bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fintech and banking: friends or foes? Evidence from bank–fintech cooperation
Authors: Le Tu , Ngo Thanh , Nguyen Dat T. , Do Thuong T.M.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The financial system has witnessed the substantial growth of financial technology (fintech) firms. One of the strategies that banks have adopted to cope with this emergence is to cooperate with fintech firms. This study empirically investigated whether cooperation between banks and fintech companies would improve banks’ risk-adjusted returns.

Design/methodology/approach

We developed a novel index of bank–fintech cooperation across various fintech sectors. A system generalized method of moments (GMM) was used to examine this relationship using a sample of Vietnamese banks from 2007 to 2019.

Findings

The findings show that the diversity of bank–fintech cooperation across seven sectors tends to enhance banks’ risk-adjusted returns. The results also highlight that this relationship may depend on the types of fintech sectors and bank ownership. More specifically, the positive association between this cooperation and banks’ risk-adjusted returns only holds in the comparison sector of fintech, whereas there is a negative relationship between them in the payments and mobile wallets sector. Furthermore, state-owned commercial banks that engage in more bank–fintech cooperation tend to generate greater earnings. If we look at listed banks, the positive effect of bank–fintech partnerships on risk-adjusted returns still holds. A similar result was also found in the case of large banks.

Practical implications

Our empirical evidence provides motivations for incumbent banks to implement appropriate strategies toward diversity in bank–fintech partnerships when fintech firms have engaged in various financial segments.

Originality/value

This study adds more evidence to the existing literature on the relationship between bank–fintech cooperation and bank performance.
Effects of metaverse experience on behavioral intention of visitors: moderating role of similarity between virtual and real experience
Authors: Shin Seunghun , Koo Chulmo , Kim Jungkeun , Gursoy Dogan
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impact of metaverse experiences on customers’ offline behavioral intentions: How do customers’ visits to a hospitality business’s virtual property in the metaverse affect their intentions to visit the physical property in the real world?

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the general learning model and social cognitive theory, this research hypothesizes the positive impact of metaverse experiences on customers’ visit intentions and explores two boundary conditions for positive impact: user–avatar resemblance and servicescape similarity. Two experimental studies were conducted.

Findings

Metaverse experience has a significant impact on customers’ visit intentions, and this impact is moderated by user–avatar resemblance and servicescape similarity.

Research limitations/implications

This research addresses the call for empirical studies regarding the effects of metaverse experience on people’s behavioral intentions.

Originality/value

As one of the earliest empirical studies on the marketing effects of the metaverse, this research provides a basis for future metaverse studies in the hospitality field.
Ecosystem approach in public management: insights from the city of Espoo
Authors: Sahamies Kaisu , Anttiroiko Ari-Veikko
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This article investigates the practical implementation of the ecosystem approach in different branches of public management within an urban context. It explores how ecosystem thinking is introduced, disseminated and applied in a local government organization.

Design/methodology/approach

We utilize a qualitative case study methodology, relying on official documents and expert interviews. Our study focuses on the city of Espoo, Finland, which has actively embraced ecosystem thinking as a fundamental framework for its organizational development for almost a decade.

Findings

The case of Espoo highlights elements that have not been commonly attributed to the ecosystem approach in the public sector. These elements include (1) the significance of complementary services, (2) the existence of both collaborative and competitive relationships among actors in public service ecosystems and (3) the utilization of digital platforms for resource orchestration. Our study also emphasizes the need for an incremental adoption of ecosystem thinking in organizational contexts to enable its successful implementation.

Originality/value

The study provides valuable insights into the introduction and dissemination of ecosystem thinking in public management. It also further develops previously developed hypotheses regarding public service ecosystems.
Antecedents of memorable heritage tourism experiences: an application of stimuli–organism–response theory
Authors: Sthapit Erose , Garrod Brian , Coudounaris Dafnis N. , Seyfi Siamak , Cifci Ibrahim , Vo-Thanh Tan
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Based on stimulus-organism-response theory, this study aims to develop and tests a model of memorable heritage tourism experience (MHTE). The model proposes that experiencescape, experience co-creation, education and photography are important antecedents of MHTE, which is then a driver of place attachment.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this study were collected using a Web-based questionnaire of people aged 18 years and over who had a heritage tourism experience during the previous three months (February–April 2023). The survey was distributed in May 2023 using Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk). A survey link was posted on MTurk, which remained active for the first week of May 2023. Out of the 283 responses received, 272 were valid responses from individuals who met the participation criteria.

Findings

Experiencescape, experience co-creation, education and photography were found to be positive drivers of the MHTE, with a positive relationship between MHTE and place attachment.

