bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does one size fit all? Environmental reporting in New Zealand: the perspective of configuration theory
Authors: Perera Ahesha
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine how different combinations of firm determinants enhance environmental reporting (ER) in New Zealand.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collects data from annual and sustainability reports of 145 listed companies in New Zealand. This study uses content analysis to examine the extent of ER and then the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (FsQCA) to determine the configurations of determinants of reporting.

Findings

The findings reveal ten configurations of determinants showing that ER relies on the existence or non-existence of other firm determinants such as firm size, profitability, ownership and presence of an environment committee (EC). Among ten configurations, ER*∼ROE (ROE denotes return on equity; firms with no profitability but with ECs) stands out, indicating that ER is strongly influenced by the presence of an EC when no profitability exists.

Research limitations/implications

The configuration analysis in this study extends the current ER literature.

Practical implications

The findings provide insight into the management to look for new paths when they make environmental-related strategies based on the existence and non-existence of firm determinants. The findings also support policymakers considering multiple combinations of criteria when mandating ER to promote better climate risk reporting in New Zealand.

Originality/value

Previous studies on determinants of ER mainly use regression analysis to analyse their data. In contrast, the current study uses configuration analysis.
Perceived injustice and brand love: the effectiveness of sympathetic vs empathetic responses to address consumer complaints of unjust specific service encounters
Authors: Ahmad Fayez , Guzmán Francisco
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Negative online consumer reviews represent different forms of injustice. The effect of different types of injustice experienced in a service encounter on a brand is unknown. This study aims to investigate the effect and cause of different forms of injustice on brand love. It also explores which type of responses are more effective to mitigate their damaging effect.

Design/methodology/approach

One text mining, using SAS enterprise miner, and three experimental studies were conducted. ANOVA and mediation and moderation analyses were conducted to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Negative reviews specific to procedural injustice are more damaging than reviews specific to distributive or interactional injustice experienced in a service encounter. The underlying reason behind this differential effect is that perceived procedural injustice influences consumers more to punish the brand, resulting in a greater negative effect on brand love. To counter the damage, a sympathetic, rather than empathetic, brand response is more effective.

Originality/value

This study contributes to justice theory and brand love literature by providing evidence that procedural injustice triggers the highest level of willingness to punish and thus the lowest level of brand love. Consequently, willingness to punish, rather than emotion, is found to be the underlying reason behind procedural injustice having the strongest negative effect on brand love.
Industry 4.0 technology capabilities, resilience and incremental innovation in Australian manufacturing firms: a serial mediation model
Authors: Nakandala Dilupa , Yang Richard , Lau Henry , Weerabahu Samanthi
Published: January 2023

Purpose

There is a well-documented trend among businesses for applying continuously improving, technologically-supported processes. This trend, in part, responds to evolving and challenging business environments and competitive pressures. It also increasingly mandates the need for businesses to invest in improving their digital capabilities and is driven by the expectation that such investments will better equip them for uncertain times. The COVID-19 pandemic presented disruptions to the supply chain, logistics, operations, market demand and labour supply, with industry reports providing evidence that businesses with digital capabilities were better able to respond to such disruptions promptly and appropriately. The study aims to investigate the effects of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies on business operations and supply chain resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors surveyed 117 Australian manufacturing firms using an online survey and analysed the data by using the partial least square structural equation modelling method.

Findings

The authors found I4.0 capabilities directly and positively impact supply chain resilience and that incremental innovation acts as a complementary mediator for the I4.0 technologies’ relationship with supply chain resilience. I4.0 technology capability needs to first transfer to incremental innovation for operations resilience. The authors also found that incremental innovation and operations resilience are serial mediators in the relationship between I4.0 technologies and supply chain resilience.

Originality/value

This research linked the three research areas of I4.0 implementations, innovation capabilities and resilience. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there has not been a previous study that investigated all three constructs together. Also, this study considered operations resilience and supply chain resilience as two distinct constructs and found I4.0 technologies had differential effects on them. The findings, thus, provide a novel contribution to the resilience, organizational capability and innovation literature. The investigations make clear to business practitioners how investments in technology and innovation capabilities translate into the resilience that is required in periods of disruption to business certainty.
School quality as a catalyst for bidding wars and new housing development
Authors: Liu Crocker H. , Smith Patrick S.
Published: January 2023

We provide new evidence of the demand for better schools as manifested in bidding wars and changes to the built environment. Using repeat sales before and after a redistricting, we exploit shocks to school quality arising from the continuous, unexpected redistricting of school attendance boundaries in Atlanta. We find that houses redistricted to higher (lower) quality schools are more (less) likely to be involved in a market‐driven bidding war. Similarly, undeveloped, redistricted parcels that receive a positive (negative) school quality shock are more (less) likely to be developed. School quality shocks also have a causal effect on house prices and time‐on‐market.
Economic consequences of injury in female Australian footballers: A prospective observational study of emergency department presentations
Authors: Gill Stephen D , Stella Julian , Chatterton Mary Lou , Lowry Nicole , Kloot Kate , Reade Tom , Baker Tim , Hayden Georgina , Ryan Matthew , Seward Hugh , Page Richard S
Published: January 2023

Objective

Investigate the economic consequences of injuries to female Australian footballers from a health sector and societal perspective.

