bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patients’ perspectives on ecologically sustainable healthcare in general practice
Authors: Visser E.H. , Brakema E.A. , Slootweg I.A. , Vos H.M.M. , Adriaanse M.A.
Published: October 2024

Background

Healthcare contributes substantially to climate change. GPs want to implement sustainable healthcare, but are hesitant; worried that this may jeopardise their patient-physician relationship. However, whether this concern is valid is yet to be assessed.

Aim

To explore patients’ perspectives on sustainable healthcare in general practice.

Design and setting

In 2022 and 2023 we performed an online study, among Dutch GP patients, using experimental vignettes and a questionnaire.

Method

The vignettes described GP appointments for three health complaints with randomly allocated treatment advice, varying in sustainability and explanation, but with comparable health outcomes. The questionnaire assessed patients’ perspectives on sustainable healthcare in general practice. We analysed the vignettes using mixed-design ANOVA and the questionnaire using descriptive statistics and correlations.

Results

801 participants completed the vignettes, and 397 the questionnaire. We found no difference on satisfaction with a doctor’s visit (P’s>.238) when comparing a sustainable and a non-sustainable treatment option. The effect of explicitly mentioning sustainability differed per health complaint (dyspnoea: no difference; knee pain: MD=.319,P=.002; erythema: MD=-.227,P=.003). In the questionnaire, participants reported positive expectations, and trust in the GP and treatment when delivering sustainable healthcare, but were more neutral about the GPs’ role.

Conclusion

We found no indication that sustainable treatment advice leads to lower satisfaction with healthcare. The effect of explicitly mentioning sustainability was minimal and differed per health complaint. When directly asked, patients were mainly positive about sustainable healthcare. These results could encourage GPs to introduce sustainable treatment advice, without worrying about negatively influencing patient satisfaction.

How this fits in

GPs and other healthcare professionals increasingly want to implement sustainable healthcare, but are hesitant to do so, fearing that it will jeopardise their patient-physician relationship. However, no studies have been conducted to assess how patients actually respond to sustainable healthcare in general practice. In this study among GP patients, we found: no indication that sustainable treatment advice, in scenarios with comparable health outcomes, leads to lower satisfaction with a doctor’s visit; that the effect of explicitly mentioning sustainability on satisfaction with a doctor’s visit had a minimal effect that differed per health complaint; and that patients were mainly positive about sustainable healthcare when reflecting on this topic in a questionnaire. These findings may encourage GPs to introduce sustainable treatment options in their consultations, without worrying about negatively influencing patient satisfaction.
Genetic Semantic Dementia? Twins’ Data and Review of Autosomal Dominant Cases
Authors: Henderson Shalom K. , Lambon Ralph Matthew A. , Simon Jones P , Naessens Michelle , Cope Thomas E. , Whiteside David J. , Bouzigues Arabella , Russell Lucy L. , Foster Phoebe H. , Ferry-Bolder Eve , van Swieten John , Jiskoot Lize , Seelaar Harro , Sanchez-Valle Raquel , Galimberti Daniela , Synofzik Matthis , Borroni Barbara , Rohrer Jonathan D. ,   GENetic Frontotemporal dementia Initiative (GENFI), Rowe James B. , Patterson Karalyn E.
Published: October 2024

Background

Amongst different subtypes of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), semantic dementia (SD, also known as the semantic variant of primary progressive aphasia, svPPA), is the least likely to have a genetic basis.

Methods

Our study had two aims: (i) to describe two SD cases and detailed assessments of their unaffected monozygotic (MZ) twins, and (ii) to review cases with FTD-associated mutations or known family history classified as SD/svPPA either in the Genetic Frontotemporal dementia Initiative (GENFI) or in the published literature.

Results

The two affected twins displayed characteristic features of SD, both in neuroimaging and cognition, whereas their MZ twins exhibited no abnormalities in either regard, even up to 15 years of follow-up for one affected twin. Only five cases out of more than 1300 people in GENFI were classified as svPPA, with a genetic mutation. The systematic review revealed 29 cases with sufficient clinical and language details regarding ‘genetic’ SD/svPPA. A comparison of these five GENFI and 29 literature cases to the patterns observed in a large number of sporadic cases revealed critical differences in presentation.

Conclusions

Both parts of our study suggest that true SD/svPPA is unlikely to have an autosomal dominant genetic aetiology and that, while mutation carriers may resemble SD/svPPA in some respects, they may not meet current clinical diagnostic criteria for this condition.

What is already known on this topic: Approximately 30% of all frontotemporal dementia cases are associated with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance but the reported prevalence of mutation in semantic dementia/semantic variant of primary progressive aphasia (SD/svPPA) is very low.

What this study adds: From (a) outlining the discordance for SD/svPPA in two pairs of monozygotic twins and (b) comparing the clinical and cognitive profiles of people who had been classified as SD/svPPA with an FTD-associated genetic mutationversussporadic SD/svPPA, we conclude that true SD/svPPA is unlikely to have an autosomal dominant genetic aetiology.