Originality/value

Many studies linked to memorable tourism experience (MTE) mainly replicate Kim, Ritchie, & McCormick’s (2012) MTE scale, regardless of the specific study context. This study offers an alternative framework through which alternative antecedents and outcomes of tourists’ MTE can be identified.
Exploring the holistic nature of a multi-level retail brand: a scoping review
Authors: Chen Shaoyuan , Wang Pengji , Wood Jacob
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Given that existing retail brand research tends to treat each level of a retail brand as a separate concept, this paper aims to unveil the holistic nature of a multi-level retail brand, considering the distinctiveness of each level and the interrelationships between the images of different levels.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a scoping review approach that includes 478 retail brand articles. Subsequently, a thematic analysis method is applied.

Findings

The brand attributes that shape the distinct image of each retail brand level encompass diverse intrinsic and extrinsic attributes. Moreover, the holistic nature of a multi-level retail brand is formed by the interrelationships between the images of different levels, which are reflected in the presence of common extrinsic attributes and their interplay at attribute, benefit and attitude levels.

Originality/value

Theoretically, this review provides conceptual clarity by unveiling the multi-level yet holistic nature of a retail brand, helping researchers refine and extend existing theories in retail branding, while also providing new research opportunities in this field. Practically, the findings could guide retailers in implementing differentiated branding strategies at each level while achieving synergy across all levels.
Impact of exogenous brand crises on consumer behaviour
Authors: Chandrasekar Kalpana , Rehman Varisha
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Global brands have become increasingly vulnerable to external disruptions that have negative spillover effects on consumers, business and brands. This research area has recently garnered interest post-pandemic yet remains fragmented. The purpose of this paper is to recognize the most impactful exogenous brand crisis (EBC) and its affective and behavioural impact on consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

In Study 1, we applied repertory grid technique (RGT), photo elicitation method and ANOVA comparisons, to identify the most significant EBC, in terms of repercussions on consumer purchases. In Study 2, we performed collage construction and content analysis to ascertain the impact of the identified significant crisis (from Study 1) on consumer behaviour in terms of affective and behavioural changes.

Findings

Study 1 results reveal Spread-of-diseases and Natural disaster to be the most impactful EBC based on consumer’s purchase decisions. Study 2 findings uncover three distinct themes, namely, deviant demand, emotional upheaval and community bonding that throws light on the affective and behavioural changes in consumer behaviour during the two significant EBC events.

Research limitations/implications

The collated results of the two studies draw insights towards understanding the largely unexplored conceptualisation of EBC from a multi-level (micro-meso-macro) perspective. The integrated framework drawn, highlight the roles and influences of different players in exogenous brand crisis management and suggests future research agendas based on theoretical underpinnings.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study which identifies the most important EBC and explicates its profound impact on consumer purchase behaviour, providing critical insights to brand managers and practitioners to take an inclusive approach towards exogenous crises.
Probiotic icecream as a functional food - a review
Authors: Sarkar S.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Globally, consumer’s inclination towards functional foods had noticed due to their greater health consciousness coupled with enhanced health-care cost. The fact that probiotics could promote a healthier gut microbiome led projection of probiotic foods as functional foods and had emerged as an important dietary strategy for improved human health. It had established that ice cream was a better carrier for probiotics than fermented milked due to greater stability of probiotics in ice cream matrix. Global demand for ice cream boomed and probiotic ice cream could have been one of the most demanded functional foods. The purpose of this paper was to review the technological aspects and factors affecting probiotic viability and to standardize methodology to produce functional probiotic ice cream.

Design/methodology/approach

Attempt was made to search the literature (review and researched papers) to identify diverse factors affecting the probiotic viability and major technological challenge faced during formulation of probiotic ice cream. Keywords used for data searched included dairy-based functional foods, ice cream variants, probiotic ice cream, factors affecting probiotic viability and health benefits of probiotic ice cream.

Findings

Retention of probiotic viability at a level of >106cfu/ml is a prerequisite for functional probiotic ice creams. Functional probiotic ice cream could have been produced with the modification of basic mix and modulating technological parameters during processing and freezing. Functionality can be further enhanced with the inclusion of certain nutraceutical components such as prebiotics, antioxidant, phenolic compounds and dietary fibres. Based upon reviewed literature, suggested method for the manufacture of functional probiotic ice cream involved freezing of a probiotic ice cream mix obtained by blending 10% probiotic fermented milk with 90% non-fermented plain ice cream mix for higher probiotic viability. Probiotic ice cream with functional features, comparable with traditional ice cream in terms of technological and sensory properties could be produced and can crop up as a novel functional food.

Originality/value

Probiotic ice cream with functional features may attract food manufacturers to cater health-conscious consumers.
Corporate social responsibility activities, consumers’ trust and gender: an analysis of Islamic banks in Somalia
Authors: Yusuf Mohamud Said , Dirie Khadar Ahmed , Alam Md. Mahmudul , Salisu Isyaku
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the link between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the amount of trust customers have in Somali Islamic banks. Furthermore, the role of gender in CSR activities and Islamic bank clientele is evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

Throughout February and March 2022, 410 clients of Islamic banks in Somalia were surveyed using a questionnaire. The partial least squares approach and the structural equation model are applied to examine the data.