Methods

This prospective observational study invited 242 females to complete an online questionnaire 3–6 months following an Australian football injury which involved presentation to an ED in Victoria, Australia. The questionnaire inquired regarding healthcare use, time off work, return to playing football and extent of recovery following injury. Relevant information was also extracted from respondents' medical records regarding injury‐type, body part injured, investigations and treatments. Healthcare costs were determined for each respondent's ED presentation, hospital admission/s (when relevant), and subsequent healthcare use. Societal costs were determined as lost income to the respondent and/or carer.

Results

A total of 108 people responded to the questionnaire. Sprains/strains and fractures accounted for 84.2% of respondents' injuries. Sixteen respondents (14.8%) required admission to hospital at the time of injury and 81 (75.0%) required subsequent healthcare appointments following discharge from the ED or hospital. Time off work or school following the injury was common (64.8% of respondents) and 27.8% of respondents had a carer take time off work. More than 80% of respondents missed training and matches following the injury. The median healthcare cost per respondent was AUD$753 and the median cost due to work absence was AUD$1393. One‐quarter of respondents reported a full recovery.

Conclusions

Injuries to female Australian footballers can produce substantial healthcare and societal costs, which has important implications for healthcare provision and prioritising and implementing injury prevention programmes and post‐injury rehabilitation.
Determination of biogenic amines in chicken, beef, and mutton by dansyl chloride microwave derivatization in Malaysia
Authors: Yue Chen Son , Lim Ah Kee , Chia Meow Lin , Wong Pei Yin , Chin Joey Siew Rey , Wong Weng Hang
Published: January 2023

In this study, an improved dansyl‐chloride derivatization technique using a microwave synthesizer was used for the qualitative and quantitative analyses of biogenic amine in the fresh meat samples. The derivatization technique was optimized in terms of temperature, reaction time, and spinning speed. The derivatization method together with a validated reversed‐phase HPLC‐DAD method was used for the determination of biogenic amines in chicken, beef, and mutton sold in the wet market. The results of the analyses showed that tryptamine, putrescine, and histamine were generally detected in all the three types of meat. Higher levels of histamine were found in chicken and beef. However, low levels of histamine were observed in mutton. Tyramine was either detected low or moderate in all the three types of meat. The biogenic amines of the fresh meat sold in the wet market is generally higher than the reported values. The mechanisms of biogenic amines‐dansyl‐chloride formation were investigated and proposed.

Practical Application

The biogenic amine derivatization method was improved. The improved derivatization method can be potentially used for various food products beside meats for routine biogenic amine analyses due to its fast analysis time and simplicity. High levels of biogenic amines were generally found in the meat sold in the wet markets. However, proper handling of the raw meat can reduce the risk of infection.
Effect of reduced genomic representation on using runs of homozygosity for inbreeding characterization
Authors: Lavanchy Eléonore , Goudet Jérôme
Published: January 2023

Genomic measures of inbreeding based on identical‐by‐descent (IBD) segments are increasingly used to measure inbreeding and mostly estimated on SNP arrays and whole‐genome sequencing (WGS) data. However, some softwares recurrently used for their estimation assume that genomic positions which have not been genotyped are nonvariant. This might be true for WGS data, but not for reduced genomic representations and can lead to spurious IBD segments estimation. In this project, we simulated the outputs of WGS, two SNP arrays of different sizes and RAD‐sequencing for three populations with different sizes and histories. We compare the results of IBD segments estimation with two softwares: runs of homozygosity (ROHs) estimated with PLINK and homozygous‐by‐descent (HBD) segments estimated with RZooRoH. We demonstrate that to obtain meaningful estimates of inbreeding, RZooRoH requires a SNPs density 11 times smaller compared to PLINK: ranks of inbreeding coefficients were conserved among individuals above 22 SNPs/Mb for PLINK and 2 SNPs/Mb for RZooRoH. We also show that in populations with simple demographic histories, distribution of ROHs and HBD segments are correctly estimated with both SNP arrays and WGS. PLINK correctly estimated distribution of ROHs with SNP densities above 22 SNPs/Mb, while RZooRoH correctly estimated distribution of HBD segments with SNPs densities above 11 SNPs/Mb. However, in a population with a more complex demographic history, RZooRoH resulted in better distribution of IBD segments estimation compared to PLINK even with WGS data. Consequently, we advise researchers to use either methods relying on excess homozygosity averaged across SNPs or model‐based HBD segments calling methods for inbreeding estimations.
Comparative demography of a specialist and generalist fruit fly: Implications for host use and pest management
Authors: Balagawi Solomon , Drew Richard A. I. , Clarke Anthony R.
Published: January 2023

