bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The roles of team collective voice and team autonomy in promoting team innovative performance through routine changes
Authors: Hoang An L. , Phan Anh T.T. , Tran Phuong H.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The team collective voice (TCV) concept has received limited attention in existing research despite its potential significance, particularly within Eastern cultural contexts. Hence, this paper aims to extend the employee voice literature by conducting a comprehensive exploration of the role of TCV as opposed to individual voice (IV) in promoting team innovative performance (TIP).

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical model is tested with survey data collected among ICT employees who work in large telecommunication organizations in Vietnam.

Findings

TCV was used more by participants than IV. Both IV and TCV exhibited noteworthy influences on TIP explained by the role of routine changes, with TCV serving as a full mediator for the relationship between IV and TIP. In addition, team autonomy (TA) also significantly enhanced TIP.

Originality/value

By measuring TCV as shared and consensus team voice, this study makes significant contributions to employee voice literature. It not only confirms the prevalence but also offers insightful explanations for why Vietnamese employees tend to favor TCV over IV. Additionally, the findings enrich the innovation literature by presenting a novel perspective on how employee voice can enhance TIP through the introduction of exogenous routine changes. It introduces a unique perspective on employee voice as a form of a search routine, distinct from Nelson and Winter's (1982) conceptualization of search, generating changes in lower-order routines, ultimately contributing to enhanced team innovation and performance.
Redefining creative education: a case study analysis of AI in design courses
Authors: Omran Zailuddin Mohd Firdaus Naif , Nik Harun Nik Ashri , Abdul Rahim Haris Abadi , Kamaruzaman Azmul Fadhli , Berahim Muhammad Hawari , Harun Mohd Hilmi , Ibrahim Yuhanis
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to explore the transformative impact of AI-augmented tools on design pedagogy. It aims to understand how artificial intelligence technologies are being integrated into educational settings, particularly in creative design courses, and to assess the potential advancements these tools can bring to the field.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopts a case-study approach, examining three distinct courses within a creative technology curriculum. This methodology involves an in-depth investigation of the role and impact of AI in each course, focusing on how these technologies are incorporated into different creative disciplines such as production design, fine arts, and digital artistry.

Findings

The research findings highlight that the integration of AI with creative disciplines is not just a passing trend but signals the onset of a new era in technological empowerment in creative education. This amalgamation is found to potentially redefine the boundaries of creative education, enhancing various aspects of the learning process. However, the study also emphasizes the irreplaceable value of human mentorship in cultivating creativity and advancing analytical thinking.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of this research might include the scope of the case studies, which are limited to three courses in a specific curriculum. This limitation could affect the generalizability of the findings. The implications of this research are significant for educational institutions, as it suggests the need for a balanced interaction between AI's computational abilities and the intrinsic qualities of human creativity, ensuring that the core essence of artistry is preserved in the age of AI.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies in its specific focus on the intersection of AI and creative education, a relatively unexplored area in design pedagogy. The value of this research is in its contribution to understanding how AI can be harmoniously integrated with traditional creative teaching methods. It offers insights for educational institutions preparing for this technological transformation, highlighting the importance of maintaining a balance between technological advancements and humanistic aspects of creative education.
Digital transformation of family-owned small businesses: a nexus of internet entrepreneurial self-efficacy, artificial intelligence usage and strategic agility
Authors: Ahmad Zeshan , AlWadi Belal Mahmoud , Kumar Harish , Ng Boon-Kwee , Nguyen Diep Ngoc
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The digital transformation of family-owned small businesses (F-OSBs) has become a critical area of research to maintain their economic contribution in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. This study examines the effect of internet entrepreneurial self-efficacy on the digital transformation of F-OSBs by mediating strategic agility and moderating artificial intelligence usage.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a cross-sectional survey design to collect primary data from 378 descendent entrepreneurs of F-OSBs in Pakistan’s five major cities.

Findings

The study revealed that leadership ability, internet marketing, technology utilization, and artificial intelligence used by the F-OSBs can contribute to their digital transformation, but e-commerce ability does not. The strategic agility of the descendant entrepreneur enhances the abilities of e-commerce, leadership, and technology utilization, leading to the digital transformation of F-OSB. However, strategic agility reduces the role of Internet marketing in digital transformation. Artificial intelligence usage moderates leadership’s ability to improve strategic agility but increases technology utilization for strategic agility and digital transformation of F-OSB.

Practical implications

The digital transformation through a combination of strategic agility and artificial intelligence can increase the F-OSBs' proactive approach to respond to changing market conditions even during economic recessions like COVID-19.

