reduces analyst forecast errors and analysts’ tendency to round their annual earnings forecasts. These effects are more pronounced when analysts issue forecasts for companies with high accounting reporting complexity. Overall, the results suggest that discretionary disclosure of accounting estimates reduces information costs by providing relevant information for analysts’ forecasting decisions.
Hippocampal rejuvenation by a single intracerebral injection of one‐carbon metabolites in C57BL6 old wild‐type mice
Authors: Antón‐Fernández Alejandro , Cauchola Rocío Peinado , Hernández Félix , Ávila Jesús
Published: October 2024

The Izpisua‐Belmonte group identified a cocktail of metabolites that promote partial reprogramming in cultured muscle cells. We tested the effect of brain injection of these metabolites in the dentate gyrus of aged wild‐type mice. The dentate gyrus is a brain region essential for memory function and is extremely vulnerable to aging. A single injection of the cocktail containing four compounds (putrescine, glycine, methionine and threonine) partially reversed brain aging phenotypes and epigenetic alterations in age‐associated genes. Our analysis revealed three levels: chromatin methylation, RNA sequencing, and protein expression. Functional studies complemented the previous ones, showing cognitive improvement. In summary, we report the reversal of various age‐associated epigenetic changes, such as the transcription factor Zic4, and several changes related to cellular rejuvenation in the dentate gyrus (DG). These changes include increased expression of the Sox2 protein. Finally, the increases in the survival of newly generated neurons and the levels of the NMDA receptor subunit GluN2B were accompanied by improvements in both short‐term and long‐term memory performance. Based on these results, we propose the use of these metabolites to explore new strategies for the development of potential treatments for age‐related brain diseases.
The association between pasture systems, dung removal and colonization by a local Australian temperate dung beetle assemblage
Authors: Heddle Thomas , Hemmings Zac , Burns Adrienne , Andrew Nigel R.
Published: October 2024

Herbivore dung quality (physical and chemical parameters) varies between animal species and animal diet which is influenced by seasonal fluctuations and farm management practices. Subsequently, this influences the reproductive success of dung beetles. In Australian pasture systems, how the introduced dung beetle assemblage interacts in the field with cattle dung derived from different resources is unknown.

This study quantifies the colonization by dung beetles (abundance, species richness and evenness) and removal of cattle dung derived from three common temperate pasture systems (improved native, forage oat and rye/clover pasture, henceforth dung type) over 24 h for 12 months.

From the three dung types, 13 species of dung beetle were captured. Abundance and species richness were influenced by month and transect, with weak evidence for differences between dung types influencing overall abundance: Onthophagus binodis (49.7%), Aphodius fimetarius (24.4%) and Labarrus lividus (17.1%) were the most abundant species.

Dung removal (organic matter) was influenced by month and dung type, with more dung buried in improved native (23.9 g) and rye/clover (24.7 g) derived dung compared with forage oat (12.3 g) dung. Dung beetle abundance was positively correlated with removal of all dung types, with O. binodis biomass significantly influencing dung removal.

This study showed that diet of bovine animals weakly influences the abundance of a local dung beetle assemblage, warranting further investigation on the influence of other dung types in different regions. Improvements to reporting of pasture species and growth stage is recommended for comparisons between dung derived sources.
Day case laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a review of patient selection factors and identification of potential barriers to same‐day discharge
Authors: Rickward Jamie , Hameed Iman , Ho Simon , Wijeratne Shiran
Published: October 2024

Background

Day‐case laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DCLC) is a useful tool for minimizing hospital admissions and prolonged presurgical wait times in suitable patient cohorts. There have been many international studies to support this finding and an increasing interest has grown in implementation in Australia. This review aims to provide clarity how to best implement this tool in gallbladder disease patient demographic.

Observations

This literature review evaluates studies on day‐case cholecystectomy procedures, focusing on patient factors, procedural aspects, surgical morbidity, and systemic implications. It explores inclusion and exclusion criteria for day‐case suitability, factors influencing same‐day discharge, reasons for hospital admission, pain management, patient quality of life, patient satisfaction, and cost implications.

