bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Competitiveness and Evolution of China–Africa Trade Network: Evidence from Value-Added Extend Decomposition
Authors: Xu Jingya , Song Zhouying
Published: January 2025

In the last decades, China–Africa trade ties have deepened. However, traditional trade accounting methods fail to fully reflect the complexity of international trade. This study applies the Wang-Wei-Zhu decomposition to analyze the evolution of the China–Africa value-added trade network from 1990 to 2021, focusing on the value of intermediate and final exports. It also examines structural changes and measures the revealed comparative advantage (RCA) based on value-added trade, assessed through forward and backward industrial linkages. Following are the findings: (1) The value-added trade network has expanded and exhibits small-world characteristics, though it remains concentrated in a few countries. (2) China’s influence is growing, shifting the network core from South Africa to China. (3) The trade network shows significant imbalances, with African countries mainly sending intermediate exports, such as raw materials, to China for processing, while China sends a large volume of final exports to Africa for direct consumption. (4) The RCA analysis highlights key differences between China and Africa. Africa’s RCA is primarily concentrated in the primary sectors, followed by services, with manufacturing being less developed. By contrast, China’s RCA is weaker in primary industries but stronger in low-tech manufacturing sectors.
Semantic abnormalities in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: A natural language processing approach
Authors: Jo Young Tak , Joo Yeon Ho
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The diagnostic boundaries between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are controversial due to the ambiguity of psychiatric nosology. From this perspective, it is noteworthy that formal thought disorder has historically been considered pathognomonic of schizophrenia. Given that human thought is partially based on language, we can hypothesize that alterations in language may help differentiate between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Method

In this exploratory study, we employed natural language processing techniques to identify differences in language abnormalities between patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The KoBERT and KoGPT language models were used to determine sentence acceptability, assessing how natural and therefore acceptable a given sentence is to the general population. In addition, semantic word networks were constructed for each group, and network measures were compared.

Results

Patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder used less acceptable sentences than controls. Post hoc analysis revealed that the schizophrenia group used less acceptable sentences than the bipolar disorder group. Furthermore, the semantic word networks of the three groups were significantly different in the three network measures. Post hoc analysis revealed a significant difference between the schizophrenia and bipolar disorder networks. The bipolar disorder network generally fell between the schizophrenia and control networks, except in terms of the average clustering coefficient.

Conclusions

Patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder showed significant differences in sentence acceptability as calculated by the language model, as well as in the network metrics estimated by semantic network analysis. Thus, language abnormalities may represent surrogate markers of thought disorders and help differentiate between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Community Cultural Wealth in Stakeholder Perceptions of the Return to Local Control of Schools
Authors: Wells Lauren , Morel Domingo
Published: January 2025

In the 1980s and 1990s, state governments began to take over local school districts in cities across the United States. After decades of local resistance to state control, communities are beginning to make strides in their efforts to regain local control. This paper examines local- and state-level stakeholders’ perceptions of the return to local control in Newark, New Jersey in 2018. Using an integrated critical race theory framework, we find conflicting reasons for returning local control, which we call practical and liberatory reasons and that the cultural wealth of local stakeholders propels the liberatory reasons for local control.
The Relevance of the Household to Individual Businesses in Urban and Rural China
Authors: Zhang Yang , Godwin Andrew
Published: January 2025

Unlike other countries, sole traders in China have conventionally been defined in law in terms of “households” or hu, of which there are two types: individual industrial and commercial households and rural contractual management households. The former are currently the main legal sole traders in towns and cities, while the latter are mainly farmers in rural areas who engage in individual business. The concept of the household, as the vehicle for the two types of sole trader in China, stresses the collective, group, and family nature of sole traders and is not the simple sum of individual interests. This article explores the emergence of households as vehicles for individual businesses, examines the deep-rooted reasons for their adoption, and considers the debates over their ongoing relevance and reform. The article concludes by suggesting that China’s policymakers have chosen to pursue institutional reform in a moderate and pragmatic way, prioritizing order and incremental changes in order to minimize the impact of institutional change on society, strengthen institutional expectations, and highlight institutional stability. The example of the “household” provides insights into the process of legal reform and change in China more generally.
The “WEIRDEST” Organizations in the World? Assessing the Lack of Sample Diversity in Organizational Research
Authors: Schimmelpfennig Robin , Elbæk Christian , Mitkidis Panagiotis , Singh Anisha , Roberson Quinetta
Published: January 2025