Originality/value

This study broadens the existing literature by examining the effect of descendent entrepreneur’s internet entrepreneurial self-efficacy, strategic agility, artificial intelligence usage, and their interplay on the digital transformation of F-OSB through the unified theory of acceptance and the use of technology.
A novel multi-attribute three-way decision model with three-parameter interval grey number decision-theoretic rough sets
Authors: Qiao Yu , Jian Lirong , Cai Hechang
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To overcome the limitations of traditional multi-attribute decision making (MADM) methods, which only provide deterministic rankings of decision objects, this paper proposes a novel multi-attribute 3WD model. This model presents three-parameter interval grey number decision-theoretic rough sets (TPIGNDTRSs), aiming to offer a reasoned interpretation of loss functions in grey environments and ensure objective assessment of conditional probabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, the traditional equivalence relation is replaced with the probabilistic dominance relation (PDR), categorizing decision objects into two state sets in DTRS for more objective conditional probabilities. Secondly, as the three-parameter interval grey number (TPIGN) introduces the most probable value on the basis of the traditional two-parameter interval grey number, it provides a more comprehensive method for describing grey information. Consequently, integrating TPIGN into DTRS refines the interpretations of loss functions in grey environments. Finally, by utilizing two main sorting techniques, relative kernel and degree of accuracy ranking and possibility ranking, two types of 3WD rules with TPIGNDTRSs, are constructed.

Findings

This study has successfully developed and validated a new multi-attribute 3WD model. The model was tested in two distinct domains: evaluating innovation efficiency in high-tech enterprises and recommending movies in a practical case. The findings reveal that the model can effectively integrate relevant information of high-tech enterprises, provide the government with enterprise-level assessments, and gather consumer preferences to recommend the most suitable movies.

Research limitations/implications

This study treats the loss function as grey information in the 3WD model but overlooks the grey nature of evaluation values, limiting its applicability. Additionally, the model’s reliance on subjective expert judgments and historical data to establish the loss function may affect its objectivity. The implications of this research are that the novel model overcomes traditional MADM limitations, enhancing decision-making quality and efficiency in complex and grey scenarios. The model’s successful application in evaluating high-tech enterprises and recommending movies illustrates its dual value in both theory and practice.

Originality/value

Initially, the model proposed in this study is of significant importance for the development of the 3WD field, as it successfully addresses the challenges of uncertain loss functions and unknown conditional probabilities in grey information environments. Moreover, by integrating the 3WD model with MADM problems, it has broken through the bottlenecks of traditional MADM methods, offering new perspectives and strategies for solving MADM issues. Therefore, this research not only advances theoretical research but also provides powerful tools for practical applications.
An inventory-routing optimization model for pharmaceutical supply chain with time-dependent travel time on a multi-graph network: a case study
Authors: Baghdadi Seyed Mohammad Hadi , Dehghani Ehsan , Dehghani Sadrabadi Mohammad Hossein , Heydari Mahdi , Nili Maryam
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Spurred by the high turnover in the pharmaceutical industry, locating pharmacies inside urban areas along with the high product perishability in this industry, the pharmaceutical supply chain management has recently gained increasing attention. Accordingly, this paper unveils an inventory-routing problem for designing a pharmaceutical supply chain with perishable products and time-dependent travel time in an uncertain environment.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, mathematical programming is employed to formulate a multi-graph network affected by the traffic volume in order to adapt to real-world situations. Likewise, by transforming the travel speed function to the travel time function using a step-by-step algorithm, the first-in-first-out property is warranted. Moreover, the Box–Jenkins forecasting method is employed to diminish the demand uncertainty.

Findings

An appealing result is that the delivery horizon constraint in the under-study multi-graph network may eventuate in selecting a longer path. Our analysis also indicates that the customers located in the busy places in the city are not predominantly visited in the initial and last delivery horizon, which are the rush times. Moreover, it is concluded that integrating disruption management, routing planning and inventory management in the studied network leads to a reduction of costs in the long term.

Originality/value

Applying the time-dependent travel time with a heterogeneous fleet of vehicles on the multi-graph network, considering perishability in the products for reducing inventory costs, considering multiple trips of transfer fleet, considering disruption impacts on supply chain components and utilizing the Box–Jenkins method to reduce uncertainty are the contributions of the present study.
Artificial intelligence capability and organizational performance: unraveling the mediating mechanisms of decision-making processes
Authors: Neiroukh Suheil , Emeagwali Okechukwu Lawrence , Aljuhmani Hasan Yousef
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the profound impact of artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities on decision-making processes and organizational performance, addressing a crucial gap in the literature by exploring the mediating role of decision-making speed and quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon resource-based theory and prior research, this study constructs a comprehensive model and hypotheses to illuminate the influence of AI capabilities within organizations on decision-making speed, decision quality, and, ultimately, organizational performance. A dataset comprising 230 responses from diverse organizations forms the basis of the analysis, with the study employing a partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) for robust data examination.