Host plants used by phytophagous insects can have significant consequences on demography parameters, overall lifetime fitness and their subsequent population dynamics. Here, we conduct a comparative demographic study between the specialist Zeugodacus cucumis (French) and generalist Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae) to determine whether the host plants used by these fly species play any role in their overall lifetime fitness and explains current host use patterns. These two fly species are pests within the north‐eastern region of Australia and we further aimed to use complete life‐history data to determine the population parameters and models that would help identify the sensitive life‐history stage that could be targeted for effective field management. Eggs collected from laboratory‐reared flies were inoculated into organically grown fruits of both the primary and alternate host plant cultivars of both fly species. The proportion surviving each life stage from egg through to adult and fecundity were monitored for all cohorts from the different plant cultivars. Complete stage‐base life‐tables for cohorts of each fly species developing from each fruit cultivar were constructed, and the key demographic parameters and population models were analysed using PopTools matrix model programme. Our results showed that the host used by each fly species had significant consequences on fly demographic parameters and hence their overall lifetime fitness. The generalist B. tryoni was able to compensate for the fitness loss experienced at the pre‐adult stage by having adults with higher fecundity, but this was not the case for the specialist Z. cucumis. Stage‐base population models revealed that the population growth rate of both species was highly sensitive at the adult reproductive stage, indicating that manipulating probability of survival at this life stage would effectively manage populations of these pest species. This study provides the empirical evidence of undertaking complete life history demography studies of phytophagous insects to accurately understand their lifetime fitness consequences of using a certain host, their observed host use patterns, and overall population dynamics. We suggest that any efforts to manage dacine fruit fly pest population should consider life‐history consequences of host use.
Test characteristics of ultrasound for the diagnosis of peritonsillar abscess: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kim Daniel J. , Burton Justin E. , Hammad Abdullah , Sabhaney Vikram , Freder Jason , Bone Jeffrey N. , Ahn Justin S.
Published: January 2023

Background

Distinguishing peritonsillar abscess (PTA) from peritonsillar cellulitis using clinical assessment is challenging as many features overlap for both conditions, and physical examination is only about 75% sensitive and 50% specific for diagnosing PTA. The primary objective of this systematic review was to determine the test characteristics of ultrasound for diagnosing PTA when compared to a reference standard of computed tomography or acquisition of pus via needle aspiration or incision and drainage.

Methods

This systematic review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis of Diagnostic Test Accuracy (PRISMA‐DTA) guidelines. We searched seven databases from 1960 to November 2022. Two independent reviewers completed study selection, data extraction, and QUADAS‐2 risk‐of‐bias assessment. We used a bivariate random‐effects model to calculate pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (LR+), and negative likelihood ratio (LR–). We also conducted subgroup analyses on radiology ultrasound compared to point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) and intraoral compared to transcervical scanning techniques.

Results

From 339 citations, we identified 18 studies for inclusion. Because one study only reported positive cases of PTA (thereby preventing the calculation of specificity), it was excluded from the analysis, so the analysis included a total of 17 studies with 812 patients, of whom 541 had PTA. Pooled bivariate sensitivity was 86% (95% confidence interval [CI] 78%–91%), specificity 76% (95% CI 67%–82%), LR+ 3.51 (95% CI 2.59–4.89), and LR– 0.19 (95% CI 0.12–0.30). On subgroup analysis, radiology‐performed ultrasound had a sensitivity and specificity of 89% and 71%, compared to POCUS, which had a sensitivity and specificity of 74% and 79%. Comparing the two different techniques, intraoral had a sensitivity and specificity of 91% and 75% while transcervical had a sensitivity and specificity of 80% and 81%.

Conclusions

Ultrasound demonstrates high sensitivity for ruling out PTA, but it only has moderate specificity for ruling in the diagnosis.
Gaming the System: Tactical Workarounds and the Production of Antagonistic Subjectivities among Migrant Platform Workers in Italy
Authors: Iazzolino Gianluca , Varesio Amarilli
Published: January 2023

Our article explores how migrant food delivery couriers work around platform algorithmic control to argue that gaming the system is a form of everyday resistance. Drawing on data collected in Turin, Italy, between August 2020 and June 2021, we examine how, on the one hand, through gamification, food delivery platforms construct the couriers as entrepreneurial and productive subjects; on the other hand, we show that the disarticulation and repurposing of these management mechanisms both address survival needs and signal a still fledgling, but potentially vibrant, space of labour activism. By conceptualising gamification as another weapon in capital's arsenal to control labour, we acknowledge the entanglement of workers’ agency and subjectivity. We thus bring a two‐fold contribution to radical geography: we link gamification to the “production of subjectivity”, drawing on the Italian Operaista intellectual tradition; and we posit the subversive and generative potential of migrant couriers’ everyday geographies.
Prevalence of delayed gastric emptying in patients with gastroparesis‐like symptoms
Authors: Huang I‐Hsuan , Schol Jolien , Carbone Florencia , Chen Yaozhu J. , Van den Houte Karen , Balsiger Lukas Michaja , Broeders Bert , Vanuytsel Tim , Tack Jan
Published: January 2023

Background

The European consensus defined gastroparesis as a condition characterised by delayed gastric emptying (GE) in the absence of mechanical obstruction, with a symptom pattern of predominant nausea and/or vomiting and overlapping postprandial distress syndrome (PDS). The distinction between patients with gastroparesis and those with functional dyspepsia (FD), another gastrointestinal condition characterised by predominant PDS or epigastric pain syndrome symptoms, is ongoing.