Sampling data from organizations and humans associated with those organizations is essential to organizational research. Much of what we know about organizations is based on such work. However, this empirical foundation may be compromised, calling into question the field’s theoretical and empirical findings. Studies often sample data from relatively similar, narrow contexts, so a lack of sample diversity accumulates in the discipline. To conceptualize this lack of sample diversity and examine its prevalence across research publications, we conduct a pre-registered systematic review of articles from 2018 to 2022 in six top management journals and another systematic review of articles from 2013 to 2022 in six additional journals (not pre-registered). Our review assesses sample country diversity while also exploring within-country factors that are relatively under or oversampled, such as the size or industry of the sampled organization. We find a lack of sample diversity, for instance, a strong bias toward WEIRD (Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic) samples and an underrepresentation of small and medium-sized enterprises in organizational research. Based on the findings and past work, we introduce a conceptual framework for sample diversity along three dimensions: the sample’s geographical, organizational, and personnel contexts. Additionally, we discuss factors that contribute to a lack of sample diversity and propose guidelines for authors, reviewers, and editors to enhance it. Overall, this article seeks to improve the robustness and relevance of theoretical and empirical organizational research, thereby preventing the formulation of misinformed policies and practices in both organizational settings and broader societal contexts.
Behavioral Ethics: Does it Have a Role in Helping Develop a Better Understanding of Administrative Ethics?
Authors: Yang Kaifeng , Gao Canyu , Liu Yang
Published: January 2025

Despite considerable advancements in business and psychology, the incorporation of behavioral ethics into public administration has been notably limited. This article introduces the core principles of behavioral ethics and examines their implications for administrative ethics. While this approach has its challenges, behavioral ethics provides valuable insights into the behavioral dynamics that underlie ethical phenomena within public administration. It effectively complements normative research, enhancing our understanding of the micro-foundations of administrative ethics. Adopting a systematic, interdisciplinary, and culturally sensitive approach to behavioral ethics is crucial. This approach should utilize mixed methodologies and incorporate normative perspectives to thoroughly address the deep-seated questions at the core of administrative ethics.
Evaluation of in-stent restenosis after carotid artery stenting with superb microvascular imaging: initial findings
Authors: Keskin Berna , Conkbayir Isık , Birgi Erdem , Ergun Onur , Hekimoğlu Azad , Tangobay Erdi , Hekimoğlu Baki
Published: January 2025

Background

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is an interventional management in preventing ischemic stroke caused by carotid artery stenosis. After the treatment with CAS, in-stent restenosis caused by neointimal hyperplasia may develop.

Purpose

This study aims to obtain a better determination of neointimal hyperplasia using superb microvascular imaging (SMI), which provides a high-quality visualization of the endoluminal lesions, and to compare these results with B-mode and Doppler ultrasound (US).

Material and Methods

A total of 106 patients who underwent CAS in our interventional radiology unit between 2018 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. In total, 44 patients whose procedure images and post-procedural follow-up Doppler US and SMI data could be accessed were included.

Results

There were nine patients who had in-stent restenosis. One patient had no velocity increase; however, on SMI the measurements showed in-stent restenosis both in area and diameter. The other eight patients had a stenosis degree in the range of 50%–79% on Doppler US. Five patients had in-stent restenosis, both in Doppler US and SMI, by area and diameter measurements. Two patients underwent digital subtraction angiography (DSA).

Conclusion

We suggest that using SMI with duplex sonography improves detecting neointimal hyperplasia and in-stent restenosis. With SMI, better visualization of the stent lumen may improve the patient selection for DSA.
Defect attention-based lightweight real-time adaptable surface defect analysis
Authors: Delibasoglu Ibrahim , Bagci Das Duygu , Das Oguzhan
Published: January 2025

Surface defect diagnosis for steel sheets is essential to maintain the quality of the product. However, it is challenging to do such a task due to the high manufacturing speed of 100–140 m/min, making it impossible to observe defects visually. However, developing a lightweight and real-time adaptable intelligent approach can both overcome this issue and satisfy the requirements of the concept of Industry 4.0. Based on that motivation, this study aimed to satisfy such a demand by introducing an attention-based surface defect identification approach called MobileNetV2-AGCA and UNET-AGCA for defect localisation. The effectiveness of the proposed techniques was evaluated by considering steel strip surface defect images of the NEU-CLS and NEU-DET surface defect dataset where six different defects are included. The Adaptive Graph Channel Attention (AGCA) Module was implemented in an edited version of MobileNetV2 and UNET architecture to improve segmentation accuracy while maintaining or improving the execution speed. According to the experimental results, MobileNetV2-AGCA successfully identified the surface defects with an average accuracy of 99.72%. Regarding defect localisation, UNET-AGCA reached an F1 score of 0.795. It is concluded that the proposed methods provided promising results to be applied to a real-time problem related to surface defect identification and localisation.
On the variable length scale parameter for agglomeration of nanoparticles in nanocomposites
Authors: Beitollahi Armita , Janghorban Maziar , Bazargan-Lari Yousef , Tounsi Abdelouahed
Published: January 2025