Findings

The results demonstrate the pivotal role of AI capabilities in shaping organizational decision-making processes and performance. AI capability significantly and positively affects decision-making speed, decision quality, and overall organizational performance. Notably, decision-making speed is a critical factor contributing significantly to enhanced organizational performance. The study further uncovered partial mediation effects, suggesting that decision-making processes partially mediate the relationship between AI capabilities and organizational performance through decision-making speed.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing body of literature by providing empirical evidence of the multifaceted impact of AI capabilities on organizational decision-making and performance. Elucidating the mediating role of decision-making processes advances our understanding of the complex mechanisms through which AI capabilities drive organizational success.
Environmental DNA metabarcoding reveals temporal dynamics but functional stability of arthropod communities in cattle dung
Authors: Thomassen Emil Ellegaard , Sigsgaard Eva Egelyng , Jensen Mads Reinholdt , Olsen Kent , Hansen Morten D. D. , Thomsen Philip Francis
Published: June 2024

Terrestrial invertebrates are highly important for the decomposition of dung from large mammals. Mammal dung has been present in many of Earth's ecosystems for millions of years, enabling the evolution of a broad diversity of dung‐associated invertebrates that process various components of the dung. Today, large herbivorous mammals are increasingly introduced to ecosystems with the aim of restoring the ecological functions formerly provided by their extinct counterparts. However, we still know little about the ecosystem functions and nutrient flows in these rewilded ecosystems, including the dynamics of dung decomposition. In fact, the succession of insect communities in dung is an area of limited research attention also outside a rewilding context.

In this study, we use environmental DNA metabarcoding of dung from rewilded Galloway cattle in an experimental set‐up to investigate invertebrate communities and functional dynamics over a time span of 53 days, starting from the time of deposition.

We find a strong signal of successional change in community composition, including for the species that are directly dependent on dung as a resource. While several of these species were detected consistently across the sampling period, others appeared confined to either early or late successional stages. We believe that this is indicative of evolutionary adaptation to a highly dynamic resource, with species showing niche partitioning on a temporal scale. However, our results show consistently high species diversity within the functional groups that are directly dependent on dung.

Our findings of such redundancy suggest functional stability of the dung‐associated invertebrate community, with several species ready to fill vacant niches if other species disappear. Importantly, this might also buffer the ecosystem functions related to dung decomposition against environmental change. Interestingly, alpha diversity peaked after approximately 20–25 days in both meadow and pasture habitats, and did not decrease substantially during the experimental period, probably due to preservation of eDNA in the dung after the disappearance of visiting invertebrates, and from detection of tissue remains and cryptic life stages.
Predicting adverse cardiovascular events in emergency department patients with bupropion overdose
Authors: Simpson Michael D. , Campleman Sharan , Brent Jeffrey , Wax Paul , Manini Alex F. ,   the Toxicology Investigators Consortium
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Bupropion toxicity can lead to adverse cardiovascular events (ACVE), but delayed onset of toxicity makes risk stratification difficult. This study aimed to validate previously defined predictors of ACVE and identify novel predictors among patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) after bupropion overdose.

Methods

This secondary analysis of prospective data from the Toxicology Investigators Consortium Core Registry analyzed adult acute or acute‐on‐chronic bupropion exposures from 2015 to 2018. The primary outcome was ACVE (any of the following: myocardial injury, shock, ventricular dysrhythmia, or cardiac arrest). Potential predictors of ACVE included previously derived predictors in the overall drug overdose population (prior cardiac disease, initial serum bicarbonate < 20 mEq/L, and initial QTc ≥ 500 ms), exposure circumstances, and initial serum lactate value. Candidate predictors were evaluated using univariate analysis and multivariable regression modeling. Receiver operator characteristic curves were used to derive optimal cutoff points for novel predictors, and prognostic test characteristics were calculated.

Results

Of 355 patients analyzed, ACVE occurred in 34 (9.6%) patients. Initial serum bicarbonate < 20 mEq/L (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 4.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.94–10.0) and initial QTc ≥ 500 ms (aOR 2.52, 95% CI 1.01–6.09) independently predicted ACVE. Exposure circumstances did not predict ACVE. Initial serum lactate > 5.2 mmol/L independently predicted ACVE (aOR 12.2, 95% CI 2.50–75.2) and was 90.7% specific with 80.3% negative predictive value.

Conclusions

Metabolic acidosis and QTc prolongation were validated as predictors of ACVE in ED patients with bupropion overdose. Serum lactate elevation was strongly predictive of ACVE in this study and warrants further investigation.
Salamander loss alters montane stream ecosystem functioning and structure through top‐down effects
Authors: Alonso A. , Bosch J. , Pérez J. , Rojo D. , Boyero L.
Published: June 2024

