bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experiencing the physical and psychosocial aspects in a multi-bedded room in an oncology ward in the Netherlands before the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Zijlstra Emma , Hagedoorn Mariët , Krijnen Wim P. , van der Schans Cees P. , Mobach Mark P.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Until now, it is not clear whether there are differences in patient perception between multi-bedded rooms with two and four beds. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the physical (i.e. room type) and psychosocial (i.e. kindness of roommates and extraversion) aspects on the patients’ experience (i.e. pleasantness of the room, anxiety, sleep quality) in multi-bedded rooms in an oncology ward.

Design/methodology/approach

A group of 84 hospitalized oncology patients completed a questionnaire on the day of departure. Room types were categorized into two groups: two-person and four-person rooms.

Findings

Multivariate logistic regression analyses with the minimum Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) showed no direct main effects of room type (two vs. four-person room), kindness of roommates and extraversion on pleasantness of the room, anxiety and sleep quality. However, the authors found an interaction effect between room type and extraversion on pleasantness of the room. Patients who score relatively high in extraversion rated the room as more pleasant when they stayed in a four-person rather than a two-person room. For patients relatively low in extraversion, room type was not related to pleasantness of the room.

Practical implications

The findings allow hospitals to better understand individual differences in patient experiences. Hospitals should inform patients about the benefits of the different room types and potential influences of personality (extraversion) so patients are empowered and can benefit from autonomy and the most appropriate place.

Originality/value

This study emphasizes the importance of including four-person rooms in an oncology ward, while new hospital facility layouts mainly include single-bed rooms.
The role of quality management systems in fostering the international competitiveness of companies
Authors: Murmura Federica , Musso Fabio , Bravi Laura , Pierli Giada
Published: December 2023

Purpose

There is a strong consensus among scholars that the international competitiveness of companies strongly depends on the support of institutions, which reduces uncertainty in transactions by giving form to economic interactions, while less attention was paid to the role of international standards within this context. This study intends to propose its contribution by deepening the role of process certifications in the competitiveness and internationalization strategies of companies, with specific reference to the wood-furniture sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using a questionnaire survey distributed via computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI) methodology and sent to a sample of 2,845 Italian companies which operate in the wood-furniture industry, using simple random sampling. Thanks to the survey administration, 228 companies participated to the survey.

Findings

The study shows that it is companies operating in international markets that define this tool as relevant; this underlines how certification is seen as a kind of business card for entering international markets. In this context, the role of business leadership emerges as fundamental in the practical definition of the objectives to be set by adopting a quality management systems and in the subsequent commitment to obtain them.

Originality/value

Up to now, the literature has taken these elements into analysis mainly considering the consumers' perspective. In sectors with a higher content of innovation, technology and design, such as the wood-furniture sector, the literature appears to be poor in terms of contributions.
Re-evaluating falls through skylights in the USA: has anything changed?
Authors: Tymvios Nicholas , Smithwick Jake , Behm Michael
Published: December 2023

Purpose

With proper design and work planning, falls through fragile skylights are preventable. Skylights pose a hazard to workers when their work tasks for operations, maintenance and repair require them to be on roofs. The National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety produced guidelines and special alerts to address the dangers that are present around skylights, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations have prescriptive requirements for work performed around skylights, and yet incidents still occur. The purpose of this study is to investigate and raise awareness for the causality of the incidents involving skylights in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors investigated and analyzed 204 incidents involving skylights recorded by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to characterize their nature and to determine any correlation with the roof environment or the nature of the work performed. Using Google Earth and Google Maps roof geometry, proximity of skylights to roof edge and rooftop mechanical equipment was determined.

Findings

The majority of falls through skylights occur during roof maintenance and repair activities. Falls through skylights are underreported. Because of a general lack of good design to reduce or eliminate the risk of falling through skylights, facility managers carry the burden to properly assess work and access on roofs where fragile skylights are present.

Originality/value

The phenomenon of falling through skylights was made aware on a national level in the USA in 1989; however, little has been done from a design and planning perspective to reduce these incidents. This paper presents a unique perspective on the role of facility managers in understanding the hazards associated with roof maintenance near skylights.
Drivers for the implementation of circular economy in the Nigerian AECO industry: a structural equation modelling approach
Authors: Bello Abdulkabir Opeyemi , Isa Rasheed Babatunde , Afolabi Oladayo Popoola , Arogundade Suhaib , Khan Ayaz Ahmad
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the drivers influencing the implementation of circular economy principles in the Nigerian architecture, engineering, construction and operation (AECO) industry across diverse regions of Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research approach was adopted, using a structured questionnaire distributed to AECO professionals across four selected regions (North Central, North West, South-South and South West) in Nigeria. The data were analysed using Kruskal–Wallis test and structural equation modelling (SEM).

