bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexuality in female patients on hemodialysis: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Imhof Solange , Nerbass Fabiana Baggio , dos Santos Rafaela Gonzaga , Ribeiro Heitor S. , Nilson Luana Gabriele
Published: August 2024

Sexuality is a human biological function that is not limited only to genitality but to total corporeality. Sexual function is a complex biopsychosocial phenomenon in which internal and external stimuli are modulated by the central and peripheral nervous system, resulting in biochemical, hormonal, and circulatory changes that culminate in physical and cognitive sexual results. Several conditions influence sexuality, and one of the diseases that can impair female sexual function and impact sexuality is chronic kidney disease. Considering the complexity and specificity of chronic kidney disease, the significant repercussions of hemodialysis treatment on the lives of patients, and the scarce scientific production, the need to delve deeper into the topic was perceived since the experience of sexuality of these women is relevant in the quality of life and not usually addressed by health professionals. To investigate the topic in-depth, a scoping review will be developed on the sexuality of female people undergoing hemodialysis treatment, regardless of their sexual orientation. The objective of this work is to map the production of knowledge about sexuality in women undergoing hemodialysis treatment. The search for publications will be carried out in the following databases and bibliographic index: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE via PubMed), Web of Science, in the Bibliographic Index of Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS) and APA PsycNet. In addition to these databases, the research will also include gray literature, such as Google, Google Scholar, and YouTube. The question that will guide the review is: “What is the current knowledge about sexuality in women on hemodialysis? The review will consider studies that include the terms “sexuality”, “women” and “hemodialysis”, without restrictions on language and date.

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Microstructural changes in the inferior tuberal hypothalamus correlate with daytime sleepiness in Lewy body disease
Authors: Cohen Jesse S. , Radhakrishnan Hamsanandini , Olm Christopher A. , Das Sandhitsu R. , Cook Philip A. , Wolk David A. , Weintraub Daniel , Irwin David J. , McMillan Corey T.
Published: August 2024

Background

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a disabling symptom of Lewy body disorders (LBD). The hypothalamus is a key sleep-wake regulator, but its contribution to EDS in LBD remains unclear.

Objectives

Use diffusion MRI to evaluate the relationship of hypothalamic microstructure to EDS symptoms in LBD.

Methods

We studied 102 patients with clinically-defined LBD (Parkinson’s disease, n=93; Parkinson’s disease dementia, n=4; and dementia with Lewy bodies, n=5) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) within 2 years of MRI. Mean diffusivity (MD) was compared between EDS+ (ESS≥10, n=37) and EDS- (ESS<10, n=65) groups in the whole hypothalamus and three subregions, covarying for age and sex. Secondary analyses tested correlations between subregion MD and continuous ESS, global cognition, and motor scores; and between subregion volume and continuous ESS.

Results

MD was increased in EDS+ compared to EDS-only in the inferior tuberal subregion (Cohen’s d=0.43, p=0.043, β=0.117±0.057), with trend level differences in the whole hypothalamus (Cohen’s d=0.39, p=0.064, β=0.070±0.037) and superior tuberal subregion (Cohen’s d=0.38, p=0.073, β=0.063±0.035). No difference was seen in the posterior subregion (Cohen’s d=0.1, p=0.628, β=0.019±0.038). Significant correlations with continuous ESS were seen in MD of whole hypothalamus (r2=0.074, p=0.0057), superior tuberal (r2=0.081, p=0.0038), and inferior tuberal (r2=0.073, p=0.0059) subregions. There was no correlation of hypothalamic MD with global cognition or motor scores, and no correlation of whole/subregional hypothalamic volumes with ESS.

Conclusions

Daytime sleepiness associates with increased MD in the inferior tuberal hypothalamus in an LBD cohort. This suggests degeneration within this region could contribute to EDS symptoms.
Ce2Ir3Ga5
: A new locally noncentrosymmetric heavy fermion system
Authors: Arushi  , Cardoso-Gil Raul , Geibel Christoph
Published: August 2024

Recently, a new type of unconventional superconductivity with a field-induced transition between two different superconducting (SC) states was discovered in the heavy fermion system CeRh2As2. This unusual SC state was proposed to be based on specific symmetries of the underlying structure, i.e., a globally centrosymmetric layered structure, but where the Ce layers themselves lack inversion symmetry. This new type of SC state has attracted strong interest, prompting the search for further heavy fermion systems crystallizing in structures with appropriate symmetries. We report the discovery and the study of a new Ce-based heavy fermion system with a globally centrosymmetric structure but without inversion symmetry on the Ce-site, Ce2Ir3Ga5. A single crystal x-ray diffraction study revealed an orthorhombic U2Co3Si5 type structure. Resistivity, specific heat, and magnetization measurements indicate a moderate-heavy fermion behavior with a Kondo energy scale of the order of 40 K. Most experimental results suggest the absence of magnetic order, but a tiny anomaly in the specific heat opens the possibility for a very weak, itinerant type of ordering.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Enhancing the apo protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 2 crystal soaking strategy through inhibitor-accessible binding sites
Authors: Bester Stephanie M. , Linwood Rebecca , Kataoka Ryoko , Wu Wen-I , Mou Tung-Chung
Published: August 2024

Protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 2 (PTPN2) has recently been recognized as a promising target for cancer immunotherapy. Despite extensive structural and functional studies of other protein tyrosine phosphatases, there is limited structural understanding of PTPN2. Currently, there are only five published PTPN2 structures and none are truly unbound due to the presence of a mutation, an inhibitor or a loop (related to crystal packing) in the active site. In this report, a novel crystal packing is revealed that resulted in a true apo PTPN2 crystal structure with an unbound active site, allowing the active site to be observed in a native apo state for the first time. Key residues related to accommodation in the active site became identifiable upon comparison with previously published PTPN2 structures. Structures of PTPN2 in complex with an established PTPN1 active-site inhibitor and an allosteric inhibitor were achieved through soaking experiments using these apo PTPN2 crystals. The increased structural understanding of apo PTPN2 and the ability to soak in inhibitors will aid the development of future PTPN2 inhibitors.
The power of beliefs: how diversity advertising builds audience connectedness
Authors: Burgess Amelie , Wilkie Dean Charles Hugh , Dolan Rebecca
Published: August 2024

Purpose

In response to the growing significance of diversity advertising, this study aims to investigate its impact on audience connectedness. This is an emerging metric crucial for gauging diversity advertising success. The study explores two paths via self-identification and belief congruence to understand how diversity advertisements resonate with individuals.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative study using partial least squares with survey data from 505 respondents was conducted.

Findings

Self-identification and belief congruence mediate the relationship between perceived diversity and audience connectedness. Belief congruence exhibits a stronger influence. Further, brand engagement reduces the relationship between belief congruence and connectedness. However, it strengthens the relationship between self-identity and connectedness.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should address why belief congruence holds more significance than self-identification. Additionally, research must explore the societal effects of diversity advertising, including strategies to engage those who feel disconnected.

Practical implications

The study underscores the positive social effects of diversity advertising for both marginalized and nonmarginalized audiences. It urges marketers to pursue audience connectedness. Strategies for achieving this include reflecting their target audience’s beliefs, perhaps highlighting real and lived experiences. Marketers should also consider self-identification through visual cues and customized messaging.

Originality/value

The study applies self-referencing theory to unravel the relationship between diversity advertising and audience connectedness. It reinforces the role of self-identification and expands the knowledge by demonstrating how connectedness can emerge through belief congruence. Additionally, the authors explore the subtle influence of brand engagement, a critical brand-related factor that shapes individuals’ responses to diversity advertising.
Unveiling the dynamics of Malaysian viewers’ continuance usage intention of OTT platforms: insights from the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) paradigm
Authors: Lo May Chiun , Mohamad Abang Azlan , Wan Ibrahim Wan Hashim , Thong Jun Zhou
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how over-the-top (OTT) media services affect consumers’ demands for value, convenience, visual experience and their ability to advance media communications. This study also examines the constructs that impact viewers’ satisfaction and subsequently lead to continuance usage intention of OTT platforms. Using the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) model as the theoretical basis, the present study constructs include content quality, accessibility, entertainment, hedonic value, attitude, satisfaction and continuance usage intention of OTT platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

The responses were collected from 1,280 OTT platform users in Malaysia through online questionnaires. This study aimed to examine the perceptions of OTT viewers towards their satisfaction and continuance usage intention of the respective platforms. The study used a quantitative approach, and the relationships among the study constructs were assessed using partial least squares – structural equation modelling.

Findings

The present study found that the content quality and accessibility were significant in determining OTT viewers’ perceived hedonic value and attitude, which subsequently led to their satisfaction and continuance usage intention of OTT platforms. Additionally, it was identified that satisfaction had a substantial influence on viewers’ continuance usage intention of OTT platforms.

Originality/value

This study uses the SOR model to determine the relationships among OTT platform characteristics, hedonic value, attitude, satisfaction and continuance intention.
The impact of technology acceptance and personality traits on the willingness to use AI-assisted hiring practices
Authors: Calluso Cinzia , Devetag Maria Giovanna
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate some individual factors that may positively/negatively impact upon the willingness to use AI-assisted hiring procedures (AI-WtU). Specifically, the authors contribute to the ongoing discussion by testing the specific role of individuals’ personality traits and their attitude toward technology acceptance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data have been collected from a cohort of workers (n = 157) to explore their individual level of AI-WtU, their personality traits and level of technology acceptance, along with a series of control variables including age, gender, education, employment status, knowledge and previous experience of AI-assisted hiring.

