bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive limits of larvalDrosophila: testing for conditioned inhibition, sensory preconditioning, and second-order conditioning
Authors: Sen Edanur , El-Keredy Amira , Jacob Nina , Mancini Nino , Asnaz Gülüm , Widmann Annekathrin , Gerber Bertram , Thoener Juliane
Published: June 2024

Drosophilalarvae are an established model system for studying the mechanisms of innate and simple forms of learned behavior. They have about 10 times fewer neurons than adult flies, and it was the low total number of their neurons that allowed for an electron microscopic reconstruction of their brain at synaptic resolution. Regarding the mushroom body, a central brain structure for many forms of associative learning in insects, it turned out that more than half of the classes of synaptic connection had previously escaped attention. Understanding the function of these circuit motifs, subsequently confirmed in adult flies, is an important current research topic. In this context, we test larvalDrosophilafor their cognitive abilities in three tasks that are characteristically more complex than those previously studied. Our data provide evidence for (i) conditioned inhibition, as has previously been reported for adult flies and honeybees. Unlike what is described for adult flies and honeybees, however, our data do not provide evidence for (ii) sensory preconditioning or (iii) second-order conditioning inDrosophilalarvae. We discuss the methodological features of our experiments as well as four specific aspects of the organization of the larval brain that may explain why these two forms of learning are observed in adult flies and honeybees, but not in larvalDrosophila.
Drosophilalearning and memory centers and the actions of drugs of abuse
Authors: Larnerd Caleb , Kachewar Neha , Wolf Fred W.
Published: June 2024

Drug addiction and the circuitry for learning and memory are intimately intertwined. Drugs of abuse create strong, inappropriate, and lasting memories that contribute to many of their destructive properties, such as continued use despite negative consequences and exceptionally high rates of relapse. Studies inDrosophila melanogasterare helping us understand how drugs of abuse, especially alcohol, create memories at the level of individual neurons and in the circuits where they function.Drosophilais a premier organism for identifying the mechanisms of learning and memory.Drosophilaalso respond to drugs of abuse in ways that remarkably parallel humans and rodent models. An emerging consensus is that, for alcohol, the mushroom bodies participate in the circuits that control acute drug sensitivity, not explicitly associative forms of plasticity such as tolerance, and classical associative memories of their rewarding and aversive properties. Moreover, it is becoming clear that drugs of abuse use the mushroom body circuitry differently from other behaviors, potentially providing a basis for their addictive properties.
Reinforcement expectation in the honeybee (Apis mellifera): Can downshifts in reinforcement show conditioned inhibition?
Authors: Mahoney Shawn , Hosler Jay , Smith Brian H.
Published: June 2024

When animals learn the association of a conditioned stimulus (CS) with an unconditioned stimulus (US), later presentation of the CS invokes a representation of the US. When the expected US fails to occur, theoretical accounts predict that conditioned inhibition can accrue to any other stimuli that are associated with this change in the US. Empirical work with mammals has confirmed the existence of conditioned inhibition. But the way it is manifested, the conditions that produce it, and determining whether it is the opposite of excitatory conditioning are important considerations. Invertebrates can make valuable contributions to this literature because of the well-established conditioning protocols and access to the central nervous system (CNS) for studying neural underpinnings of behavior. Nevertheless, although conditioned inhibition has been reported, it has yet to be thoroughly investigated in invertebrates. Here, we evaluate the role of the US in producing conditioned inhibition by using proboscis extension response conditioning of the honeybee (Apis mellifera). Specifically, using variations of a “feature-negative” experimental design, we use downshifts in US intensity relative to US intensity used during initial excitatory conditioning to show that an odorant in an odor–odor mixture can become a conditioned inhibitor. We argue that some alternative interpretations to conditioned inhibition are unlikely. However, we show variation across individuals in how strongly they show conditioned inhibition, with some individuals possibly revealing a different means of learning about changes in reinforcement. We discuss how the resolution of these differences is needed to fully understand whether and how conditioned inhibition is manifested in the honeybee, and whether it can be extended to investigate how it is encoded in the CNS. It is also important for extension to other insect models. In particular, work like this will be important as more is revealed of the complexity of the insect brain from connectome projects.
Full-Permutation Dynamical Decoupling in Triple-Quantum-Dot Spin Qubits
Authors: Sun Bo , Brecht Teresa , Fong Bryan H. , Akmal Moonmoon , Blumoff Jacob Z. , Cain Tyler A. , Carter Faustin W. , Finestone Dylan H. , Fireman Micha N. , Ha Wonill , Hatke Anthony T. , Hickey Ryan M. , Jackson Clayton A. C. , Jenkins Ian , Jones Aaron M. , Pan Andrew , Ward Daniel R. , Weinstein Aaron J. , Whiteley Samuel J. , Williams Parker , Borselli Matthew G. , Rakher Matthew T. , Ladd Thaddeus D.
Published: June 2024