Findings

The study findings show a robust consensus of opinions among the respondents across regions and professions. The SEM analysis establishes the significant influence of the hypothesized drivers, regulatory and institutional, supply chain collaboration, technological advancements, organizational support and business strategies on the successful implementation of circular economy principles in the Nigerian AECO industry.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to specific regions and professions within Nigeria. Further limitation is the quantitative orientation of this study, which collects data using only a questionnaire.

Practical implications

The findings imply that stakeholders can adopt a unified approach to promote circular economy principles in the AECO industry. By recognizing the common understanding of circular economy drivers, collaborative efforts can be streamlined to advance sustainability, resource efficiency and circularity in the industry.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the nascent field of circular economy implementation in the Nigerian AECO industry. It offers a unique perspective by exploring variations in stakeholder opinions, providing insights into the nuanced understanding of circular economy drivers.
Social innovation in working management practices to support facilities management at Malaysian polytechnics
Authors: Ismail Zul-Atfi
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Operation and maintenance (O&M) processes projects such as identification, assessment, planning and execution, embody a variety of standards such as technical (method of statement), environmental, economic (campus development) and social (health and wellbeing). Because these standards have proven to be challenging to integrate, local governments are increasingly experimenting with social innovation (SI) as a bottom-up form of standard integration. This study aims to apply the concept of SI to the O&M processes of facilities management at polytechnics in Malaysia to identify problems with conventional working practices in this area and to recommend potential solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews evidence that conventional working methods generate significant problems related to paper-based forms, improper database management and flawed decision-making processes. Because of the lack knowledge about different ways of how standard integration is achieved, the comparison of three polytechnic institutions which are Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology (SPCEET) in USA as well as Seberang Perai Polytechnic, Pulau Pinang (PSP) in Malaysia shares the ambition to realise standard integration of O&M through SI.

Findings

The findings reveal that SI leads to four ways of standard integration: computerised maintenance management system, online customer complaint, electronic form and relational database. Application of the concept of SI reveals the need for more sophisticated management solutions in the O&M processes of facilities management.

Originality/value

These standard integration arrangements unfortunately seem to mainly contribute to greater alignment between standard rather than true standard integration. The concept of SI will guide future improvements and developments in maintenance management systems to fulfil requirements in this area.
A systematic review of customer Sharia compliance behaviour in Islamic banks: determinants and behavioural intention
Authors: Andespa Roni , Yeni Yulia Hendri , Fernando Yudi , Sari Dessy Kurnia
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate what past scholars have learned about Muslim consumer compliance behaviour in Islamic banks and identify what future research is needed. In addition, it also explores the relationship model between the previously studied determining factors and the customer’s Sharia compliance behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a bibliometric–systematic literature review analysis using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) technique by reviewing the articles published from 2013 to 2023. The PRISMA procedures involved several stages, including identification, screening, eligibility, analysis and conclusion based on the findings.

Findings

The results found that customer Sharia compliance behaviour determinants in Islamic banks are attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, Islamic financial literacy, religiosity, consumer conformity, Islamic branding and behavioural intention. Interestingly, the results indicated that such factors as consumer conformity, Islamic branding and sustainable intentions are less discussed.

Practical implications

Decision-makers in Islamic banks must use digital technology to offer better service and make operations more reachable for customers to access information, complete transactions and manage their accounts by Sharia principles. Therefore, the bank needs to continually produce innovative products and services so that customers have a greater variety of options to suit their Sharia-compliant financial needs. Theoretically, this study has contributed by finding the main critical domains influencing customers’ Sharia compliance behaviour, such as attitudes, subjective norms, perceptions of behavioural control, knowledge of Islamic finance, religiosity, consumer conformity, Islamic branding and behavioural intentions. Then, it makes a theoretical contribution by establishing a model that explains how customers make decisions based on Sharia-related factors in the context of their purchases.

Originality/value

Past studies focused on the Sharia compliance behaviour in paying Zakat for takaful customers. Therefore, this study provides critical factors of Sharia compliance behaviour on conformity, Islamic branding and sustainable intention regarding unexplored consensus on the determinants and outcomes of customer Sharia compliance behaviour of Islamic banking.
Digital reading of undergraduate students in Vietnamese universities: a focus group study
Authors: Nguyen Lan Thi
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The development of digital technology and digital resources have influenced one’s reading habits. This paper aimed to study undergraduate students' reading in digital sphere at universities in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

A focus group study with 31 undergraduate students of six groups at six public universities was conducted to get their perspectives on reading preference, strategies, effectiveness and psychological factors influencing reading ability.

Findings

The results confirmed that bachelor students' reading preference for document formats depended on their reading purposes. They used different reading strategies for digital and traditional reading, for instance, keyword searching, taking note, skimming, scanning, need-based reading, selective reading, comparison, evaluation and criticism. Students had faster reading speed for digital texts; however, they had better concentration and memorization in printed documents. When students have motivation, good attitudes and emotion, they could be motivated to read more.