Findings

The results obtained show the significant role played by a specific personality trait –conscientiousness – and technology acceptance in shaping the level of AI-WtU. Importantly, technology acceptance also mediates the relationship between AI-WtU and conscientiousness, thus suggesting that conscientious people may be more willing to engage in AI-assisted practices, as they see technologies as means of improving reliability and efficiency. Further, the study also shows that previous experience with AI-assisted hiring in the role of job applicants has a negative effect on AI-WtU, suggesting a prevailing negative experience with such tools, and the consequent urge for their improvement.

Originality/value

This study, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, is the first to test the potential role of personality traits in shaping employees AI-WtU and to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue by additionally testing the joint effect of technology acceptance, age, gender, education, employment status and knowledge and previous experience of AI-assisted hiring in shaping individual AI-WtU.
Do collective actions reduce household poverty? Evidence from empirical evaluation of farmers cooperatives in East Shewa, Ethiopia
Authors: Eresso Adem Nemo , Tefera Yared Deribe
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Cooperatives are used as one of the strategic tools to reach smallholder farmers and reduce household poverty through augmenting access to inputs, technologies, farm productivity and markets. Our study aims to investigate the impacts of the Meki Batu Cooperative Union on reducing household poverty.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a cross-sectional survey of households in the Dugda district of the East Shewa zone in the Oromia region. A two-stage sampling design was applied, where four rural Kebeles were first randomly picked, followed by stratified random samples of 217 producers comprising 100 members and 117 non-members of cooperatives. The standard probit model was estimated with a set of observable factors. Propensity score matching (PSM), doubly robust inverse probability weighting and treatment effect estimation were performed along with matching techniques.

Findings

The results reveal that education, livestock assets, access to irrigation and extension contact positively determine participation in cooperatives. As the income-based poverty attests, the poverty gap was reduced by 5.9–6.3% and the severity of poverty by 3.7–3.8% due to the cooperative membership.

Research limitations/implications

The investigation suggests the need for continued and comprehensive social services to address development challenges through the facilitation of producers’ engagement in collective actions and agribusinesses.

Originality/value

Existing research evidence is inconclusive with the view of impacts of collective actions on housed welfare in Ethiopia. This study empirically tested the impacts in connection to the production and marketing of high-value crops.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-03-2024-0231
Digital-intelligence transformation, for better or worse? The roles of pace, scope and rhythm
Authors: Zhao Jianyu , Wang Xinru , Yao Xinlin , Xi Xi
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Although digital transformation (DT) has emerged as an important phenomenon for both research and practices, the influences remain inconclusive and inadequate. The emerging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies further complicate the understanding and practices of DT while understudied yet. To address these concerns, this study takes a process perspective to empirically investigate when and how digital-intelligence transformation can improve firm performance, aiming to enrich the literature on digital-intelligence transformation and strategic information systems (IS) field.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the dynamic capability view and business agility, we took a process perspective to conceptualize and empirically examine the influence of digital-intelligence transformation and the process characteristics. Taking a continuous panel dataset of listed Chinese firms covering 2007 to 2020, we investigated digital-intelligence transformation’s effect on firm performance and the moderating roles of three strategic aspects: pace, scope and rhythm.

Findings

This study found that digital-intelligence transformation positively affects firm performance and is moderated by the characteristics of transformation processes (i.e. pace, scope and rhythm). Specifically, the high-paced and rhythmic transformation processes facilitate the positive relationship, while the large scope undermines the benefits of transformation. These relationships hold across various endogeneity and heterogeneity analyses.

Originality/value

Our findings provide valuable implications for digital-intelligence transformation and strategic IS field. First, this study enriches existing literature on digital-intelligence transformation by empirically investigating the influence from a process perspective. Moreover, this study provides insights into a comprehensive understanding of the complexity of digital-intelligence transformation and the influences of AI. Finally, this study provides practical implications on how to make digital-intelligence transformation to benefit firm performance.
Nexus knowledge-oriented leadership, innovation capability, and internationalization of higher education in Indonesia
Authors: El Junusi Rahman , Agriyanto Ratno , Khusnul Mubarok Ferry , Parmudi Mochamad
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to determine the influence of knowledge-oriented leadership (KOL) on innovation capability (IC) and internationalization of higher education (IoHE) and examine the role of IC as a mediating variable.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a quantitative and cross-sectional research design, data were collected through self-administered questionnaires by the vice-rectors, and heads of international affairs from 120 public and private universities in Indonesia. Partial least squares structural equation modelling data analysis techniques were applied to test the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

The study’s results indicate that KOL directly influences IC and IoHE. In addition, the study’s findings reveal that IC can mediate the relationship between KOL and IoHE.