Aim

To investigate the extent that symptom patterns may differentiate gastroparesis from FD.

Methods

This retrospective study included 637 patients from Leuven University Hospital in 2006–2021 who had upper gastrointestinal symptoms, underwent a GE test, and completed the Dyspepsia Symptom Severity (DSS) questionnaire. Patients were identified as with gastroparesis‐like symptoms (GPLS; i.e., moderate to severe nausea with moderate to severe PDS) or FD symptoms (not fitting GPLS). We excluded patients aged <18 years, and those with diabetes, organic gastrointestinal disease or a history of abdominal surgeries. Demographic and clinical variables were compared.

Results

Among 545 patients, 238 reported GPLS and 307 reported FD symptoms. Those with GPLS had a significantly higher prevalence of delayed GE (half emptying time (T1/2) ≥109 min) and lower body mass index than those with FD (33.2% vs 17.6%, p < 0.01; 19.9 vs 21.2, p < 0.01, respectively). Among GPLS patients, those with delayed GE had higher DSS than those without (13.0 vs 12.0, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

In tertiary care patients who reported gastroparesis or FD symptoms, the presence of delayed GE was associated with GPLS. In patients with GPLS, delayed GE was associated with higher symptom severity.
Larval and adult lung morphology of Trachycephalus typhonius (Anura: Hylidae)
Authors: Lenain Victoria Malvina , Sandoval María Teresa , Zaracho Victor Hugo
Published: January 2023

Morphological studies are useful to develop analysis with taxonomic, phylogenetic, ecological, physiological and evolutionary approaches. During the life cycle, Anurans carry out gas exchange through different structures such as gills, skin and lungs. In general, the development of lungs during the larval period is scarce known and most studies analyse the morphology and ultrastructure of the lung wall at the adult stage. This study describes the development and morphology of the lung of Trachycephalus typhonius during the prometamorphic and metamorphic periods and adult stage. Lung development starts at premetamorphic stages and continues along the prometamorphic and metamorphic periods with the development of the lung wall vascularization and pulmonary septa. There are remarkable differences comparing the lung framework at the end of metamorphosis to the one in the adult stage, regarding different‐order septa and lung wall structure with a well‐developed vascular network. Therefore, the final organization occurs during the juvenile period. This work is the first approach to the study of lung development during larval stages in this species and complements previous studies on lung morphology. Also, contributes to the knowledge of lung morphogenesis and could be useful to interpret the respiratory physiology in different environmental conditions.
Interpretive field geomorphology as cognitive, social, embodied and affective epistemic practice
Authors: Couper Pauline R.
Published: January 2023

This article examines the epistemic practices of interpretive field geomorphology—that is, the in‐the‐moment act of “seeing the landscape” geomorphologically. Drawing on the philosophical works of Wittgenstein and Merleau‐Ponty, it aims to bring to light the complex, multi‐dimensional, knowledge‐producing process of field observation and interpretation. Methodologically the study is based on geomorphologists' accounts of their fieldwork, gathered through questionnaire and interviews. By paying attention to what geomorphologists say they are doing in the field, interpretive field geomorphology is articulated as a combined cognitive, social, embodied, and affective experience through which understanding is arrived at. The paper thus sheds light on one part of what Brierley et al. call “the dark art” of geomorphological interpretation, and draws out implications in terms of researcher positionality, researcher training, and offering an epistemic justification for field‐based pedagogies.
Cost‐effectiveness of cenobamate for focal seizures in people with drug‐resistant epilepsy
Authors: Laskier Vicki , Agyei‐Kyeremateng Kenneth K. , Eddy Alex E. , Patel Dilip , Mulheron Stuart , James Samuel , Thomas Rhys H. , Sander Josemir W.
Published: January 2023

Objective

This study was undertaken to estimate the cost‐effectiveness of add‐on cenobamate in the UK when used to treat drug‐resistant focal seizures in adults who are not adequately controlled with at least two prior antiseizure medications, including at least one used adjunctively.

Methods

We estimated the cost per quality‐adjusted life‐year (QALY) for cenobamate compared to brivaracetam, eslicarbazepine, lacosamide, and perampanel in the UK National Health Service over a lifetime time horizon. We used a Markov cohort structure to determine response to treatment, using pooled data from three long‐term studies of cenobamate. A network meta‐analysis informed the likelihood of response to therapy with brivaracetam, eslicarbazepine, lacosamide, and perampanel relative to cenobamate. Once individuals discontinued treatment, they transitioned to subsequent treatment health states, including other antiseizure medicines, surgery, and vagus nerve stimulation. Costs included treatment, administration, routine monitoring, event management, and adverse events. Published evidence and expert opinion informed the likelihood of response to subsequent treatments, associated adverse events, and costs. Utility data were based on Short‐Form six‐dimension form utility. Discounting was applied at 3.5% per annum as per National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance. Uncertainty was explored through deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses.