Conclusions

DCLC, when selected judiciously, is a safe alternative to overnight stay procedures for cholecystectomy with comparable surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction, affirming its viability. Strict patient selection criteria can aid in optimizing the successful implementation procedure, reducing unexpected admissions and readmissions and we have demonstrated useful criteria for guidance in establishing day‐case laparoscopic cholecystectomy protocol at a hospital.
Enhanced Artificial Intelligence Methods for Liver Steatosis Assessment Using Machine Learning and Color Image Processing: Liver Color Project
Authors: Gómez‐Gavara Concepción , Bilbao Itxarone , Piella Gemma , Vazquez‐Corral Javier , Benet‐Cugat Berta , Pando Elizabeth , Molino José Andrés , Salcedo María Teresa , Dalmau Mar , Vidal Laura , Esono Daniel , Cordobés Miguel Ángel , Bilbao Ángela , Prats Josa , Moya Mar , Dopazo Cristina , Mazo Christopher , Caralt Mireia , Hidalgo Ernest , Charco Ramon
Published: October 2024

Background

The use of livers with significant steatosis is associated with worse transplantation outcomes. Brain death donor liver acceptance is mostly based on subjective surgeon assessment of liver appearance, since steatotic livers acquire a yellowish tone. The aim of this study was to develop a rapid, robust, accurate, and cost‐effective method to assess liver steatosis.

Methods

From June 1, 2018, to November 30, 2023, photographs and tru‐cut needle biopsies were taken from adult brain death donor livers at a single university hospital for the study. All the liver photographs were taken by smartphones then color calibrated, segmented, and divided into patches. Color and texture features were then extracted and used as input, and the machine learning method was applied. This is a collaborative project between Vall d'Hebron University Hospital and Barcelona MedTech, Pompeu Fabra University, and is referred to as LiverColor.

Results

A total of 192 livers (362 photographs and 7240 patches) were included. When setting a macrosteatosis threshold of 30%, the best results were obtained using the random forest classifier, achieving an AUROC = 0.74, with 85% accuracy.

Conclusion

Machine learning coupled with liver texture and color analysis of photographs taken with smartphones provides excellent accuracy for determining liver steatosis.
Variable‐weight combined forecasting model with causal analysis and clustering for refined oil sales forecasting
Authors: Xu Xiaofeng , Liu Wenzhi , Yu Lean , Yu Yinsheng , Yi Wanli
Published: October 2024

Forecasting refined oil sales is essential in energy supply chain management. However, accurate forecasting is limited by several factors, including multiple influences of external features, heterogeneity of different gasoline stations, and difficulty in balancing linear and nonlinear forecasting. To address these issues, we propose a novel variable‐weight combined forecasting model. In the first stage, the model incorporates causal analysis and clustering methods to provide a quantitative description of multiple effects of external features and highly correlated aggregation of homogeneous data. Subsequently, based on the patterns of external feature influences learned from historical data, variable‐weight combined forecasting is realized to balance linear and nonlinear forecasting dynamically. Experiments based on real sales data procured from several regions demonstrate that the proposed model outperforms other benchmark and widely used models in terms of forecasting accuracy and statistical significance. The ablation experimental results confirm the significance of causal analysis, clustering, and variable‐weight combined forecasting in improving the balance between linear and nonlinear forecasting. Moreover, our results indicate that improving the quality of clustering can yield greater benefits than improving the amount of training data. Finally, we also explore whether the forecasting superiority translates into better inventory control, and our results show that the proposed optimization model can effectively balance inventory cost and service level, while also better suppress the bullwhip effect.
Genetic influences, lifestyle and psychosocial aspects in relation to metabolically healthy obesity and conversion to a metabolically unhealthy state
Authors: Ojalehto Lindfors Elsa , De Oliveira Thaís Lopes , Reynolds Chandra A. , Zhan Yiqiang , Dahl Aslan Anna K. , Jylhävä Juulia , Sjölander Arvid , Karlsson Ida K.
Published: October 2024

Aims

About 10%–30% of individuals with obesity are metabolically healthy, but the specific characteristics of the metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) phenotype remain unclear. We aimed to examine how physical activity, education, depressive symptoms and genetic predisposition to obesity differ between individuals with MHO and those with metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO), and whether these factors predict stability in MHO or conversion to a metabolically unhealthy state.