Originality/value

These findings were useful in enhancing the understanding of digital reading competence and help stakeholders find out solutions to improve reading capacity of Vietnamese students in digital space.
The effect of retailer CSR and consumer environmental responsibility on green consumption behaviors: mediation of environmental concern and customer trust
Authors: Saif Saad , Zameer Hashim , Wang Ying , Ali Qadir
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Growing environmental issues worldwide need the engagement of all stakeholders to compliance with the decisions of global leaders made at COP21 and COP26. In this regard, the present study looks at the influence of retailer social responsibility and consumer environmental responsibility by reinforcing consumer’s green consumption behaviors. Similarly, the proposed study incorporates the mediating role of customer trust and environmental concern to understand whether retailer corporate social responsibility and consumer environmental responsibility strengthen green consumption behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple hypotheses have been developed in light of the theoretical analysis of the available literature. The information was gathered through a survey method. A web-based portal was used to administer the survey, and 340 useable responses were processed by SPSS 23.0 and AMOS 23.0 for experiential analysis. First, the validity and reliability were evaluated. The authors then tested potential relationships using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Survey data analyzed using the SEM approach reveal that consumer environmental responsibility and retailer CSR does not drive green consumption behavior directly. However, green concern and consumer trust mediates the relation of consumer environmental responsibility and retailer CSR towards green consumption behavior. Another mediating path was also tested through environmental responsibility and green concern among retailer's CSR and green consumption behavior. The outcomes of this path are also significant.

Practical implications

The study holds promising implications for green consumption behaviors. The following can be achieved by implementing more sustainable supply chain strategies, such as lowering carbon footprint, purchasing eco-friendly goods and supporting environmental causes through retailers and consumers as well.

Originality/value

This study investigated the joint contribution of retailer CSR and environmental responsibility to green consumption for the first time. The work strengthens the body of knowledge in the field of managerial decision-making and creates new directions for scholarly investigation.
Geographic variations in eco‐evolutionary factors governing urban birds: The case of university campuses in China
Authors: Zhong Yongjing , Luo Yuelong , Zhu Younan , Deng Jiewen , Tu Jiahao , Yu Jiehua , He Jiekun
Published: December 2023

Urbanization alters natural habitats, restructures biotic communities and serves as a filter for selecting species from regional species pools. However, empirical evidence of the specific traits that allow species to persist in urban areas yields mixed results. More importantly, it remains unclear which traits are widespread for species utilizing urban spaces (urban utilizers) and which are environment‐dependent traits.

Using 745 bird species from 287 university/institute campuses in 74 cities and their species pools across China, we tested whether species that occur in urban areas are correlated with regards to their biological (body mass, beak shape, flight capacity and clutch size), ecological (diet diversity, niche width and habitat breadth), behavioural (foraging innovation) and evolutionary (diversification rate) attributes.

We used Bayesian phylogenetic generalized linear mixed models to disentangle the relative roles of these predictors further, and to determine the extent to which the effects of these predictors varied among different cities.

We found that urban birds were more phylogenetically clustered than expected by chance, and were generally characterized by a larger habitat breadth, faster diversification rate, more behavioural innovation and smaller body size. Notably, the relative effects of the attributes in explaining urban bird communities varied with city temperature and elevation, indicating that the filters used to determine urban species were environment dependent.

We conclude that, while urban birds are typically small‐sized, generalists, innovative and rapidly diversifying, the key traits that allow them to thrive vary spatially, depending on the climatic and topographic conditions of the city. These findings emphasize the importance of studying species communities within specific cities to better understand the contextual dependencies of key traits that are filtered by urban environments.
Fewer pests and more ecosystem service‐providing arthropods in shady African cocoa farms: Insights from a data integration study
Authors: Jarrett Crinan , Cyril Kowo , Haydon Daniel T. , Wandji Christel Alain , Ferreira Diogo F. , Welch Andreanna J. , Powell Luke L. , Matthiopoulos Jason
Published: December 2023

Agricultural intensification is leading to conversion of cocoa agroforestry towards monocultures across the tropics. In the context of cocoa agriculture, arthropods provide a range of ecosystem services and dis‐services. Arthropod pests (e.g., mirids and mealybugs) can cause major damage to crops, whilst pollinators and natural enemies (e.g., predatory insects and parasitoids) have the potential to enhance agricultural yields. Understanding how intensification of cocoa farming affects different arthropod groups is therefore important in maximising the abundance of beneficial arthropod taxa and reducing pest burdens. However, little is known about the influences of agricultural intensification on tropical arthropod communities, especially in Africa, where ~70% of the world's cocoa is produced.