Since nanocomposites have recently been used in a wide range of industries, scientists are becoming increasingly interested in simulating these kinds of materials. Engineers are interested in outcomes that match simulations of nanocomposites. Examining the impact of nanoparticle aggregation in computations is one step in accurately modeling a reinforced nanocomposite. With regard to size-dependent continuum modeling, this work aims to evaluate the dynamic behavior of small-scaled composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in light of CNT aggregations. In the simulation of nanotube-reinforced micro- or nanocomposite, taking into account one or more length scale parameters—which are typically thought to have a constant value—is crucial. This work is innovative in that it examines how nanoparticle aggregation affects nanocomposite structure while considering a variable length scale parameter. We address and solve an example using the modified couple stress theory (MCST). The effectiveness of employing the length scale parameter (LSP) of MCST is confirmed by conducting a comparison between the outcomes of the proposed strategy and experimental and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation results. A curved microbeam is examined for the problem, and the impact of alterations in the agglomeration parameters is investigated in detail.
Steroid-induced diabetes in lupus nephritis patients: Classic risk factors or a different type of diabetes?
Authors: Dimas-Ramírez Cristian Alejandro , Fortanell-Meza Luis André , San Agustín-Morales Diego , Brenner-Muslera Eduardo , Mejía-Vilet Juan Manuel , Almeda-Valdes Paloma , Vázquez-Cárdenas Paola , Merayo-Chalico Javier , Barrera-Vargas Ana
Published: January 2025

Background

Glucocorticoids are frequently employed in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and play a critical role in the induction therapy of lupus nephritis (LN), despite their many side effects, including steroid-induced diabetes (SID). Information regarding SID in SLE patients is quite scant.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine risk factors associated with the development of SID in patients with LN.

Research Design

A nested case-control study was conducted.

Study sample

We included patients with biopsy-proven LN, who received induction treatment with steroids.

Data Collection and/or Analysis

Out of the total of 358 patients, 35 (9.7%) developed SID.

Results

Patients with SID had more metabolic risk factors, including the metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR); more factors related with lupus activity, with higher SLEDAI and SLICC-DI scores; and lower cumulative pre-induction steroid dose. A higher percentage of patients who developed SID received steroid pulses and a lower percentage received antimalarials. After logistic regression, the variables significantly associated with the development of SID were the SLEDAI index (OR 1.25 [95% CI 1.04–1.50], p 0.01), SLICC-DI (OR 4.93 [95% CI 2.14–11.3], p < 0.001), METS-IR (OR 1.17 [95% CI 1.04–1.32], p 0.009), delta METS-IR at 6 months (OR 1.20 [95% CI 1.03–1.39], p 0.01), and the use of antimalarials (OR 0.14, [95% CI 0.02–0.85], p 0.03). After propensity score matching, METS-IR remained a significant predictor of SID. Patients with METS-IR >36.8 were at higher risk (OR: 2.83, 95% CI: 1.09–7.36, p = 0.034).

Conclusions

In conclusion, SDI development in patients receiving induction therapy for LN is associated with both classic metabolic risk factors and SLE-specific factors, and antimalarial use could be associated with a protective effect. Rheumatologists should be aware of this potential complication, in order to implement appropriate management strategies.
Semiparametric estimator for the covariate-specific receiver operating characteristic curve
Authors: Martínez-Camblor Pablo , Pardo-Fernández Juan Carlos
Published: January 2025

The study of the predictive ability of a marker is mainly based on the accuracy measures provided by the so-called confusion matrix. Besides, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve has become a popular index for summarizing the overall accuracy of a marker. However, the nature of the relationship between the marker and the outcome, and the role that potential confounders play in this relationship could be fundamental in order to extrapolate the observed results. Directed acyclic graphs commonly used in epidemiology and in causality, could provide good feedback for learning the possibilities and limits of this extrapolation applied to the binary classification problem. Both the covariate-specific and the covariate-adjusted receiver operating characteristic curves are valuable tools, which can help to a better understanding of the real classification abilities of a marker. Since they are strongly related with the conditional distributions of the marker on the positive (subjects with the studied characteristic) and negative (subjects without the studied characteristic) populations, the use of proportional hazard regression models arises in a very natural way. We explore the use of flexible proportional hazard Cox regression models for estimating the covariate-specific and the covariate-adjusted receiver operating characteristic curves. We study their large- and finite-sample properties and apply the proposed estimators to a real-world problem. The developed code (in R language) is provided on Supplemental Material.
Hepatoprotective Effect of Nano Selenium Derived from Neem Leaf Extracts against Infection with Eimeria papillata in C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Al-Malki Esam S. , Abdel-Gaber Rewaida , Almutairy Najwa , Al-Hoshani Nawal , Alonaizan Rasha , Meryk Andreas , Al-Shaebi Esam M. , Dkhil Mohamed A. , Al Quraishy Saleh
Published: January 2025

Background

Coccidiosis is considered a protozoan disease affecting wild and domestic animal species which leads to economic losses. Regarding drug resistance, scientists are focused on alternative sources rather than coccidiostats with fewer side effects. Recently, nanotechnology has been a new trend against parasitic infections by manipulating atoms and molecules at the nanoscale.

Purpose

This study assessed the hepatoprotective effects of biosynthesized nano selenium (BSN) derived from Azadirachta indica leaf extracts on biological, biochemical, and oxidative stress markers in mice infected with Eimeria papillata.