Practical implications

This study highlights the importance of the role of KOL in IoHE. The findings of this study suggest that by demonstrating knowledge-oriented behaviors, higher education (HE) managers can effectively manage their knowledge assets, and ensure increased innovation leading to IoHE.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine the relationship between knowledge-oriented leadership, IC, and IoHE. So far, research linking leadership to IoHE has been rare, because each has a broad scope.
Virtual reality in the luxury fashion industry: a systematic literature review
Authors: Liu Tong (Tripp) , Tan Caroline Swee Lin , Quintero Rodriguez Carolina
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to synthesize the existing literature on virtual reality (VR) in the luxury fashion industry, discuss the current practical applications of VR technologies and review previous research undertaken in the luxury fashion field.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducts a systematic review and thematic analysis of existing literature to evaluate current research concerning VR and the luxury fashion industry. This search initially returned a total of 1,131 sources. After establishing and applying criteria of exclusion and inclusion, a total of 46 articles were selected for the thematic analysis.

Findings

Five major themes were identified, including virtual luxury fashion consumption, VR in marketing communication, virtual try-on, VR retail (including virtual fashion retail spaces) and virtual worlds (including customers’ virtual representation as avatars). The importance of these themes for the study of VR in luxury fashion is supported by relevant studies in the literature.

Originality/value

Whilst research into VR use within luxury fashion has increased recently, it remains fragmented. Given the absence of a comprehensive review addressing this topic within the literature, this paper will help scholars and fashion brands better understand the effects of VR on the luxury fashion industry. By integrating current practice and existing research, this paper contributes to a better understanding of how and where VR is used in luxury fashion contexts.
The mediating role of attitude and environmental awareness in the influence of green advertising and eco-labels on green purchasing behaviors
Authors: Carrión-Bósquez Nelson Geovany , Ortiz-Regalado Oscar , Veas-González Ivan , Naranjo-Armijo Franklin Gerardo , Guerra-Regalado Wilson Fernando
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to identify whether green advertising and eco-labels influence the purchasing behaviors of organic products or whether the influence of such behaviors is presented through the mediating effect of the attitude and environmental awareness of millennials.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a quantitative, correlational and cross-sectional design. A total of 430 millennials participated in the study. The questionnaire consisted of 20 questions, distributed across five variables. It was applied to people outside shopping centers in the city of Quito and Guayaquil, Ecuador. The results were subjected to statistical tests to determine the internal consistency of the instrument. The convergent and discriminant validity of the research model was verified through confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. SPSS 20 and AMOS 24 were used for statistical analyses.

Findings

The study identified that attitude and environmental awareness mediate the relationship between green advertising and green purchasing behaviors, as well as the relationship between eco-labels and green purchasing behaviors. Furthermore, it has been proven that green advertising directly influences the green purchasing behaviors of organic products among millennials, whereas eco-labels do not.

Originality/value

This study is among the initial investigations to delineate the connection between elements of green marketing and the buying patterns of organic goods among millennials in an emerging economy. The study provides answers to earlier scholarly inquiries that proposed examining the correlation among the constituents of the theorized framework.
Envisioning Industry 4.0 to 5.0: the Brazilian glass workplace
Authors: Ribeiro Vagner Batista , Melo Julio Cesar , Muniz Jr. Jorge , de Souza Fernando Bernardi , Canever Renato Cardoso
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impacts of Industry 4.0/5.0 (I4.0/5.0) on the glass manufacturing workplace. Specifically, it studied the workplace, which represents complex manufacturing lines of high variety and volume of products.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study based on semi-structured interviews was conducted with managers responsible for I4.0 implementation, and the responses were treated by content analysis.

Findings

Findings reinforce I5.0 aspects to be considered in terms of work organization. The interviewees highlight work and human factors as important for technology implementation, which includes workers tasks, skills, nature of work, human resources development, hiring process and organizations strategies. It was also found that knowledge sharing poses a huge challenge.

Originality/value

In lieu of gaps in the literature, this research further discusses management challenges to support digital transformation and impacts on workers and organizations.
Surprising renewable energy boom in war‐ravaged Syria: Evidence from structural break analysis
Authors: Matallah Siham , Matallah Amal , Sarwar Suleman , Abdmoulah Walid
Published: August 2024

