bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“I love and dream of a future where we're all coaches” – an analysis of multiple perspectives on managerial coaching
Authors: Jones Jenni , Lundgren Henriette , Poell Rob
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore multiple perspectives on managerial coaching: why and how managers engage, employees and human resource development (HRD) professionals’ perspectives on the use and how HRD and managers can better support each other with it.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used secondary analysis of empirical data already collected through a transnational study from 20 different medium-size to large organisations in the Netherlands, the UK and the USA. For this study, 58 interviews referring to coaching were analysed from 18 of these organisations, from these 3 different countries and from 3 stakeholder groups: managers, employees and HRD professionals.

Findings

Findings show that managers perform a variety of “on the job” informal coaching roles and that HRD professionals lead the more formal aspects. Managers felt that HRD support was limited and hoped for more. A limited number of employees mentioned coaching, but those that did highlighted the different types of coaching they received in the workplace, referring to managers but with little recognition of HRD’s role. HRD professionals shared how they support managers through both informal and formal coaching approaches, but this was not fully acknowledged by neither managers nor employees.

Practical implications

The findings of this study contribute to the literature on devolved HRD practices, highlighting that managers are engaging more in managerial coaching with their teams, that potentially employees are not that aware of this and that managers and employees are not fully aware of HRD’s contribution to supporting coaching and feel they could do more. As a result, this study suggests that HRD professionals have a clear role to play in creating and leading the supportive organisational culture for coaching to thrive, not only in setting the “coaching scene” for managers to work within but also through offering support for long-term capacity building for all employees.

Originality/value

Through the diffusion of key HRD activities into managerial roles, and while internal coaching is gaining more momentum, managers now step up when coaching their teams. This study extends the limited prior research on managers’ and others’ (employees and HRD) beliefs about the coaching role in the workplace. This study highlights the changing role of the manager, the need for HRD to offer more support for the joint role that managers are taking (manager and coach) and the partnership potential for HRD professionals to include all stakeholders including employees.
Factors influencing the adoption of big data in libraries: a systematic literature review of peer-reviewed articles from 2013 to 2023
Authors: Shahzad Khurram , Khan Shakeel Ahmad
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study are to identify the factors influencing the adoption of big data in libraries, determine the challenges causing the hindrance of big data implementation and reveal the best practices for the efficient adoption of big data in libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was applied to address the objectives of the study. Twenty-two studies published in peer-reviewed journals were selected to conduct the study.

Findings

The findings of the study revealed that decision-making, service enhancement, professional development and preservation factors influenced the adoption of big data technologies in libraries. The study also displayed that challenges of infrastructure, technical skills, data management and legal considerations caused barriers to the adoption of big data in libraries. Results also revealed that training and professional development, guidelines and policies establishment, leadership and strategic planning and resource allocation proved fruitful in the efficient adoption of big data applications in libraries.

Originality/value

The study offers theoretical implications for future investigators through the provision of innovative literature on the factors, challenges and best practices associated with big data in the context of librarianship. The study has also provided practical implications for management bodies by offering guidelines for the successful adoption of big data in libraries.
Web archiving and chilling effects: a preliminary study
Authors: Shiozaki Ryo
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This empirical study investigates the potential impact on freedom of expression arising from the accumulation of user-generated content on the web. The purpose of this study is to serve as a valuable reference for countries and regions that have not yet implemented web archiving due to similar concerns.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the goals, the author conducted a web-based survey experiment using sentiment analysis of book reviews as a representation of general topics. This approach enabled the author to objectively examine whether the expression of content undergoes changes in accordance with social conformity theory.

Findings

The study’s findings suggest that, at least for general topics, the observed chilling effect is minimal at best. This provides support for the proposition that it is advisable to proceed to the subsequent phase, where more sensitive subjects can be thoroughly explored in the context of web archiving and its associated chilling effects.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first attempt to conduct a survey experiment addressing potential chilling effects resulting from the collection of user-generated content. Notably, the measurement of chilling effects remains contentious and comes with inherent limitations, adding a nuanced perspective to the discourse.
Empowering youth for sustainability in universities: service-learning and the willingness to act
Authors: Alvarez-Vanegas Alejandro , Volante Louis
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Service-learning (SL) shows potential to respond to the global policy agenda of education for sustainable development (ESD) by increasing pro-sustainability competences through direct involvement of students in projects that satisfy identified community needs. Nevertheless, there is a scarcity of studies that attempt to measure the impact of SL on students’ sustainability competences, especially the action competence. This study aims to address this gap by examining the experiences of higher education students.