Methods

The formation of nano selenium was achieved using leaf extract from A. indica, and their morphology and size were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Twenty-five male C57BL/6 mice were divided into five groups, with five mice in each group. The first group received distilled water, while the second group was administered 0.5 mg/kg of BSN. The third, fourth, and fifth groups were infected with the parasite’s oocysts. For 5 days, the fourth group received BSN (0.5 mg/kg), and the fifth group was treated with amprolium (120 mg/kg). Oocyst shedding was assessed on day 5 post-infection (p.i.). After sacrificing the mice, the liver and blood from each mouse were collected and processed for histological, biochemical, and oxidative damage analyses.

Results

Oocyst shedding in the feces of mice decreased following oral treatment with BSN. Eimeria infection reduced feed consumption to 31.44%, but this increased to 45.57% after BSN treatment. The infection caused significant liver damage, as evidenced by pathological changes and a notable increase in liver function parameters, including glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (ALT), glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and direct bilirubin. These parameters improved after treatment with BSN. Additionally, Eimeria infection disrupted nutrient homeostasis. Levels of soluble proteins and carbohydrates in the liver tissue decreased, while blood glucose and total protein levels increased. Treatment with BSN in mice infected with E. papillata significantly improved nutrient homeostasis. Our research also demonstrated that BSN significantly reduced levels of nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), while increasing levels of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) to help mitigate oxidative damage during Eimeria infection.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that BSN has a significant in vivo hepatic response against murine coccidiosis and could be valuable as a coccidiostat in treating the disease.
Fighting with blunted tools? The politics of contemporary inflation management in southern Europe
Authors: Tassinari Arianna , Molina Romo Oscar , Di Carlo Donato
Published: January 2025

This article compares the responses of the governments and social partners in Italy and Spain to the inflation crisis of 2021–2023. Faced with a common exogenous shock and sharing a comparable institutional setting in the labour market, the two countries’ responses to the inflation crisis differed substantially with regard to the policy mode of crisis response and the types of policy intervention. First, social partners’ involvement was far more significant in Spain, where peak-level agreements were signed setting a three-year trajectory for negotiated wage increases. In contrast, Italian governments proceeded unilaterally, with no attempts at collective bargaining coordination. Secondly, while the Italian government disbursed more fiscal resources through targeted compensatory measures, the Spanish government relied primarily on energy price controls and minimum wage revaluation, with lower overall fiscal expenditure. Finally, the distribution of inflation costs across population groups differed, with inflation in Spain being lower and having less regressive distributional effects than in Italy. We attribute the differing policy responses to the different partisan compositions and ideological orientations of the two governments.
Determining Predictors of Self-reported Adherence to Rehabilitation Home Programs for Persons with Acquired Brain Injury: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Donoso Brown Elena V. , Wallace Sarah E. , Tichenor Seth E. , Blemler Rebecca , Foundas Brooke
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

Persons with acquired brain injury are often prescribed home programs to extend rehabilitation services and support recovery, however adherence to these recommendations is often low.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine factors that predict differing levels of self-reported adherence.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational study that was completed from June 2022 to December 2023. We recruited persons with acquired brain injury who met specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Before leaving the inpatient rehabilitation hospital, they completed a medical history form, home program description interview, and a modified version of the Self-Efficacy for Exercise Scale. Then, participants completed a weekly survey regarding self-reported home program adherence. At the end of six months, the participants did a closing interview.

RESULTS

Seventy-seven participants completed the intake procedures and at least one weekly survey. Several models were developed to determine predictive factors. Higher self-efficacy, fewer reported barriers, and the perception of social support were all predictors of self-reported home program adherence.

CONCLUSION

The predictors identified here can be leveraged by therapists to determine the need for additional support or intervention around home program adherence.
Adoption Literacy: A Practical Guide for Counselors
Authors: Lee Small Cameron
Published: January 2025

The community-based framework of adoption literacy (AL), outlined in this practice brief, offers organized and tangible guidance for mental health practitioners who may engage with adult adoptees in individual, couples, or family counseling. AL is an ongoing process of learning about, and effectively responding to, dynamic public health needs that surround the institutionalized practice of family separation and adoption, both domestically and transnationally. The author examines AL as a community intervention, therapeutic process, and multidisciplinary conversation. Readers are given background and applications for four core relational cues: humanize adoptee narratives, own your part in the story, promote adoptee-specific resources throughout the lifespan, and elevate adoptees into positions of influence (H.O.P.E.). Additional considerations and recommendations are provided to help practicing counselors and therapists organize their learning, resources, interventions, and outcomes as they seek to ethically and competently address the dynamic counseling needs of adult adoptees through the AL framework.
Machinery fault diagnosis based on a transfer learning model with local sparse structure of PMDCNN-LSTM
Authors: Zhang Xiaoli , Lv Jie , Wang Fangzhen , Zhou Yongqing
Published: January 2025

