bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on the coupling coordination relationship between new quality productivity and high vocational education sustainable development
Authors: Liu Xia , Wang Yuli , Li Shanshan , Chen Lei , Li Fanbo , Zhang Hongfeng
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The objective of this study is to utilize empirical research and analysis to examine the coupling coordination relationship between new quality productivity and higher vocational education sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

To this end, an evaluation index system for the new quality productivity and higher vocational education sustainable development was constructed. The panel data of 30 Chinese provinces from 2016 to 2022 were then analyzed using the entropy method, the coupling coordination degree model, the Tobit regression model and Dagum’s Gini coefficient.

Findings

The findings indicate that the coupling coordination degree of new quality productivity and higher vocational education sustainable development exhibited an upward trend, though significant regional disparities were observed, with the highest coupling coordination degree recorded in the eastern region and the lowest in the northeastern region.

Originality/value

The study’s findings further suggest that the three factors of technological innovation level, rationalization of industrial structure and advanced industrial structure have a significant positive influence on the coupling coordination degree, while the level of government intervention has a significant negative influence on the Coupling Coordination Degree. The study posits that augmenting policy support, optimizing the government’s role, reinforcing the drive for technological innovation, and enhancing regional cooperation and exchange are imperative to foster high-quality development of the integration of industry and education between new quality productivity and higher vocational education.
A Stressor-Emotion–CWB and social exchange perspective on the relationship between role overload and cyberloafing
Authors: Bhattacharjee Arindam , Sarkar Anita
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to understand whether, why and when role overload predicts an organization-directed CWB: cyberloafing. To do so, we utilize the Stressor-Emotion–CWB theory and social exchange theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected data from 506 employees working in five Information Technology (IT) firms in India using a multiwave survey design. Results revealed support for all the hypotheses.

Findings

This study found that negative affect partly carries the influence of role overload to cyberloafing. Secondly, the results indicate that role overload has a direct and positive relationship with cyberloafing. Third and finally, we found that narcissism moderates the positive relationship between role overload and negative affect, followed by cyberloafing.

Originality/value

This paper showcases that role overload can evoke cyberloafing both as a coping mechanism and a retaliatory response directed at the organization. This paper further demonstrates that employees high in narcissism are vulnerable to stressors like role overload, and as a result, they experience more negative emotions and engage in more cyberloafing.
Architecture, tourism and smartphone photography in the Instagram era
Authors: Lindsay Georgia , Sawyer Mark
Published: February 2025

Purpose

In this research, we seek to understand the spatially-articulated behaviours of tourists who visit and experience built environments in the social media era. Specifically, we investigate the social practices smartphone-wielding travellers engage in when photographing architecture in tourist places.

Design/methodology/approach

To understand the ways that tourists use smartphones to photograph buildings, we applied a qualitative research design at multiple tourist sites in the city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. At each tourist site, we used a mix of ethnographic and observational methods as well as full participation in smartphone photographic practices.

Findings

We describe three overlapping types of photography of architecture, which we call Instagram-style photography, Tourist-style photography and Architectural-style photography. All three orient the photographer and the photographic subject in relation to architecture, albeit in different ways, generating different meanings and deploying different competences.

Originality/value

Architecture is a central element and driver of photography at tourist sites, perhaps more so in the Instagram era than has been previously understood. While much of the research on visual social media and architecture has focused on the circulation of images posted online, we offer a new perspective on the embodied practices people engage in when they take photographs of and with architecture.
An efficient local search algorithm for the maximum k-vertex cover problem
Authors: Li Ruizhi , Wang Fangzhou , Liu Siqi , Xu Ruiqi , Yin Minghao , Hu Shuli
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Maximum k vertex cover problem is a significant combinatorial optimization problem with various applications, such as transportation planning, social networks and sensor placement. Up to now, no practical algorithm has ever been proposed to solve this problem. Therefore, this paper aims to present an efficient local search algorithm LSKVC combining three methods for it.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the quick incremental evaluation method is proposed to update the related vertex scores following each addition or removal incrementally rather than recalculating them, which can speed up the algorithm. Second, the configuration checking method forbids vertices whose configuration has not changed since the last removal from being added into the candidate solution again, which can avoid the cycling problem effectively. Third, the two-stage exchange method swaps the pairs of inside and outside vertices separately rather than simultaneously, which can guarantee the tradeoff between the accuracy and complexity of the algorithm.

Findings

The proposed algorithm LSKVC is compared with the traditional GRASP algorithm and the well-known commercial solver CPLEX on DIMACS and BHOSLIB benchmarks. For the best solutions, the LSKVC algorithm is significantly superior to GRASP and CPLEX on DIMACS instances and the CPLEX solver fails, and the LSKVC algorithm slightly outperforms GRASP on the BHOSLIB instances. In addition, we undertake comparative studies of the offered methodologies and demonstrate their efficacy.