Design/methodology/approach

A pre-post survey design based on the Self-Perceived Action Competence for Sustainability Questionnaire was conducted on an interdisciplinary group of 219 students of two courses (Sustainable Development and Ecology) in Medellin, Colombia, half of which (109) participated in SL projects.

Findings

Sufficient empirical evidence was found to suggest that SL boosts the impact of academic courses regarding action competences in students (specially their willingness to act).

Research limitations/implications

The statistical analysis shows some contradictions that should be addressed in further research.

Practical implications

These results can encourage more educators and universities to implement strategies such as SL to move forward with ESD and thus help overcome the current socioecological crisis.

Originality/value

This paper not only discusses the theoretical potential of SL but also contrasts theory with empirical observations of 13 SL projects assessed in terms of self-perceived action competence for sustainability.
Kidfluencers' lived experiences of influencer culture: a time for regulation?
Authors: Shomai Shilla , Unwin Peter , Sealey Clive
Published: June 2024

Purpose

“Kidfluencer” is a relatively new term and refers to where young people actively exert influence on lifestyle and consumer behaviour through the use of social media. This study focused on capturing the complexities of this phenomenon, and issues of concern for policymakers that subsequently occur.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used semi-structured interviews to capture the retrospective experiences of ten young people as “kidfluencers” on the social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Findings

The findings identified several issues associated with being a kidfluencer, such as affecting individuals’ work-life balance, their education, how safe they felt online and physically, how they maintained friendships, pressure to increase their profile and their mental health well-being. Overall, the study suggests that kidfluencing has specific negative effects on kidfluencers and their childhood experiences, which should be of concern to policy makers.

Research limitations/implications

All participants were above the age of eighteen. Therefore, their contributions reflect upon their past, rather than speaking about their recent experiences, which can lead to retrospective bias. The sample size is small, reflecting the difficulties in accessing this sensitive area for study.

Practical implications

The study provides support for the decision taken in France to introduce legislation that protects kidfluencers, which may suggest a need for legislation in other countries.

Originality/value

The study is relevant in the context of the new law adopted by the French National Assembly in 2020 to provide a legal framework for the activities of child influencers on a range of online platforms. To date, France is the only country where such laws have been enacted. So far, there has been no specific evaluation of this law, and very little research on welfare issues experienced by kidfluencers themselves, making this study timely.
Multi-objective optimization of tribological properties of camshaft bearing pairs using DNN coupled with NSGA-II algorithm and TOPSIS
Authors: Zhao Jingjing , Li Yuan , Xie Liang , Liu Jinxiang
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to propose an optimization framework using deep neural networks (DNN) coupled with nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II and technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution method to improve the tribological properties of camshaft bearing pairs of internal combustion engine.

Design/methodology/approach

A lubrication model based on the theory of elastohydrodynamic lubrication and flexible multibody dynamics was developed for a V6 diesel engine. Setting DNN model as fitness function, the multi-objective optimization genetic algorithm and decision-making method were used to optimize the bearing pair structure with the goal of minimizing the total friction loss and the difference of the average values of minimum oil film thickness.

Findings

The results show that the lubrication state corresponding to the optimized bearing pair structure is elastohydrodynamic lubrication. Compared with the original structure, the optimized structure significantly reduces the total friction loss.

Originality/value

The optimized performance and corresponding structural parameters are obtained, and the optimization results were verified through multibody dynamics simulation.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-12-2023-0417/
Force manipulability-oriented manipulation planning for collaborative robot
Authors: Zhang Tianyu , Wang Hongguang , LV Peng , Pan Xin’an , Yu Huiyang
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Collaborative robots (cobots) are widely used in various manipulation tasks within complex industrial environments. However, the manipulation capabilities of cobot manipulation planning are reduced by task, environment and joint physical constraints, especially in terms of force performance. Existing motion planning methods need to be more effective in addressing these issues. To overcome these challenges, the authors propose a novel method named force manipulability-oriented manipulation planning (FMMP) for cobots.

Design/methodology/approach

This method integrates force manipulability into a bidirectional sampling algorithm, thus planning a series of paths with high force manipulability while satisfying constraints. In this paper, the authors use the geometric properties of the force manipulability ellipsoid (FME) to determine appropriate manipulation configurations. First, the authors match the principal axes of FME with the task constraints at the robot’s end effector to determine manipulation poses, ensuring enhanced force generation in the desired direction. Next, the authors use the volume of FME as the cost function for the sampling algorithm, increasing force manipulability and avoiding kinematic singularities.

Findings

Through experimental comparisons with existing algorithms, the authors validate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method. The results demonstrate that the FMMP significantly improves the force performance of cobots under task, environmental and joint physical constraints.