How this study might affect research, practice or policy: Our study highlights gaps in the understanding of environmental and epigenetic influences on sporadic SD/svPPA and a need for further unbiased genotyping and phenotyping of SD/svPPA and “SD-like” syndromes.

Open access:For the purpose of open access, the authors have applied a CC BY public copyright licence to any Author Accepted Manuscript version arising from this submission.
A Scoping Review: How should fractures of the Anterior Process of the Calcaneus be managed in athletes?
Authors: Franklin Joseph , Offer Charlie , Hammond Lucy , White Hollie , Wilson-Thain Samantha
Published: October 2024

Lay Summary

The Anterior Process of the Calcaneus is part of the “heel bone” (calcaneus), located near to where this bone meets the Navicular bone. Both bones are in the foot. The main mechanism that causes this injury, in the sporting context, is an avulsion injury. Essentially, a ligament, that attaches the calcaneus to the navicular, is pulled with such force that it pulls off some of the attached calcaneus bone. Commonly this occurs when athletes “roll” their ankles.

Historically, these fractures have often been misdiagnosed, with fractures being mistaken for bad “sprains” and soft tissue damage. This misdiagnosis has led to the mismanagement of these injuries with poor patient outcomes and recovery. Despite growing amounts of guidance available, there is still a lack of clarity in the literature. This is particularly the case in how this injury should be managed in the athlete looking to return to sport.

This review seeks to analyse the preexisting guidance in the management of these injuries, pulling resources together, to better direct the clinician and improve patient/athlete outcomes. This review will also highlight areas where more research is needed.
Unbiased mapping of cereblon neosubstrate landscape by high-throughput proteomics
Authors: Rankovic Zoran , Wu Qiong , Yang Jun , Nishiguchi Gisele , Daub Henrik , Shashikadze Bachuki , Machata Sophie , Graef Tobias , Schwalb Bjoern , Bartoschek Denis , Ohmayer Uli , Bednarz Anastasia Helena , McGowan Kevin , Shi Zhe , Price Jeanine , Mayasundari Anand , Yang Lei , Demichev Vadim , Steger Martin
Published: October 2024

Molecular glue degraders (MGDs) are small molecules that harness the ubiquitin-proteasome system to induce degradation of target proteins lacking conventional druggable pockets. Given the challenges in their rational design, MGD discovery predominantly relies on screening-based approaches, such as cell viability assays. However, one potential limitation of such screening methods is the risk of overlooking non-essential neosubstrates of potential therapeutic value. To address this concern, we present a high-throughput proteome-wide MGD screening platform utilizing label-free, data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry (DIA-MS) for integrated proteomics and ubiquitinomics analysis. Processing a diverse set of 100 CRBN-ligands across two cancer cell lines reveals a broad array of neosubstrates, including 50 novel candidates validated by MS-based ubiquitinomics. These findings considerably expand the current landscape of CRBN-mediated neosubstrates. Comprehensive hit validation and structure-degradation relationship analyses guided by global proteomics, identifies highly selective and potent phenyl glutarimide-based degraders of novel neosubstrates, including KDM4B, G3BP2 and VCL, none of which contain the classical CRBN degron motif. This study demonstrates that comprehensive, high-throughput proteomic screening offers new opportunities in MGD drug discovery.
The structural permissiveness of triosephosphate isomerase (TpiA) ofEscherichia coli
Authors: Calles Belen , Pitarch Borja , de Lorenzo Víctor
Published: October 2024

Triosephosphate isomerase (TpiA) is widely regarded as an example of an optimally evolved enzyme due to its essential role in biological systems, its structural conservation, and its near-perfect kinetic parameters. In this study, we investigated the structural robustness of the archetypal TpiA variant fromEscherichia coliusing an in vitro 5- amino acid linker scanning method. The resulting library was introduced into atpiAmutant strain for functional complementation. From this library, 15 TpiA variants that were phenotypically indistinguishable from the wild-type enzyme were selected for further analysis. Although all variants retained enzymatic activities within the wild-type range, several insertions were found in highly structured protein domains where the linker was expected to cause significant structural perturbations. Despite these potentially disruptive additions, the enzymes maintained their activity even when expressed in adnaKmutant, suggesting that chaperones did not compensate for structural abnormalitiesin vivo.Additionally, when these mutant TpiA variants were produced using the PUREin vitrotranscription/translation system, they exhibited enzymatic activity comparable to, and in some cases exceeding, that of the non-mutated enzyme. AlphaFold2 revealed that insertions reconstructed the local architecture of the nearby amino acid sequences. The evolutionary implications of this remarkable structural resilience are discussed.
Teichoic acids in the periplasm and cell envelope ofStreptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Nguyen Mai , Bauda Elda , Boyat Célia , Laguri Cédric , Freton Céline , Chouquet Anne , Gallet Benoit , Baudoin Morgane , Wong Yung-Sing , Grangeasse Christophe , Moriscot Christine , Durmort Claire , Zapun André , Morlot Cecile
Published: October 2024