Amphibians are among the most endangered taxa worldwide, but little is known about how their disappearance can alter the functioning and structure of freshwater ecosystems, where they live as larval stages. This is particularly true for urodeles, which often are key predators in these ecosystems. The fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) is a common predator in European fresh waters, but the species is declining due to habitat loss and the infection by fungal pathogens. We studied the consequences of fire salamander loss from three montane streams, by comparing two key ecosystem processes (periphyton accrual and leaf litter decomposition) and the structure of three communities (periphytic algae, aquatic hyphomycetes and invertebrates) using stream enclosures with and without salamander larvae. Salamander loss did not cause changes in invertebrate abundance or community structure, except for one stream where abundance increased in the absence of salamander larvae. However, salamander loss led to lower periphyton accrual, changes in algal community structure and slower leaf litter decomposition, with no associated changes in fungal communities or microbial decomposition. The changes observed may have been caused by release of salamander predatory pressure on invertebrates, which could have promoted their grazing on periphyton, in contrast to their preference for leaf shredding in the presence of salamander. Our study demonstrates an important role of salamander larvae in montane streams through top‐down control of lower trophic levels and thus in regulating key stream ecosystem processes. Our results highlight the need for improving protection measures for amphibians to prevent these alterations on ecosystem structure and function.
Guidelines for non‐surgical root canal treatment
Authors: Peters Ove A. , Rossi‐Fedele Giampiero , George Roy , Kumar Kiran , Timmerman Aovana , Wright Patricia P.
Published: June 2024

Guidelines were developed by the Australian Society of Endodontology Inc. with the intent to describe relevant aspects of contemporary evidence‐based root canal treatment. The document aims to support clinicians by describing a Standard of Practice in the Australian context. The presented guidelines refer to Competence criteria and Quality standards for the main steps in root canal treatment. While the intent is not to replace individual clinical decision‐making, it is envisaged that these periodically reviewable guidelines may help to improve clinical outcomes.
Repeatability of vibration‐controlled transient elastography versus magnetic resonance elastography in patients with cirrhosis: A prospective study
Authors: Siddiqi Harris , Huang Daniel Q. , Mittal Nikita , Nourredin Nabil , Bettencourt Ricki , Madamba Egbert , Amangurbanova Maral , Hernandez Christie , Sirlin Claude , Yin Meng , Loomba Rohit
Published: June 2024

Background and Aims

Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) and vibration‐controlled transient elastography (VCTE) have the potential to assess disease progression; however, repeatability data in people with cirrhosis are lacking. We aimed to assess the effect of disease severity on measurement variability and contribute to the evidentiary basis for the qualification of repeating liver stiffness measurements (LSM) in practice and research.

Methods

This prospective study included 49 adult participants (58.3% female) with cirrhosis who underwent same‐day repeat LSM examinations. The primary outcome was the same‐day, same‐operator repeatability coefficient% (RC%) and the within‐case coefficient of variation (wCV) for each modality. Secondary outcomes include the intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC). The relationship between measurement variability (interquartile for VCTE, standard deviation for MRE) and disease severity (mean liver stiffness) was evaluated by linear regression with the coefficient of determination R2 reported.

Results

Same‐day repeat MRE and VCTE exams were prospectively conducted in 33 and 45 participants, respectively. The RC% appeared 82% higher for VCTE versus MRE (38% vs. 21%), with consistent findings in head‐to‐head analyses. The wCV for VCTE and MRE was 14% and 8% respectively, indicating VCTE has 75% higher within‐subject measurement variation than MRE. ICC was excellent for LSM by VCTE (0.92) and MRE (0.96). Measurement variability increased with mean liver stiffness for VCTE (R2 = 0.78) and MRE (R2 = 0.93).

Conclusion

Both VCTE and MRE demonstrated increased measurement variability with disease severity. However, MRE outperformed VCTE in terms of technical repeatability in patients with cirrhosis. These repeatability estimates may improve the qualification of NITs in practice.
Assessing the anticholinergic cognitive burden classification of putative anticholinergic drugs using drug properties
Authors: Phutietsile Geofrey Oteng , Fotaki Nikoletta , Nishtala Prasad S.
Published: June 2024

Aims

This study evaluated the use of machine learning to leverage drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) data together with physicochemical and pharmacological data to develop a novel anticholinergic burden scale and compare its performance to previously published scales.

Methods

Experimental and in silico ADME, physicochemical and pharmacological data were collected for antimuscarinic activity, blood–brain barrier penetration, bioavailability, chemical structure and P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) substrate profile. These five drug properties were used to train an unsupervised model to assign anticholinergic burden scores to drugs. The model performance was evaluated through 10‐fold cross‐validation and compared with the clinical Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden (ACB) scale and nonclinical Anticholinergic Toxicity Scores (ATS) scale, which is based primarily on muscarinic binding affinity.