Materials and Methods

We retrieved data on 9809 individuals with obesity from the Health and Retirement Study collected between 2006 and 2016. We compared how physical activity, education, depressive symptoms and a polygenic score for higher body mass index (BMI) (PGSBMI) differed cross‐sectionally between MHO and MUO using logistic regression. We then examined if the same factors predict conversion to a metabolically unhealthy state over 4 years in individuals with MHO.

Results

Individuals with MHO had higher physical activity (odds ratio [OR] = 0.81), higher education (OR = 0.83) and lower depressive symptoms (OR = 1.14) compared to those with MUO but did not differ in the PGSBMI. The associations were slightly attenuated in mutually adjusted models. None of the factors were associated with conversion from MHO to a metabolically unhealthy state. However, a higher PGSBMI indicated 24% lower risk of conversion to a metabolically unhealthy state (p = 0.07).

Conclusions

Physical activity, education and depressive symptoms differed between MHO and MUO, even when mutually adjusted for, but did not predict conversion from a metabolically healthy to unhealthy state. Although not statistically significant, the results indicated that those with genetically predicted high BMI are more likely to maintain MHO and not convert to a metabolically unhealthy state.
Transcriptomic Analysis of Early‐Stage Basal Cell Carcinomas in Murine Skin Following Topical Treatments With Ablative Fractional Laser and Vismodegib
Authors: Pedersen Kristian Kåber , Hædersdal Merete , Olesen Uffe Høgh , Litman Thomas
Published: October 2024

Recent studies have demonstrated that ablative fractional laser (AFL) can inhibit the hedgehog pathway, enhance immune infiltration and clear basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) in murine models. In this study, we applied RNA sequencing to further characterise the impact of AFL on the transcriptome of murine skin containing early‐stage microscopic BCCs, contrasting it with the effects of topical application of the hedgehog inhibitor vismodegib. Our results showed that BCC induction in murine skin was primarily linked to gene upregulation (significantly upregulated genes: 277, significantly downregulated genes: 24). Characterisation of these genes with Ingenuity Pathway Analysis showed that tumour induction was associated with activation of BCC and Sonic Hedgehog signalling. Both AFL and vismodegib treatments reversed these changes, with vismodegib demonstrating superior performance by reversing most of the upregulated genes (AFL: 59/277; vismodegib: 180/277). Surprisingly, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis also revealed that both AFL and vismodegib treatments caused considerable immune cell infiltration. Based on gene set enrichment analysis and cell type deconvolution, AFL treatment resulted in the largest immune cell recruitment, which for both treatments primarily consisted of infiltrating neutrophils, macrophages and monocytes. In conclusion, the distinct effects observed in BCC skin following AFL and vismodegib treatment suggest key differences between the two interventions. Future applications of AFL or vismodegib treatments could leverage their individual effects, for example by combining the effect of AFL on the immune system with other topical treatments.
Tachypnea in response to hypoxemia decreases with age in older patients
Authors: Cuerpo Sandra , Aguiló Sira , Alquézar‐Arbé Aitor , Fernández Cesáreo , Burillo Guillermo , Jacob Javier , Montero‐Pérez Francisco Javier , García‐Lamberechts Eric Jorge , Piñera Pascual , Blázquez Beatriz Escudero , de la Iglesia Cristina Güemes , Quesada Sílvia Flores , Vaswani‐Bulchand Aarati , Rodríguez‐Cabrera Montserrat , Aragüés Paula Lázaro , Díaz‐Guerra María Luisa Pérez , González Francesc Xavier Alemany , Alcaraz Ana Puche , Collado Jésica Mansilla , Torres Gema Jara , Fuentes Lidia , Martos Rocío Muñoz , López Antonio Real , Hernández Rodrigo Javier Gil , García Jorge Pedraza , Trian Esperanza Muñoz , del Castillo Juan González , Miró Òscar ,   the members of the SIESTA network
Published: October 2024

Aim

To investigate if tachypneic response to hypoxia is decreased in older patients.