Originality/value

In previous research, the focus on the maximum k-vertex cover problem primarily centered around exact algorithms and approximation algorithms, with limited application of heuristic algorithms. While heuristic algorithms have been well-explored for the closely related Minimum Vertex Cover problem, they have seen limited application in the context of the maximum k-vertex cover problem. Consequently, existing algorithms designed for the Minimum Vertex Cover problem do not exhibit satisfactory performance when applied to the maximum k-vertex cover problem. In response to this challenge, we have undertaken algorithmic improvements specifically tailored to address this issue.
On the derivatives of rational Bézier curves
Authors: Shi Mao
Published: February 2025

Purpose

We identify several theoretical shortcomings in the derivative formulas for rational Bézier curves and propose a new formula for the derivatives.

Design/methodology/approach

Dependence on control points gives a new recursive approach to the derivation of rational Bézier curves.

Findings

We present the new derivation formula for rational Bézier curves that overcomes this drawback and show that the kth degree derivative of a nth degree rational Bézier curve can be written in terms of a (2kn)th degree rational Bézier curve.

Originality/value

This paper leads to a further complete understanding of the derivatives of rational Bézier curves.
Perceptions of “going gradeless” a case study of a master’s programme in the education field
Authors: Ow Yong Xinzi
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to explore the perceived concept of “going gradeless” among education master’s students and academics within a Hong Kong university. This study aims to explore differing perspectives on “going gradeless” and identify the key potential issues associated with its implementation in higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employed a qualitative method using purposive sampling to select participants for semi-structured focus interviews, and the sample consisted of nine education master’s students and two academics. The data collected from these interviews were systematically analyzed using NVivo software, and the codes were developed into themes within the participants' perceptions of “going gradeless.”

Findings

The findings reveal that students and academics view going gradeless differently. Students have mixed feelings about a gradeless system. Most recognize the problems associated with an overemphasis on grades and the potential benefits of going gradeless, and they also express concerns about the personal advantages of recognized credentials, differentiation from peers and resistance to implementation. Conversely, academics call for a change in grading policy, citing the negative impact of grade-driven approaches on learning. However, they also raise concerns about institutional and cultural factors that could pose challenges to a gradeless system.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the underexplored area of gradeless learning in higher education, particularly within Confucian societies. By revealing differing perspectives between students and academics, offering critical considerations for policymakers and educators seeking to reform grading practices and enhance learning outcomes.
Exploring operational excellence in North African manufacturing enterprises: uncovering best practices, success and failure factors
Authors: Cherrafi Anass , Echefaj Khadija , Charkaoui Abdelkabir , Antony Jiju , Shokri Alireza
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Operationnal excellence has emerged as a critical factor for organisations competitiveness. Companies in developing countries are striving to elevate their operational performance to new heights. This study aims to explore the effective best practices, drivers and challenges to operational excellence in North African business.

Design/methodology/approach

To address the objectives of this study, a qualitative approach is adopted. A total of 13 experienced professionals holding leads initiatives within North African enterprises are surveyed. Following, content analysis method is employed to extract, categorise and analyse the knowledge from the interviews.

Findings

The findings indicate that the implemented best practices include process optimisation, performance measurement, standardisation, customer-centric approach, lean manufacturing and total quality management. For a successful adoption, the results shed light on the importance of leadership commitment, upskilling, digitalisation and employee’s empowerment. However, the implementation faces several challenges incorporating unsustainable engagement, resistance to change, disconnected practices, insufficient investment, deficient improvement assessment and limited access to digitalisation.

Originality/value

This study contributes to exploring the best practices, enablers and barriers to successful implementation of operational excellence in emerging economies. Its findings can be used by scholars and decision-makers to advance knowledge around operational excellence, broaden the existing strategies to tailor specific contexts and promote operational performance.
Exploring the predictors of public trust in police services in Somalia
Authors: Abdi Ahmed-Nor Mohamed , Jamal Ismail Mohamed , Abdul Rahman Nurulhasanah
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study examined public perceptions of law enforcement agencies in Mogadishu, Somalia. Specifically, the researchers examined the predictors of public trust in the police in Somali post-conflict contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through an online cross-sectional survey of 425 Mogadishu residents. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to analyze the data and test the hypothesized relationship.

Findings

The results revealed that perceived police accountability, performance and professionalism significantly and positively influence public trust in the Somali police force.

Practical implications

This study provides practical recommendations for Somalia’s policymakers and law enforcement agencies. It emphasizes the importance of implementing stronger accountability systems, programs to enhance performance and training in professional conduct as key approaches to restoring and maintaining public confidence in the police force. These initiatives are crucial for preserving social stability and ensuring public safety in a society recovering from conflicts.