Originality/value

To improve the force performance of manipulation planning, the FMMP introduces the FME into sampling-based path planning and comprehensively considers task, environment and joint physical constraints. The proposed method performs satisfactorily in experiments, including assembly and in situ measurement.
Design and control of variable stiffness joint based on magnetic flux adjustment mechanism
Authors: Zhang Ming , Hou Lei , Guo Huaichao , Li Hongyu , Sun Feng , Fang Lijin
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to improve the robot’s performance during interactions with human and uncertain environments.

Design/methodology/approach

A joint stiffness model was established according to the molecular current method and the virtual displacement method. The position and stiffness coordination controller and fuzzy adaptive controller of variable stiffness joint are designed, and the principle prototype of variable stiffness joint is built. The position step and trajectory tracking performance of the variable stiffness joint are verified through experiments.

Findings

Experimental test shows that the joint stiffness can be quickly adjusted. The accuracy of position and trajectory tracking of the joint increases with higher stiffness and decreases with increasing frequency. The fuzzy adaptive controller performed better than the position and stiffness coordination controller in controlling the position step and trajectory tracking of the variable stiffness joint.

Originality/value

A hybrid flux adjustment mechanism is proposed for the components of variable stiffness robot joints, which reduces the mass of the output end of variable stiffness joints and the speed of joint stiffness adjustment. Aiming at the change of system controller performance caused by the change of joint stiffness, a fuzzy adaptive controller is proposed to improve the position step and trajectory tracking characteristics of variable stiffness joints.
Managements' competence, functional background, control systems, contextual factors of the planning system and cash flow management behaviour in Uganda's tourism firms
Authors: Nkundabanyanga Stephen Korutaro , Nayebare Patience , Kabuye Frank
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between Managerial Competence Functional Background of Top Management Teams (FBTMT), Management Control Systems (MCS), Contextual Factors of Planning System (CFPSY) and Cashflow Management Behaviour (CFMB) in the tourism sector in Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a correlational and cross-sectional study utilising a sample of 211 tourism firms (tour operator firms and hotels) and using a questionnaire to enlist responses. Data are analysed using SPSS software.

Findings

Results show significant relationships between managerial competence, functional background of top management teams, management control systems, contextual factors of planning system and cashflow management behaviour. Among the independent variables, management control systems is the best predictor of cash flow management behaviour in tourism firms. It is also a significant mediator in the link between management competence and cash flow management behaviour and that between the functional background of top management teams and cashflow management behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

Appropriate cashflow management behaviour of actors in operating, investing and financing activities of tourism firms can be improved through highly developed management competence, strong management control systems, utilisation of varied functional background of top management teams and enabling contextual factors of the planning system. The study operationally defined cash flow management behaviour as any management behaviour that is relevant to cash flow management in a firm's operating, investing and financing activities probably for the first time and this speaks to those financial statement analysts and other stakeholders wishing to infer cash flow management behaviours from the statement of cash flows.

Originality/value

As far as we are aware, no research has been done on the relationship between the cash flow management behaviour of tour operator companies and hotels in Uganda's tourism sector and the internal contingencies of managerial competence, functional background of top management teams, management control systems, and contextual factors of the planning system.
Hanging up on emergency services: staged calls end differently
Authors: Elms Serena , Clarke David D. , Briskey Mark , Keatley David
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Emergency service dispatchers perform a vital role in assisting callers by helping them through the emergency they are in and ensuring the delivery of first responders. If an emergency caller prematurely hangs up a call, before the arrival of first responders, it can impact a dispatcher’s ability to provide them with assistance. This paper aims to understand why staged callers, who are attempting to cover up a crime, and authentic callers hang up by identifying which linguistic and behavioural indicators occur prior to the end of a call.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 40 emergency calls (20 staged; 20 authentic) related to health and welfare emergencies were analysed with a temporal measure known as indicator waves. This provided a means to identify which indicators occurred above the level expected by chance near the end of authentic and staged calls.

Findings

The results of the current study show that the indicators that proceeded hanging up in authentic calls reflected the nature of the situation (e.g. nonurgency wherein the victim is deceased or is in a stable condition). Whereas the indicators that proceeded hanging up in staged calls focused on the “staging” aspect of the incident by accounting for forensic evidence that could be incriminating.

Originality/value

The identification of indicators that occur before the end of staged and authentic calls provides further insight into the differences between the two call types and offers opportunities for further research, potentially leading to application.
Democracy: a modern definition for the library field
Authors: Buschman John
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Due to contemporary threats to democracy, the topic is highly prominent in news and social discourse. The Library and Information Science (LIS) field writes about democracy frequently and it is a core concept underwriting many common library practices, but it lacks a working definition of modern democracy. This article supplies a minimal definition of democracy specifically for LIS, and expands the concept to encompass a more empirically accurate concept of library roles in democratic societies that includes the sociology of democracy where libraries arguable play a more significant role.