Findings

Findings indicate that all variables of CSR activities, such as social product, social legal, social needs, social environment and social employees’ responsibility, are influential and significant predictors of trust in Islamic banks in Somalia. Gender inequalities moderate the relationship between social product, social needs, social environment, social employee and trust. Conversely, only social legal responsibility was unaffected by gender differences in Somalia regarding people’s trust in Islamic banks.

Practical implications

A sample from a developing country such as Somalia is useful for shedding light on the outcomes of consumers’ perceptions of and trust in businesses’ CSR in the developing world. Furthermore, this study contributes to knowledge regarding CSR and how it can help the Islamic banking industry. Its findings will be useful to policymakers and regulatory bodies in the banking industry in their efforts to improve CSR.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first empirical investigation of its kind about the understudied relationship among customer trust, CSR efforts and gender in Somalia context. Furthermore, it investigates how gender specifically moderates CSR in the Islamic banking sector in a developing country.
Customers’ intention to use virtual reality in tourism: a comprehensive analysis of influencing factors
Authors: Sinha Neena , Dhingra Sanjay , Sehrawat Ritu , Jain Varnika , Himanshu Himanshu
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The emergence of virtual reality (VR) has the potential to revolutionize various industries, including tourism, as it delivers a simulated environment that closely emulates real-life experiences. Therefore, this study aims to explore how the factors, i.e. enjoyment, emotional involvement, flow state, perceived privacy risk, physical risk and cost, influence the customers’ intention to use VR for tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

This study integrates the technology acceptance model, hedonic consumption theory with other factors, including cognitive response, authenticity, perceived privacy risk, perceived physical risk, perceived cost and perceived presence. Partial least squares structural equation modelling approach was used to test the proposed research model.

Findings

The finding based on the sample of 252 respondents revealed that authenticity is the most influential factor impacting behavior intention followed by perceived cost, attitude, cognitive response and enjoyment. Also, the study supported the moderating impact of personal innovativeness between attitude and behavioral intention to use VR for tourism.

Practical implications

The findings of the study offers practical implications for service providers, site managers, destination marketers, tourist organizations and policymaker to develop more effective strategies for offering VR services for tourism.

Originality/value

This study enriches the current understanding of VR adoption in context of tourism with empirical evidences.
Metformin ameliorates endometrial thickness in a rat model of thin endometrium
Authors: Imran M. , Khandvilkar Aditya , Metkari Siddhanath , Sachdeva Geetanjali , Chaudhari Uddhav
Published: April 2024

Metformin, a well‐established anti‐diabetic drug, is also used in managing various other metabolic disorders including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). There are evidences to show that metformin improves endometrial functions in PCOS women. However, fewer studies have explored the direct effects of metformin on endometrium. Previous in vitro studies have shown that therapeutic serum concentrations of metformin enhance endometrial epithelial cell proliferation. The present study was undertaken to investigate in vivo effects of metformin on endometrial proliferation in a rat model of thin endometrium. Toward this, a rat model of thin endometrium was developed. Metformin (0.1% or 1% w/v) was administrated orally for 15 days in rats with thin endometrium. Oral metformin administration for three consecutive estrous cycles (15 days) in the thin endometrium rat model led to an increase in endometrial thickness compared to sham endometrium. Histological analysis showed a significant increase in the number of endometrial glands (P < 0.05), stromal cells (P < 0.01) and blood vessels (P < 0.01) in metformin‐treated (n = 10 in each group) uterine horns compared to sham (saline‐treated) uterine horns in rats. The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and vascular epithelial growth factor was found to be upregulated on treatment with 1% metformin‐treated group (n = 7). However, pregnancy outcomes in the rats treated with metformin remained unaltered despite the restoration of endometrial thickness. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that metformin ameliorates endometrial thickness in a rat model of thin endometrium by increasing endometrial proliferation and angiogenesis, without restoration of embryo implantation.
Use of biologics for psoriasis in solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Costa Blasco Marta , Doyle Claire , Diong Sophie , Ni Raghallaigh Siona
Published: April 2024

Biologics have significantly advanced the treatment of inflammatory disorders, including psoriasis. However, their use in immunosuppressed patients, such as those with solid‐organ transplants, is less understood. These patients often face dermatological issues, but inflammatory skin diseases are rare due to their immunosuppressive treatments. Our study aims to assess biologics' effectiveness in such immunocompromised patients. We report a case from our institution of a 29‐year‐old man with a history of psoriasis, who underwent a kidney transplant and later developed erythroderma. He did not respond to traditional treatments and was successfully treated with adalimumab, leading to the discontinuation of MMF. We also reviewed literature in solid organ transplant patients with psoriasis. Our findings, based on 10 articles, indicate a cautious approach to using biologics in this group, with further research needed for efficacy and safety.
Physical and occupational therapists' learning needs and preferences for education on functional electrical stimulation: A qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Musselman Kristin E. , Mayhew Madi , Somal Harneet , Benn Natasha L. , Salbach Nancy M. , Switzer‐McIntyre Sharon
Published: April 2024

Background

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is an evidence‐based intervention that is rarely used by Canadian physical therapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs). A common barrier to FES implementation is a lack of knowledge and training. FES learning resources that meet therapists' learning needs and preferences may address this barrier.