Originality/value

This study fills a significant gap in the literature by providing a comprehensive framework that combines performance and social learning theories to explore public trust in the police within a post-conflict context. The findings contribute valuable knowledge on the factors that can enhance public trust in law enforcement in countries recovering from conflict, particularly Somalia.
Preparation and characterization of low dielectric and high toughness epoxy resin based on branched structure
Authors: Yang Zhou , Chi Minghe , Zhang Xiaorui , Shi Jiahao , Sun Xue , Zhang Xiaoman , Chen Qingguo
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Epoxy resin (EP) is a thermosetting resin commonly characterized by its inherent brittleness, which limits its widespread application. To overcome this limitation, a novel flexible chain-blocking hyperbranched polyester (HBP) was conceptualized and synthesized to enhance the toughness and dielectric properties of EP.

Design/methodology/approach

Using P-toluene sulfonic acid (p-TSA) as the catalyst and Bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid (DMPA) as the branching unit with pentaerythritol (PER) as the core, an experimental synthesis was conducted. Subsequently, n-hexanoic acid was introduced separately to produce hyperbranched polyester with n-hexanoic acid capped structures. Microstructural, mechanical, insulating and dielectric analyses of the composite were performed to determine the optimal proportion of HBP.

Findings

Recent research has demonstrated that the flexible segments within hyperbranched polyester create an interpenetrating network structure with the molecular chains of epoxy resin, thereby effectively augmenting the toughness of the epoxy resin. Additionally, HBP has reduced the ε and tgδ values of the epoxy-anhydride cured product by decreasing the number of polar groups per unit volume of EP through the introduction of free volumes.

Originality/value

Currently, HBP serves as an innovative toughening strategy and modifier for epoxy resin. The toughening mechanism involves the generation of free volume by HBP, providing space for EP molecules to maneuver under load. Additionally, the free volume contributes to a reduction in the dielectric constant of EP by diminishing the polarizable group content. Simultaneously, the incorporation of HBP features flexible chains grafted onto the epoxy resin.
Knowledge management and experience as moderators in the education-human capital-entrepreneur performance relationship: a moderated-mediation analysis
Authors: Singh Anurag , Parayitam Satyanarayana
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to unfold the education–performance relationship, especially concerning the entrepreneurs from an emerging economy, India. A double-layered complex model was developed showing the moderation of knowledge management (KM) and experience in education and performance relationship mediated through human skills.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using cluster sampling from 450 entrepreneurs from India. After checking the survey instrument’s measurement properties with LISREL, Hayes’s PROCESS macros were used to analyze the results.

Findings

The results indicate that education does not predict entrepreneur’s performance but predicts human skills, which in turn positively predicts performance. Result also shows that KM (first moderator) and experience (second moderator) significantly influenced the human skills, performance and education–performance relationship.

Originality/value

The multiple moderated-moderation effects of KM and experience are the unique work not contributed earlier. The originality of this research is based on the relationship study between human skills in influencing performance through the moderation of KM (first moderator) and experience (second moderator).
Customer satisfaction through online reviews analysis – a case study of Slovak spas
Authors: Derco Jan , Tometzová Dana
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to process clients’ online reviews of 20 spa locations in the Slovak Republic in the form of a case study. The purpose is to identify and specify the shortcomings of Slovak spa resorts as well as the needs and preferences of their clientele.

Design/methodology/approach

To obtain data, Google text reviews were scraped using the Instant Data Scraper. The text mining approach was used for the analysis of 5,670 reviews (using the RapidMiner Studio and Atlas.ti tools).

Findings

The performed sentiment analysis of the reviews has determined that 4,807 of the reviews were positive, 476 were neutral and 387 were of negative sentiment. The subsequently processed word list states the most frequently mentioned nouns and adjectives. Detailed opinion mining identifies the areas/phrases with the most frequent occurrence of the negative sentiment in their reviews.

Originality/value

The stated results are important from the perspective of service quality management in order to improve the satisfaction of spa customers. Sentiment analysis of Google Maps reviews for the target clientele remains unexplored and represents a novel area of study.
‘I prefer to be alone than to be among them’: In‐school experiences of learners with disabilities and their caregivers in inclusive schools in Ghana
Authors: Gyimah Ebenezer Mensah , Dassah Ebenezer , Opoku Maxwell Peprah , Nketsia William , Mensah Philip Atta
Published: February 2025

Inclusive education affords all learners, particularly learners with disabilities, access to equitable educational services. Despite the widespread recognition and extensive scholarly attention of the 2015 Inclusive Education Policy, learners with disabilities in Ghana continue to struggle to fully participate in inclusive schools. Guided by provisions in the Disability Act of Ghana, Act 715 of 2006—a key legal framework protecting the rights of people with disabilities—this study seeks to evaluate the experiences of learners with disabilities and their families in navigating and accessing inclusive education. Employing the critical disability theory lens, the study adopted a qualitative descriptive design and purposively recruited learners with physical disabilities and visual impairments (n = 25) and their families (n = 20). Content analysis was subsequently applied to the data. Despite legal provisions for inclusive education, participants experienced financial barriers, inadequate inclusive education resources, difficulties with the built environment and labelling. This study calls for a multisectoral approach, including policy reforms, improved resource allocation, infrastructural investments and expedited public education, aimed towards promoting access to inclusive education for learners with disabilities.
HOW DATA CENTERS HAVE COME TO MATTER: Governing the Spatial and Environmental Footprint of the ‘Digital Gateway to Europe’
Authors: Monstadt Jochen , Saltzman Katherine
Published: February 2025