Aiming at the fault diagnosis problem in practical applications where the performance of the model degrades when applied to new domains or tasks due to limited and approximate training data, a transfer learning (TL) model with a local sparse structure based on a parallel multichannel convolutional neural network (CNN) and a long-short-term memory network (LSTM) (PMDCNN-LSTM) is proposed. The model is combined with CNN, LSTM, and TL to achieve parameter sharing by training learning parameters in the source domain and transferring them to the target domain. At the same time, the model is transformed from training data to real-world applications by integrating samples from the target domain, which improves generalization while maintaining the ability to identify faults in the training set. The advantages of CNN and LSTM are combined in this model compared with the traditional TL model, which can efficiently process data containing spatio-temporal features while maintaining sensitivity to time-series variations, exhibiting higher performance and advantages in complex data processing. It is shown by the experimental results that excellent performance and generalization ability can still be maintained by the model in high-noise environments, which is considered to be of great significance for research on bearing and gear fault diagnosis.
Anterior chamber morphological and refractive outcomes following phacoemulsification in pseudoexfoliative eyes: A case-control study
Authors: Cunha Bruna , Gil Pedro , Barão Catarina , Hipólito-Fernandes Diogo , Maduro Vítor , Feijão João , Alves Nuno
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To compare changes in angle morphology, anterior chamber depth (ACD) and refractive prediction error (PE) after phacoemulsification between pseudoexfoliative (PEX) and non-PEX eyes.

Methods

Prospective case-control study of eyes submitted to cataract surgery. Biometric data and angle parameters – Anterior Chamber Angle (ACA), Angle Opening Distance (AOD), Scleral Spur Angles (SSA) and Trabecular Iris Space Area (TISA) – were measured preoperatively and 1-month postoperatively through swept-source anterior segment optical coherence tomography. Postoperative refractive prediction error (PE) was calculated using an optimized A-constant and the Kane formula.

Results

Sixty eyes (30 PEX and 30 non-PEX) of 60 patients were included. Preoperative angle analysis revealed a lower ACA, AOD, SSA and TISA in PEX group ( p < 0.05), without biometric differences ( p > 0.05). A tendency for a higher magnitude of morphometric angle changes in PEX eyes was observed, with a superior increase of SSA at 500 µm (0°) and TISA at 750 µm (0°) ( p = 0.030 and p = 0.041, respectively). The anterior chamber deepened in both groups ( p = 0.01), with arithmetic and percentile change being higher in PEX group ( p = 0.017 and p = 0.047, respectively). A significant PE hyperopic shift was observed ( p = 0.035) only in PEX group.

Conclusions

Pseudoexfoliative eyes with cataract have narrower angles, revealing a tendency for higher angle opening after surgery, along with an increased ACD deepening compared to non-PEX eyes, which may be explained by PEX-associated zonular laxity. Moreover, a significant hyperopic shift was observed in PEX eyes, a relevant fact to take into consideration when selecting intraocular lens power.
Dementia and epilepsy without traumatic brain injury among subjects middle-aged females: a population-based case-control study
Authors: Chu Shu-Fen , Ni Cheng-Hua , Liao Kuo-Hsing , Wen Ya-Ting
Published: January 2025

Background: Although the association between dementia such as Alzheimer's disease and traumatic brain injury (TBI) is well established, there are significant knowledge gaps with respect to the perspective of dementia and epilepsy without TBI. Objective: We aimed to investigate the relationship between dementia and epilepsy in a population-based study of patients without history of TBI. Methods: This study included a random sample of 30,715 patients with no history of TBI, including 6143 with epilepsy as the study cohort and 24,572 without epilepsy as the comparison cohort. Stratified Cox proportional hazard regression was used to calculate the adjusted hazard ratio (HR), with 95% confidence interval, for the risk of developing dementia in the two cohorts. Results: Patients with epilepsy but no history of TBI had increased risk of dementia (adjusted HR = 1.84). For patients aged 55–64 years, the adjusted HR for dementia was 4.5-fold higher among females in the study cohort than among males. Additionally, this study revealed that risk of dementia among above 75-year population lowest than other age subgroups (adjusted HR = 1.45). Conclusions: The study demonstrated an association between dementia and epilepsy in the patients who had no history of TBI. The effect was pronounced in patients aged 55–64 years, especially in the female population, suggesting that epilepsy needs to be more intensively prevented and controlled in this age group.
Workplace leadership sentiments and employee engagement
Authors: Dagher Grace K , Stefanidis Abraham , El-Kassar Abdul-Nasser , Malaeb Mazen
Published: January 2025