Objective

To explore OTs' and PTs' perspectives on the utility of FES e‐learning resources, including whether the resources met their learning needs and preferences.

Methods

Through this qualitative descriptive study, feedback on FES e‐learning resources was solicited from 5 PTs and 18 OTs who work clinically, but do not use FES. Participants reviewed ≥3 prerecorded lectures on FES topics and then completed a semi‐structured interview. Participants were asked about the lectures' content, delivery, ease of use and comprehensibility, and were asked to suggest modifications to facilitate self‐directed learning about FES. Interviews were analyzed using conventional content analysis.

Results

Three themes were identified. (1) Feedback on FES e‐learning: the content and delivery of the prerecorded lectures facilitated participants' learning, although opportunities to improve content and delivery were identified. (2) Factors influencing FES learning needs and preferences: Participants identified internal (i.e., baseline knowledge, learning style) and external (i.e., learning with colleagues, practice setting) factors that affected learning. Themes 1 and 2 impacted (3) the effects of FES e‐learning: Participants described the outcomes of their FES e‐learning, including increases in FES knowledge, confidence, and use in clinical practice.

Conclusion

Therapists' perceived the FES e‐learning resources to be useful and to address their learning needs and preferences.
Global mismatches between threat mapping research effort and the potential of threat abatement actions to reduce extinction risk
Authors: Ridley Francesca A. , Rushton Stephen P. , Hickinbotham Emily J. , Suggitt Andrew J. , McGowan Philip J. K. , Mair Louise
Published: April 2024

Threat mapping is a necessary tool for identifying and abating direct threats to species in the ongoing extinction crisis. There are known gaps in the threat mapping literature for particular threats and geographic locations, and it remains unclear if the distribution of research effort is appropriately targeted relative to conservation need. We aimed to determine the drivers of threat mapping research effort and to quantify gaps that, if filled, could inform actions with the highest potential to reduce species’ extinction risk. We used a negative binomial generalized linear model to analyze research effort as a function of threat abatement potential (quantified as the potential reduction in species extinction risk from abating threats), species richness, land area, and human pressure. The model showed that threat mapping research effort increased by 1.1 to 1.2 times per standardized unit change in threat abatement potential. However, species richness and land area were stronger predictors of research effort overall. The greatest areas of mismatch between research effort and threat abatement potential, receiving disproportionately low research effort, were related to the threats to species of agriculture, aquaculture, and biological resource use across the tropical regions of the Americas, Asia, and Madagascar. Conversely, the threat of linear infrastructure (e.g., roads and rails) across regions, the threat of biological resource use (e.g., hunting or collection) in sub‐Saharan Africa, and overall threats in North America and Europe all received disproportionately high research effort. We discuss the range of methodological and sociopolitical factors that may be behind the overall trends and specific areas of mismatch we found. We urge a stronger emphasis on targeting research effort toward those threats and geographic locations where threat abatement activities could make the greatest contribution to reducing global species extinction risk.
Anthropogenic pressure limits the recovery of a postwar leopard population in central Mozambique
Authors: Briers‐Louw Willem D. , Kendon Tamar , Rogan Matthew S. , Leslie Alison J. , Almeida João , Gaynor David , Naude Vincent N.
Published: April 2024

The population size and conservation status of wildlife in post‐conflict areas is often uncertain. In Mozambique, decades of armed conflict resulted in large‐scale wildlife population depletion with limited conservation and research opportunities. The African leopard (Panthera pardus) is a large carnivore with great ecological and economic significance, yet their population status is largely unknown within Mozambique. Using camera trapping in conjunction with robust spatially explicit capture‐recapture modeling, we estimated leopard density in 2021 for Coutada 11, a wildlife management area in the postwar Zambezi Delta landscape of central Mozambique. Leopard density was relatively low (1.57 ± 0.37 SE [latent‐mixture‐model] and 1.84 ± 0.41 [sex‐mixture‐model] leopards/100 km2), occurring in the bottom fourth of 161 range‐wide leopard densities, and similar to those from semiarid and human‐dominated landscapes. Prey‐based carrying capacity estimates suggested that leopard density should be at least twice as large. Despite a recent and substantial reduction in poaching activity, evidence of snared leopards indicates that sustained bushmeat poaching, combined with sustainable, but additional legal offtake is suppressing leopard population recovery. This study provides important baseline insight into leopard population density in Mozambique and joins mounting evidence indicating that anthropogenic pressures limit large carnivore populations which is of major national and global concern. We suggest long‐term monitoring of this leopard population to determine trends over time and implement effective conservation interventions in response to population changes. This population clearly has the capacity to recover if hunting quotas are reduced to account for illegal offtake and, more importantly, if anti‐poaching efforts are redoubled to reduce unsustainable anthropogenic mortality of leopards.
1076. Vernonia missurica Raf.: Compositae
Authors: Hind Nicholas , Langhorne Joanna
Published: April 2024