Teichoic acids (TA) are linear phospho-saccharidic polymers and important constituents of the cell envelope of Gram-positive bacteria, either bound to the peptidoglycan as wall teichoic acids (WTA) or to the membrane as lipoteichoic acids (LTA). The chemical composition of TA varies greatly but the presence of both WTA and LTA is highly conserved, hinting at an underlying fundamental function that is distinct from their numerous specific roles in diverse organisms. We report here the observation of a periplasmic space in the Gram-positiveStreptococcus pneumoniaeby cryo-electron microscopy of vitreous sections. The thickness and appearance of this region change upon deletion of genes involved in the attachment of teichoic acids, supporting the role of TA in the maintenance of a periplasmic space in Gram-positive bacteria as a possible universal function. Consequences of these mutations were further examined by super-resolved microscopy (dSTORM), following metabolic and fluorophore coupling by click-chemistry in pulse and pulse-chase experiments. This novel labeling method also enabled in-gel analysis of cell fractions, revealing that LTA-containing membranes sediment at low centrifugal forces. Owing to this easy separation approach, we were able to titrate the actual amount of TA per cell and to determine the ratio of WTA to LTA. In addition, we followed the change of TA length during growth phases, and discovered that a mutant devoid of LTA accumulates the membrane-bound polymerized TA precursor.

Significance

The existence of a periplasmic space in Gram-positive bacteria has long been debated. The finding that compromising the attachment of teichoic acids changes the appearance and thickness of the periplasm in the pneumococcus indicates a role of these polymers in the maintenance of this space between the membrane and the cell wall. Metabolic labeling and electrophoresis showed that LTA-containing membranes are easily sedimented. This finding indicates that the LTA/WTA ratios reported in previous studies were likely underestimated, since most LTA were probably unknowingly discarded in these studies. Our method of TA analysis opens a new era in the investigation of these important and poorly known bacterial polymers and their role in the periplasmic space of Gram-positive organisms.
Setdb1 regulates proper differentiation of adult intestinal stem cells via restraining permissive chromatin structure and transcriptional variability
Authors: Botskaris Dimitris , Deligiannis Ioannis K. , Peraki Ioanna , Kontaki Haroula , Stagaki Marianna , Lavigne Matthieu D. , Martinez-Jimenez Celia P. , Talianidis Iannis
Published: October 2024

The histone methylase Setdb1 plays a pivotal role in embryonic stem cell maintenance and developmental lineage specification. However, its function in adult stem cells remains elusive. Here we show that conditional inactivation ofSetdb1in Lgr5+intestinal stem cells alters the transcriptional programs of the progeny cell types and results in increased cell-to-cell transcriptional variability. Loss of Setdb1 blocked differentiation towards the absorptive enterocyte lineage, while the secretory cell types were only marginally affected due to the activation of alternative developmental trajectories.Setdb1inactivation did not alter H3K9 methylation at large heterochromatin domains but led to reduced localized modifications at islands of gene-rich areas around transposase-accessible chromatin regions, which doubled in number, became broader and more heterogeneous in size. The results demonstrate that Setdb1 regulates intestinal stem cell differentiation by fine-tuning chromatin accessibility in open euchromatin regions thereby controlling transcriptional variability between cells.
Electrotaxis disrupts patterns of cell-cell interactions of human corneal epithelial cells in vitro
Authors: Crossley Rebecca M , Martina-Perez Simon F
Published: October 2024

Electrotaxis, the process by which eukaryotic cells establish a polarity and move directionally along an electric field, is a well-studied mechanism to steer the migration of cells in vitro and in vivo. While the influence of an electric field on single cells in culture is well-documented, the influence of the electric field on cell-cell interactions has not been well studied. In this work, we quantify the length, duration and number of cell-cell interactions during electrotaxis of human corneal epithelial cells and compare the properties of these interactions with those arising in the absence of an electric field. We find that contact inhibition of locomotion and velocity alignment, two key behaviours observed during dynamic physical interactions between cells in vitro, are strongly affected by an electric field. Furthermore, we establish a link between the location of a cell-cell contact on the cell surface and the resulting cell interaction behaviours. By mapping the regions of the cell surface with a characteristic response to contact with another cell, we find that the spatial distribution of possible responses upon cell-cell contact is altered upon induction of an electric field. Altogether, this work shows how the electric field not only influences individual cell motility and directionality, but also affects cell-cell interactions.
Determination ofPseudomonas aeruginosaMexXY-OprM substrate profile in a major efflux knockout system reveals distinct antibiotic substrate classes
Authors: Kavanaugh Logan G. , Hariharan Shraddha M. , Conn Graeme L.
Published: October 2024