Data centers, the material backbone of smart cities, power the digital economy and advanced digital services. Metaphors of ‘the cloud’ and ‘cloud computing’ obscure the massive computing and storage infrastructures, the resource flows and the land uses they mediate. To date, smart city research and policies have been concerned less with the materiality of enabling data infrastructures than with the material effects of increased datafication and digitalization of urban services. Only recently has urban data infrastructures’ rapidly expanding spatial and environmental footprint pushed their materialities to the forefront of public and academic controversies. Building on recent research on cloud geographies and ecologies, this article traces the politicization and emerging regulation around data centers in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area, the self‐proclaimed ‘digital gateway to Europe’. Here, after years of unconditional political support and regulatory passivity, a cascade of policy reforms has been introduced to confine data center growth. Nevertheless, severe urban governance challenges remain in mitigating data centers’ massive electricity, resource and land demands, and in exploiting their residual heat. We thus advocate broader dialogue across the affected policy fields and broader publics about which political objectives merit prioritizing given the constraints of available electricity and land.
Maternal Calcium Intake at 36 Weeks' Gestation and Pre‐Eclampsia Risk—A Cohort Study
Authors: Arechvo Anastasija , Syngelaki Argyro , Magee Laura A. , Moore Sophie E. , Doel Andrew , Wright Alan , Nicolaides Kypros H. , von Dadelszen Peter
Published: February 2025

Objective

The objective of this study is to examine the association between dietary calcium intake (Ca) and pre‐eclampsia (PE).

Design

Cohort study.

Setting

Inner‐city hospital.

Population

A total of 2838 women with singleton pregnancies at 35+0–36+6 weeks' gestation, including 96 (3.4%) who subsequently developed PE.

Methods

Online 24‐h dietary recall questionnaire was used to measure Ca intake. In the low (< 700 mg/d) vs. adequate (≥ 700 mg/d) Ca intake groups, we compared the prevalence of PE‐associated maternal risk factors and the incidence of PE. In multivariate regression, we examined the low Ca intake and PE relationship, adjusted for established PE risk factors (including blood pressure and angiogenic biomarkers) and any additional factors associated with low Ca intake specifically.

Main Outcome Measure

PE.

Results

Overall, 405 (14.3%) women had low Ca intake. Low (vs. adequate) Ca intake was associated with a higher incidence of PE (6.2% vs. 2.9%; odds ratio 2.2, 95% confidence interval 1.3–3.7), as well as more prevalent risk factors for PE, including Black ethnicity (34.1% vs. 11.8%), South Asian ethnicity (10.1% vs. 7.2%), high body mass index (29.8 vs. 28.3 kg/m2) and more deprived index of multiple deprivation (54.3% vs. 35.5%). In multivariate regression adjusting for other PE risk factors, low Ca intake was no longer associated with PE (OR 1.7, 95% CI 0.9–3.2).

Conclusions

Although some contribution from low Ca to the development of PE cannot be ruled out, after accounting for maternal characteristics, medical history and deprivation, low Ca intake did not make an independent contribution to the development of PE in this population of mixed‐ethnicity women.
A novel complex of pectin‐crosslinked β‐cyclodextrin: Effectively reducing cholesterol content in hotpot beef tallow
Authors: Wang Yihan , Wang Kai , Xiang Xiaofeng , Zhang Shuming , Huang Jie , Tang Chunhong , Wang Qiang
Published: February 2025

The high cholesterol content of beef tallow is one of the potential risks affecting the nutritional value and safety of beef tallow hotpot. In this study, a novel pectin‐crosslinked β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) complex was successfully prepared by the cross‐linking method to reduce the cholesterol content in beef tallow. When 3% (by mass of beef tallow) of the pectin‐crosslinked β‐CD
complex was added, the removal rate of cholesterol in beef tallow reached 73.43%, which was significantly higher than that of the currently known materials, including β‐CD. Moreover, the indexes such as fatty acid composition, chromaticity, and aroma components of beef tallow before and after cholesterol removal were measured. The results showed that the fatty acid composition and chromaticity value of beef tallow treated with the pectin‐crosslinked β‐CD complex did not change significantly, but the contents of aromatic components, aldehydes, ketones, and alcohol flavor compounds in beef tallow increased significantly. Through characterization experiments, it was confirmed that compared with β‐CD, the pectin‐crosslinked β‐CD complex required a higher temperature to reach the maximum thermal decomposition rate, indicating that its structure had higher thermal stability and could effectively remove cholesterol under high‐temperature conditions. In addition, after the nematode toxicity experiment, there was still a survival rate of 97.97%, indicating that the pectin‐crosslinked β‐CD complex could effectively reduce the cholesterol content in beef tallow without toxicity. These results suggest that the pectin‐crosslinked β‐CD complex has great potential as an adsorbent for removing cholesterol from animal fats and oils in the food industry.
A heroin overdose laboratory model: How do escalating doses of diamorphine alter respiratory function in a diamorphine‐treated population?
Authors: Tas Basak , Kalk Nicola J. , Chesney Edward , van der Waal Rob , Boyd Alastair , Bell James , Kelleher Mike , Moxham John , Lawn Will , Jolley Caroline J. , Strang John
Published: February 2025