This research examines the role of employees’ perceptions regarding the sentiments of their leaders in predicting followers’ levels of work engagement. Drawing on the Affective Events theory, Emotion as Information Model and Job Demands-Resources theory, it investigates the types of sentiments employees perceive their leaders display and whether these perceptions are associated with favorable employee outcomes, namely work engagement. Following a mixed-method research design, we collected both qualitative and quantitative data in Lebanon. We first interviewed Lebanese experts regarding the most common sentiments that leaders display in their workplaces. Informed by the qualitative research findings, we tested our conceptual model, collecting responses from a two-wave survey among 337 Lebanese employees. The results of the qualitative study provided the categorization of both positive and negative leader sentiments. The quantitative research findings indicated that employees’ perceived leader sentiments positively influence their work engagement levels. This relationship was partially mediated by employees’ amplification of their positive emotions towards their leader. Offering insights from a non-Western workplace context, the findings of this study can serve as the basis for future cross-cultural comparisons regarding the role of leaders’ sentiments in promoting favorable employee outcomes in the workplace.
Concurrent Perioperative Benzodiazepine and Opioid Utilization in Opioid-Naive Patients Undergoing Soft Tissue Hand Surgery
Authors: Zhuang Thompson , Berns Ellis M. , Lee Hannah H. , Sobel Andrew D.
Published: January 2025

Background:

While concomitant opioid and benzodiazepine use is discouraged due to an increased risk of sedation/overdose, the extent of perioperative opioid utilization in hand surgery patients already using benzodiazepines is unknown.

Methods:

Using an administrative claims database, we identified adults undergoing carpal tunnel, DeQuervain, or trigger finger release, palmar fasciectomies, ganglion/mucoid cyst removals, and hand/wrist soft tissue mass excisions from 2011 to 2021. We identified opioid-naive patients with a benzodiazepine prescription within 90 days before surgery. Outcomes included the percentage of patients prescribed opioids and the amount of opioids prescribed, new persistent opioid utilization, postoperative emergency department (ED) visits, hand therapy utilization, and opioid overdose. We used multivariable regression models to adjust for age, sex, region, insurance, procedure, and comorbidities.

Results:

Patients with benzodiazepine utilization had a higher adjusted odds of perioperative opioid prescriptions, amount of opioids filled, and new, persistent opioid use compared with patients without benzodiazepine use (all P < .001). In the multivariable analysis, patients with benzodiazepine use received +30.8 (95% CI: 28.9-32.8) morphine milligram equivalents and had an odds ratio of 1.48 (95% CI: 1.44-1.52) for developing new, persistent opioid use compared with patients without benzodiazepine use. Patients with preoperative benzodiazepine use also had increased postoperative ED visits and hand therapy utilization.

Conclusions:

Opioid-naive patients undergoing soft tissue hand surgery who are using benzodiazepines were prescribed opioids more frequently/at higher amounts and experienced an increased odds of developing new, persistent opioid use. Surgeons could consider reducing opioid prescriptions in patients already using benzodiazepines in favor of nonopioid pain strategies.
Oxygenation and function of endocrine bioartificial pancreatic tissue constructs under flow for preclinical optimization
Authors: Moeun Brenden N , Lemaire Florent , Smink Alexandra M , Ebrahimi Orimi Hamid , Leask Richard L , de Vos Paul , Hoesli Corinne A
Published: January 2025

Islet transplantation and more recently stem cell-derived islets were shown to successfully re-establish glycemic control in people with type 1 diabetes under immunosuppression. These results were achieved through intraportal infusion which leads to early graft losses and limits the capacity to contain and retrieve implanted cells in case of adverse events. Extra-hepatic sites and encapsulation devices have been developed to address these challenges and potentially create an immunoprotective or immune-privileged environment. Many strategies have achieved reversal of hyperglycemia in diabetic rodents. So far, the results have been less promising when transitioning to humans and larger animal models due to challenges in oxygenation and insulin delivery. We propose a versatile in vitro perfusion system to culture and experimentally study the function of centimeter-scale tissues and devices for insulin-secreting cell delivery. The system accommodates various tissue geometries, experimental readouts, and oxygenation tensions reflective of potential transplantation sites. We highlight the system’s applications by using case studies to explore three prominent bioartificial endocrine pancreas (BAP) configurations: (I) with internal flow, (II) with internal flow and microvascularized, and (III) without internal flow. Oxygen concentration profiles modeled computationally were analogous to viability gradients observed experimentally through live/dead endpoint measurements and in case I, time-lapse fluorescence imaging was used to monitor the viability of GFP-expressing cells in real time. Intervascular BAPs were cultured under flow for up to 3 days and BAPs without internal flow for up to 7 days, showing glucose-responsive insulin secretion quantified through at-line non-disruptive sampling. This system can complement other preclinical platforms to de-risk and optimize BAPs and other artificial tissue designs prior to clinical studies.
Determinants of Familiarity and Experience with HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis in Primary Care Providers in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Martinez-Cajas Jorge , Alvarado Beatriz , Rapino Carmela , Nagy Emma , Guan T. Hugh , Cofie Nicholas , Dalgarno Nancy , Camargo Pilar , Stoner Bradley
Published: January 2025

Background:

Despite increased access to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in Canada, familiarity and experience among primary care providers (PCPs)—including family doctors and those working with key populations—remains limited. To understand the barriers and facilitators of PrEP familiarity and experience, we conducted a situational analysis in PCPs in sub-urban and rural Ontario.