Defining the substrates of Resistance-Nodulation-Division (RND) systems is often complicated by the presence of multiple systems in a single bacterial species. Using a major efflux knockout strain, we developed aPseudomonas aeruginosasystem that enables controlled expression of MexXY-OprM in the absence of background efflux complexes with overlapping substrate profiles. This system identified three groups of potential substrates: substrates, partial substrates, and nonsubstrates, and defined trimethoprim as a new substrate for MexXY-OprM.
The genital tract microbiota of IVF patients and oocyte donors: a comparative analysis
Authors: Haahr Thor , Humaidan Peter , Bernabeu Andrea , Lledo Belen , Plummer Erica L , Bradshaw Catriona S , Ingham Anna Cäcilia , Jensen Jørgen Skov
Published: October 2024

Recent studies have observed an association between genital tract microbiota and reproductive outcomes in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). This finding could be caused by ascending dysbiosis from the vagina to the endometrium. The main objective of this study was to compare the microbiota and total bacterial load in the vagina, cervix and endometrium of IVF patients and oocyte donors. Thus, a total of two cohorts were explored: IVF patients (N=27) and healthy oocyte donors (N=26). The microbiota was investigated using 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the V3-V4 hypervariable regions, as well as qPCR for common vaginal species and total bacterial load. The study used a transcervical sampling approach for the endometrial microbiota samples.

The highest bacterial load was seen in the vagina (median 2.6*109; 95% CI 9.7*108- 7.1*109; 16S rRNA gene copies/swab), followed by the cervix (median 9.0*107; 95% CI 3.3*107- 2.4*108; 16S rRNA gene copies/swab) and the endometrium (median 8.6*106; 95%CI 3.1*106- 2.4*107; 16S rRNA gene copies/swab). Only 1% of the observed variation between genital tract samples was explained by patient group (IVF patient or oocyte donor) and less than 1% of the variation between genital tract samples was explained by the anatomical site. Although, findings could be impacted by the transcervical sampling approach, 16S rRNA gene sequencing as well as species-specific qPCR showed a similar microbiota composition present in the cervix and the endometrium when compared to the vaginal microbiota.
Comparative Analysis of Lysine-Specific Peptidases for Optimizing Proteomics Workflows
Authors: van der Hoeven Leander , Lechner Maico , Hernandez-Rollan Cristina , Batth Tanveer S. , Olsen Jesper V.
Published: October 2024

This study presents a comparative analysis of three LysC homologues from Achromobacter lyticus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Lysobacter enzymogenes for mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Utilizing a protein aggregation capture (PAC) workflow with HeLa cell lysate, we assessed the enzymes’ cleavage specificity, digestion efficiency, and performance across various experimental conditions. Results showed that while all three homologues exhbihited high cleavage specificity at lysine residues, A. lyticus LysC outperformed the two others with its superior peptide identification, digestion efficiency, and protein coverage, especially at short digestion times. Combination of A. lyticus LysC and trypsin demonstrated that importance of LysC for signifancanlty minimizing missed cleavage rates in tryptic digests. This study underscores A. lyticus LysC’s potential as an optimal choice for enhancing mass spectrometry-based proteomics.
Advanced deep-tissue imaging and manipulation enabled by biliverdin reductase knockout
Authors: Kasatkina Ludmila A. , Ma Chenshuo , Sheng Huaxin , Lowerison Matthew , Menozzi Luca , Baloban Mikhail , Tang Yuqi , Xu Yirui , Humayun Lucas , Vu Tri , Song Pengfei , Yao Junjie , Verkhusha Vladislav V.
Published: October 2024

We developed near-infrared (NIR) photoacoustic and fluorescence probes, as well as optogenetic tools from bacteriophytochromes, and enhanced their performance using biliverdin reductase-A knock-out model (Blvra-/-). Blvra-/- elevates endogenous heme-derived biliverdin chromophore for bacteriophytochrome-derived NIR constructs. Consequently, light-controlled transcription with IsPadC-based optogenetic tool improved up to 25-fold compared to wild-type cells, with 100-fold activation in Blvra-/- neurons.In vivo, light-induced insulin production in Blvra-/- reduced blood glucose in diabetes by ∼60%, indicating high potential for optogenetic therapy. Using 3D photoacoustic, ultrasound, and two-photon fluorescence imaging, we overcame depth limitations of recording NIR probes. We achieved simultaneous photoacoustic imaging of DrBphP in neurons and super-resolution ultrasound localization microscopy of blood vessels ∼7 mm deep in the brain, with intact scalp and skull. Two-photon microscopy provided cell-level resolution of miRFP720-expressing neurons ∼2.2 mm deep. Blvra-/- significantly enhances efficacy of biliverdin-dependent NIR systems, making it promising platform for interrogation and manipulation of biological processes.
Dynamic characteristics of perforated plates with elastically restrained edges under impact loading
Authors: Wang Chen , Liu Rongqiang
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an effective method for predicting the dynamic ultimate bearing capacity of porous plates, and to analyse the influence of various geometric and boundary parameters on the ultimate bearing capacity of the plates.

Design/methodology/approach

The goal of this paper is to propose a generalized constrained differential quadrature method to investigate the dynamic ultimate bearing capacity of perforated plates with elastically restrained edges in which the perforated plate is modelled as the assembly of continuous plate elements using the penalty function method.