Dynamical decoupling of spin qubits in silicon can increase fidelity and can be used to extract the frequency spectra of noise processes. We demonstrate a full-permutation dynamical decoupling technique that cyclically exchanges the spins in a triple-quantum-dot qubit. This sequence not only suppresses both low-frequency charge-noise-induced and magnetic-noise-induced errors; it also refocuses leakage errors to first order, which is particularly interesting for encoded exchange-only qubits. For a specific construction, which we call “NZ1y,” the qubit is isolated from error sources to such a degree that we measure a remarkable exchange pulse error of 2.8×10−5. This sequence maintains a quantum state for roughly 18,000 exchange pulses, extending the qubit coherence from T2∗=2μs to T2=720μs. We experimentally validate an error model that includes

1

/

f

charge noise and 1/f magnetic noise in two ways: by direct exchange-qubit simulation and by integration of the assumed noise spectra with derived filter functions, both of which reproduce the measured error and leakage with respect to a change of the repetition rate.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
The typology of school mapping synergies: a diagrammatic morphological evaluation of middle schools in Iran
Authors: Heidari Erfan , Saghafi Mahmoud Reza
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study introduces diagrammatic morphology as a novel method for analysing the synergistic interactions within school mapping. It seeks to reshape the evaluation of school mapping typologies, focusing on the interconnectedness of learning activities, social interactions, and spatial configurations. Aims: (1) To develop the morphological evaluation procedures for school mapping. (2) To evaluate the Iranian Middle Schools' Interior Architecture (IMSIA) using the diagrammatic morphological method.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study has been conducted in two steps: A review of the morphological method for school mapping evaluation. A case study analysis of fifty-five IMSIA samples.

Findings

The spatial typology of IMSIA were categorized into four distinct models. These models included ten distinct pattern categories within twenty-one different types. The case study evaluation identified three levels of synergistic complexity within the school mapping: primary, intermediate, and advanced. The advanced level displayed the strongest connection to pedagogies among the analysed models.

Originality/value

This research innovatively evaluates the synergistic context of schools based on the assemblage theory through an occupational analysis of the Iranian middle schools' interior architecture mapping diagrammatic morphological method.
Waiting for the next new ride at Disney world? Understanding the determinants of capital expenditures among theme parks
Authors: Desai Hrishikesh , Pearlman David
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of capital expenditures (CAPEX) in the theme park industry, particularly following the financial stresses induced by the COVID-19 pandemic. CAPEX drivers are poorly understood due to the idiosyncratic nature of this industry, which is dominated by a few large players. It also aims to identify the variables influencing both the growth and maintenance components of CAPEX among U.S. theme park operators.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses contingency theory to analyze both financial and nonfinancial data from U.S. theme park operators between 2009 and 2021. The paper also uses partial least squares structural equation modeling to manage issues of multicollinearity and to ensure robustness in the findings.

Findings

The analysis identifies several key determinants of CAPEX. Resources and the presence of competing theme parks in proximity to an operator’s parks positively affect CAPEX. Conversely, higher leverage, dividend payouts, intellectual property (IP) dominance and population density in areas with their active parks correlate with reduced CAPEX. The paper also notes distinct trends in maintenance versus growth CAPEX post-COVID-19, with maintenance CAPEX increasing as operators invest in existing assets while growth CAPEX trending downwards.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s scope is confined to U.S.-based theme park operators, limiting the generalizability of the findings internationally. Moreover, data limitations restrict the sample size due to the consolidation of the industry players, potentially affecting the statistical power of the analysis.