This paper casts light on Syria's relentless war, which has caused the collapse of national electricity grids and led to recurrent power outages. The main findings indicate that the 2012 war and enduring conflicts that put Syrians in front of a “fait accompli” and forced them to adapt to new, uncongenial, and arduous circumstances unexpectedly encourage renewable energy production and surprisingly expand access to electricity. An increase of 1% in conflicts causes renewable energy production to increase by 9.71% and 5.93% in war‐ravaged Syria in the short and long run, respectively. As a matter of fact, off‐grid renewable solutions proved to be effective in reducing the suffering of Syrians, whose lives were ruined by conflicts and the 2012 war. The results also illustrate that foreign aid can play an undeniably crucial role in making renewable‐generated electricity more accessible and affordable for Syrians. As an inevitable consequence of the US and EU sanctions imposed on the regime of Bashar al‐Assad, Syria is unable to access the foreign aid and international funding it needs to restore its destroyed energy sector, rebuild its damaged electricity infrastructure, and embark on its renewable energy plans.
Prescribing of extended release buprenorphine injection for Medicaid beneficiaries, 2018–2022
Authors: Ross Rachael K. , Rudolph Kara E. , Shover Chelsea L.
Published: August 2024

Background and aims

Extended release buprenorphine injection (INJ‐BUP) has been available in the United States since 2018. INJ‐BUP has the potential to positively impact opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment outcomes by providing additional treatment options. As one of the largest payers of OUD treatment in the US, Medicaid coverage is important for access and uptake of INJ‐BUP. Uptake of INJ‐BUP among Medicaid beneficiaries has not been described since 2019 and variation in uptake by state has not previously been explored. We aimed to measure prescribing of INJ‐BUP for Medicaid beneficiaries since 2018, nationwide and by state.

Methods

We analyzed State Drug Utilization Data from 2017 to 2022 and calculated the number of prescription fills for INJ‐BUP and oral buprenorphine paid by Medicaid. To compare across states, we calculated the number of prescription fills per 100 Medicaid beneficiaries treated for OUD using data from Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System Substance Use Disorder (T‐MSIS SUD) Data Books. Data sources are publicly available.

Results

The number of prescription fills for INJ‐BUP paid by Medicaid increased from 4322 (0.1% of all buprenorphine prescription fills) in 2018 to 186 861 (2.0%) in 2022. Each year the increase in fills exceeded the prior year change, indicating accelerating uptake. There was notable variability across states.

Conclusions

The number of extended release buprenorphine injection prescriptions among US Medicaid beneficiaries treated for opioid use disorder increased from over 4000 prescriptions in 2018 to over 185 000 in 2022 but uptake is much less than observed in other countries over shorter time periods.
A qualitative evaluation of rural and provincial surgery wānanga to enhance cultural safety among surgical registrars in Taranaki, New Zealand
Authors: Rahiri Jamie‐Lee , Linton Tara , Alpen Sophie , Cowan Sarah , Sprosen Holly , Te'o Dayna , Dawson Bevan , Tuhoe Jason , Harwood Matire
Published: August 2024

Background

The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) recently instituted cultural safety and cultural competency as its 10th competency with formalized cultural safety training yet to be instituted. Wānanga are Indigenous Māori teaching institutions that can be used contemporarily for cultural safety training.

Methods

In 2022, surgical registrars based at Taranaki Base Hospital (TBH) held in‐hospital wānanga ranging from 1 to 3 h focussed on cultural safety, professionalism and wellbeing. This study explores the perspectives of these registrars who attended wānanga using a Kaupapa Māori aligned methodological stance and interpretive phenomenological analysis.

Results

Twenty‐six wānanga were held from March 22nd 2022 to January 30th 2023. Six registrars provided their perspectives with four major themes emerging from their stories including: cultural safety; unity; time, place and person; and a new era. Registrars valued the wānanga which was scheduled for Friday afternoons after daily clinical duties. Wānanga facilitated unity and understanding with registrars being able to reflect on the context within which they are practicing – describing it as a new era of surgical training. ‘Time’ was the biggest barrier to attend wānanga however, the number of wānanga held was testament to the commitment of the registrars.

Conclusions

Regular wānanga set up by, and for, surgical registrars cultural safety development is feasible and well subscribed in a rural or provincial NZ setting. We present one coalface method of regular cultural safety training and development for surgical registrars and trainees in NZ.
Parental Phubbing and Cyberloafing in Chinese Adolescent: The Mediating Roles of Rejection Sensitivity and Loneliness
Authors: He Dan , Niu Gengfeng , Hu Yunyang , Song Kuai , Peng Lan , Zhang Yubin , Zhou Zongkui
Published: August 2024