Results

In the base case, cenobamate led to cost savings of £51 967 (compared to brivaracetam), £21 080 (compared to eslicarbazepine), £33 619 (compared to lacosamide), and £28 296 (compared to perampanel) and increased QALYs of 1.047 (compared to brivaracetam), 0.598 (compared to eslicarbazepine), 0.776 (compared to lacosamide), and 0.703 (compared to perampanel) per individual over a lifetime time horizon. Cenobamate also dominated the four drugs across most sensitivity analyses. Differences were due to reduced seizure frequency with cenobamate relative to comparators.

Significance

Cenobamate improved QALYs and was less costly than brivaracetam, eslicarbazepine, lacosamide, and perampanel. Therefore, cenobamate may be considered as a cost‐effective adjunctive antiseizure medication for people with drug‐resistant focal seizures.
Factors associated with liver injury and prognosis in advanced cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Kaneko Shun , Asahina Yasuhiro , Nakagawa Mina , Murakawa Miyako , Miyazaki Yasunari , Asakage Takahiro , Fukuda Shohei , Namiki Takeshi , Kano Yoshihito , Nagata Masashi , Tsuchiya Jun , Miyoshi Masato , Kitahata‐Kawai Fukiko , Nitta Sayuri , Itsui Yasuhiro , Kakinuma Sei , Okamoto Ryuichi
Published: January 2023

Aim

The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has increased remarkably, and immune‐related adverse events (irAEs) have also increased. This study aimed to identify factors associated with immune‐related liver injury (irLI), and the relationship between the grades of irLI and overall survival (OS) in patients treated with ICIs.

Methods

A total of 571 patients who had been treated for advanced malignancies with ICIs between January 2015 and March 2022 were retrospectively recruited. The presence of liver injury was determined by the aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase elevation. The irLI grading was based on Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0.

Results

A total of 50 (8.8%) patients had grade ≥2 irLI and 24 (4.2%) had grade ≥3 irLI. Treatment with anti‐cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated protein‐4 agents and baseline grade 1 aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase elevation were independent predictive factors of grade ≥2 irLI. Treatment with anti‐cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated protein‐4 was the only independent predictive factor of grade ≥3 irLI. The median OS for patients who experienced any irAEs was significantly longer than of those without irAEs (hazard ratio 0.503, 95% CI 0.398–0.636, p < 0.001). The median OS in patients with grade ≥2 irLI was significantly longer (HR 0.570, 95% CI 0.387–0.838, p = 0.022). There was no significant difference between the median OS in patients with grade ≥3 irLI and the others (p = 0.11).

Conclusion

The incidence of irLI was significantly higher in patients treated with anti‐cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated protein‐4 agents. Even in patients with pre‐existing grade 1 aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase elevation, appropriate follow‐up and control of the irLI can improve the prognosis.
Understanding deviance from the perspectives of youth labelled as children in conflict with law in Mumbai, India
Authors: Korde Priyanka , Raghavan Vijay
Published: January 2023

This article presents voices of youth labelled as ‘children in conflict with law’ on deviance, using the theoretical framework of labelling. Based on a narrative analysis of 24 in‐depth interviews with youth and other stakeholders in Mumbai, three key themes emerged: defining deviance; self and the deviant others – the othering of deviance; and living with a deviant identity. We found that the youth explained deviance as good or bad contextually, continuously interpreting its meanings, different from adult viewpoints. The youth engaged in identity management strategies to move away from the labels and stigma. The youth, labelled as rule‐breakers, balanced the power equations by ‘counter‐labelling’, where they hold the rule‐enforcers accountable for creating labels. The article locates the findings in Southern criminology and argues for the Indian juvenile justice system to acknowledge the local contexts of youth and their communities and address the larger pathways that lead to deviance and crime.
A comparative study on the properties of Li2TiO3 powders and pebbles fabricated by different routes
Authors: Wan Xiujuan , Cai Liang , Tan Guangfan , Hu Xin , Zhang Yingchun
Published: January 2023

Lithium titanate (Li2TiO3) is one of the promising candidate breeders for tritium self‐sufficiency of deuterium(D)‐tritium(T) fusion reaction. The differences in powder synthesis methods have a great impact on the properties of Li2TiO3 powders and the performance of Li2TiO3 ceramic pebbles. In this study, the Li2TiO3 powders were successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method and solid‐state method, and then the pebbles were fabricated by the agar‐based wet method. The mechanism of hydrothermal synthesis of Li2TiO3 powder was discussed. For the hydrothermal method, the Li2TiO3 powder with single phase can be obtained when the rate of Li/Ti = 2.4, and the powder presented two different morphology, which involved two reaction mechanisms, including in‐situ phase transformation mechanism and dissolution‐precipitation mechanism, the phase transformation from α‐Li2TiO3 to β‐Li2TiO3 accomplished at 400°C, which is lower than that of 750°C for solid‐state method. Li2TiO3 pebbles prepared by the hydrothermal‐wet method had a uniform pore distribution, an optimal grain size of 2.7 μm, a crushing load of 58.6 N, and relative density of 90.2%, respectively. In comparison, pebbles prepared by the solid‐state‐wet method also had better mechanical properties, which the crushing load and relative density were 53.9 N and 86.9% respectively under the optimal fabrication conditions.
One‐minute preceptor and SNAPPS for clinical reasoning: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Teixeira Ferraz Grünewald Sabrine , Grünewald Thiago , Ezequiel Oscarina S. , Lucchetti Alessandra L. G. , Lucchetti Giancarlo
Published: January 2023