Results

In silico software (ADMET Predictor) used for screening drugs for their blood–brain barrier (BBB) penetration correctly identified some drugs that do not cross the BBB. The mean area under the curve for the unsupervised and ACB scale based on the five selected variables was 0.76 and 0.64, respectively. The unsupervised model agreed with the ACB scale on the classification of more than half of the drugs (49 of 88) agreed on the classification of less than half the drugs in the ATS scale (12 of 25).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the commonly used ACB scale may misclassify certain drugs due to their inability to cross the BBB. By contrast, the ATS scale would misclassify drugs solely depending on muscarinic binding affinity without considering other drug properties. Machine learning models can be trained on these features to build classification models that are easy to update and have greater generalizability.
Acromegaly management in the Nordic countries: A Delphi consensus survey
Authors: Arlien‐Søborg Mai C. , Dal Jakob , Heck Ansgar , Stochholm Kirstine , Husted Eigil , Feltoft Claus Larsen , Rasmussen Åse Krogh , Feldt‐Rasmussen Ulla , Andreassen Mikkel , Klose Marianne Christina , Nielsen Torben Leo , Andersen Marianne Skovsager , Christensen Louise Lehmann , Krogh Jesper , Jarlov Anne , Bollerslev Jens , Nermoen Ingrid , Oksnes Marianne , Dahlqvist Per , Olsson Tommy , Berinder Katarina , Hoybye Charlotte , Petersson Maria , Akerman Anna‐karin , Wahlberg Jeanette , Ekman Bertil , Engstrom Britt Eden , Johannsson Gudmundur , Ragnarsson Oskar , Olsson Daniel , Sigurjónsdóttir Helga Ágústa , Fougner Stine Lyngvi , Matikainen Niina , Vehkavaara Satu , Metso Saara , Jaatinen Pia , Hämäläinen Päivi , Rintamäki Reeta , Yliaska Iina , Immonen Heidi , Mäkimattila Sari , Cederberg‐Tamminen Henna , Viukari Marianna , Nevalainen Pasi , Nuutila Pirjo , Schalin‐Jäntti Camilla , Burman Pia , Jørgensen Jens Otto Lunde
Published: June 2024

Objective

Acromegaly is associated with increased morbidity and mortality if left untreated. The therapeutic options include surgery, medical treatment, and radiotherapy. Several guidelines and recommendations on treatment algorithms and follow‐up exist. However, not all recommendations are strictly evidence‐based. To evaluate consensus on the treatment and follow‐up of patients with acromegaly in the Nordic countries.

Methods

A Delphi process was used to map the landscape of acromegaly management in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland. An expert panel developed 37 statements on the treatment and follow‐up of patients with acromegaly. Dedicated endocrinologists (n = 47) from the Nordic countries were invited to rate their extent of agreement with the statements, using a Likert‐type scale (1−7). Consensus was defined as ≥80% of panelists rating their agreement as ≥5 or ≤3 on the Likert‐type scale.

Results

Consensus was reached in 41% (15/37) of the statements. Panelists agreed that pituitary surgery remains first line treatment. There was general agreement to recommend first‐generation somatostatin analog (SSA) treatment after failed surgery and to consider repeat surgery. In addition, there was agreement to recommend combination therapy with first‐generation SSA and pegvisomant as second‐ or third‐line treatment. In more than 50% of the statements, consensus was not achieved. Considerable disagreement existed regarding pegvisomant monotherapy, and treatment with pasireotide and dopamine agonists.

Conclusion

This consensus exploration study on the management of patients with acromegaly in the Nordic countries revealed a relatively large degree of disagreement among experts, which mirrors the complexity of the disease and the shortage of evidence‐based data.
Emergence of artificial intelligence for automating cone‐beam computed tomography‐derived maxillary sinus imaging tasks. A systematic review
Authors: Shujaat Sohaib , Alfadley Abdulmohsen , Morgan Nermin , Jamleh Ahmed , Riaz Marryam , Aboalela Ali Anwar , Jacobs Reinhilde
Published: June 2024

Cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging of the maxillary sinus is indispensable for implantologists, offering three‐dimensional anatomical visualization, morphological variation detection, and abnormality identification, all critical for diagnostics and treatment planning in digital implant workflows. The following systematic review presented the current evidence pertaining to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for CBCT‐derived maxillary sinus imaging tasks. An electronic search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane up until January 2024. Based on the eligibility criteria, 14 articles were included that reported on the use of AI for the automation of CBCT‐derived maxillary sinus assessment tasks. The QUADAS‐2 (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2) tool was used to evaluate the risk of bias and applicability concerns. The AI models used were designed to automate tasks such as segmentation, classification, and prediction. Most studies related to automated maxillary sinus segmentation demonstrated high performance. In terms of classification tasks, the highest accuracy was observed for diagnosing sinusitis (99.7%), whereas the lowest accuracy was detected for classifying abnormalities such as fungal balls and chronic rhinosinusitis (83.0%). Regarding implant treatment planning, the classification of automated surgical plans for maxillary sinus floor augmentation based on residual bone height showed high accuracy (97%). Additionally, AI demonstrated high performance in predicting gender and sinus volume. In conclusion, although AI shows promising potential in automating maxillary sinus imaging tasks which could be useful for diagnostic and planning tasks in implantology, there is a need for more diverse datasets to improve the generalizability and clinical relevance of AI models. Future studies are suggested to focus on expanding the datasets, making the AI model's source available, and adhering to standardized AI reporting guidelines.
Tracing the influence of prenatal risk factors on the offspring retina: Focus on development and putative long‐term consequences
Authors: Baptista Filipa I. , Ambrósio António F.
Published: June 2024