With the growing impact of the Internet in the daily life of youth, adolescent cyberloafing has become to be a pressing issue, yet its trigger factors remain underexplored. The current study examined the relationship between parental phubbing and adolescent cyberloafing, as well as the mediating roles of rejection sensitivity and loneliness. A total of 951 Chinese adolescents (Mage = 14.84, SDage = 1.51, 51.4% female) completed anonymous questionnaires measuring parental phubbing, rejection sensitivity, loneliness and adolescent cyberloafing. Data analysis showed that parental phubbing was significantly positively associated with adolescent cyberloafing and that rejection sensitivity and loneliness played important mediating roles in this relationship. Additionally, rejection sensitivity and loneliness mediated the relationship between parental phubbing and adolescent cyberloafing not only in parallel but also sequentially. This study furthers our understanding of how parental phubbing affects adolescent cyberloafing and has important implications for prevention and intervention of adolescent cyberloafing.
Towards epistemic and linguistic justice in universities: Exploring the Australian university linguascene from student perspectives
Authors: Hatoss Anikó , Allport Eliot
Published: August 2024

This paper addresses linguistic and epistemic justice by exploring multilingual practices in tertiary contexts in an English‐dominant linguistic ecology. The paper argues that the university linguistic space (linguascene) governs language choices toward English monolingualism, and this has implications for epistemic justice in multilingual universities. While the top‐down policy of institutional monolingualism serves as the backdrop to the research, the paper is focused on individual voices and student perspectives. The study collected semi‐structured interviews from 14 tertiary students studying in Australia to interrogate their dispositions of the affordances that university spaces provide for multilingual practices. The findings of this study expose monolingual ideologies where English is seen as the legitimate norm and students do not engage with other languages through translanguaging practices. The study also reveals that students’ language norms are driven by ideologies of linguistic entrepreneurship directed at the priority of English. Students expressed doubts about the practicality of embracing multilingualism, therefore, perpetuating existing monolingual practices. The paper points to ideological barriers in the development of multilingual practices and calls for developing critical language awareness in students and academics to ensure that they become more aware of the benefits and the epistemic justice aspects of multilingual practices during their academic studies.
Synergy or disparity? Czech experts' insights on migration and development policies
Authors: Stojanov Robert , Seidlová Aneta , Bureš Oldřich , Klvaňová Radka , Štěpánková Lucie , Procházka David
Published: August 2024

This article discusses the promotion of policy coherence of migration and development policies that have figured high on the agenda of international organizations and the European Union but have been hardly explored in the context of Central and Eastern Europe. Based on in‐depth interviews with 40 Czech experts on migration and development, we identified three key contradictions: (i) The increasing prominence of a security perspective on both migration and development policies and the lack of coherence between these policies in practice; (ii) The tension between the national and transnational perspectives guiding migration policymaking and development policies; and (iii) The lack of reflection on crucial issues, such as remittances and brain drain, in the dominant paradigm of labour migration. We argue that the findings on (in)coherence between Czech migration and development policies help us understand policy responses of Central and Eastern European governments since the 2015 ‘migration crisis’.
Natural language processing in dermatology: A systematic literature review and state of the art
Authors: Paganelli Alessia , Spadafora Marco , Navarrete‐Dechent Cristian , Guida Stefania , Pellacani Giovanni , Longo Caterina
Published: August 2024

Background

Natural Language Processing (NLP) is a field of both computational linguistics and artificial intelligence (AI) dedicated to analysis and interpretation of human language.

Objectives

This systematic review aims at exploring all the possible applications of NLP techniques in the dermatological setting.

Methods

Extensive search on ‘natural language processing’ and ‘dermatology’ was performed on MEDLINE and Scopus electronic databases. Only journal articles with full text electronically available and English translation were considered. The PICO (Population, Intervention or exposure, Comparison, Outcome) algorithm was applied to our study protocol.

Results

Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques have been utilized across various dermatological domains, including atopic dermatitis, acne/rosacea, skin infections, non‐melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs), melanoma and skincare. There is versatility of NLP in data extraction from diverse sources such as electronic health records (EHRs), social media platforms and online forums. We found extensive utilization of NLP techniques across diverse dermatological domains, showcasing its potential in extracting valuable insights from various sources and informing diagnosis, treatment optimization, patient preferences and unmet needs in dermatological research and clinical practice.

Conclusions

While NLP shows promise in enhancing dermatological research and clinical practice, challenges such as data quality, ambiguity, lack of standardization and privacy concerns necessitate careful consideration. Collaborative efforts between dermatologists, data scientists and ethicists are essential for addressing these challenges and maximizing the potential of NLP in dermatology.
Epidemiological characterization of oral focal epithelial hyperplasia in brown howler monkeys (Alouatta guariba clamitans)
Authors: Pulecio‐Santos Sandy Lorena , de Souza Alex Junior Souza , Sá Lilian Rose Marques de
Published: August 2024

Background

Oral focal epithelial hyperplasia (FEH) is an uncommon infection affecting humans, chimpanzees, bonobos, and howler monkeys. This study describes 10 cases of free‐ranging brown howler monkeys (Alouatta guariba clamitans) diagnosed with FEH and Alouatta guariba Papillomavirus 1 (AgPV 1).