Most research on arthropod communities considers data from different sampling methods separately, as proxies of abundance; whilst these proxies can be informative, estimating true abundance enables direct comparison between arthropod taxa, and therefore the study of community dynamics. Here, we develop a Bayesian hierarchical model that integrates data from three common arthropod survey techniques to estimate population size of arthropod orders and to investigate how arthropod community composition responds to farm shade cover (an indicator of management intensity).

Our results show that eight of 11 arthropod taxa responded to farm shade cover; importantly, brown capsids (the primary pest of cocoa in Africa), Coleoptera pests and Hemiptera pests decreased with increasing farm shade cover, whilst Araneae (natural enemies) and Diptera (potential pollinators) were more abundant in shady farms.

Synthesis and applications. To achieve lower pest burdens and higher abundances of potential pollinators and natural enemies, African cocoa farms should maintain a dense canopy of shade trees. The current shift towards high‐intensity cocoa farming in Africa could result in long‐term losses due to pest infestations and loss of arthropod‐mediated ecosystem services.
Mortality in adolescents and young adults following a first presentation to the emergency department for alcohol
Authors: Harrison Lyndsay D. , Dumicho Asnake Y. , Eddeen Anan Bader , Tanuseputro Peter , Kendall Claire E. , Fiedorowicz Jess G. , Rosic Tea , Fernando Shannon M. , McNaughton Candace D. , Corace Kim , Kurdyak Paul , Beckerleg Weiwei , Webber Colleen , Gardner William , Sood Manish , Myran Daniel Thomas
Published: December 2023

Background and Methods

We conducted a population‐based, retrospective cohort study of first‐time emergency department (ED) visits in adolescents and young adults (AYA) due to alcohol and compared mortality to AYA with nonalcohol ED visits between 2009 and 2015 using standardized all‐cause mortality ratios (age, sex, income, and rurality). We described the cause of death for AYA and examined the association between clinical factors and mortality rates in the alcohol cohort using proportional hazard models.

Results

A total of 71,776 AYA had a first‐time ED visit due to alcohol (56.1% male, mean age 20.7 years) between 2009 and 2015, representing 3.3% of the 2,166,838 AYA with an ED visit in this time period. At 1 year, there were 2396 deaths, 248 (10.3%) following an ED visit related to alcohol. First‐time alcohol ED visits were associated with a threefold higher risk in mortality at 1 year (0.35% vs. 0.10%, adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 3.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.69–3.51). Mortality was associated with age 25–29 years (aHR 3.88, 95% CI 2.56–5.86), being male (aHR 1.98, 95% CI 1.49–2.62), having a history of mental health or substance use (aHR 3.22, 95% CI 1.64–6.32), cause of visit being withdrawal/dependence (aHR 2.81, 95% CI 1.96–4.02), and having recurrent ED visits (aHR 1.97, 95% CI 1.27–3.05). Trauma (42.7%), followed by poisonings from drugs other than opioids (38.3%), and alcohol (28.6%) were the most common contributing causes of death.

Conclusion

Incident ED visits due to alcohol in AYA are associated with a high risk of 1‐year mortality, especially in young adults, those with concurrent mental health or substance use disorders, and those with a more severe initial presentation. These findings may help inform the need and urgency for follow‐up care in this population.
High test–retest reliability of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test‐Consumption (AUDIT‐C) questionnaire completed by primary care patients in routine care
Authors: Simon Claire B. , McCabe Connor J. , Matson Theresa E. , Oliver Malia , Bradley Katharine A. , Hallgren Kevin A.
Published: December 2023

Background

The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test‐Consumption (AUDIT‐C) is a three‐item screening measure of unhealthy alcohol use that is widely used in healthcare settings. Evidence shows high test–retest reliability of the AUDIT‐C in research samples, but most studies had limited external validity and used small samples that could not be used to evaluate reliability across demographic subgroups and/or screening modalities. This study evaluates the test–retest reliability of the AUDIT‐C completed in routine care in a large primary care sample, including across demographic subgroups defined by age, sex, race, ethnicity, and screening modality (i.e., completed in‐clinic or online).

Methods

We used electronic health record (EHR) data from Kaiser Permanente Washington. The sample included 18,491 adult primary care patients who completed two AUDIT‐C screens 1–21 days apart as part of routine care in 2021. Test–retest reliability was evaluated for AUDIT‐C total scores (0–12) and for a binary measure indicating unhealthy alcohol use (scores ≥3 women, ≥4 men). Using previously established cutoffs, we interpreted reliability coefficients >0.75 as indicating “excellent” reliability.