Background

Pregnancy represents a window of vulnerability to fetal development. Disruptions in the prenatal environment during this crucial period can increase the risk of the offspring developing diseases over the course of their lifetime. The central nervous system (CNS) has been shown to be particularly susceptible to changes during crucial developmental windows. To date, research focused on disruptions in the development of the CNS has predominantly centred on the brain, revealing a correlation between exposure to prenatal risk factors and the onset of neuropsychiatric disorders. Nevertheless, some studies indicate that the retina, which is part of the CNS, is also vulnerable to in utero alterations during pregnancy. Such changes may affect neuronal, glial and vascular components of the retina, compromising retinal structure and function and possibly impairing visual function.

Methods

A search in the PubMed database was performed, and any literature concerning prenatal risk factors (drugs, diabetes, unbalanced diet, infection, glucocorticoids) affecting the offspring retina were included.

Results

This review collects evidence on the cellular, structural and functional changes occurring in the retina triggered by maternal risk factors during pregnancy. We highlight the adverse impact on retinal development and its long‐lasting effects, providing a critical analysis of the current knowledge while underlining areas for future research.

Conclusions

Appropriate recognition of the prenatal risk factors that negatively impact the developing retina may provide critical clues for the design of preventive strategies and for early therapeutic intervention that could change retinal pathology in the progeny.
Time to prerandomization seizure count design sufficiently assessed the safety and tolerability of perampanel for the treatment of primary generalized tonic–clonic seizures
Authors: Kerr Wesley T. , Ngo Leock Y. , Zhu Liang , Patten Anna , Cheng Jocelyn Y. , Reddy Advith S. , French Jacqueline A.
Published: June 2024

Objective

Static assignment of participants in randomized clinical trials to placebo or ineffective treatment confers risk from continued seizures. An alternative trial design of time to exceed prerandomization monthly seizure count (T‐PSC) has replicated the efficacy conclusions of traditionally designed trials, with shorter exposure to placebo and ineffective treatment. Trials aim to evaluate efficacy as well as safety and tolerability; therefore, we evaluated whether this T‐PSC design also could replicate the trial's safety and tolerability conclusions.

Methods

We retrospectively applied the T‐PSC design to analyze treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) from a blinded, placebo‐controlled trial of perampanel for primary generalized tonic–clonic seizures (NCT01393743). The safety analysis set consisted of 81 and 82 participants randomized to perampanel and placebo arms, respectively. We evaluated the incidences of TEAEs, treatment‐related TEAEs, serious TEAEs, and TEAEs of special interest that occurred before T‐PSC relative to those observed during the full‐length trial.

Results

Of the 67 and 59 participants who experienced TEAEs in the perampanel and placebo arms during full‐length trial, 66 (99%) and 54 (92%) participants experienced TEAEs with onset occurring before T‐PSC, respectively. When limited to treatment‐related TEAEs, 55 of 56 (98%) and 32 of 37 (86%) participants reported treatment‐related TEAEs that occurred before T‐PSC in the perampanel and placebo arms, respectively. There were more TEAEs after T‐PSC with placebo as compared to perampanel (Fisher exact odds ratio = 8.6, p = .035), which resulted in overestimation of the difference in TEAE rate. There was a numerical reduction in serious TEAEs (3/13 occurred after T‐PSC, one in placebo and two in perampanel).

Significance

Almost all TEAEs occurred before T‐PSC. More treatment‐related TEAEs occurred after T‐PSC for participants randomized to placebo than perampanel, which may be due to either a shorter T‐PSC or delayed time to TEAE for placebo.
Out of the frying pan into the fire: Predicted warming in alpine streams suggests hidden consequences for aquatic ectotherms
Authors: Shackleton M. E. , Siebers A. R. , Suter P. J. , Lines O. , Holland A. , Morgan J. W. , Silvester E.
Published: June 2024