Design/methodology/approach

There is an unpacking of library assumptions about operating in democratic societies, an empirical survey of the conditions of modern democracy, and a baseline theoretical description of democratic functioning as it currently exists.

Findings

A minimal definition of modern democracy situates library practices – and in some ways minimizes them. However, the role of culture – the sociology that democracy presumes – comes to prominence when the civil society role of libraries and the conditions of successful democratic functioning are examined.

Originality/value

There is now a minimal definition of democracy for LIS with this effort, but it needs expansion. In that sense, LIS is a leading example of the undertheorized role of the sociology that democracy presumes.
Unveiling the human–robot encounter: guests’ perspectives on smart hotel experience
Authors: Wang Jiaxin (Sylvia) , Fu Xiaoxiao
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate guests’ experience and perceptions in smart hotels, with a primary focus on the human−robot experience.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing a thematic analysis using the inductive-deductive approach, 546 reviews from Chinese smart hospitality guests, sourced from Ctrip, were examined.

Findings

This study identified five highest-level categories reflecting guests’ perceptions of smart hotels service with themes and subthemes of utilitarian gratification (smart servicescape and smart service quality), sensual gratification (novelty and coolness), social gratification (social presence and social interaction), experiential gratification (functional and emotional experiential value) and satisfaction.

Originality/value

This research enriches the current understanding of guests’ experience within smart hotels, focusing on the human−robot interaction. The findings offer insightful implications for the enhancement of smart hotels, specifically in terms of smart facility offerings, service delivery and overall customer experience.
Towards a framework for repairing stakeholder trust in entrepreneurial small businesses in times of macro-level crises
Authors: Psychogios Alexandros , Szamosi Leslie T.T. , Prouska Rea , Gruda Dritjon
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand how managers in entrepreneurial small businesses (ESBs) deal with exogenous (macro) crises, particularly in relation to the breakdown of intra- and inter-stakeholder trust.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilising a qualitative approach, we draw lessons from Greek ESBs greatly affected by the 2008–2019 economic and 2020–2022 health crises. Based on 54 in-depth, longitudinal investigations of four ESBs at three time points, this research offers insights on overcoming organisation-stakeholder trust breakdowns that emerg due to crises.

Findings

The findings suggest that macro-level crises undermined the foundations of trust-based relationships, creating a trust gap between organisations and their stakeholders and threatening ESBs’ business practices. Our framework suggests that ESBs repair trust relationships, both intra- and inter-organisational, through sense-making of trust breakdown, implementing trust-repair strategies, and then maintaining trust in those stakeholder relationships through challenging crisis periods.

Practical implications

Practitioners can use the suggested framework in relation to overcoming intra- and inter-stakeholder trust breakdowns during macro-level crises.

Originality/value

The paper offers a new framework that can aid entrepreneurs and managers in making sense of repairing and maintaining trust in stakeholder relationships during turbulent times.
Bouncing back: HR professionals' experiences during times of disruption
Authors: Malik Amina Raza , Manroop Laxmikant , Harrison Jennifer A.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study investigates human resource (HR) professionals' experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involves in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 37 HR professionals purposefully selected based on their prior involvement in managing pandemic-related challenges.

Findings

The findings reveal that HR professionals faced intensified organizational demands, leading to expanded job roles, increased workload, a change in pace and emotional pressures. However, participants exhibited resilience by drawing from and creating various job resources to cope with these demands. Our findings also show that despite HR professionals being central to creating workplace support and wellness initiatives, their well-being needs were often overlooked as they prioritized supporting others.

Research limitations/implications

The study contributes to research on the experiences of HR professionals during the pandemic and to job-demands resources (JD-R) theory by incorporating context-specific demands, resources and coping strategies specific to HR professionals.

Practical implications

Lessons learned for organizations and HR professionals are discussed in relation to creating conditions of organizational support and resource availability for HR professionals.

Originality/value

This study extends research on the mental health and well-being of HR professionals during the pandemic by providing a novel lens on linkages between job demands, job resources and self-regulation strategies.
A three-dimensional fiber Bragg grating wrist force sensor with separation elastic structure
Authors: Sun Shizheng , Pang Ke , Liao Chao , Yu Jingtong
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The use of a force sensor to estimate the external force of manipulator not only needs to deal with the signal noise of the sensor itself but also needs to solve the coupling interference of the sensor itself, especially the axial force. The purpose of this paper is to develop a three-dimensional fiber Bragg grating (FBG) wrist force sensor, which has a simple structure and reduces the coupling influence between several axes.