Methods

We included all patients ≥65 years of age attending 52 Spanish emergency departments (EDs) for whom peripheral arterial oxygen saturation (SatO2) measured by pulsioxymetry and respiratory rate (RR) were registered at ED arrival. We assessed the relationship between SatO2 and RR in different models, and with the best‐fitting model, we independently analyzed this relationship in four subgroups according to patient age (65–69, 70–79, 80–89, and ≥90 years). Five sensitivity analyses using different subsets of patients were carried out to check for the consistency of the results.

Results

We included 7126 patients, with medians for SatO2 and RR of 97% (interquartile range [IQR]: 94–98) and 15 bpm (IQR: 15–16), respectively. We found significant associations (P < 0.001) between SatO2 and RR in every model tested (P < 0.001 for all), with the quadratic model obtaining the best fit (R2: 0.098) over those obtained with linear (R2: 0.096) and logarithmic (R2: 0.092) models. The same was observed in sensitivity analyses, with R2 for quadratic models ranging from 0.069 in patients with low comorbidity and 0.102 in patients breathing room air. The mean RR for 100% SatO2 was 15 bpm and increased as SatO2 decreased, although with a progressive slowing of the slope, with a mean RR of 27 at 50% SatO2. We detected a decreased RR response to increasing hypoxemia according to age and, while the RR curve was higher and with a progressively steepening slope in the 972 patients aged 65–69 (mean RR of 42 bpm with 50% SatO2), a progressive slowing of slope was observed in the 2693 patients aged 70–79 (mean RR of 28 with 50% SatO2), the 2582 aged 80–89 (mean RR of 25) and the 879 aged ≥90 (mean RR of 23). Sensitivity analyses provided very similar results.

Conclusion

Tachypneic response to hypoxemia in older patients decreases as age advances, regardless of the reason leading to hypoxemia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 1120–1129.
Developing a foundation information and academic skills programme for potential Student Nursing Associates
Authors: Trinca Catherine , George Chloe
Published: October 2024

This article outlines the development of ‘Prepare to Progress’, a preapplication programme for potential Student Nursing Associate (SNA) applicants at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Created collaboratively by the Trust's Library and Knowledge Services and Professional Education teams, the programme aims to provide realistic course expectations, teach study skills and boost confidence in using library services. Evaluation results indicate increased understanding of the SNA course, improved application decision‐making, and enhanced academic confidence among participants. The programme demonstrates the valuable role of library services in preparing healthcare support workers for further education and addressing library anxiety. The study suggests benefits for both participants and library services.
Turmeric supplement‐associated hepatitis: a clinicopathological series of 11 cases highlighting pan‐lobular and zone 3 injury
Authors: Papke David J , Viveiros Kathleen , Zota Victor , Gill Ryan M , González Iván A , Misdraji Joseph , Patil Deepa T
Published: October 2024

Aims

Although turmeric is commonly ingested and well tolerated, there is increasing evidence that over‐the‐counter turmeric supplements can cause drug‐induced liver injury. We sought to thoroughly characterise clinicopathological features of patients for whom liver injury was attributed clinically to turmeric supplements.