Results

AUDIT‐C screens completed in routine care and documented in EHRs had excellent test–retest reliability for total scores (ICC = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.87–0.87) and the binary indicator of unhealthy alcohol use (κ = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.78–0.80). Reliability coefficients were good to excellent across all demographic groups and for in‐clinic and online modalities. Higher reliability was seen when both screens were completed through online patient portals (ICC = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.93–0.93) versus in‐clinic (ICC = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.79–0.82) or when one screen was completed using each modality (ICC = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.82–0.83). Lower reliability was seen in American Indian/Alaska Native (ICC = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.75–0.87) and multiracial individuals (ICC = 0.82, 95% 0.80–0.84).

Conclusions

In real‐world routine care conditions, AUDIT‐C screens have excellent test–retest reliability across demographic subgroups and modalities (online and in‐clinic). Future research should examine why reliability varies slightly across modalities and demographic subgroups.
Insidious Harassment: Criminalisation, Solidarity, and Migration in France and Morocco
Authors: Hagan Maria , Bachelet Sébastien
Published: December 2023

Amidst well‐documented hostile migration policies, this article explores how logics of criminalisation seep into the lives of activists and citizens, providing assistance, relief, advocacy, and other forms of support to migrant people. As presences considered legal and legitimate, solidarity actors inhabit distinct subjectivities from those of people migrating informally, yet state authorities interpret their acts as problematic and subject them to intrusive modes of policing. Drawing on critical border studies and feminist geography, this article homes in on less spectacular modes of criminalisation that target them in the intimacy of their everyday lives, threatening their sense of security through opaque surveillance, attacks on their emotions, employment prospects and family life. Drawing on ethnographic research carried out among these groups in Morocco and northern France, we conceptualise this mode of criminalisation as insidious harassment, examining the entanglement of geopolitics, emotions, and the intimate at these migration pressure points. Without decentring migrants as the primary targets of violent bordering, it broadens our understanding of these regimes by drawing attention to the ways in which they viscerally target those who work to protect the rights of migrant people.
Utilizing plasma drug levels and genetic testing to achieve optimal treatment response in a patient with treatment‐resistant schizoaffective disorder
Authors: Xu Jin‐jie , Xiao Chunfeng , Pan Yanli , Tang Yi‐lang , Wang Mingwan , Li Sheng , Xie Gaoming , Du Jing , Ren Yanping , Wang Wei
Published: December 2023

We report the case of a Chinese male with schizoaffective disorder, an active smoker and a nonresponder to clozapine (600 mg daily). Therapeutic clozapine monitoring was analyzed, revealing a low concentration‐dose ratio. A pharmacogenetic test showed that the patient had the CYP1A2*1F/*1F genotype, indicating an ultra‐rapid clozapine metabolizer. In combination with fluvoxamine, a CYP1A2 enzyme inhibitor, clozapine plasma concentrations approached the reference range and achieved clinical improvement. This case demonstrates how pharmacogenetics can help understand the value of therapeutic drug monitoring to enhance the treatment of refractory schizoaffective disorder.
Featured Cover
Authors: Mertens Christian , Büsch Christopher , Goldenbaum Konrad , Ristow Oliver , Hoffmann Jürgen , Wang Hom‐Lay , Hoffmann Korbinian Jochen
Published: December 2023

The cover image is based on the Original Article Full block or split block?—Comparison of two different autogenous block grafting techniques for alveolar ridge reconstruction by Christian Mertens DDS et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/cid.13263.

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Embryonal and pineal tumours
Authors: Reznicek Joseph , Sharifai Nima , Jamshidi Pouya , Wadhwani Nitin , Ahrendsen Jared T.
Published: December 2023

Embryonal and pineal tumours represent a diverse group of central nervous system (CNS) neoplasms. While many of the small round blue cell tumours that make up the embryonal neoplasms share similar histologic qualities, there are several morphologic and cytologic characteristics that are useful in distinguishing different tumour types. Similarly, pineal parenchymal tumours represent clinically diverse tumours, ranging from benign to overtly malignant. The most recent iteration of the World Health Organization Classification of CNS Tumours expanded greatly on the significance of molecular alterations in brain tumour diagnostics. In this article, we summarize the salient cytologic and histologic features of CNS embryonal and pineal tumours, and highlight diagnostically relevant molecular alterations within each tumour type.
Motivations, activities, timing, and employee engagement: three approaches to business involvement in disasters
Authors: Alony Irit , Haski‐Leventhal Debbie , Mehra Akriti
Published: December 2023