Design/methodology/approach

A particular separation elastic structure with four FBGs is devised for the three-axial force sensor. One FBG is suspended on the profile of central cylinder and the other three FBGs are pasted on the elastic beam surface of the over and under measuring bodies, respectively. Finite element analysis (FEA) simulation has been implemented to the strain distribution characteristics, the output characteristics of each direction and the coupling effects of the structure. Furthermore, theoretical derivation and experimental results are used to compare, which have a good consistency.

Findings

The experiment results show that the maximum repeatability error of the sensor is 6.75%, the maximum nonlinear error is 5.36%, the maximum coupling interference is 4.73% and the minimum sensitivity is 1.58 pm/N.

Originality/value

A three-dimensional force sensor based on FBG adopts a particular separation elastic structure. The sensor can reduce the coupling influence between several axes, especially the coupling interference in the z-direction is 0.
Do Climate Change Regulatory Pressures Increase Corporate Environmental Sustainability Performance? The Moderating Roles of Foreign Market Exposure and Industry Carbon Intensity
Authors: Shui Xiaolong , Zhang Minhao , Wang Yichuan , Smart Palie
Published: June 2024

This study focuses on climate change regulatory pressures at the national/regional level, which can be considered emergent institutions – newly established and subject to change – in contrast to established institutions. We explore their impact on the environmental sustainability performance of multinational enterprises, advancing beyond the extant literature's focus on their binary compliance reactions. Utilizing a sample of Standard & Poor's 1200 firms, our findings indicate that variations in climate change regulatory pressures at the national/regional level can account for differences in environmental sustainability performance at the corporate level. Moreover, this relationship is moderated by two critical firm characteristics: foreign market exposure and industry carbon intensity. Foreign market exposure, particularly in the context of developing countries, can diminish the positive effects of a home country's climate change regulatory pressures, while industry carbon intensity can amplify these effects.
Using and Interpreting Fixed Effects Models
Authors: BREUER MATTHIAS , DEHAAN ED
Published: June 2024

Fixed effects (FE) have emerged as a ubiquitous and powerful tool for eliminating unwanted variation in observational accounting studies. Unwanted variation is plentiful in accounting research because we often use rich data to test precise hypotheses derived from abstract theories. By eliminating unwanted variation, FE reduce concerns that omitted variables bias our estimates or weaken test power. FE are not costless, though, so their use should be carefully justified by theoretical and institutional considerations. FE also transform samples and variables in ways that are not immediately apparent, and in doing so affect how we should interpret regression results. This primer explains the mechanics of FE and provides practical guidance for the informed use, transparent reporting, and careful interpretation of FE models.
18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose PET‐CT‐guided pelvic chemoradiation therapy using helical tomotherapy for locally advanced carcinoma cervix without para‐aortic nodal disease: Clinical and patient‐reported outcomes from a prospective phase 2 study
Authors: Achari Rimpa Basu , Chakraborty Santam , Ray Soumendranath , Mahata Anurupa , Mandal Samar , Das Jayanta , Sarkar Kanishka , Mallick Indranil , Bhaumik Jaydip , Chakraborti Basumita , Ghosh Anik , Sen Saugata , Chandra Aditi , Chatterjee Sanjoy , Arunsingh Moses , Bhattacharyya Tapesh
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Locally advanced carcinoma cervix (LACC) is a heterogeneous disease with variable combinations of primary tumour extensions with or without nodal involvement. Metabolic information from 18 fluro‐deoxyglucose positron emission tomography combined with contrast‐enhanced computerized tomography (FDG PET‐CT) may potentially augment treatment decision‐making for LACC. This study ascertained FDG‐PET CT influence on chemoradiation therapy (CTRT) decisions in LACC. We report oncologic and patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs).

Methods

FDG PET‐CT scans were reviewed independently by two nuclear medicine specialists and two radiation oncologists. Pelvic CTRT plan digressions were documented and therapy was adapted accordingly. Pelvis radiation (50 Gy/25#/5 weeks) using tomotherapy with weekly cisplatin was used in node‐negative disease. Dose‐escalated simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) 60 Gy/25#/5 weeks was delivered to involved pelvic nodes. All received brachytherapy. Post‐treatment PET‐CT scans were at 6 months. Functional assessment of cancer therapy scores were calculated at baseline, treatment completion, 3 months, 1 year and 3 years.