Vernonia missurica Raf. (Compositae: Vernonieae: Vernoniinae) is described and illustrated, a full synonymy provided, the location of known type material provided, and its taxonomic position discussed; a selected iconography is indicated. The cultivation, propagation, pests and diseases and availability of the species are commented on. The complexity of the tribe Vernonieae in a global context is discussed and compared with that of the Eupatorieae. Vernonia Schreb. sensu stricto is considered by some to be restricted to North America and Mexico, with two disjunct species in South America. The infrageneric classification of Vernonia s.s. is commented on, although it is clearly appropriate to regard any formal classification as work in progress as historical attempts are a nomenclatural issue still to be resolved, if needed. The etymology of the generic names Vernonia and Vernoniopsis is introduced and then discussed at length. Vernoniopsis Dusén (Vernonieae), described following anatomical work on xylopodia, is considered to be congeneric with Pycnocephalum (Less.) DC. (Vernonieae). Dusén's name, once highlighted, has subsequently been added to Index Nominum Genericorum, although incorrect assumptions have been made in the Plants of the World Online record, and still have to be updated. A revised generic synonymy of Pycnocephalum and that of Pycnocephalum plantaginifolium (Less.) DC. is provided; the types of all heterotypic synonyms is stated, along with the location of known type material. The later homonym, Vernoniopsis Humbert (currently in the Astereae: Madagasterinae), thus requiring a replacement name, is given the name Jalantzia, and the appropriate new combinations, Jalantzia caudata and J. lokohensis, are made.
Rehabilitation in patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy: A controlled, 1‐year follow‐up study on a specialized inpatient rehabilitation program
Authors: Specht Ulrich , Lahr Denise , May Theodor W. , Speicher Pascal , Hausfeld Heiko , Coban Ingrid , Müffelmann Birgitt , Bien Christian G. , Hagemann Anne
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of a specialized inpatient rehabilitation program in patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy (NDE), who had been referred within 1 year after diagnosis.

Methods

We performed an open, prospective, controlled study comparing a 1‐year follow‐up assessment of patients with NDE after completing a rehabilitation program at an epilepsy center (rehabilitation group) with a control group of patients with similar epilepsy duration, but without rehabilitation in the first year after diagnosis. Primary outcome measures comprised emotional adaptation to epilepsy, depression and anxiety; and secondary outcome measures were overall quality of life (QoL), overall health, perceived restrictions because of epilepsy, level of information about epilepsy, and employment status.

Results

Comparison of the admission data of 74 rehabilitation group patients (mean age and SD 47.7 ± 13.0 years) with the pre‐rehabilitation assessment of 56 control patients (45.5 ± 12.1 years) revealed no significant differences concerning sociodemographic and health data. Comparison of the follow‐up assessment of the rehabilitation group and the pre‐rehabilitation assessment of the control group showed significantly better values for the rehabilitation group on emotional adaptation to epilepsy (p = .003), overall QoL (p = .006) and overall health (p = .011), perceived restrictions because of epilepsy, and subjective level of information about epilepsy (both p's < .001). There were no statistically significant differences concerning depression and anxiety or employment status (all p's > .50). One year after rehabilitation, patients in the rehabilitation group were more often seizure‐free and less often on sickness absence than control group patients (both p's < .001).

Significance

Since reduced QoL shortly after diagnosis of NDE is associated with seizure recurrence, an early identification of patients with a greater need for support seems important. This epilepsy‐related rehabilitation program showed lasting effects on several aspects of adaptation to epilepsy and QoL.
Stimulus‐induced arousal with transient electroencephalographic improvement distinguishes nonictal from ictal generalized periodic discharges
Authors: Gélisse Philippe , Tatum William O. , Crespel Arielle , Kaplan Peter W.
Published: April 2024