The alarming rise in occurrences of disasters, along with the positive development of corporate social responsibility (CSR), has led to the growing need for and involvement of businesses in disaster relief. However, this involvement differs greatly across organisations, and the fragmented research that exists has not offered an understanding of these differences and how they affect disaster relief. This study provides a comprehensive model of companies' involvement in disaster relief by integrating two disaster relief frameworks (activities and timing) into two CSR frameworks (motivation and employee engagement). The result is the MATE Model of four inextricably linked dimensions (motivation, activities, timing, and employee engagement), examined in a qualitative study with 57 interviewees across 34 organisations in Australia. The resulting Corporate Involvement in Disasters Model details the four MATE dimensions and categorises three approaches to corporate involvement in disaster relief: reactive, relational, and comprehensive. This model details a roadmap for effective business involvement in disaster relief.
PRIORITY Trial: Results from a feasibility randomised controlled trial of a psychoeducational intervention for parents to prevent disordered eating in children and young people with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Jones Christina J. , Read Rebecca , O'Donnell Nicola , Wakelin Katherine , John Mary , Skene Simon S. , Stewart Rose , Hale Lucy , Cooke Debbie , Kanumakala Shankar , Satherley Rose‐Marie
Published: December 2023

Aims

Children and young people (CYP) with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are at increased risk of disordered eating. This study aimed to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a novel, theoretically informed, two‐session psychoeducational intervention for parents to prevent disordered eating in CYP with T1D.

Methods

Parents of CYP aged 11–14 years with T1D were randomly allocated to the intervention or wait‐list control group. Self‐reported measures including the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey—Revised (DEPS‐R), Problem Areas in Diabetes Parent Revised (PAID‐PR), Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire subscales (CEBQ), Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS), clinical outcomes (e.g. HbA1c, BMI, medication and healthcare utilisation) and process variables, were collected at baseline, 1‐and 3‐month assessments. Acceptability data were collected from intervention participants via questionnaire.

Results

Eighty‐nine parents were recruited, which exceeded recruitment targets, with high intervention engagement and acceptability (<80% across domains). A signal of efficacy was observed across outcome measures with moderate improvements in the CEBQ subscale satiety responsiveness (d = 0.55, 95% CI 0.01, 1.08) and child's BMI (d = −0.56, 95% CI −1.09, 0.00) at 3 months compared with controls. Trends in the anticipated direction were also observed with reductions in disordered eating (DEPS‐R) and diabetes distress (PAID‐PR) and improvements in wellbeing (WEMWBS).

Conclusions

This is the first study to have co‐designed and evaluated a novel parenting intervention to prevent disordered eating in CYP with T1D. The intervention proved feasible and acceptable with encouraging effects. Preparatory work is required prior to definitive trial to ensure the most relevant primary outcome measure and ensure strategies for optimum outcome completion.
The application of organoid models in research into metabolic diseases
Authors: Song Yufan , Lu Sumei , Gao Fei , Wei Tianshu , Ma Wanshan
Published: December 2023

Metabolic diseases have become a major threat to human health worldwide as a result of changing lifestyles. The exploration of the underlying molecular mechanisms of metabolic diseases and the development of improved therapeutic methods have been hindered by the lack of appropriate human experimental models. Organoids are three‐dimensional in vitro models of self‐renewing cells that spontaneously self‐organize into structures similar to the corresponding in vivo tissues, recapitulating the original tissue function. Off‐body organoid technology has been successfully applied to disease modelling, developmental biology, regenerative medicine, and tumour precision medicine. This new generation of biological models has received widespread attention. This article focuses on the construction process and research progress with regard to organoids related to metabolic diseases in recent years, and looks forward to their prospective applications.
Lessons learned implementing mineral accretion and coral gardening at Agincourt Reef, Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Cook Nathan , Cook Kailash , Harris Kaitlyn J , Songcuan Al , Smith Adam K
Published: December 2023

The health and diversity of coral reefs are critically important to the stability and value of the marine tourism industry. Declines in coral reef health through climate change impacts and cyclones, and associated media coverage, have impacted tourism visitation. In January 2018, a major change in Australian Government policy included a Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program to investigate the best science and technology options for helping the Great Barrier Reef recover and adapt to the changing environment. We report on a trial of two intervention methods, mineral accretion and coral gardening, to improve hard coral recovery at a popular site on the Great Barrier Reef. We installed six artificial reef substrates onto which an equal number of coral fragments of seven species were transplanted over the course of two years. During this time, three of the six treatments were connected to a low‐voltage power source to encourage mineral accretion and enhance coral growth. Electrolysis resulted in substantial mineral accretion on the steel substrate, however, the technology had no positive effect on the survival or growth of transplanted coral colonies. After 13 months, a second round of transplanted coral fragments was undertaken, and the electrolysis was discontinued. Over a four‐year period, mean live coral cover increased significantly in both treatment locations, from 1.7% and 0% to 80.8% and 75.8%, respectively. Control locations increased insignificantly from a mean of 5% to 14.2%. The mineral accretion technology proved technically challenging and did not support the growth or health of transplanted corals, providing no evidence to support the use of mineral accretion technology for this purpose. The technology may, however, have applications in the creation of new, solid substrates and for initial rubble stabilisation efforts. These results demonstrate the effective use of artificial substrates in conjunction with coral gardening techniques for the recovery of hard coral at degraded tourism sites.
Evaluating remnant vegetation management practices adjacent to apple orchards to support native bee pollinators
Authors: Spronk Amber L. , Guerin Greg R. , Martín‐Forés Irene , Lowe Andrew J. , Hogendoorn Katja
Published: December 2023