Results

Between November 2015 and January 2018, 85 patients were screened, and 77 consented. Extrapelvic disease was seen in 12 (16%) patients (9 para‐aortic nodes, 2 distant metastases and 1 synchronous carcinoma breast); 60 patients were included in the final analysis. Decision changes were seen in 10/77 (13%) screened, 8/60 (13%) included and 32 (53.3%) received SIB. Post‐treatment, 27 (45%) had grade 2 GI/GU/GYN toxicity, one (2%) had grade 3 GI and five (8.3%) had grade 3 neutropenia. At median follow‐up of 54.2 months (95% CI 52.8–58.3), 5‐year local failure, pelvic nodal and para‐aortic nodal‐free survival were 86.8% (95% CI 78.0–96.6), 85.2% (95% CI 76.1–95.3) and 85.2% (95% CI 76.2–95.4). Functional assessment of cancer therapy trial outcome index (FACT TOI) improved by 10.43 at 3 months with no further decline. Grade 3 toxicity was noted for abdominal pain in one (1.7%), cystitis in four (6.7%) and lymphoedema in one (1.7%) at 5 years.

Conclusion

PET‐CT resulted in major decision changes in 13%. PET‐adapted CTRT was associated with acceptable toxicity, encouraging long‐term survival and improvement in PROMS.
Too cool for school: Participatory shirking and U.S. House passage of proxy voting
Authors: Mixon Franklin G. , Torgler Benno
Published: June 2024

A large portion of the American electorate holds contempt for elected representatives who skip floor votes. As a result, political challengers, and the national political media in the U.S., rarely miss a chance to inform the electorate of the shirking behavior of its representatives. New research suggests that, in 2020, the leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives may have developed protection, albeit temporary, to legislators who engage in shirking behavior. That protection came via passage of House Resolution 965, which authorized “remote voting by proxy” in the U.S. House of Representatives due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. This study extends the literature on proxy voting by empirically examining the factors that influenced the tendency of members of the U.S. House of Representatives to either shirk (i.e., skip) the vote on proxy voting (i.e., HR 965) or to vote in favor of the resolution (i.e., HR 965) allowing for the proxy vote. Econometric results suggest that Representatives' gender, age, legislative tenure, and past penchant for participatory shirking worked to determine parliamentary participation, and the direction of one's vote, on HR 965.
Examining service delivery patterns before and after implementation of a direct‐to‐patient telehealth service providing medication abortion in Australia
Authors: Seymour Jane W. , Melville Catriona , Grossman Daniel , Thompson Terri‐Ann
Published: June 2024

In August 2016, MSI Australia (MSIA) brought to scale a direct‐to‐patient telehealth medication abortion service. We used MSIA's patient management systems from January 2015 to December 2018 to assess changes in the proportion of abortion patients obtaining care after 13 weeks' gestation, proportion of abortion patients obtaining medication abortion versus procedural abortion and proportion of abortion patients from regional and remote versus metropolitan areas. The proportions of abortion patients obtaining care before 13 weeks' gestational duration and those from regional and remote residents did not change between the pre‐ and post‐periods. We observed an increase in medication abortion use that was greater among those in regional and remote areas than those in metropolitan areas.
Rate and predictors of postoperative opioid use and high opioid exposure after surgery in New Zealand: a retrospective study
Authors: Gao Jessica Xiao Yue , Chan Amy Hai Yan , Gong Jiayi
Published: June 2024

Background

Although excessive opioid use is a significant global health issue, there is a lack of literature on the prescribing patterns for postoperative opioid use and exposure after discharge among surgical patients. This study aimed to examine the rate and predictors of opioid dispensing and high opioid exposure after hospital discharge from surgery in New Zealand (NZ) between January 2007 to December 2019.

Methods

This is a retrospective population‐based cohort study inclusive of all ages and surgical specialties. Data were obtained from the NZ Ministry of Health's national health databases.

Results

1 781 059 patients were included in the study and 20.9% (n = 371 882) of surgical patients received opioids within 7 days after hospital discharge. From those who were dispensed with opioids after hospital discharge, 36.6% (n = 134 646) had high opioid exposure. Orthopaedic surgery (AOR 6.97; 95% CI 6.82–7.13) and history of opioid use (AOR 3.18; 95% CI 2.86–3.53) increased the odds of postoperative opioid dispensing and high opioid exposure respectively. Severe multi‐morbidity burden (AOR 0.76; 95% CI 0.73–0.78) and alcohol misuse (AOR 0.84; 95% CI 0.77–0.93) lowered the odds of postoperative opioid dispensing and high opioid exposure respectively.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest a concerning rate of high opioid exposure among surgical patients after discharge. The predictors for postoperative opioid dispensing and high opioid exposure identified in our study provide insight into opioid prescribing patterns in NZ and inform future postoperative pain management.
Dynamics of endemic human coronavirus and SARS‐CoV‐2 in a hospital of Madrid, Spain. Retrospective study from June 2020 to July 2023
Authors: Gerardo Rojo‐Marcos , Guiomar Hernández‐García , Ander González‐Sarria , Carlos Andrés Guerrero‐Cañar , Coral Arévalo‐Cañas
Published: June 2024