Background & Aim

Globally, more than 100 000 people die annually from opioid overdose. Although strongly implicated in heroin overdose deaths, acute opioid‐induced respiratory depression is poorly understood, and few laboratory studies have been completed in human subjects. It is an area of undone science. Using a human laboratory overdose model, our research question was: what is the strength of the association between increasing dose of diamorphine and degree of respiratory depression in people prescribed injectable diamorphine for heroin use disorder?

Design

Single‐blind, Phase IV, non‐randomised, dose‐escalation clinical trial.

Setting

King's Clinical Research Facility, London, UK.

Participants

Four participants prescribed injectable diamorphine as treatment for heroin use disorder [all male, median (range) age 63 (59–72)].

Interventions

The following dosing schedule was implemented (as a % of participant's usual prescribed diamorphine dose): visit 1–100%; visit 2–110%; visit 3–120%; visit 4–100%. Usual dose: 97.5 mg (30 mg–200 mg).

Measurements

Physiological measures included: pulse oximetry (SpO2%), end‐tidal CO2 (ETCO2%), transcutaneous CO2, respiratory rate and parasternal electromyography to measure neural respiratory drive index (NRDI). Recordings were made continuously from 3 mins pre‐dose to 60 mins post‐dose.

Findings

Respiratory measures from baseline to post‐dose across all dose sessions had ranges of: 89.7%–99.5% SpO2%; 4.8%–7.7% ETCO2%; 5.2–13.4 breaths/minute respiratory rate; 51.2 min−1–165.9 min−1 NRDI across all participants. All diamorphine doses caused some reduction in respiratory function. There was no clear difference between diamorphine dose and the degree of respiratory depression, based on descriptive analyses.

Conclusions

A dose‐escalation clinical trial of people prescribed injectable diamorphine for heroin addiction found that the degree of respiratory depression caused by diamorphine does not appear to be dose dependent; however, the changes seen at diamorphine doses to which participants were accustomed suggest that participants had only partial tolerance to the respiratory depressant effect of diamorphine.
Transosomes Contribute to the Inner Perivitelline Layer of the Quail (Coturnix japonica) Oocyte: An Ultrastructural and Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Rodler Daniela , Driese‐Haydn Anna Teresa
Published: February 2025

The oocytes of vertebrates possess an extracellular layer known as the zona pellucida in mammals and the inner perivitelline layer (IPL) in birds. The avian IPL, a thin matrix, is essential for protecting the oocyte and facilitating fertilisation, although it does not prevent polyspermy as in mammals. It forms during folliculogenesis and is composed primarily of glycoproteins (zona proteins ZP1–ZP4, ZPD and ZPAX), along with numerous other proteins. Through electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry, we hypothesise that in quails (Coturnix japonica), transosomes, cellular organelles that occur exclusively in the granulosa cells of birds and have hitherto unknown functions, are involved in the transport of the tight junction proteins occludin and claudin. These proteins, synthesised in the granulosa cells of quails, are transported through the follicle cells and incorporated into the growing IPL during follicle maturation.
The Safety Assessment of Continuation of Perioperative Antiplatelet Therapy in Elective Robotic Surgery for Colorectal Cancer: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Watanabe Toshifumi , Fujikawa Takahisa , Nagata Keiji , Tanaka Keita , Matsuoka Taisuke , Yamana Ippei , Kawamura Yuichiro
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Robotic surgery under condition of maintaining perioperative antiplatelet therapy (APT) is considered to have the risk of perioperative hemorrhagic events. We examined whether perioperative continuation of APT increased intraoperative blood loss and incidence of hemorrhagic complications in robot‐assisted colorectal resection.

Methods

The medical records of patients who underwent robotic surgical resection of colorectal cancer at our hospital between September 2020 and December 2023 were enrolled. Intraoperative blood loss, incidence of blood transfusion, and postoperative hemorrhagic complications were evaluated after dividing the study population into an APT group (patients receiving perioperative APT) and a non‐APT group.

Results

Twenty‐seven patients were included in the APT group and 65 patients were the non‐APT group. All patients in the APT group were continued aspirin monotherapy until the day before the surgery. There were more anticoagulated patients in the non‐APT group than in the APT‐group (27.7% vs. 7.4%, p = 0.0496). Median intraoperative blood loss in the APT and non‐APT group were 14 and 15 mL, respectively (p = 0.802). The incidence of intraoperative blood transfusion and postoperative hemorrhagic complication in the respective group were 0% and 4.6% (p = 0.553) and 0% and 1.5% (p = 1.00).