Methods:

We surveyed a non-probabilistic sample of PCPs using an online questionnaire, designed with the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Poisson regressions with robust variance were used to assess the relationship between CFIR domains, sociodemographic, and practice characteristics on both PrEP familiarity and experience.

Results:

A total of 54 PCPs participated (6% response rate), comprising 80% physicians and 20% nurses. Nearly 30% of the sample worked with key populations, including sexual health clinics and community care centers, 18% of respondents reported high familiarity with PrEP, and 44% reported PrEP experience (referred, started a conversation, or prescribed). PrEP familiarity and experience were associated with working in an organization serving key populations, working with gender minorities, and having colleagues providing PrEP. Providers with a positive perception of PrEP and its necessity for populations at risk were more likely to have PrEP-related experience. Higher familiarity and experience were reported by PCPs with specific clinical skills related to PrEP, and with the perception that PrEP was compatible with their practice as primary provider.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that organizational support, and additional training and education would facilitate PrEP provision by PCPs in suburban/rural Ontario.
Test for Change in Error Variance of Multiple Time Series
Authors: Abacan Elfred John C. , Lansangan Joseph Ryan G. , Barrios Erniel B.
Published: January 2025

Changes in levels of multiple time series based on their common components helps characterize the shared behavior of the data generating process with known events causing perturbations in their movements. However, changes in variance of the error structure leads to misspecification of models that complicates statistical inference. Volatility structures may incorporate variance into the time series models, but these can easily lead to overparameterization in multiple time series. A model with inherent changes in variance structure is used to develop a bootstrap-based test for presence of changes in variance of multiple time series. Simulation studies shows that the test is correctly-sized and powerful compared to CUSUM-based test in a wide range of scenarios. The test is advantageous specially in the presence of strong autocorrelations and even in unbalanced data. Using global stock prices with the onset of lockdowns against the COVID19 pandemic as the stimulus of the changepoint, the test was able to detect significant changes in error variance before and during the pandemic. While CUSUM-based test also recognized the significant changes in multiple time series, linear trend was misconstrued as evidence of the presence of change in variance in stock prices.
Enhancing Patient Choice Through the Development of Physical Therapist Online Biographies
Authors: Perrault Evan K , Stein Jeff
Published: January 2025

Provider web profiles are becoming popular locations for patients to seek information before their visits. This industry insight assesses patients’ utilization of a physical therapy clinic's website to determine the impact the addition of physical therapist biographies had on patient perceptions and physical therapist selection. Forty-six percent of first-time patients ( n = 786) indicated visiting the clinic's website prior to their visit. After biographies were added, these website visitors rated the website as more helpful, and indicated a greater perception of certainty regarding the services the clinic provides. A greater percentage of website visitors made a purposeful selection of therapist after therapist biographies were posted online than prior to biographies being posted. These findings indicate that improvements to a clinic's website can positively impact patient empowerment in making personal healthcare decisions. Simply adding biographies of physical therapists to clinics’ websites can have significant effects on reducing first-time patients’ uncertainty, as well as providing a greater level of patient-centered care by offering information to empower patients to be more active participants in their healthcare choices.
Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity Assessment Following Botulinum Toxin A Treatment in Stroke Patients: A Comparative Pilot Study
Authors: Bastani Andisheh , Ayala Ana María Contardo , Lizama L. Eduardo Cofré , Elmalik Alaeldin , Amatya Bhasker , Khan Fary , Galea Mary P.
Published: January 2025

Background

In most patients with stroke, sedentary behaviors (SED) increase, and physical activity (PA) decreases over time. This has cumulative effects on the efficacy of physical rehabilitation interventions. This study aimed to determine the effects of botulinum toxin injections (BoNT-A) on SED and PA, and to determine the agreement between device-measured and self-report methods in stroke survivors with spasticity.

Methods

SED and PA were assessed in 17 chronic stroke survivors (mean age 49.7 years) with upper or lower limb spasticity following BoNT-A injections. Clinical assessments included spasticity, neurological impairment, functional ambulation, independence, and quality of life. SED and PA were also measured at baseline (T0), 6 weeks (T1), and 12 weeks (T2) using accelerometry and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), categorizing activity into SED, low [light intensity physical activity (LIPA)], and moderate physical activity (MPA)-to-vigorous physical activity (VPA) levels. Multilevel mixed-effects linear regression models were used to determine the effects of BoNT-A on time spent in SED and PA. Bland–Altman plots were used to determine the agreement between the device measured and self-report methods.

Results

Accelerometry revealed a significant reduction in sedentary time and an increase in low-LIPA times at T2 only, whereas IPAQ-reported SED significantly decreased and LIPA increased at T1 and T2. Substantial increases in LIPA, MPA, and VPA times were also found with IPAQ at T2 only. IPAQ significantly underestimated the time spent in SED and overestimated VPA compared to accelerometry.