Thermal regimes of aquatic ecosystems are predicted to change as climate warming progresses over the next century, with high‐latitude and high‐elevation regions predicted to be particularly impacted. Here, we have modelled alpine stream water temperatures from air temperature data and used future predicted air temperature trajectories (representative concentration pathway [rcp] 4.5 and 8.5) to predict future water temperatures. Modelled stream water temperatures have been used to calculate cumulative degree days (CDDs) under current and future climate conditions. These calculations show that degree days will accumulate more rapidly under the future climate scenarios, and with a stronger effect for higher CDD values (e.g., rcp 4.5: 18–28 days earlier [CDD = 500]; 42–55 days earlier [CDD = 2000]). Changes to the time to achieve specific CDDs may have profound and unexpected consequences for alpine ecosystems. Our calculations show that while the effect of increased CDDs may be relatively small for organisms that emerge in spring–summer, the effects for organisms emerging in late summer–autumn may be substantial. For these organisms, the air temperatures experienced upon emergence could reach 9°C (rcp 4.5) or 12°C (rcp 8.5) higher than under current climate conditions, likely impacting on the metabolism of adults, the availability of resources, including food and suitable oviposition habitat, and reproductive success. Given that the movement of aquatic fauna to the terrestrial environment represents an important flux of energy and nutrients, differential changes in the time periods to achieve CDDs for aquatic and terrestrial fauna may de‐couple existing predator–prey interactions.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of pressure‐less sintered B4C–SiC–ZrB2–LaB6 ceramic composites
Authors: Zhang Yaning , Huang Xingyu , Wang Dong , Wei Boxin , Wang Yujin , Ran Songlin
Published: June 2024

The effect of LaB6 on the densification and microstructure of pressure‐less sintered 0.4B4C–0.4SiC–0.2ZrB2 ternary ceramic with eutectic composition was investigated. The Vickers hardness, bending strength, and fracture toughness of the quaternary ceramic were discussed based on the microstructural characteristics. The densification of the 0.4B4C–0.4SiC–0.2ZrB2 ceramic was enhanced with increasing LaB6 content from 0 to 70 mol% (the proportion to B4C–SiC–ZrB2). When the LaB6 content was 50 mol%, the densification rate of the composite ceramic reached a peak. The 0.27B4C–0.27SiC–0.13ZrB2–0.33LaB6 quaternary composite ceramic has reached a density of over 95% after being sintered at 2 100°C for 1 h. The B4C and SiC phases had refined grains of 1–3 µm with intragranular structures in the as‐sintered ceramics. The hardness and strength reached 17.9 ± .8 GPa and 307 ± 38 MPa, respectively. Crack deflection and branching were ascribed to the improved fracture toughness of 3.78 ± .26 MPa·m1/2. This study provides new ideas for fabricating dense non‐oxide ceramic composites with enhanced properties.
Resilience in family caregivers of Asian older people with dementia: An integrative review
Authors: Duangjina Thitinan , Hershberger Patricia E. , Gruss Valerie , Fritschi Cynthia
Published: June 2024

Aim

To identify factors associated with resilience in family caregivers of Asian older people with dementia based on Luthar and Cicchetti's definition of resilience.

Design

Integrative review of resilience in family caregivers of Asian older people with dementia reported by studies with quantitative and qualitative research designs.

Data Sources

Databases used for the literature search included CINAHL, PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO and Google Scholar.

Review Methods

A total of 565 potentially relevant studies published between January 1985 and March 2024 were screened, and 27 articles met the inclusion criteria.

Results

Family caregivers were most commonly adult children of care recipients, female and providing care in their home. Two themes emerged from the review: factors associated with adversity (dementia severity, caregiver role strain, stigma, family stress, female gender, low income and low education) and factors associated with positive adaptational outcomes (positive aspect of caregiving, social support and religiosity/spirituality).

Conclusion

In our review of Asian research, four new factors—caregiver role strain, stigma, family stress and positive aspects of caregiving—emerged alongside those previously identified in Western studies. A paradigm shift was observed from a focus on factors associated with adversity to factors associated with positive adaptational outcomes, particularly after the issuance of the WHO's 2017 global action plan for dementia. However, a gap remains between WHO policy recommendations and actual research, with studies often neglecting to address gender and socioeconomic factors.

Impact

The review findings will broaden healthcare providers' understanding of resilience in dementia caregivers and use them to develop comprehensive programmes aimed at reducing factors associated with adversity and enhancing those associated with positive adaptational outcomes. This approach can be customized to incorporate Asian cultural values, empowering caregivers to navigate challenges more effectively.

No Patient or Public Contribution

This paper is an integrative review and does not include patient or public contributions.
Menstrual education programs for girls and young women with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A systematic review
Authors: Randall Kristina N. , Hopkins Casey S. , Drew Hannah
Published: June 2024

Background

Providing menstrual education and guidance for menstrual management for girls and young women with intellectual disabilities is recommended to ensure smooth pubertal transitions and to support menstrual self‐agency.

Method

The purpose of this systematic review is to explore menstrual education interventions for girls and young women with intellectual disabilities.

Results

Nine studies were included. Interventions were provided in small groups (n = 4) and individually (n = 5). Most studies used dolls (n = 7) and task analysis (n = 7) to teach pad‐replacement skills. All reported significant improvements in participant skills and/or knowledge following the intervention. Only one study addressed self‐agency and self‐esteem as an outcome of the intervention. Menstrual education for girls and young women with intellectual disabilities is largely focused on pad‐replacement skills.