Clinical reasoning teaching strategies could be important models to teach healthcare trainees. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of clinical reasoning teaching strategies (one‐minute preceptor (OMP) and SNAPPS) for developing clinical reasoning skills, attitudes and satisfaction of medical/healthcare students and post‐graduate trainees as compared to controls. A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled studies, with no restriction on language or publication date, were carried out by searching the PubMed, SCOPUS, ERIC, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library databases. The risk of bias of the studies selected was determined using Cochrane's risk‐of‐bias tool (RoB 2) and the quality of evidence used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. Of the 1066 articles retrieved, 12 were included in the systematic review and 10 in the meta‐analysis. The results showed a growing body of literature on the use of strategies for teaching clinical reasoning that consisted predominantly of low‐quality quasi‐experimental studies. When only randomised controlled trials were included, analyses showed effectiveness among both healthcare students and post‐graduate trainees for a series of outcomes, including total presentation length, duration of discussion, number of basic attributes, number of justified diagnoses in differential diagnoses and number of uncertainties expressed. Lastly, results for SNAPPS were better than for OMP relative to the control group. The strategies for teaching clinical reasoning improved the performance of healthcare students and professionals on this skill, promoting deeper discussion of clinical cases and a higher number of differential diagnoses. Further good‐quality trials are needed to corroborate these findings. PROSPERO Registration: CRD42020175992.
Preliminary evidence supporting a new enzymatic debridement product for use in chronic wounds
Authors: Fairlamb David M. , Kelety Bela , Bachert Anke , Scholtissek Anika , Jones Richard D. , Davis Stephen C. , Kirsner Robert S.
Published: January 2023

A new recombinant proteolytic enzyme, isolated from maggot saliva, with fibrinolytic action has been investigated through a series of non‐clinical toxicology and in‐vitro/in‐vivo pharmacology studies to explore its potential safety and efficacy as an enzymatic debridement agent for use in chronic wounds. Studies indicate that the enzyme has a good safety profile. When locally administered, it is not detrimental to wound healing, is non‐sensitising and is rapidly inactivated in the systemic circulation. Adverse effects are limited, at very high concentrations, to transient erythema at the site of application. In‐vitro testing indicates that the enzyme, whilst selective for fibrin, has additional proteolytic action against collagen and elastin, with enzymatic action for all three substrates being dose dependent. In‐vivo, we used an established MRSA biofilm model, in which microbiological counts were used as a surrogate for debridement efficacy. Here, we showed that higher concentrations of the enzyme in a formulated proprietary gel, significantly reduced MRSA counts over a period of 2 to 14 days, and significantly improved the vascularity of the wound at 14 days. Together, these data support the potential for this maggot‐derived proteolytic enzyme as a clinically effective debriding agent.
In the jaws of death: Surviving women's experience of male intimate terrorism
Authors: Halldorsdottir Sigridur
Published: January 2023

Aims

To explore the meaning of male intimate terrorism, its evolvement and its impact on women from the perspective of female survivors.

Design

The Vancouver School of Doing Phenomenology.

Methods

Nine women were interviewed 1–3 times, in all 16 interviews. The interviews were from 68 to 172 min (average 87 min). Data analysis was done through interpretive thematic analysis.

Results

For the surviving women, the intimate terrorism was a horrendous experience and they felt in the ‘jaws of death’. The violence got worse over time from theentrapment phasewhere the men were obsessed with the women and monitored them, to thesilencing phase, where the men silenced the women and thedeath phase, where the women felt as shadows of themselves. The women also described theawakeningandrecovery phases. The men's intense psychological aggression, marital rape and attempts to strangle them, were the gravest aspects of intimate terrorism and what contributed to them eventually feeling psychologically ‘more than dead’.

Conclusion

What is most striking in the findings is how the fundamental human rights of the women were violated and how close to death the women came. Nurses need to be knowledgeable about the danger of intimate terrorism, how to screen for it and provide trauma‐focused nursing care to women who have been subjected to such trauma.