Conclusion

The results of this study suggested that perioperative continuation of APT will be allowed in robot‐assisted colorectal resection in terms of safety.
Identifying longitudinal medication adherence patterns of antipsychotic treatments: A real‐world cohort study in Catalonia, Spain
Authors: Fuente‐Moreno Marina , Cahir Caitriona , Passos Valéria Lima , Bennett Kathleen , Walsh Caroline , Hermida‐González Patricia , Peláez de Loño Jorge , Abella Maria Eugènia Rey , Baladon Luisa , Rubio‐Valera Maria , Serrano‐Blanco Antoni , Aznar‐Lou Ignacio
Published: February 2025

Aims

Suboptimal adherence to antipsychotics leads to poorer outcomes and relapse. Several factors, including the formulation and number of antipsychotics, may influence medication adherence. This study aimed to identify longitudinal adherence patterns to oral and long‐acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics in monotherapy/polypharmacy through group‐based trajectory modelling (GBTM).

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study that linked prescription and dispensing data of adult patients with a new antipsychotic prescribed between 2015 and 2019 in Catalonia (Spain). GBTM was used to classify patients following a similar longitudinal pattern of adherence. The response variable was adherence, estimated through the continuous medication availability measure (CMA), in each 30‐day period during 12 months of follow‐up. Baseline and treatment characteristics were used to characterize the trajectories identified.

Results

Among the 7730 patients included in the study, we identified seven clinically distinct trajectory groups of adherence to antipsychotics: non‐initiation (19%), low implementation (9%), immediate discontinuation (6%), mid‐discontinuation (5%), late‐discontinuation (5%), high implementation (21%), and full implementation (35%). Trajectories with better adherence were more likely to receive the prescription from a psychiatrist, receive LAIs and have previous exposure to other antipsychotics. Intermittent medication use and high levels of polypharmacy were characteristics of the “low” and “high implementation” groups.

Conclusions

Targeting newly prescribed patients by improving the clinician–patient relationship could be particularly valuable, as they seem more likely to not initiate or discontinue treatment immediately compared to patients in other groups. Patients on polypharmacy should have more regular adherence monitoring and LAIs should be considered, as they appear to be associated with better adherence.
The Impact of Digital Technology Innovation on Firm Performance: Based on the Corporate Digital Responsibility Perspective
Authors: Zhu Siwei , Lv Kangjuan , Cheng Yu
Published: February 2025

In the era of the digital economy, the important issue for enterprises is how to achieve optimal performance by balancing the development of digital technology and undertaking digital responsibility. Based on optimal distinctiveness theory, we explore how enterprises balance the tension between political strategy and competitive strategy from the perspective of corporate digital responsibility to achieve optimal firm performance. Observing data such as annual reports, patent application information, and operating conditions of Chinese A‐share listed companies from 2009 to 2021 reveals the impact of corporate digital responsibility, substantive and symbolic digital technology on firm performance. The research results show that substantive digital technology innovation is superior to symbolic digital technology innovation in promoting firm performance. Mechanism analysis shows that symbolic digital technology innovation satisfies the firm's political strategy and positively impacts firm performance through management empowerment. In contrast, substantive digital technology innovation satisfies the firm's competitive strategy and improves performance by empowering the workforce. Further analysis find that corporate digital responsibility positively moderates the impact of substantive digital technology innovation on corporate performance and negatively moderates the relationship between symbolic digital technology innovation and corporate performance. This study incorporates digital technology innovation and digital responsibility into a unified research framework, which provides a new interpretative path for improving firm performance and contributes important practical references for firms to achieve a “win‐win” situation that improves competitiveness and social value.
Is more data always better? On alternative policies to mitigate bias in Artificial Intelligence health systems
Authors: Lazcoz Guillermo , de Miguel Iñigo
Published: February 2025

The development and implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) health systems represent a great power that comes with great responsibility. Their capacity to improve and transform healthcare involves inevitable risks. A major risk in this regard is the propagation of bias throughout the life cycle of the AI system, leading to harmful or discriminatory outcomes. This paper argues that the European medical device regulations may prove inadequate to address this—not only technical but also social challenge. With the advent of new regulatory remedies, it seems that the European policymakers also want to reinforce the current medical device legal framework. In this paper, we analyse different policies to mitigate bias in AI health systems included in the Artificial Intelligence Act and in the proposed European Health Data Space. As we shall see, the different remedies based on processing sensitive data for such purpose devised by the European policymakers may have very different effects both on privacy and on protection against discrimination. We find the focus on mitigation during the pre‐commercialisation stages rather weak, and believe that bias control once the system has been implemented in the real world would have merited greater ambition.
Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibition enhances platelet production and megakaryocyte maturation in patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Li Yubin , Wang Juan , Huang Bingqian , Wang Ruixue , Xu Yitong , Zhang Ping , Wang Ruting , Wang Wanru , Cao Junying , Hou Ming , Hou Yu
Published: February 2025