An observational and retrospective study was carried out to analyse HCoV positivity from a multiplex PCR respiratory panel and RT‐PCR for SARS‐CoV‐2 in respiratory samples from 1 June 2020 to 31 July 2023 at the Príncipe de Asturias University Hospital (HUPA) in Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain. Out of 2802 respiratory panels, 1258 (44.8%) turned out positive. HCoV was detected in 114 (4%) cases (range 0–23; median 1.5; IQR 0–3.75) with positivity rates ranging from 0% to 14%. All four variants of HCoV circulated, and OC‐43 was the most common in 62.3% of cases. After the onset of the pandemic, the HCoV season was delayed 22 weeks, with a peak positivity of 9% in the summer of 2021, showing an inverse relationship with the alpha and delta waves of SARS‐CoV‐2. In the two subsequent autumn–winter seasons, HCoV positivity increased (11–14%) with a reduction in the summer of 2022 and 2023 following the emergence of the omicron variant and the relaxation of social distancing measures. The seasonal spread pattern of endemic HCoV might be returning to normal in our region and likely in other temperate zones of the northern hemisphere after 3 years of the pandemic.
Unraveling the intricacies of cancer‐associated fibroblasts: a comprehensive review on metabolic reprogramming and tumor microenvironment crosstalk
Authors: Ahuja Sana , Sureka Niti , Zaheer Sufian
Published: June 2024

Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are crucial component of tumor microenvironment (TME) which undergo significant phenotypic changes and metabolic reprogramming, profoundly impacting tumor growth. This review delves into CAF plasticity, diverse origins, and the molecular mechanisms driving their continuous activation. Emphasis is placed on the intricate bidirectional crosstalk between CAFs and tumor cells, promoting cancer cell survival, proliferation, invasion, and immune evasion. Metabolic reprogramming, a cancer hallmark, extends beyond cancer cells to CAFs, contributing to the complex metabolic interplay within the TME. The ‘reverse Warburg effect’ in CAFs mirrors the Warburg effect, involving the export of high‐energy substrates to fuel cancer cells, supporting their rapid proliferation. Molecular regulations by key players like p53, Myc, and K‐RAS orchestrate this metabolic adaptation. Understanding the metabolic symbiosis between CAFs and tumor cells opens avenues for targeted therapeutic strategies to disrupt this dynamic crosstalk. Unraveling CAF‐mediated metabolic reprogramming provides valuable insights for developing novel anticancer therapies. This comprehensive review consolidates current knowledge, shedding light on CAFs' multifaceted roles in the TME and offering potential targets for future therapies.
Seed functional traits as predictors of seedling establishment success in Brazilian tropical forest restoration
Authors: de Souza Diego Cerveira , Engel Vera Lex
Published: June 2024

Several ecological filters in deforested and degraded areas reduce seedling emergence and establishment and hinder ecological restoration by direct seeding. Understanding whether functional traits are related to a species' capacity to overcome these filters and predict their field performance might improve the success of direct seeding techniques for ecological restoration. We assessed eight seed functional traits of tropical tree species, seeking those that best explained their establishment success in direct seeding restoration projects. We analyzed a dataset from 52 studies that tested direct seeding techniques with tree species in Brazil. From each study, we collected the mean establishment percentage for all tree species. Seed mass, cotyledon function, and germination speed were the only functional traits that significantly affected the species establishment percentage in direct seeding restoration projects. Species with larger seeds, storage cotyledons, and faster germination had higher establishment percentages. Choosing species with these functional traits for seed mixes will provide higher establishment percentages and, consequently, improve restoration success by direct seeding techniques.
Histochemical and ultrastructural evaluation of myopic corneal lenticules based on refractive error
Authors: Oruz Oğuzhan , Şaker Dilek , Şimşek Firas , Eroğlu Mustafa , Polat Sait
Published: June 2024

Background

This study aimed to investigate cell degeneration, apoptosis, and ultrastructural differences in refractive lenticules (RL) obtained using small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) compared with spherical equivalence (SE) refraction values.