Methods

We analyzed demographic characteristics, rescue conditions, clinical and pathological findings, and species‐specific behavior factors in these cases. The study assessed the frequency of occurrence and potential contributing factors of FEH and AgPV 1 infection.

Results

The frequency of FEH was 8.13%. Most affected howlers were adult or geriatric males with comorbidities or stressful conditions. Clinical and pathological observations were consistent with AgPV 1 infection. Species‐specific behaviors and environmental stressors were identified as contributing factors.

Conclusions

FEH associated with AgPV 1 affected mainly adult or geriatric males with ongoing comorbidities or stressful conditions. Further research is needed to understand these factors for effective management.
Estimated missing interactions change the structure and alter species roles in one of the world's largest seed‐dispersal networks
Authors: Nunes Martinez André , Mistretta Pires Mathias
Published: August 2024

Ecological interactions between species can affect the performance of individuals, influence ecological and evolutionary dynamics of populations, and ultimately shape community structure. Therefore, documenting and studying interactions is necessary for a better comprehension of ecological patterns. Yet, sampling interactions in the field is challenging. Even with extensive sampling efforts we can hardly obtain a comprehensive picture of which species interact with each other. Such missing interactions can produce substantial gaps that affect how we perceive and interpret the network formed by species interactions and the roles of individual species within those networks. In this study we propose two methods that combine data on species interactions with information on species traits and phylogenies to estimate potentially missing interactions. We use one of the largest datasets on plant‐frugivore interactions, depicting thousands of interactions between birds and plants in the Atlantic Forest hotspot, to test those methods. Then, we analyze how adding newly estimated interactions change the network's overall structure and the topological importance of each species within the seed‐dispersal network. We show that estimated missing interactions more than tripled the number of interactions in the network and impact the general topological properties of the network increasing nestedness and reducing modularity. Both methods generated networks with a similar structure and were effective in estimating new interactions, accurately predicting known interactions without overestimating interactions in place of true absences. More importantly, added interactions changed our perception on the topological role of species, with several undersampled species earning novel interactions and becoming more central to network structure. This shows that estimating missing interactions can be helpful to get a more complete idea of how a network may look like, besides helping to inform which interactions should be the focus of further sampling efforts.
Detection of Subclinical Rejection in Pediatric Kidney Transplantation: Current and Future Practices
Authors: Ettenger Robert B. , Seifert Michael E. , Blydt‐Hansen Tom , Briscoe David M. , Holman John , Weng Patricia L. , Srivastava Rachana , Fleming James , Malekzadeh Mohammed , Pearl Meghan
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The successes in the field of pediatric kidney transplantation over the past 60 years have been extraordinary. Year over year, there have been significant improvements in short‐term graft survival. However, improvements in longer‐term outcomes have been much less apparent. One important contributor has been the phenomenon of low‐level rejection in the absence of clinical manifestations—so‐called subclinical rejection (SCR).

Methods

Traditionally, rejection has been diagnosed by changes in clinical parameters, including but not limited to serum creatinine and proteinuria. This review examines the shortcomings of this approach, the effects of SCR on kidney allograft outcome, the benefits and drawbacks of surveillance biopsies to identify SCR, and new urine and blood biomarkers that define the presence or absence of SCR.

Results

Serum creatinine is an unreliable index of SCR. Surveillance biopsies are the method most utilized to detect SCR. However, these have significant drawbacks. New biomarkers show promise. These biomarkers include blood gene expression profiles and donor derived‐cell free DNA; urine gene expression profiles; urinary cytokines, chemokines, and metabolomics; and other promising blood and urine tests.

Conclusion

Specific emphasis is placed on studies carried out in pediatric kidney transplant recipients.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03719339
Representative bureaucracy and local government contracting: Examining supplier diversity programs
Authors: Rodriguez‐Plesa Evelyn
Published: August 2024

Equity and efficiency are among the most difficult public values to balance in the contracting environment where institutions and service markets influence how and with whom public dollars are spent. A representative bureaucracy helps reflect the interests of underrepresented, disadvantaged social groups and instill equity in government contracting. This research examines the relationship between representation at various decision‐making levels in local government agencies and supplier diversity program implementation supporting women and minority owned firms. This study employs negative binomial regression with data from a survey of local government agencies in the United States, American Community Survey, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Harvard Dataverse. Results indicate that minority representation at the elected official and procurement head levels relates to the amount of supplier diversity efforts taking place. Findings have implications for theory and practice demonstrating the importance of a representative bureaucracy for promoting equity in environments where efficiency is key.
Causal association of micronutrients and supplements with pressure ulcer: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Huang Yanting , Shang Song , Du Haiyang
Published: August 2024

Background

Pressure ulcer (PU) is known to be associated with abnormalities of micronutrient status. However, to date, it is not clear whether a causal relationship exists between circulating levels of micronutrients and their supplementations and PU.