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is a systemic infection frequently involving the haematopoietic system. Thrombocytopenia is associated with increased risks of severe disease progression and mortality. Antiviral agents have shown much promise in decreasing viral load and shortening the time to the resolution of symptoms. However, their effect on platelet counts in patients with COVID‐19 remains unexplored. Therefore, we first performed a retrospective study to evaluate the variation in platelet mass of hospitalized patients with high‐risk COVID‐19 who were given either SARS‐CoV‐2 main protease inhibitor, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor or no antiviral agents. A total of 177 patients were included, among which 64 received azvudine, 12 received nirmatrelvir–ritonavir and 101 patients received none. Compared to those without antiviral treatment, significantly higher platelet counts' increments were observed in patients receiving azvudine or nirmatrelvir–ritonavir (p = 0.001). Of note, this elevation was significantly more profound in the azvudine group than that in the control group (p < 0.001) or the nirmatrelvir–ritonavir group (p = 0.042). Subsequently, in vitro experiments were conducted to investigate the mechanism of platelet elevation underlying the activity of azvudine. Results showed that azvudine promoted the polyploidization and platelet production of the MEG‐01 cell line. Although azvudine had minimal effect on megakaryopoiesis, it could significantly trigger platelet release of megakaryocytes in the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 spike‐membrane recombinant fusion protein or not. Finally, RNA‐sequencing demonstrated that azvudine‐treated MEG‐01 exhibited a marked increase in VWF, TUBB1 and GP1BA, and upregulated genes associated with the PI3K/AKT and JAK/STAT signalling pathways. In conclusion, our findings indicated that nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibition potentially enhances platelet production and megakaryocyte maturation in patients with COVID‐19, suggesting a new therapeutic option for thrombocytopenia.
Urinary Estrogens in Girls Throughout Puberty as a Marker of Metabolic Risk and Their Relationship With Premature Adrenarche
Authors: Zepeda Diego , Pereira Ana , Iñiguez German , Mericq Veronica
Published: February 2025

Objective

The relationship between biochemical premature adrenarche (PA) in girls and metabolic alterations during puberty it is well described. A part of these circulating androgens undergoes aromatization in peripheral tissues to estrogens. This raises the question whether the metabolic effects are due to the action of androgens or estrogens. Our aim was to assess whether levels of urinary estrogens are associated with metabolic risk at late stages of puberty in girls with and without PA.

Methods

This prospective observational study included 321 girls from the Growth and Obesity Chilean Cohort Study (GOCS). Anthropometric and biochemical variables included in metabolic syndrome score (MetS) were measured along with urinary estrogens at Tanner stage B4, 1‐year (M1) and 4‐years after menarche (M4). Relationships between urinary estrogens and metabolic syndrome were analyzed during these periods. Furthermore, we analyzed whether metabolic disturbances in patients with biochemical PA (based on DHEA‐S levels at age ~7) were mediated by androgens or estrogens.

Results

In multilevel analysis urinary estrone correlated positively with anthropometric variables (BMI, WC and fat percentage) and MetS score in adolescent girls. In contrast, urinary estradiol was not associated with metabolic risk. Interestingly, urinary estrogens were not associated with metabolic score in patients with biochemical PA.

Discussion

Our investigation suggests that metabolic risk in patients without biochemical PA are mostly associated with estrone levels. In contrast, in patients with biochemical PA, androgens are associated with MetS. Therefore, metabolic disturbances throughout puberty might be generated by different pathways in girls with and without biochemical PA.
Understanding Drug Interactions in Antiplatelet Therapy for Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Huang Xiangqian , Song Jiahao , Zhang Xiaoming , Wang Mengqi , Ding Yuchuan , Ji Xunming , Zhou Da , Meng Ran
Published: February 2025

Background

Antiplatelet drugs are a cornerstone in managing atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASVD). However, their interactions with other medications present significant challenges to treatment efficacy and safety. Patients with ASVD often require multiple treatment regimens due to complex comorbidities, which increases the risk of drug–drug interactions (DDIs). These interactions can lead to drug resistance, reduced therapeutic outcomes, or adverse effects. A thorough understanding of DDIs is crucial for optimizing patient care.

Aims

This review aims to explore the clinical significance. mechanisms, and implications of DDIs in antiplatelet therapy Additionally, it seeks to identify future research directions to advance personalized treatment strategies and improve therapeutic outcomes.

Materials and Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted using key databases, focusing on clinical studies, mechanistic research, and guidelines related to antiplatelet therapy and DDIs. Findings were analyzed to identify common interaction patterns, associated risks, and management strategies.