Methods

This study included 84 eyes from 42 patients. Patients were divided into two groups according to the SE values: those with values below 4 diopters (D) (Group 1) and above 4 diopters (D) (Group 2). Patients who did not belong to the same SE group were excluded from the study. One RL obtained from each patient was separated for light microscopy and immunohistochemical examinations, and another for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examinations. Caspase‐3 for apoptosis and alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) for cell degeneration were evaluated using immunohistochemical examinations.

Results

Histological analyses showed that the density of collagen fibres was greater in Group 1 than in Group 2. Glycoaminoglycan and glycoprotein staining intensities were also higher in Group 1. TEM observations showed that Group 1 had intact cell and nuclear membranes, peripheral heterochromatin, and large nuclei, while Group 2 showed heterochromatin condensation and fragmentation, increased intracellular vacuoles, and loss of cytoplasm. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that α‐SMA and caspase‐3 were significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 1 (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

Cell degeneration and apoptosis were significantly more common in the RLs with high SE values after SMILE surgery. The tissue response induced by surgery was more severe in the RLs with high SE values. This should be considered when reusing RLs.
Arctigenin derivative A‐1 ameliorates motor dysfunction and pathological manifestations in SOD1G93A transgenic mice via the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC‐1α and AMPK/SIRT1/IL‐1β/NF‐κB pathways
Authors: Xiong Bocheng , Yang Chao , Yang Xiao , Luo Song , Li Shangming , Chen Chongyang , He Kaiwu , Nie Lulin , Li Peimao , Li Shupeng , Huang Haiyan , Liu Jianjun , Zhang Zaijun , Xie Yongmei , Zou Liangyu , Yang Xifei
Published: June 2024

Aim

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a severe neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive death of upper and lower motor neurons, leading to generalized muscle atrophy, paralysis, and even death. Mitochondrial damage and neuroinflammation play key roles in the pathogenesis of ALS. In the present study, the efficacy of A‐1, a derivative of arctigenin with AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) activation for ALS, was investigated.

Methods

A‐1 at 33.3 mg/kg was administrated in SOD1G93A transgenic mice orally from the 13th week for a 6‐week treatment period. Motor ability was assessed before terminal anesthesia. Muscle atrophy and fibrosis, motor neurons, astrocytes, and microglia in the spinal cord were evaluated by H&E, Masson, Sirius Red, Nissl, and immunohistochemistry staining. Protein expression was detected with proteomics analysis, Western blotting, and ELISA. Mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured using an assay kit.

Results

A‐1 administration in SOD1G93A mice enhanced mobility, decreased skeletal muscle atrophy and fibrosis, mitigated loss of spinal motor neurons, and reduced glial activation. Additionally, A‐1 treatment improved mitochondrial function, evidenced by elevated ATP levels and increased expression of key mitochondrial‐related proteins. The A‐1 treatment group showed decreased levels of IL‐1β, pIκBα/IκBα, and pNF‐κB/NF‐κB.

Conclusions

A‐1 treatment reduced motor neuron loss, improved gastrocnemius atrophy, and delayed ALS progression through the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC‐1α pathway, which promotes mitochondrial biogenesis. Furthermore, the AMPK/SIRT1/IL‐1β/NF‐κB pathway exerted neuroprotective effects by reducing neuroinflammation. These findings suggest A‐1 as a promising therapeutic approach for ALS.
Policy diffusion in global biodiversity conservation: Learning, competition, coercion, and emulation amid US–China great‐power politics
Authors: Cheung Hubert , Song Annie Young , Di Marco Moreno , Biggs Duan
Published: June 2024

Coordinated policies and effective global environmental governance are needed to address the global biodiversity crisis. Human dimensions like geopolitics influence conservation decision‐making and outcomes. The importance of considering these complex social factors is heightened in an era of renewed great‐power politics, as the intensifying US–China rivalry has direct implications for environmental governance and biodiversity outcomes. Can the US–China rivalry and its confrontational dynamics be channeled into conservation policymaking to improve biodiversity outcomes? Drawing from international relations and policy studies, policy diffusion theory can provide conservationists with useful insights into the interdependency of policy decisions. Here, we examine the four mechanisms—competition, coercion, learning, and emulation—of the classic model of policy diffusion theory in the context of environmental policymaking. We explore a case study for each mechanism to illustrate how it can benefit biodiversity conservation, and point to examples of relevant policies and actions that could improve outcomes. To operationalize this concept for conservation, we present a decision tree that conservationists can use to determine the most relevant policy diffusion mechanism in different policy contexts. Upon determining the appropriate mechanism, conservationists can take further steps to intentionally trigger the mechanism and catalyze conservation policy diffusion across jurisdictions.