Conclusion

Further research is needed to understand the impact of menstrual health and hygiene education on variables apart from skill improvement such as self‐agency and long‐term health outcomes related to menstrual health.
Effects of robotic module‐supported experimental activities with the cooperative learning method on student achievement, 21st‐century skills, and students' opinions
Authors: Avcı Filiz
Published: June 2024

Background Study

Developments in science and technology, have created a need for technology‐supported learning environments. Robotics is a technology widely used in science education. Collaborative learning is one of the methods used in education based on the constructivist approach. Using robotic and cooperative learning together is a new and rare study approach. The study utilizes cooperative learning and robotics together. Past studies have investigated applications combining collaborative learning, problem‐based or project‐based learning with flipped classrooms. However, we need more evidence on how cooperative learning methods affect learning in environments supported by robotic modules.

Objectives

This study investigated the effects of robotic module‐supported experimental activities with the cooperative learning method on student achievement, 21st‐century skills, and students' opinions.

Methods

The sample of this study was 6th‐grade students (n = 61). The study utilized a mixed method approach. The quantitative research phase of the study employed a quasi‐experimental design with an experimental and a control group. The qualitative research phase of the study utilized a case study design.

Results and Conclusions

The experimental group had significantly higher mean scores than the control group. This result shows that robotic module‐supported experimental activities with the cooperative learning method are more effective at improving student achievement and 21st‐century skills than the current curriculum.
3D virtual patient—Magnetically retained printed stackable system for implant guided placement: Case report
Authors: Jreige Camila Sales , Gama Rafael , Parize Hian , Ates Gokcen , Sesma Newton
Published: June 2024

Objective

The aim of this report is to present the complete workflow of 3D virtual patient for planning and performing implant surgery with magnetically retained 3D‐printed stackable guides.

Clinical Considerations

A 3D‐printed stackable system was proposed based on bone, dental, and facial references. Initially, a 66‐year‐old male patient was digitalized through photographs, cone beam computed tomography, and intraoral scans (Virtuo Vivo, Straumann). All files were merged to create a 3D virtual patient in the planning software (coDiagnostiX, Straumann). Sequential stackable guides were designed, printed, and cured. Magnets were inserted into connectors, and the interim protheses received color characterization. Four mounted guides were produced for the specific purposes of pin fixation, bone reduction, implant placement, and immediate provisionalization. After surgery and healing period, patient digital data were updated. Final implant positions were compared to planned values and inconsistencies were clinically acceptable. The mean angular deviation was 5.4° (3.2–7.3) and mean 3D discrepancies were of 0.90 mm (0.46–1.12) at the entry point and 1.68 mm (1.00–2.20) at implant apex. Case follow‐up revealed stability, patient's comfort, and no intercurrences.

Conclusion

Magnetically retained stackable guides provide treatment accuracy and reduce surgical and prosthetic complications. The projected virtual patient enhances decision‐making and communication between the multidisciplinary team and the patient, while decreases time and costs.

Clinical Significance

Bidimensional diagnosis and freehand implant placement have limitations and outcomes often rely on professionals' expertise. Performing facially driven virtual planning improves treatment predictability. This approach promotes function, esthetic harmony, and patient satisfaction. Implant guided surgery and 3D printed prostheses constitute a reproducible digital workflow that can be implemented into clinical practice to optimize dental care.
Characteristics of children aged 5 and under presenting with ingestion: An analysis of cases from a tertiary child protection unit
Authors: Graus Sophie , Tzioumi Dimitra
Published: June 2024

Aim

This study aimed to determine what proportion of children presenting to a tertiary children's hospital with ingestion were referred for child protection assessment, and to describe the characteristics of the referred group.

Methods

This is a retrospective case series study of children who presented to a tertiary children's hospital between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2020 with ingestion (poisoning). Demographic and clinical data were collected from the electronic medical record and patients who underwent child protection assessment were identified. The child protection group was compared to the whole cohort. The child protection group had psychosocial data gathered and descriptively analysed.

Results

Two hundred and three patients were included. The most common substances ingested were over‐the‐counter medications (45%) followed by prescription medications (41%). Most patients were discharged from the emergency department (70%). Of the 203 patients, 24 (11.8%, 95% CI 7.72–17.08) were referred to the child protection unit. A significant proportion of these patients had a history of parental depression (64%) and other mental health conditions (41%), parent separation (77%) and domestic violence in the home (64%).

Conclusion

The patients assessed by the child protection team had high prevalence of psychosocial risk factors that also place the patients at risk of child abuse and neglect. Most of the other patients did not have a psychosocial history documented in the medical record, and this group likely contains a high proportion of vulnerable children. By screening patients presenting with ingestion we may be able to identify children at risk and provide opportunities for protective intervention.