Results

The review identifies common DDIs involving antiplatelet drugs, particularly with anticoagulants, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, and proton pump inhibitors. These interactions primarily occur through pharmacokinetic mechanisms, such as alterations in drug metabolism via cytochrome P450 enzymes, and pharmacodynamic mechanisms, including synergistic or antagonistic effects on platelet inhibition. Clinically, DDIs can increase bleeding risk, reduce antiplatelet efficacy, and contribute to adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Strategies to mitigate these risks include individualized drug selection, dose adjustments, genetic testing, and therapeutic drug monitoring.

Discussion

Effective management of DDIs in antiplatelet therapy is essential to improve clinical outcomes. A patient‐specific approach, considering comorbidities, genetic predispositions, and concurrent medications, is crucial. The review categorizes DDIs based on clinical settings and underscores the need for further research on predictive biomarkers, pharmacogenomics, and advanced monitoring techniques.

Conclusion

DDIs significantly impact the effectiveness and safety of antiplatelet therapy, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of their mechanisms and clinical implications. Future research should focus on developing personalized treatment approaches, integrating genetic testing, and optimizing pharmacological monitoring to minimize risks and improve therapeutic outcomes. This review provides a foundation for advancing clinical practice and enhancing the management of patients with ASVD.
Neurodevelopmental Implications Underpinning Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia
Authors: Zhi Yiqiang , Shi Yan , Lu Danping , Xu Dan
Published: February 2025

Background

Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is a group of rare genetic neurodegenerative disorders characterized by corticospinal tract abnormalities. But frequently, abnormalities of proteins implicated in HSP have been identified in brain disorders of childhood, raising the possibility that early brain developmental mechanism underlying HSP.

Results and Conclusions

Here we summarized the clinical features of 89 HSP subtypes and found most have onset of symptoms earliest reported in infancy or early childhood. Importantly, HSP patients showed early brain developmental related phenotypes such as microcephaly, ventricular enlargement, and corpus callosum dysplasia. In addition, the expression trajectories analysis showed HSP genes were diffusely expressed across all human prenatal cortical regions and most genes enriched from post‐conception weeks 8–24, periods characterized by neuro progenitor proliferation and neurogenesis. Furthermore, studies utilizing patient derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)/organoids and mouse models have suggested that most HSP proteins play either direct or indirect roles in the development of the central nervous system. Therefore, HSP possesses a neurodevelopmental aspect and is not merely a degenerative disease, which may aid in better understanding the pathogenesis of this disease.
Integrating GPS‐Tracked Sentinel Species Into the Fight Against Wildlife Poisoning
Authors: Rodríguez‐Pérez Jorge , Bravo‐Chaparro Elena , Fernández‐García María , González José Carlos , Báguena Gerardo , González‐Quirós Pablo , López‐Bao José Vicente , Mateo‐Tomás Patricia
Published: February 2025

The cryptic nature of wildlife crimes challenges the detection and implementation of effective prevention and prosecution measures. Allocating often limited resources will benefit from increasing detectability through evidence‐informed integration of sentinel GPS‐tracked species. We illustrate this by analyzing the spatial use of 25 GPS‐tracked griffons and 26 reintroduced bearded vultures with anti‐poison canine unit patrols and a wildlife poisoning risk map in NW Spain. Vultures’ spatial use greatly correlated with high‐risk areas, highlighting their role in detecting poisoning events and guiding preventive anti‐poison patrolling, allowing us to approach a zonation scheme to optimize efforts in this regard. We identified poisoning hotspots where sentinel and anti‐poison canine units should be reinforced and high‐risk areas with low sentinel monitoring where on‐ground efforts should be increased. While emphasizing the potential of GPS‐tracked vultures as sentinels, our results offer an example of strategic integration to prioritize interventions and enhance their effectiveness against wildlife crimes.
Reconciling Different Forms of Ecological Integrity to Aid the Kunming‐Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
Authors: Mendez Angarita Valeria Y. , Larsen Peter Bille , Marcolin Lara , Di Marco Moreno
Published: February 2025

With the Kunming‐Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), the international community has committed to retaining ecosystems of high ecological integrity. Monitoring progress toward this target requires the identification of suitable indicators, but these are not universally recognized. In this study, we analyze available global maps of terrestrial ecological integrity and evaluate their representation of different dimensions of integrity (structure, composition, and function). Although 73% of terrestrial surface holds conservation value according to at least one map, less than 1% of land attains high integrity according to all of them. Solely relying on one indicator map risks overlooking the integrity value of at least 41 million km2 of land, with some key areas for biodiversity conservation inadequately represented by these indicators of integrity. However, when used in combination, complementary dimensions of integrity help identify an area covering 41.1% of the terrestrial surface, two‐thirds requiring urgent conservation action. The synergistic use of existing measures offers considerable potential to guide the implementation of Target 1 of the GBF while supporting more equitable conservation paradigms. Developing robust indicators and understanding the link among different ecological dimensions is essential to protect ecosystems of high ecological integrity in the long term.