Methods and results

We identified 11 patients via retrospective pathology archive review: 10 females (91%) and one male, with a median age of 58 years (range = 37–66 years). Six patients (55%) were asymptomatic with abnormal liver function tests, while five patients (45%) presented with malaise and/or jaundice. Ten patients (91%) showed predominant transaminase abnormalities, while one exhibited predominant alkaline phosphatase elevation. Histologically, biopsies showed acute hepatitis (eight cases, 73%, including five pan‐lobular and three zone 3‐predominant inflammation), scattered lobular aggregates of histiocytes (two; 18%) and a chronic hepatitis pattern of injury (one; 9%). Mild bile duct injury was present in five biopsies (45%). All patients stopped ingesting turmeric supplements after presenting with liver injury, and four patients additionally received steroid therapy; liver function tests normalised in all patients. Roussel Uclaf causality assessment method (RUCAM) analysis estimated the likelihood of turmeric supplement‐associated liver injury to be probable (eight cases) and possible (three).

Conclusions

Histological features in the ‘possible’ cases were consistent with drug‐induced injury, highlighting the added benefit of histological analysis relative to RUCAM analysis isolation. This study underscores the need to obtain a full history of over‐the‐counter medications and supplements when investigating aetiologies for liver injury, including supplements purportedly containing innocuous compounds such as turmeric.
Exploring cascading effects of sensory processing on language skills and social‐communicative difficulties through play in young children at elevated likelihood for autism
Authors: Moerman Floor , Warreyn Petra , Noens Ilse , Steyaert Jean , van Esch Lotte , de Vries Lyssa , Madarevic Melinda , Segers Julie , Van Lierde Thijs ,   the TIARA‐team, Roeyers Herbert
Published: October 2024

This study investigated the association between Sensory processing (SP) (i.e., hyporesponsiveness, Sensory Seeking (SS) and hyperresponsiveness) at 10 months (M) and language/social‐communicative difficulties at 24M, mediated through object play at 14M in young children at elevated likelihood for autism (EL). Parent‐report instruments were used to measure all variables in younger siblings of children with autism (siblings, n = 74) and children born before 30 gestational weeks (preterms, n = 38). Higher scores of object play fully mediated the association between more SS and better language/less social‐communicative difficulties. Hypo‐ and hyperresponsiveness at 10M did not seem to predict language heterogeneity at 24M, but more hypo‐ and less hyperresponsiveness at 10M were associated with more social‐communicative difficulties at 24M. The explained variance in social‐communicative difficulties and language was limited (15.25%–16.39%). Similar associations were found for siblings and preterms. This highlights that high frequency of SP behaviors does not necessarily negatively affect communication in young EL‐children as is commonly assumed. Early object play skills play a role in the association between early SS and later language/social communicative difficulties. This implies that some criteria of the two core domains of characteristics of autism are interrelated in EL‐children, and this may have implications for early intervention programs.
Preparedness of Practicing Nurses in the Care of Sexual and Gender Diverse People in the United States: A Scoping Review
Authors: Bower Kelly M. , Dorsen Caroline , Hughes Tonda , Moore Scott Emory , Coleman Christopher Lance , Smith Sheila K. , Zerwic Julie , Newman Larry , Brown Camille , Sherman Athena D. F.
Published: October 2024

Background

Sexual and gender diverse (SGD) people in the United States (US) experience health inequities due to societal stigma and marginalisation. The nursing workforce must provide evidence‐based affirming, inclusive and culturally responsive care for SGD people to meet individual and community health needs and eliminate disparities.

Aims

The purpose of this scoping review was to synthesise what is known about (1) nurses' knowledge, skills and attitudes related to caring for SGD people in the US and (2) the existence, development and evaluation of SGD‐related educational offerings available to practicing nurses in the US to develop the knowledge and skills needed to promote the health and wellbeing of SGD individuals, families and communities.

Methods

This review followed the scoping review methodology and PRISMA for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR).

Data Sources

In conjunction with a health librarian, an electronic literature search was conducted using PubMed, LGBT Health, CINAHL, ERIC and Health Source‐Nursing.

Results

Thirty‐two studies were included in this review, including quantitative and qualitative studies that sought to understand the knowledge, attitudes and clinical experiences of nurses related to the care of SGD people; studies that tested educational interventions and studies that identified educational barriers and facilitators. Major gaps in education, practice and research, as well as methodological limitations of existing studies, were noted.