In the case of suspicion of nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE), reactivity on electroencephalograms (EEGs) can provide valuable diagnostic information. Reactivity refers to responses to auditory or somatosensory stimulation, with changes in amplitude and frequency of background activity. Because of self‐perpetuating processes and the failure of self‐terminating mechanisms, status epilepticus is unlikely to cease when patients spontaneously move, and it cannot typically be stopped by external stimulation (i.e., auditory and tactile stimuli). The defining EEG characteristic of absence status epilepticus is the presence of bilateral, synchronous, symmetric, rhythmic paroxysmal activity that shows little or no reactivity to sensory stimulation. On the other hand, in metabolic/toxic or multifactorial encephalopathies, triphasic waves (TWs) are influenced by the level of vigilance. TWs may be transiently abolished when patients increase their level of alertness from a drowsy/lethargic state to a state of wakefulness. This reactivity is only observed when patients can be aroused by a somatosensory or auditory stimulus. This reactivity tends to disappear with increasing severity of the disease and in comatose patients. In patients without preexisting developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, this pattern of stimulus‐induced wakefulness with transient improvement of the EEG is a major criterion in determining that the EEG patterns are not ictal. This criterion of reactivity on EEGs, beyond the classical clinical/EEG criteria of NCSE (Salzburg criteria), should now be systematically added.
Line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography in dermato‐oncology: A literature review towards harmonized histopathology‐integrated terminology
Authors: Jacobsen Kevin , Ortner Vinzent Kevin , Wenande Emily , Sahu Aditi , Paasch Uwe , Haedersdal Merete
Published: April 2024

Non‐invasive diagnostics like line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC‐OCT) are being implemented in dermato‐oncology. However, unification of terminology in LC‐OCT is lacking. By reviewing the LC‐OCT literature in the field of dermato‐oncology, this study aimed to develop a unified terminological glossary integrated with traditional histopathology. A PRISMA‐guided literature‐search was conducted for English‐language publications on LC‐OCT of actinic keratosis (AK), keratinocyte carcinoma (KC), and malignant melanoma (MM). Study characteristics and terminology were compiled. To harmonize LC‐OCT terminology and integrate with histopathology, synonymous terms for image features of AK, KC, and MM were merged by two authors, organized by skin layer and lesion‐type. A subset of key LC‐OCT image‐markers with histopathological correlates that in combination were typical of AK, squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCis), invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and MM in traditional histopathology, were selected from the glossary by an experienced dermatopathologist. Seventeen observational studies of AK (7 studies), KC (13 studies), MM (7 studies) utilizing LC‐OCT were included, with 117 terms describing either AK, KC, or MM. These were merged to produce 45 merged‐terms (61.5% reduction); 5 assigned to the stratum corneum (SC), 23 to the viable epidermis, 2 to dermo‐epidermal junction (DEJ) and 15 to the dermis. For each lesion, mandatory key image‐markers were a well‐defined DEJ and presence of mild/moderate but not severe epidermal dysplasia for AK, severe epidermal dysplasia and well‐defined DEJ for SCCis, interrupted DEJ and/or dermal broad infiltrative strands for invasive SCC, dermal lobules connected and/or unconnected to the epidermis for BCC, as well as single atypical melanocytes and/or nest of atypical melanocytes in the epidermis or dermis for MM. This review compiles evidence on LC‐OCT in dermato‐oncology, providing a harmonized histopathology‐integrated terminology and key image‐markers for each lesion. Further evaluation is required to determine the clinical value of these findings.
How adult children of incarcerated parents experience ambiguous loss
Authors: King Kelly , Whiting Peggy , Toone Damon , Blount Taheera
Published: April 2024

Families can experience grief when they lose a loved one to incarceration. Although there has not been a death, the removal of a family member from day‐to‐day life and the uncertainty and stigma surrounding incarceration pose major challenges. We applied consensual qualitative research methods to understand the unique grief experience that adult children have when a parent is incarcerated. Our findings elaborate on the impacts of the loss, the complicating factors of stigma and disenfranchisement, as well as how individuals have made meaning and pursued healing from this experience over time. Impacts included changes to member roles within the new family structure and difficulty forming secure bonds with peers. Participants characterized stigma toward their parent as extending to themselves and complicating their ability to openly miss their parent or process complicated reactions to the incarceration. Despite systemic challenges, participants set their personal life goals and used a combination of problem‐focused coping and distancing themselves from the incarceration to successfully manage the loss. Consistent with these findings, mental health professionals serving this population can validate incarceration as a loss, repair ambiguity in family roles, develop an accepting therapeutic relationship that reduces perceived stigma, and identify possibilities for activism.
Nonlinear fatigue life prediction model based on isodamage curve considering two‐block loading
Authors: Yun Yuheng , Shi Duoqi , Fan Jiangbo , Li Zhenlei , Fan Yongshen , Yang Xiaoguang
Published: April 2024