Methods

A two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study was conducted using summary statistics from Genome‐Wide Association Studies (GWAS). Genetic instrumental variables (IVs) for 13 micronutrients were identified from a GWAS of 67 582 participants, IVs for supplement zinc were acquired from 18 826 cases and 44 255 880 controls, and IVs for PU were obtained from 663 PUs and 207 482 controls. The MR analysis was conducted using the MR base platform. The main analysis method was inverse variance weighted (IVW) analysis, supplemented by MR Egger, Weighted median, Weighted mode, and Simple mode analyses. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q statistic for MR‐IVW and Rucker's Q statistic for MR‐Egger. Pleiotropy was determined by the MR‐Egger regression. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using the leave‐one‐out method, and publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots.

Results

Genetically predicted lower circulating zinc levels were found to be causally linked to the development of PU (OR = 0.758, 95%CI 0.583–0.987, P = 0.040). However, there was no significant evidence of a causal relationship between supplemental zinc intake and PU development (P > 0.05). Additionally, no causal association was observed between the other circulating micronutrients and the occurrence of PU. Furthermore, there was no indication of horizontal pleiotropy or heterogeneity among genetic variants (P > 0.05), and the robustness of the findings was confirmed through leave‐one‐out tests and funnel plots.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate a potential causal association between circulating zinc levels and decreased risk of PU. However, zinc supplementation did not demonstrate a significant reduction in the risk of PU. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms through which zinc influences the pathogenesis of PU and evaluate the efficacy of zinc supplementation in the prevention and management of PU.
Geographic Analysis of the Compactness of National Park Unit Boundaries
Authors: Meyer Melissa , Weber Joe , Sultana Selima , Shao Wanyun
Published: August 2024

Although comprised of America's most iconic and varied ecosystems and landmarks, the boundaries of national parks have received little attention. This study uses boundary data from the National Park Service and other sources with compactness measures calculated using Geographic Information Systems. Using two common measures of compactness, the Polsby‐Popper and Reock methods, this study aims to answer several research questions: how are the type, location, and age of park units related to compactness, and how are changes in park boundaries related to changes in compactness? Compactness was found to vary between the types of national park units, as well as based on the location of parks within the country. Individual parks have become less compact over time. Due to the significance of national parks to ecosystem conservation, results of this study have crucial implications, providing some direction for future studies and federal regulation as well as overall conservation effort.
Bank wholesale funding in an era of rising geopolitical risk
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Cong , Thuy Tien Ho
Published: August 2024

This paper examines the impact of geopolitical risk on bank wholesale funding using a sample of 2333 commercial banks in 41 countries over the period 2002–2021. Evidence suggests that increased geopolitical risk reduces the share of bank wholesale funding. Interestingly, our finding is driven by small and medium‐sized banks, as large banks do not lose funding from wholesale financiers when geopolitical risk is higher. Delving into the mechanisms that drive our findings, we find that wholesale financiers rely on noisy public signals on bank asset quality such as insolvency risk, earnings volatility and bad debts to determine whether to refinance or withdraw their financing. Small banks lose funding from both informed and uninformed wholesale financiers as their asset quality is adversely affected when geopolitical risk is elevated. Large banks with better asset quality are not significantly affected by geopolitical risk and benefit from the flight‐to‐safety motive.
4DYNAMO: Analyzing and Optimizing Process Parameters in

4D

Printing for

Dyna

mic 3D Shape

Mo

rphing Accuracy
Authors: Biehler Michael , Lin Daniel , Mock Reinaldo , Shi Jianjun
Published: August 2024

Additive manufacturing (AM), commonly referred to as 3D printing, has undergone significant advancements, particularly in the realm of stimuli-responsive 3D printable and programmable materials. This progress has led to the emergence of 4D printing, a fabrication technique that integrates AM capabilities with intelligent materials, introducing dynamic functionality as the fourth dimension. Among the stimuli-responsive materials, shape memory polymers have gained prominence, notably for their crucial applications in stress-absorbing components. However, the exact 3D shape morphing of 4D printed products is affected by both the 3D printing conditions as well as the stimuli activation. Hence it has been hard to precisely control the 3D shape morphing accuracy. To model and optimize the dynamic 3D evolution of the 4D printed parts, we conducted both simulation studies and real-world experiments and introduced a novel machine-learning approach extending the concept of normalizing flows. This method not only enables the process optimization of the dynamic 3D profile evolution by optimizing the process conditions during 3D printing and stimuli activation but also provides interpretability for the intermediate shape morphing process. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the nuanced interplay between process parameters and the dynamic 3D transformation process in 4D printing.