Findings

The effects of size and location of the cut-out, aspect ratio of the cut-out, elastic restrained edge stiffness and compression–shear load on the dynamic ultimate bearing capacity of plates are examined and discussed in detail.

Originality/value

A fast method for calculating the dynamic ultimate bearing capacity of perforated plate structures was proposed, and the influence of various geometric and boundary parameters on their ultimate bearing capacity was discussed, which is of great significance for the initial design of engineering structures.
Navigating the digital beat: a review of social media as a public engagement tool in policing
Authors: Ralph Liam , Elliott Ian C. , Murphy Joanne , Glennon Russ
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This article explores the changing nature of social media use as a public engagement tool by police services.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive review is conducted of academic studies from criminology and policing journals. Sources are identified from key academic databases and are analysed in relation to three decades (2000–2009, 2010–2019 and 2020 to present) to show how the use of social media has changed over time.

Findings

The way in which social media is used in policing has changed considerably over time. From initial enthusiasm, it is found that there is growing scepticism in the use of social media as a public engagement tool. After an initial proliferation in use, there is then increasing consolidation and control in response to concerns about reputational risk.

Research limitations/implications

The research highlights underlying dynamics of engagement and retrenchment, which offer important insights for how we understand public engagement and value creation in policing and emergency services more generally. We draw on academic research from English-language academic journals, but we have endeavoured to include research from the broadest possible range of countries.

Practical implications

This study demonstrates how the police and other public services must respond to the growing use of social media by the public to maximise value creation whilst minimising the threats that come from potential value destruction.

Originality/value

This study is the first to comprehensively review the policing and criminology literature related to social media and to apply a public engagement lens to this analysis.
Friendshoring: how geopolitical tensions affect foreign sourcing, supply base complexity, and sub-tier supplier sharing
Authors: Charpin Remi , Cousineau Martin
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper examines the influence of geopolitical tensions—operationalized as political divergence between governments—on firms’ foreign supply bases and the resulting effects on supply base complexity and sub-tier supplier sharing.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conduct panel data regression analyses over the period 2003–2019 to investigate whether political divergence affects foreign supply bases for 2,858 US firms sourcing from 99 countries and to examine how political divergence exposure impacts the supply network structures of 853 US firms.

Findings

Firms reduce their supply bases in countries exposed to heightened geopolitical tensions. These supply chain adjustments are associated with increased supply base complexity and greater sub-tier supplier sharing.

Originality/value

This study highlights the importance of state relations in global supply chain reconfiguration. Political divergence between governments provides a dual-view of political risk (i.e. buyer–supplier countries), which can help firms anticipate geopolitical disruptions. While reducing supply bases in foreign countries facing heightened geopolitical tensions is intended to mitigate disruptions, these supply base adjustments are linked to increased supply base complexity and sub-tier supplier sharing, thereby exposing firms to other types of supply disruptions. Additionally, this research contributes to understanding the effects of geopolitical tensions on supply base complexity through the lenses of transaction cost economics and resource dependence theory.
The influence of project-based learning on engineering students’ academic and career motivation
Authors: Deng Yanyao , Shi Chao
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study explored students’ variations of insightful academic and career motivation variations of learning and working on defense manufacturing engineering (DME) before and after a project-based program (PBL).

Design/methodology/approach

Interview was adopted to collect students’ insights. The first-round interview was completed within the first week of this summer internship, and the second-round interview was conducted during the final week of this summer internship. Thematic and content analysis were used to explore the factors that affect students’ perception, understanding and attitude to DME before and after the summer internship.

Findings

This paper discloses the improved level of learning and working motivation at the beginning of the project, but with a decrease in the motivation level of working in the DME area at the end of the program. These students showed a continued motivation of interests in pursuing more knowledge in the field. This PBL didn’t bring significant improvement on students’ career motivation for working in the field of DME. However, it demonstrated a highly positive effect on enhance students’ academic motivation (AM) for learning knowledge in the field. Moreover, the students’ concerns and perspectives on this PBL were also explored, which is displayed in the study.

Originality/value

The project was done with support from the US Department of Defense (DoD) (No: N00014-19-1-2728). These findings are investigated from the project.
The failure of passionate entrepreneurs to persist: a self-regulatory approach
Authors: Yang Hongtao , Xie Xin , Zhou Hanhui
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Entrepreneurial passion is constantly considered a core driver of the entrepreneurial process. In reality, however, many passionate entrepreneurs still fail to persist in their ventures. Whether entrepreneurial passion negatively affects entrepreneurial persistence is not well known. The current study explores how entrepreneurial passion inhibits entrepreneurial persistence based on self-regulation theory. The moderating role of the perceived entrepreneurial institutional environment on the relationship is further investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The study collected data from 200 entrepreneurs using a two-stage questionnaire. In the first stage, demographic information was obtained from the respondents, and their entrepreneurial passion, self-regulatory assessment mode and perceived entrepreneurial institutional environment were measured. Three months later, in the second stage, entrepreneurial persistence was evaluated.