Patient or Public Contribution

The women who were interviewed in the study are not patients, but they are part of the public.
Impact of pre‐analytical sample handling factors on plasma biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Kurz Carolin , Stöckl Laura , Schrurs Isabelle , Suridjan Ivonne , Gürsel Selim Üstün , Bittner Tobias , Jethwa Alexander , Perneczky Robert
Published: January 2023

An unmet need exists for reliable plasma biomarkers of amyloid pathology, in the clinical laboratory setting, to streamline diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). For routine clinical use, a biomarker must provide robust and reliable results under pre‐analytical sample handling conditions. We investigated the impact of different pre‐analytical sample handling procedures on the levels of seven plasma biomarkers in development for potential routine use in AD. Using (1) fresh (never frozen) and (2) previously frozen plasma, we evaluated the effects of (A) storage time and temperature, (B) freeze/thaw (F/T) cycles, (C) anticoagulants, (D) tube transfer, and (E) plastic tube types. Blood samples were prospectively collected from patients with cognitive impairment undergoing investigation in a memory clinic. β‐amyloid 1–40 (Aβ40), β‐amyloid 1–42 (Aβ42), apolipoprotein E4, glial fibrillary acidic protein, neurofilament light chain, phosphorylated‐tau (phospho‐tau) 181, and phospho‐tau‐217 were measured using Elecsys® plasma prototype immunoassays. Recovery signals for each plasma biomarker and sample handling parameter were calculated. For all plasma biomarkers measured, pre‐analytical effects were comparable between fresh (never frozen) and previously frozen samples. All plasma biomarkers tested were stable for ≤24 h at 4°C when stored as whole blood and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) plasma. Recovery signals were acceptable for up to five tube transfers, or two F/T cycles, and in both polypropylene and low‐density polyethylene tubes. For all plasma biomarkers except Aβ42 and Aβ40, analyte levels were largely comparable between EDTA, lithium heparin, and sodium citrate tubes. Aβ42 and Aβ40 were most sensitive to pre‐analytical handling, and the effects could only be partially compensated by the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio. We provide recommendations for an optimal sample handling protocol for analysis of plasma biomarkers for amyloid pathology AD, to improve the reproducibility of future studies on plasma biomarkers assays and for potential use in routine clinical practice.

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Microglial reprogramming by Hv1 antagonism protects neurons from inflammatory and glutamate toxicity
Authors: Hernandez‐Espinosa Diego R. , Gale Jenna R. , Scrabis Mia G. , Aizenman Elias
Published: January 2023

Although the precise mechanisms determining the neurotoxic or neuroprotective activation phenotypes in microglia remain poorly characterized, metabolic changes in these cells appear critical for these processes. As cellular metabolism can be tightly regulated by changes in intracellular pH, we tested whether pharmacological targeting of the microglial voltage‐gated proton channel 1 (Hv1), an important regulator of intracellular pH, is critical for activated microglial reprogramming. Using a mouse microglial cell line and mouse primary microglia cultures, either alone, or co‐cultured with rat cerebrocortical neurons, we characterized in detail the microglial activation profile in the absence and presence of Hv1 inhibition. We observed that activated microglia neurotoxicity was mainly attributable to the release of tumor necrosis factor alpha, reactive oxygen species, and zinc. Strikingly, pharmacological inhibition of Hv1 largely abrogated inflammatory neurotoxicity not only by reducing the production of cytotoxic mediators but also by promoting neurotrophic molecule production and restraining excessive phagocytic activity. Importantly, the Hv1‐sensitive change from a pro‐inflammatory to a neuroprotective phenotype was associated with metabolic reprogramming, particularly via a boost in NADH availability and a reduction in lactate. Most critically, Hv1 antagonism not only reduced inflammatory neurotoxicity but also promoted microglia‐dependent neuroprotection against a separate excitotoxic injury. Our results strongly suggest that Hv1 blockers may provide an important therapeutic tool against a wide range of inflammatory neurodegenerative disorders.

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Restructuring palm oil value chain governance in Colombia through long‐term labour control
Authors: Serrano Angela
Published: January 2023

In this paper, I argue that the cumulative effects of coercive and indirect labour discipline enable firms to reorganize production. Through a historical analysis of the palm oil industry in northeastern Colombia, I identify changing forms of value chain governance in relation to transformations in labour control regimes. The combined effects of multiple labour control strategies have weakened labour power and workers' overall possibilities to shape value chain governance. In this case, labour coercion directly diminished workers' associational power and enabled labour flexibilization in the industry, limiting workers' structural power. A dialogue between the Global Value Chains framework and Critical Agrarian Studies, with a focus on labour regimes, highlights that labour flexibilization can build on past instances of coercive control to transform the structure of a value chain. This research illustrates that coercion is not necessarily “extra‐economic” but is often intrinsic to the organization of the global economy.
Research collaboration beyond the boundary: Evidence from university patents in China
Authors: Cui Jingbo , Li Tianqi , Wang Zhenxuan
Published: January 2023

Geographical distance constitutes friction in searching for research collaborators. Taking advantage of a quasinatural experiment featured by High‐Speed Railway (HSR) lines in China, this paper employs the difference‐in‐differences model to identify the causal impact of a substantial improvement in the intercity transportation infrastructure on collaborative innovation across cities. The data pertain to a universe of patent applications filed by Chinese universities and their citations. We find that HSR contributes to a substantial increase in the innovation quantity and quality of collaborative patenting innovation between universities and corporates. It contributes to industry collaboration by utilizing university academic disciplines in the related technology fields. Lastly, HSR facilitates universities to search for new research partners with better quality beyond the geographical boundary.
A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase 2b study of the efficacy and safety of velusetrag in subjects with diabetic or idiopathic gastroparesis
Authors: Abell Thomas L. , Kuo Braden , Esfandyari Tuba , Pfeifer Nathan D. , Grimaldi Maria , Renzulli Cecilia , Tacchi Raffaella , Zhou Kefei , Barnes Chris N. , Nguyen Deanna D. , Nguyen Linda , Talley Nicholas J. , McCallum Richard
Published: January 2023

Background

This study assessed the efficacy and safety of velusetrag—a 5‐HT4 agonist with pan‐gastrointestinal prokinetic activity—for gastroparesis symptom management and gastric emptying (GE).