Maintenance of a diverse pollinator community helps ensure resilience in pollination services. Fragments of woody and grassy vegetation in the vicinity of croplands have been shown to encourage the presence of crop‐pollinating bees. However, to date, little attention has been given to the management practices that may enhance the presence of bees in such fragments. We investigated how the maintenance of remnant forest fragments adjacent to apple orchards in South Australia affects floral resources and native bee communities. The fragments had been subject to either (a) fire (assessments three years post‐burn), (b) cattle grazing under trees and (c) low maintenance management (>20 years not grazed or burnt). Plant communities were sampled along transects in plots. Bee communities were sampled using hand netting. We fitted generalised linear mixed models to investigate differences in plant and bee diversity between treatments and to elucidate the effect of plant diversity on bee diversity. We compared plant and bee community composition among treatments using non‐metric multidimensional scaling and conducted network analysis to measure the robustness of plant‐pollinator interactions to the removal of species. Both floral resource abundance and bee diversity were higher in burnt and low‐maintenance fragments than in grazed fragments. Bee species richness was positively associated with plant species richness. The species richness of bees that visit apple flowers was positively associated with flower abundance but not with floral species richness. Plant‐pollinator networks in grazed sites had fewer links per species and a higher proportion of realised links than those under other management practices. However, the resilience of pollinator networks did not differ significantly between management practices. Thus, controlled burns or low‐maintenance management of forest fragments appear to be the most suitable landscape management practices to support apple pollinating bees. Burning requires consideration of additional ecological consequences, such as the conservation of fire‐sensitive species and specialist woodland fauna. Cattle grazing adjacent to orchards results in simplified bee communities and pollination networks and is not recommended if pollination services are required for adjacent land uses. This information can benefit orchardist as well as managers of fragments of native vegetation adjacent to orchard crops.
Psychological precursors of epileptic seizures
Authors: Michaelis Rosa , Schöller Helmut , Popkirov Stoyan , Edelhäuser Friedrich , Kolenik Tine , Trinka Eugen , Schiepek Günter
Published: December 2023

Psychological stress is the most commonly self‐reported precursor of epileptic seizures. However, retrospective and prospective studies remain inconclusive in this regard. Here, we explored whether seizures would be preceded by significant changes in reported stressors or resource utilization. This study is based on high‐frequency time series through daily online completion of personalized questionnaires of 9–24 items in epilepsy outpatients and compared responses 1–14 days before seizures with interictal time series. Fourteen patients (79% women, age = 23–64 years) completed daily questionnaires over a period of 87–898 days (median = 277 days = 9.2 months). A total of 4560 fully completed daily questionnaires were analyzed, 685 of which included reported seizure events. Statistically significant changes in preictal compared to interictal dynamics were found in 11 of 14 patients (79%) across 41 items (22% of all 187 items). In seven of 14 patients (50%), seizures were preceded by a significant mean increase of stressors and/or a significant mean decrease of resource utilization. This exploratory analysis of long‐term prospective individual patient data on specific stressors and personal coping strategies generates the hypothesis that medium‐term changes in psychological well‐being may precede the occurrence of epileptic seizures in some patients.
Thorns in the side: Strategies of populist parties against local public administrations
Authors: Drapalova Eliska
Published: December 2023

The success of populist parties in national elections puts pressure on political leaders and their administrations, both at the central and sub‐national levels. This paper explores the political tensions between two administrative levels—a central level governed by a populist party, and the city level headed by a liberal party—and the strategies populists use to challenge local political leaders and their city administrations. This paper analyzes three case studies: Prague, Warsaw, and Budapest. In all three cities, opposition candidates are visible challengers to the populist parties in government. The results show that city administrations face increasing tasks, cuts in budget transfers, higher scrutiny from central government, and administrative bottlenecks.
Fine study of hierarchical interphase constructed by boron nitride and carbon nanotubes in SiCf/SiC composites
Authors: Yan Bing , Fan Benhui , Huang Xiaozhong , Du Zuojuan , Liu Yu , Yue Jianling , Bai Jinbo
Published: December 2023