Conclusion

Nurses would benefit from expanded access to effective standardised foundational SGD‐related health continuing education to help prepare them to care for diverse patient populations. Equity, inclusivity and dignity are key values of the nursing profession. It is imperative that nurses have the knowledge and skills to apply these values consistently in day‐to‐day professional practice across populations and settings.

Impact

There is an urgent need to develop standardised, easily accessible evidence‐based educational content to address nurses' knowledge of and attitudes towards caring for SGD people.

Reporting Method

This study adhered to the PRISMA‐ScR reporting guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

There was no patient or public contribution to this study.
Registered Nurses' Attitudes Towards ChatGPT and Self‐Directed Learning: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Chang Li‐Chun , Wang Ya‐Ni , Lin Hui‐Ling , Liao Li‐Ling
Published: October 2024

Background

Self‐directed, lifelong learning is essential for nurses' competence in complex healthcare environments, which are characterised by rapid advancements in medicine and technology and nursing shortages. Previous studies have demonstrated that ChatGPT technology fosters self‐directed learning by motivating users to engage with it.

Objectives

To explore the relationships amongst socio‐demographic data, attitudes towards ChatGPT use, and self‐directed learning amongst registered nurses in Taiwan.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study design with an online survey was adopted. Registered nurses from various healthcare settings were recruited through Facebook and LINE, a widely used messaging application in East Asia, reaching over 1000 nurses across five distinct online groups. An online survey was used to collect data, including socio‐demographic characteristics, attitudes towards ChatGPT use, and a self‐directed learning scale. Data were analysed using descriptive statistical methods, t‐tests, Pearson's correlation, one‐way analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

Amongst the 330 participants, 50.6% worked in hospitals, 51.8% had more than 15 years of work experience, and 78.2% did not hold supervisory positions. Of the participants, 46.7% had used ChatGPT. For all nurses, work experience and awareness of ChatGPT statistically significantly predicted self‐directed learning, explaining 32.0% of the variance. For those familiar with ChatGPT, work experience in nursing and the technological/social influence of ChatGPT statistically significantly predicted self‐directed learning, explaining 35.3% of the variance.

Conclusions

Work experience in nursing provides critical opportunities for professional development and training. Therefore, ChatGPT‐supported self‐directed learning should be customised for degrees of experience to optimise continuous education.

Implications for Nursing Management and Health Policy

This study explores nurses' diverse use of and attitudes towards ChatGPT for self‐directed learning. It suggests that administrators customise support and training when incorporating ChatGPT into professional development, accounting for nurses' varied experiences to enhance learning outcomes.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Reporting Method

This study adhered to the relevant cross‐sectional STROBE guidelines.
The environmental costs of clean cycles: Quantitative analysis for the case of PVC window profile recycling in Germany
Authors: Schmidt Sarah , Gibon Thomas , Gutiérrez Tomás Navarrete , Lindemann Katrina‐Magdalena , Laner David
Published: October 2024

Recycling schemes for long‐lived products are challenged by the presence of “legacy substances,” which have been used in production in the past, but are nowadays classified as substances of concern. This study quantitatively evaluates the trade‐offs between phasing out legacy substances, increasing circularity levels, and reducing life cycle impacts of polyvinylchloride (PVC) window profiles recycling in Germany based on a comprehensive dynamic material and substance flow analysis coupled with a prospective life cycle assessment. Scenario results indicate that although lead had been phased out in virgin PVC by 2015, lead concentrations in end‐of‐life PVC window profiles will remain above 0.3% until the end of the century without a restriction of lead in recycled PVC and will be by factor 3–5 higher compared to a restriction as stipulated by EU 2023/923. However, the latter is associated with lower recycling rates and higher life cycle environmental impacts of PVC window frame waste management, which cannot be fully compensated by the introduction of new waste treatment pathways using currently available technologies. The study serves to introduce a new comprehensive modeling framework, which allows for the consideration of trade‐offs between substance, material, and environmental impact dimensions as a basis for discussing and developing sustainable waste management strategies.