Methods

In this multicenter, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study, subjects with diabetic or idiopathic gastroparesis received velusetrag 5, 15, or 30 mg or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy outcome was a 7‐day mean Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index 24‐h composite score (GCSI‐24H) change from baseline at week 4; GE was evaluated using scintigraphy (GES) and breath tests, and safety from adverse events (AEs).

Key Results

232 subjects (183 females; 113 idiopathic gastroparesis) received treatment from February 2015 through June 2017. Least‐squares mean improvement from baseline GCSI‐24H (primary endpoint) at week 4 was −1.5 following velusetrag 5 mg vs −1.1 following placebo (treatment difference, −0.4; 95% confidence interval, −0.75 to −0.03; nominal p = 0.0327; Hochberg‐adjusted p = 0.0980 [not significant]). Symptom improvement from baseline was achieved only with velusetrag 5 mg, which resulted in greater improvement from baseline vs placebo in all gastroparesis core symptoms, especially in subjects with idiopathic gastroparesis. Improvement from baseline GE by GES was greater in subjects receiving velusetrag (all doses) vs placebo; >70% of subjects receiving velusetrag 30 mg had GE normalization at 4 h. Treatment‐emergent AEs were generally mild.

Conclusions and Inferences

Velusetrag treatment was generally well‐tolerated and associated with improved GE vs placebo in subjects with diabetic or idiopathic gastroparesis; however, only the lowest dose, velusetrag 5 mg, was associated with short‐term improvement in gastroparesis symptoms.

ClinicalTrials.gov

NCT02267525.
Adaptation and validation of the Person‐centered Care Assessment Tool (P‐CAT) to the Portuguese population
Authors: Barbosa Maria Miguel , Teixeira Laetitia , Edvardsson David , Paul Constança , Yanguas Javier , Afonso Rosa Marina
Published: January 2023

Background

The relevance of person‐centred care as an optimising approach to the quality of care provided to older adults has sparked the development of important instruments that measure this approach at residential care facilities and requires validation for the Portuguese population.

Objectives

This study aims to adapt and validate the Person‐centered Care Assessment Tool (P‐CAT) to the Portuguese population.

Methods

The P‐CAT assesses the level of person‐centred care provided by residential care facilities, according to staff. The process of adapting the P‐CAT to the Portuguese population includes its translation, backtranslation and a pilot study. To recruit participants for the validation study, we contacted the Portuguese residential care facilities with emails provided in the official registries, and the study was also divulged on social media.

Results

The study had the participation of 573 staff members. The mean score of P‐CAT was 50.76 (SD = 7.65). The exploratory factor analysis showed three dimensions: the extent of care personalisation, the amount of organisational support and the degree of environmental accessibility. The results show good internal consistency for the total scale (α = 0.809) and good temporal stability in the test–retest assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient (0.893).

Conclusions

This version of the P‐CAT for the Portuguese population has shown adequate psychometric properties and contributes to the study of care provided at residential care facilities in Portugal through self‐reporting from staff.

Implications for practice

The availability of this instrument is useful for professional practice and research purposes and supports technical and scientific advancements that are necessary for the evolution of care frameworks.
Delivering COVID self‐tests through GetaKit.ca: Creating testing access during a pandemic
Authors: O'Byrne Patrick , Orser Lauren , Musten Alexandra , Ho Nikki , Haines Marlene , Lindsay Jennifer
Published: January 2023

Objectives

To determine the real‐world outcomes associated with using the GetaKit.ca website to distribute COVID self‐tests to persons with risk factors, with a focus on facilitating testing for persons who are Black, Indigenous, or of Colour (BIPOC).

Methods

GetaKit was an open cohort observational study to distribute free self‐tests, starting with HIV self‐testings and then adding the Lucira Check‐It® COVID self‐test. Participants would register on our website and complete a risk assessment, which would calculate their need for each type of testing.

Results

Focusing on the COVID self‐tests, from September to December 2021 (with targeted outreach in winter 2022), we distributed 6474 COVID self‐tests to 3653 persons through 4161 unique orders, of which 47% came from BIPOC participants. Compared to white participants, BIPOC participants were more likely to have been a contact of COVID but less likely to be vaccinated. As well, 69% of results were reported back via the GetaKit.ca website, with 5.3% of these being positive. The positivity rate for our 3653 participants was 9.6%.

Conclusions

Delivering COVID self‐tests via our website provided tests to BIPOC communities and yielded positivity rates that matched local COVID testing centres. This highlights the utility of such systems for delivering testing during future pandemics.