Findings

The results show that entrepreneurial passion has a positive effect on self-regulatory assessment mode. Further, self-regulatory assessment mode negatively impacts entrepreneurial persistence and mediates the negative relationship between entrepreneurial passion and persistence. In addition, the greater the perceived level of the entrepreneurial institutional environment is, the weaker the positive association between entrepreneurial passion and self-regulatory assessment mode and the weaker the mediating effect of self-regulatory assessment mode on the relationship between entrepreneurial passion and entrepreneurial persistence and vice versa.

Originality/value

This paper clarifies the unknown negative effects of entrepreneurial passion, contributes to the theoretical relationship between the constructs of entrepreneurial passion and persistence and provides insights for decision-making by entrepreneurs, government and venture capital institutions.
Value and appraisal: human resource management practices and voice behaviors
Authors: Nguyen Thuy Chinh , Tran Huy Phuong
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Employee voice is considered an important driver of organizational success. Management practices in the form of high-performance work practices (HPWPs) are expected to influence promotive and prohibitive voices. In addition, employee appraisal of HPWPs as a challenge or hindrance stressor is supposed to mediate the relationships. Finally, the self-direction value moderates the indirect effects of HPWPs on voice behaviors through employee appraisal.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research approach was adopted with data collected from 315 subordinate supervisor dyads from 12 business organizations in Vietnam. This research uses partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Results indicate that HPWPs are significantly associated with both types of employee voice behaviors. Challenge appraisal partially mediates the impact of HPWPs on promotive voice, while hindrance appraisal acts as a partial mediation in the HPWPs-prohibitive voice linkage. Self-direction value moderates the link between HPWPs and prohibitive voice.

Research limitations/implications

Results show that HPWPs may have both productive and harmful effects on employees. Depending on how the employees appraise HPWPs, they develop different coping strategies by raising their voices. HPWP-implementing organizations should pay attention to the employees’ values in this process.

Originality/value

This study investigates the relationship between HPWPs and employee voice based on the transactional theory of stress and coping. The mediating role of employee appraisal represents a new contribution. Finally, the role of self-direction value in the voice literature has not been widely evaluated in previous research.
Social mobility as a driver of employee silence in India: toward a contextualized understanding of silence in emerging markets
Authors: Knoll Michael , Bhattacharjee Anindo , Vandekerckhove Wim
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how the context in a dynamically developing country affects employee silence in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative design involving semi-structured interviews with employees and managers from different sectors in the Mumbai and Delhi areas. An abductive approach was used to analyze the data.

Findings

Two types of social mobility concerns – advancement aspiration and fear of social decline – emerged as salient drivers of silence and can be attributed to a volatile job market, social status markers, transferability of qualification, someone’s socio-economic situation and the overall economic situation. Pathways were specified from social mobility concerns to silence tendencies that are motivated by both low approach and high avoidance.

Research limitations/implications

Social mobility as a specific factor in the Indian distal context and as a characteristic of emerging markets can motivate silence while organization-related concepts like job satisfaction or commitment may have less predictive value. Propositions that were derived from the interview study need to be validated by deductive research. Generalizability of Indian findings across other emergent markets needs to be shown.

Originality/value

To the organizational behavior (OB) scholarship on silence, this research contributes by identifying antecedents of silence that are situated beyond the organizational boundaries challenging the dominant role of established factors at the team- and organizational level. To the human resource management/employment relations (HRM/ER) scholarship, this research contributes by theorizing psychological processes that link environmental factors to silence behaviors.
Does job gamification perception promote the job involvement of gig workers? The role of cognitive assessment and overwork—evidence from Chinese delivery platforms
Authors: Wei Wei , Wang Xiaoyu , Han Siyi , Xiong Ailun
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper takes the gig workers in Chinese delivery platform as the research object and adopts a questionnaire survey to explore the complex influence of job gamification perception on the job involvement of gig workers, via the mediating role of cognitive assessment and moderating role of overwork, in order to provide research and data support for the development of platform gamification.

Design/methodology/approach

The study conducted a three-wave online questionnaire survey to obtain 300 final samples from Chinese delivery platforms. Hypotheses were tested hierarchical regression and bootstrap methods.

Findings

Drawing on cognitive appraisal theory, we observed an inverted U-shaped relationship of gig workers between job gamification perception and job involvement. The mediating role of cognitive assessment and moderating role of overwork were also considered. Both challenge and threat assessment mediate the relationship between job gamification perception and job involvement. Direct effect of job gamification perception on job involvement and indirect effect of job gamification perception on cognitive assessment are moderated by overwork.