A non‐linear life prediction model considering the loading history is proposed based on isodamage curve. The stress‐controlled low‐high block loading of low cycle fatigue (LCF) at high temperature, with various previous cycles, was performed on a nickel‐based superalloy. The damage evolvement of the prior loading was revealed using scanning electron microscopy under the low‐high block loading, especially the failure mechanism of coaxing effect. In addition, load history correlation factor was introduced to describe the influence of prior cycle. Based on the Ni‐based superalloy, the life prediction model of two‐step loading, including the low‐high block (LH) and high‐low block loading (HL), was proposed, agreeing well with the experimental results for different metals. Compared with other life prediction models, the proposed model demonstrated the higher prediction accuracy and wider applicability.
Risk factors and consequences of mental health problems in nurses: A scoping review of cohort studies
Authors: Yang Jiaxin , Chen Yamin , Tian Yusheng , Li Xuting , Yu Qiang , Huang Chongmei , Chen Zengyu , Ning Meng , Li Sini , He Jiaqing , Du Jie , Huang Bingqin , Li Yamin
Published: April 2024

Mental health problems in nurses are prevalent and impairing. To date, no literature has comprehensively synthesised cohort evidence on mental health among nurses. This scoping review aimed to synthesise the existing literature on the risk factors and consequences of mental health problems in nurses. A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, Epistemonikos database, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsycINFO from inception to March 2023. We identified 171 cohort studies from 16 countries, mostly (95.3%) from high‐income economies. This review indicated that nurses worldwide encountered significant mental health challenges, including depression, cognitive impairment, anxiety, trauma/post‐traumatic stress disorder, burnout, sleep disorder, and other negative mental health problems. These problems were closely related to various modifiable risk factors such as nurses' behaviours and lifestyles, social support, workplace bullying and violence, shift work, job demands, and job resources. Moreover, nurses' mental health problems have negative effects on their physical health, behaviour and lifestyle, occupation and organisation, and intrapersonal factors. These findings provided an enhanced understanding of mental health complexities among nurses, and shed light on policy enactment to alleviate the negative impact of mental health problems on nurses. Addressing mental health among nurses should be a top priority.
Status quo and influencing factors of multiprofessional and multidisciplinary teamwork for early mobilization in mechanically ventilated patients in ICUs: A multi‐centre survey study
Authors: Wang Xueqin , Lv Ying , Zhang Chuanlin , Mi Jie , Zhao Qinghua
Published: April 2024

Aim

To understand the status quo of multiprofessional and multidisciplinary collaboration for early mobilization of mechanically ventilated patients in Chinese ICUs and identify any factors that may influence this practice.

Design

A multi‐centre cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

From October to November 2022, the convenience sampling method was used to select ICU multiprofessional and multidisciplinary early mobility members (including physicians, nurses and physiotherapists) from 27 tertiary general hospitals in 14 provinces, cities and autonomous regions of China. They were asked to complete an author‐developed questionnaire on the status of collaboration and the Assessment of Inter‐professional Team Collaboration Scale. A multiple linear regression model was used to analyse the factors associated with the level of collaboration.

Results

Physicians, nurses and physiotherapists mostly suffered from the lack of normative protocols, unclear division of responsibilities and unclear multiprofessional and multidisciplinary teams when using a collaborative approach to early activities. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the number of ICU patients managed, the existence of norms and processes, the attitude of colleagues around them, the establishment of a team, communication methods and activity leaders were significant influences on the level of collaboration among members of the multiprofessional and multidisciplinary early activities.

Conclusion

The collaboration of multiprofessional and multidisciplinary early activity members for mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU remains unclear, and the collaboration strategy needs to be constructed and improved, taking into account China's human resources and each region's economic development level.

Impact

This study investigates the collaboration status of multiprofessional and multidisciplinary activity members from the perspective of teamwork, analyses the reasons affecting the level of collaboration and helps to develop better teamwork strategies to facilitate the implementation of early activities.

Patient or Public Contribution

The participants in this study were multiprofessional and multidisciplinary medical staff who performed early activities for ICU patients.
Social Reasons
Authors: Richardson Kevin
Published: April 2024

The goal of this article is to motivate the idea of a social reason and demonstrate its usefulness in social theorizing. For example, in a society that values getting married young, the fact that one is young is a reason to get married. In racist and sexist societies, we have social reasons to be racist and sexist. Social reasons give rise to social requirements and obligations, where these requirements often conflict with prudential and moral requirements. My application of reasons to social philosophy parallels Charles Mills' and Carole Pateman's applications of social contract theory to political philosophy. While they use social contract theory to make sense of patriarchy and white supremacy, I use the theory of normative reasons to make sense of social injustice. The theory of normative reasons meets non‐ideal theory.
Understanding experiences of ‘Gig Buddies’: A befriending scheme for people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Brand Fiona , Scior Katrina , Loewenberger Alana
Published: April 2024

Background

Research into befriending for people with intellectual disabilities is limited. This study aimed to explore the impact, mechanisms of change, and limitations of a befriending scheme for adults with intellectual disabilities and/or autism.