A fine study of the interfacial part in the silicon carbide fiber (SiCf) reinforced silicon carbide (SiC) composites was conducted by transmission electron microscopy. The boron nitride (BN) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were progressively coated on the SiCf by chemical vapor deposition method to form a hierarchical structure. Three composites with different interfaces, SiCf–CNTs/SiC, SiCf@BN/SiC, and SiCf@BN–CNTs/SiC, were fabricated by polymer infiltration and pyrolysis method. The interfaces and microstructures of the three composites were carefully characterized to investigate the improvement mechanism of strength and toughness. The results showed that BN could protect the surface of SiCf from corrosion and oxidation so that improved the possibility of debonding and pullout. CNTs could avoid the propagation of cracks in the composites so that improved the damage resistance of the matrix. The synergistic reinforcement brought by BN and CNTs interfaces made the SiCf@BN–CNTs/SiC composites with a tensile fracture strength as high as 359 MPa, with an improvement of 23% compared to that of SiCf@BN/SiC.
Treatment of wound infections linked to neurosurgical implants
Authors: Wang Yu , Wang Yuhao , Wang Shuai , Hou Shiqiang , Yu Dong , Zhang Chao , Zhang Lanlan , Lin Ning
Published: December 2023

As neurosurgery has advanced technologically, more and more neurosurgical implants are being employed on an aging patient population with several comorbidities. As a result, there is a steady increase in the frequency of infections linked to neurosurgical implants, which causes serious morbidity and mortality as well as abnormalities of the skull and inadequate brain protection. We discuss infections linked to internal and external ventricular and lumbar cerebrospinal fluid drainages, neurostimulators, craniotomies, and cranioplasty in this article. Biofilms, which are challenging to remove, are involved in all implant‐associated illnesses. It takes a small quantity of microorganisms to create a biofilm on the implant surface. Skin flora bacteria are implicated in the majority of illnesses. Microorganisms that cause disruptions in wound healing make their way to the implant either during or right after surgery. In about two thirds of patients, implant‐associated infections manifest early (within the first month after surgery), whereas the remaining infections present later as a result of low‐grade infections or by direct extension from adjacent infections (per continuitatem) to the implants due to soft tissue damage. Except for ventriculo‐atrial cerebrospinal fluid shunts, neurosurgical implants are rarely infected by the haematogenous route. This research examines established and clinically validated principles that are applicable to a range of surgical specialties using implants to treat biofilm‐associated infections in orthopaedic and trauma cases. Nevertheless, there is little evidence and no evaluation in sizable patient populations to support the success of this extrapolation to neurosurgical patients. An optimal microbiological diagnostic, which includes sonicating removed implants and extending culture incubation times, is necessary for a positive result. Additionally, a strategy combining surgical and antibiotic therapy is needed. Surgical procedures involve a suitable debridement along with implant replacement or exchange, contingent on the biofilm's age and the state of the soft tissue. A protracted biofilm‐active therapy is a component of antimicrobial treatment, usually lasting 4–12 weeks. This idea is appealing because it allows implants to be changed or kept in place for a single surgical procedure in a subset of patients. This not only enhances quality of life but also lowers morbidity because each additional neurosurgical procedure increases the risk of secondary complications like intracerebral bleeding or ischemia.
ALKBH5 regulates ovarian cancer growth via demethylating long noncoding RNA PVT1 in ovarian cancer
Authors: Li Lin , Chen Jie , Wang Ao , Yi Ke
Published: December 2023

The long noncoding RNA PVT1 is reported to act as an oncogene in several kinds of cancers, especially ovarian cancer (OV). Abnormal levels of N6‐methyladenosine, a dynamic and reversible modification, are associated with tumorigenesis and malignancies. Our previous study reported that PVT1 plays critical roles in regulating OV. However, it is still largely unknown how m6A modification affects OV via PVT1. In this study, we aimed to investigate the regulation of ALKBH5 by affecting PVT1 in OV. We first found that the PVT1 RNA level was higher in OV cells than in IOSE80 cells, and conversely, the m6A modification level of PVT1 was lower in OV cells. By searching the HPA, ALKBH5, which is responsible for PVT1 demethylation, was found to be upregulated in OV tissues versus normal ovarian tissues. ALKBH5 binds to PVT1 RNA, and knockdown of ALKBH5 decreased PVT1 RNA levels. ALKBH5 also increased FOXM1 levels by upregulating PVT1, at least partially. Knockdown of ALKBH5 suppressed OV growth, colony formation, tumour formation and invasion, which were partially reversed by overexpression of PVT1. Moreover, ALKBH5 knockdown decreased FOXM1 levels by regulating PVT1 RNA expression, subsequently increasing the sensitivity to carboplatin, 5‐FU and docetaxel chemotherapy. Taken together, these results indicate that ALKBH5 directly regulates the m6A modification and stability of PVT1. Then, modified PVT1 further regulates FOXM1 and thus affects malignant behaviours and chemosensitivity in OV cells. All these results indicate that ALKBH5 regulates the malignant behaviour of OV by regulating PVT1/FOXM1.