Originality/value

In the past, the research on job gamification mostly focused on the traditional forms of employment, but this study focuses on the new forms of employment and from the perspective of individual self-perception, explores the influence of job gamification perception on the job involvement of gig workers in Chinese delivery platform and investigated the dialectical role of job gamification perception. The findings enrich the literature and theoretical research on job gamification perception and job involvement and provide new references and perspectives for management practice.
Leaf herbivory causes abortion of selfed seeds in Rhododendron kaempferi var. kaempferi
Authors: Takahashi Keigo , Kudo Gaku
Published: October 2024

Plant reproduction is often inhibited by herbivorous leaf damage, which affects the resource pool allocated for reproduction. Rhododendron kaempferi var. kaempferi is a semi‐evergreen shrub widely distributed in Japan, and its leaves are occasionally damaged by sawfly larvae (Arge similis). This species is partially self‐compatible, but its selfed seedlings suffer from inbreeding depression. Our study aimed to clarify (1) the magnitude of herbivorous damage under natural conditions, (2) the effects of foliage damage on seed number and mass, and (3) the possibility of selective abortion of selfed seeds to maintain outcrossed seed production under resource limitation. In the 2022 survey, 2 of the 20 ramets observed were collectively parasitized by sawfly larvae, and the most damaged ramet had a 59.6% foliage loss. In contrast, the herbivorous damage in 2023 was consistently low throughout the growing season, averaging a 3.2% loss. Leaf excision reduced the seed number per fruit (i.e., low seed‐set rate) but did not affect the individual seed mass. The outcrossing rate of the excision treatment (81.7%) was significantly higher than that of the control (72.0%). The values of seed‐set rate × outcrossing rate were 0.172 for the excision treatment and 0.171 for the control, nearly equal. Our results indicated that (1) sawfly larvae damage was concentrated on a few specific plants, (2) intense foliage damage reduced seed number but not seed mass, and (3) R. kaempferi mitigated the decline in outcrossed seed production by the abortion of selfed seeds when leaves were intensively damaged.
Enabling access: Reflecting on inclusive education practice
Authors: Kapcia Sophia
Published: October 2024

Inclusive education is a multifaceted approach that celebrates diversity, acknowledges individual differences and fosters an environment where all students can thrive. This reflective piece delves into key components of inclusive education practice, including embracing diversity, implementing differentiated instruction, fostering collaborative partnerships, creating an inclusive environment and engaging in continuous reflection and professional development. Drawing from over two decades of teaching experience, I seek to highlight the importance of catering to individual needs, building collaborative relationships and nurturing a culture of inclusivity and empowerment which are factors essential in creating inclusion and equity within the classroom. Through embracing inclusive practices, teachers can create learning communities where each student, regardless of their ability or challenges, has the opportunity to succeed.
A new approach to pupil agency: A collaborative evaluation study
Authors: Browning Paul
Published: October 2024

This article explores the concept of student agency within the Thrive Co‐operative Learning Trust. It details the Trust's journey in developing student voice and influence, using the Lundy Model of Child Participation as a framework. This article highlights the importance of authentic pupil agency and showcases successful initiatives undertaken by the Trust.
Ineffectiveness of therapeutic plasma exchange as a last resort in severe COVID‐19 cases: Experience from a tertiary intensive care unit
Authors: Ayer Mesut , Özgür Yasemin , Turan Güldem , Yurttaş Nurgül Özgür , Ulusoy Yusuf , Ekmen Şevket Ali , Hanoğlu Didem , Eker Edibe Sevde , Öngören Şeniz
Published: October 2024

Aim

Several studies have suggested that cytokine release syndrome (CRS) can be controlled by therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) treatment. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of TPE treatment in patients who developed life‐threatening respiratory failure syndrome (SARS) due to COVID‐19 infection.

Methods

In this retrospective, case–control study, patients, who developed SARS, were infected with the COVID‐19 virus, and required intensive care unit (ICU) admission were included. Patients included in the study were divided into groups according to whether TPE experience or not and if so, how many sessions were applied. Mortality rates of patients in the ICU and 30‐day mortality ratios were evaluated.

Results

A total of 110 patients, 71.8% of whom were male, with a mean age of 59.7 ± 13.3 years, were included in our study. It was observed that 70% of the patients died within a month and 80% of them died during the ICU follow‐up period. The 30‐day mortality rates of patients who underwent TPE at least once and those who never underwent TPE were 72.2% and 67.9%, respectively (p: 0.617). CRP, D‐dimer, fibrinogen and platelet levels showed to have a decreasing trend after plasmapheresis and fluctuated thereafter. It was observed that procalcitonin and IL‐6 levels were increased in the group that underwent plasmapheresis but decreased in those who did not receive plasmapheresis.

Conclusion

Patients severely infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 showed fluctuations in inflammatory parameters despite TPE treatment; CRS was not suppressed by TPE; and this treatment did not confer survival benefit in this patient group.
Evaluation of patients undergoing therapeutic plasma exchange in the pediatric intensive care unit and determining the factors affecting prognosis
Authors: Yazar Hatice , Çeliker Sümeyye , Tuğrul Hazal Ceren , Atay Gürkan , Erdoğan Seher
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), an extracorporeal method targeting the removal of large molecular weight pathogens, is explored in this study for indications, complications, prognosis, safety, and effectiveness.