Conclusions

BoNT-A injections reduced SED time and increased light-intensity PA in stroke survivors with spasticity. Self-report measures, such as the IPAQ, may not measure the true impact of interventions, such as BoNT-A, on PA in patients with stroke.
Prolonged pain-to-balloon time still impairs midterm left ventricular function following STEMI
Authors: Felbel Dominik , Fackler Sabrina , Michalke Rachel , Paukovitsch Michael , Gröger Matthias , Keßler Mirjam , Nita Nicoleta , Teumer Yannick , Schneider Leonhard , Imhof Armin , Buckert Dominik , Rottbauer Wolfgang , Markovic Sinisa
Published: January 2025

Background

ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) demands near-time reperfusion to reduce the risk of long-term heart failure. This study evaluates the proportion of impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) following STEMI in the context of current healthcare settings at a tertiary care center equipped with the most advanced and up-to-date standards of care.

Methods

Patients experiencing STEMI as their first manifestation of coronary artery disease were analyzed, as these individuals had no prior experience with heart-related chest pain. LVEF was assessed by levocardiography at admission and semiautomatically using TOMTEC in patients with eligible full-cycle echocardiography of 2- and 4-chamber view available at discharge and 1-year follow-up (FU). Pain-to-balloon time was divided into quartiles (Q) [0-111, 112–159, 160–246 and 247–784 min]. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified independent predictors of reduced LVEF < 50% at 1-year FU.

Results

A total of 1,379 consecutive STEMI patients were reviewed from 2010 to 2017, with 130 meeting the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 63 ± 12 years, 75% were male, 14% had diabetes, 72% had arterial hypertension, and 56% had history of smoking. LVEF was reduced in 94% of patients at admission, 69% at discharge, and remained reduced in 45% at the 1-year follow-up. Anterior wall myocardial infarction (OR 3.2 [95%-CI 1.2–6.9], p = 0.018) and increasing pain-to-balloon time across quartiles (Q2: OR 15.7 [95%-CI 1.8–140.4], p = 0.014; Q4: OR 33.7 [3.4–278.7] p = 0.002) were independently associated with reduced LVEF at 1 year.

Conclusion

Despite optimal medical management and advanced healthcare structures, nearly half of patients with STEMI as their first presentation of coronary artery disease continue to exhibit reduced LVEF at 12-months. Anterior wall myocardial infarction and pain-to-balloon time exceeding 2 h remain independent predictors of left ventricular dysfunction. Further improvements in healthcare systems and public education are essential to reduce treatment delays and improve long-term outcomes.
Neonatal indicator data in Tanzania District Health Information System: evaluation of availability and quality of selected newborn indicators, 2015-2022
Authors: Shabani Josephine , Salim Nahya , Bohne Christine , Day Louise Tina , Kumalija Claud , Makuwani Ahmad Mohamed , Bundala Felix , Ismail Habib , Lawn Joy E. , Ohuma Eric O.
Published: January 2025

Background

The Every Newborn Action Plan (ENAP) indicators are essential in monitoring neonatal healthcare coverage and quality. The District Health Information System (DHIS2), an open-source platform in over 80 countries, supports health data collection and analysis, enabling progress tracking at national and subnational levels. This study evaluates the availability and quality of maternal and newborn health indicators, explicitly focusing on ENAP indicators within Tanzania’s DHIS2.

Methods

Using the EN-MINI tool, we assessed data availability for 20 ENAP indicators by analysing their numerators and denominators in Tanzania’s DHIS2 (2015–2022) across all healthcare levels. World Health Organization’s (WHO) data quality framework was adapted to examine four dimensions: (a) availability of indicators, (b) completeness of indicator reporting, (c) internal consistency of related indicators, and (d) indicator plausibility by comparing DHIS2 data with population-based Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data.

Results

Of the 20 ENAP indicators, 14 were available in Tanzania’s DHIS2, with definitions, numerators and denominators aligned with WHO standards. Between 2015 and 2022, the number of facilities reporting at least one delivery annually increased by 19% from 5,898 to 7,016. During this period, 75% to 97% of facilities consistently reported data on skilled attendance at birth and early breastfeeding initiation. In contrast, 4% to 54% of facilities reported on maternal and newborn outcomes, including complications such as stillbirths and maternal mortality. Internal consistency was high (> 94%). However, neonatal mortality rates reported in DHIS2 were lower than those reported in Tanzania DHS for similar periods, even after a 20% adjustment to account for home births.

Conclusion

Tanzania’s DHIS2 captures many ENAP indicators; however, notable variability in data quality persists, with substantial data gaps related to maternal and newborn outcomes and complications. To address these challenges, it is crucial to strengthen routine data review, implement robust quality checks, enhance validation processes, provide targeted training, deliver constructive feedback, and conduct supportive supervision. Placing greater emphasis on using DHIS2 data to monitor progress will help identify gaps and drive improvements in data quality, ultimately supporting better maternal and newborn health outcomes.