Methods

Participants were recruited using convenience sampling. Thirteen individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism were interviewed and data thematically analysed.

Results

Four themes were generated: ‘Something fun for me’; ‘A good connection’; ‘Increasing independence’; and ‘A life less quiet’. Befriending had direct benefits through the activities undertaken and the befriending relationships themselves being fun and reducing isolation. Befriending facilitated belonging, improved access to mainstream activities, and fostered independence by providing safety and support. The importance of shared interests and external support for the relationship was highlighted.

Conclusions

Positive outcomes of befriending were found, supporting existing literature and revealing new information from the voices of participants with intellectual disabilities themselves.
Initiatives to facilitate the social inclusion of people with intellectual disability in physical activities with others in community‐based sporting, recreation and leisure activities: A scoping review
Authors: Ristevski Eli , McCook Fiona , Thompson Sharyn , Duncan Zoe , Lawler Bill , Broxham Carole
Published: April 2024

Background

While barriers to participation in physical activity are well documented, there is no consolidated evidence on strategies promoting participation of people with intellectual disability in physical activities.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review to examine initiatives used to facilitate the inclusion of people with intellectual disability in community‐based sporting and recreation activities. We searched Medline, Embase, CINAHL+ and PsycINFO for articles published in English between 2000 and 2022.

Results

Eight articles were included. Initiatives included: (1) building knowledge, awareness and attitudinal change (2) organisational alliances/partnerships (3) relationship‐building (4) modifications/adaptions to activities/environment (5) organisational policy (6) engagement with people with disability. Initiatives were implemented through international collaborations, in local fitness/recreational facilities and public spaces, and targeted athletes, coaches, volunteers and organisational leaders.

Conclusion

While some increase in awareness and inclusion of people with intellectual disability was reported, no longitudinal data reported on the impact of initiatives on sustained social inclusion for people with intellectual disability.
Preliminary translation of ‘Reducing Disability in Alzheimer's Disease’ among individuals with intellectual disabilities and caregiver dyads
Authors: Ptomey Lauren T. , Barton Kelli , Swinford Emma , Bodde Amy , George Amanda , Gorczyca Anna M. , Niedens C. Michelle , Sprague Susan C. , Yeager Amy , Helsel Brian , Teri Linda , Vidoni Eric D. , Perales‐Puchalt Jaime
Published: April 2024

Background

The Reducing Disability in Alzheimer's Disease in Kansas City (RDAD‐KC) intervention has been shown to improve the health of individuals with dementia and caregiver dyads. This manuscript reports the results of implementing the RDAD among individuals with intellectual disabilities and caregiver dyads.

Methods

Nine community agencies deployed the 12‐week intervention. We assessed changes in individuals with intellectual disabilities' behavioural symptom related severity and physical activity, and caregivers' behavioural symptom‐related distress, unmet needs, and caregiver strain.

Results

Forty‐four dyads enrolled, and 23 (~60 years, 48% female) completed ≥75% of the intervention. We observed decreases in behavioural symptom related severity (p = .07) and increases in physical activity (p = .20) among individuals with intellectual disabilities. We also observed decreases in behavioural symptom related distress (p = .14), unmet needs (p = .50), and caregiver strain (p = .50) among caregivers.

Conclusions

The RDAD‐KC intervention showed promising, although statistically non‐significant, benefits among individuals with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers.
Understanding mobile learning acceptance among university students with special needs: An exploration through the lens of self‐determination theory
Authors: Şahin Ferhan , Yıldız Gizem
Published: April 2024

Background

Despite the significant emphasis on self‐determination in special education and the crucial role of mobile learning, there is a notable absence of path modelling studies that explore the effect of self‐determination on the usage of mobile learning by students with special needs.

Objectives

This study sought to investigate the intentions of mobile learning usage among students with special needs by proposing a model rooted in the technology acceptance model, complemented by extraneous constructs from self‐determination theory (competence, autonomy and relatedness).

Methods

The data of the study was obtained online from 1298 special needs university students with eight different types of disabilities. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis, structural equation modelling and bootstrapping.

Results and Conclusions

The proposed model explained 78.4% of ease of use, 85.2% of usefulness, and 76.5% of intention. 11 of the 12 hypotheses tested within the scope of the model were supported. All hypotheses examining the impacts of self‐determination theory constructs on ease of use, usefulness, and intention were validated (8 hypotheses), with the exception of the autonomy → intention relationship. Substantial empirical evidence has been acquired to support the role of the self‐determination theory in exploring the intention toward mobile learning among university students with special needs. Concurrently, a robust theoretical framework has been introduced to the field of special education to elucidate the acceptance and utilization of technology by university students with special needs.