Methods

The patients’ data were collected retrospectively.

Results

Overall, 334 sessions of TPE were applied to 57 patients. Per the American Society for Apheresis classification, 24.6% of indications fell under Category I, 14% Category II, and 50.9% Category III. Sepsis‐induced multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS) emerged as the leading indication, correlating with elevated needs for mechanical ventilation (MV), increased failed organs, and heightened mortality. Patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy faced a 16.06 times higher mortality risk. Non‐survivors exhibited higher comorbidity, prolonged MV, increased inotropic drug requirement, more failed organs, and a higher PRISM score. 33.2% of complications occurred, primarily catheter‐related.

Conclusion

Sepsis‐induced MODS and extracorporeal modalities are associated with increased mortality in TPE patients, with comorbidities, ventilation, and PRISM scores potentially influencing outcomes.
Resource‐explicit interactions in spatial population models
Authors: Champer Samuel E. , Chae Bryan , Haller Benjamin C. , Champer Jackson , Messer Philipp W.
Published: October 2024

Continuous‐space population models can yield significantly different results from their panmictic counterparts when assessing evolutionary, ecological or population genetic processes. However, the computational burden of spatial models is typically much greater than that of panmictic models due to the overhead of determining which individuals interact with one another and how strongly they interact. While these calculations are necessary to model local competition that regulates the population density, they can lead to prohibitively long runtimes.

Here, we present a novel modelling method in which the resources available to a population are abstractly represented as an additional layer of the simulation. Instead of interacting directly with one another, individuals interact indirectly via this resource layer.

We find that this method closely matches other spatial models, yet can dramatically increase the speed of the model, allowing the simulation of much larger populations.

In addition to improved runtimes, models structured in this manner exhibit other desirable characteristics, including more explicit control over population density near the edge of the simulated area, and an efficient route for modelling complex heterogeneous landscapes.
Efficacy and Safety of Ivabradine for Patients With Acute Heart Failure: Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Han Jing , Wang Qi , Jiang Lantian , Yin Xia
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The efficacy and safety of Ivabradine for patients with acute heart failure (AHF) is controversial, and there are few clinical trials addressing this topic.

Methods

We performed this meta‐analysis to evaluate efficacy and safety of Ivabradine treatment for patients with acute heart failure. We obtained data for controlled trials using the PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Clinical Trials.gov databases. The efficacy endpoints included change in heart rate, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) levels, ejection fraction (EF) values, and a 6‐min walk distance. The safety endpoints included mortality, cardiogenic mortality, incidents of hospital readmission, bradycardia, and atrial fibrillation. Ten randomized controlled trials (RCTs) met our criteria, and data from 656 patients were included for the study.

Results

Ivabradine treatment significantly decreased heart rate and BNP and NT‐proBNP levels compared with those seen in the control group. EF values were significantly increased upon ivabradine treatment. No significant differences were observed in the endpoints of the 6‐min walk distance, all‐cause mortality, cardiogenic mortality, incidents of hospital readmission, bradycardia, and atrial fibrillation data between ivabradine treated and control groups.

Conclusions

Ivabradine can reduce heart rate and BNP and NT‐pro BNP levels and elevate EF values and 6‐min walk distance data significantly in acute heart failure patients. It also exhibits a stable safety profile, with similar risks of all‐cause mortality, cardiogenic mortality, incidents of readmission, and major adverse cardiovascular effects compared with those of the control group.
Attitudes toward mandatory vaccination and the COVID certificate as a function of vaccination status and risk perception: A vignette‐based study
Authors: Brisbois Marie , Schmitz Mathias , Vansteenkiste Maarten , Yzerbyt Vincent , Van Oost Pascaline , Morbée Sofie , Waterschoot Joachim , Luminet Olivier , Van den Bergh Omer , Raemdonck Eveline , Klein Olivier
Published: October 2024

In January 2022, several vaccination policies were debated to address the Omicron outbreak in Belgium. Considering variability in risk perception and vaccine uptake, this study aimed to understand differences in support and expectations for four scenarios, ranging from relaxed to restrictive vaccination policies, to inform policymakers. Using an online survey, 12,670 participants (46% female; Mage = 45.9, SD = 13.38) reported their risk perception, number of vaccination doses (0/1, 2, 3 doses) as well as their support and several anticipated psychological outcomes for each scenario. Mixed model ANCOVA showed a pattern of preferential support for the relaxed scenario and more positive anticipated outcomes (general well‐being and government appraisals) compared to the restrictive policies, that were treated equivalently. An exception to this pattern was found when people were vaccinated with three doses and perceived high risk. Taken separately, risk perception and vaccination status were not sufficient to drive positive attitudes toward restrictive policies; only their interaction had an effect. Limitations include the self‐selected sample and the vignette methodology. The conjunct role of risk perception and vaccination status should be considered when discussing the introduction of restrictive vaccination policies. These findings inform vaccination strategies management during pandemics.