Practical implications

This research offers significant insights for theme park operators, industry analysts and policymakers. Understanding the factors influencing CAPEX can aid operators in strategic planning and investment decisions, especially in a post-pandemic economic environment where efficient capital allocation will be crucial for recovery and growth. A major contribution of this research is the development of a new measure for IP dominance, which allows theme park operators to quantify the impact of IP on their investment strategies.

Originality/value

This study contributes uniquely by incorporating both financial and nonfinancial determinants in analyzing CAPEX within the theme park industry, a sector significantly impacted by the pandemic. It introduces novel metrics for assessing the impact of IP on CAPEX and differentiates between the factors driving maintenance and growth expenditures. The findings enrich the existing literature on hospitality management and provide actionable insights that could guide the strategic financial decisions of theme park operators.
3D printing and development of computational models of biodegradable meshes for pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Vaz Maria Francisca Reis Rabaça , Silva Maria Elisabete , Parente Marco , Brandão Sofia , Fernandes António Augusto
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Develop biodegradable meshes as a novel solution to address issues associated with using synthetic meshes for POP repair.

Design/methodology/approach

Computational models were created with variations in the pore geometry, pore size, filament thickness, and inclusion of filaments around specific mesh regions. Subsequently, one of the meshes was 3D printed to validate the results obtained from the simulations. Following this, a uniaxial tensile test was carried out on the vaginal tissue of a sow to compare with the simulations, to identify meshes that displayed behaviour akin to vaginal tissue. Finally, the most promising outcomes were compared with those of the uterosacral ligament and a commercially available mesh.

Findings

Following a comprehensive analysis of the results, the mesh that most accurately replicates the behaviour of the vaginal tissue showcases a smaller pore diameter (1.50 mm), filaments in specific areas of the mesh, and variable filament thickness across the mesh. Nevertheless, upon comparing the outcomes with those of the uterosacral, the meshes do not exhibit similar behaviour to the ligament. Finally, the commercially available mesh does not represent the behaviour of both the vaginal tissue and the uterosacral ligament and in this sense may not be the best treatment option for POP repair.

Originality/value

Their biocompatibility and biomechanical properties make them a potential solution to the disadvantages of synthetic meshes. Personalized/customized meshes could be part of the future of surgical POP repair.
Breaking barriers: CEOs STEM educational background and corporate climate change disclosure
Authors: Cahyono Suham , Ardianto Ardianto , Nasih Mohammad
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the association between chief executive officer (CEO) educational backgrounds in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and climate change disclosure within Indonesian companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data spanning from 2017 to 2022 from all publicly traded companies, the study uses ordinary least squares with fixed effects and robust standard error to evaluate the proposed hypothesis. In addition, a series of endogeneity tests are incorporated to bolster the robustness of the findings.

Findings

The study reveals that CEOs with a STEM educational background are more inclined to participate in corporate climate change disclosure compared to their counterparts with a non-STEM background. These results emphasize the significant role CEO educational backgrounds play in shaping a company’s approach to sustainability, specifically in the realm of climate change disclosure. The insights gleaned from this research hold valuable implications for various stakeholders, including top management and investors aiming to enhance corporate sustainability. Recognizing the influence of CEO characteristics, particularly a STEM educational background, proves pivotal in improving corporate climate change disclosure. Stakeholders can leverage this understanding to formulate and implement effective strategies toward realizing a company’s sustainability vision.

Originality/value

Notably, this study stands out as it was conducted within the context of Indonesia, a nation actively encouraging nonsocial graduates to assume crucial positions within the Republic of Indonesia.
Leveraging Lean Six Sigma principles in an Indian tertiary care hospital: a case study
Authors: Srijithesh P.R. , Gijo E.V. , Raja Pritam , Bhat Shreeranga , Mythirayee S. , Taallapalli Ashok Vardhan Reddy , Kulkarni Girish B. , Siani Jitendra , Aravinda H.R.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Workflow optimisation is crucial for establishing a viable acute stroke (AS) intervention programme in a large tertiary care centre. This study aims to utilise Lean Six Sigma (LSS) principles to enhance the hospital's workflow.

Design/methodology/approach

The Action Research methodology was used to implement the project and develop the case study. The study took place in a large tertiary care academic hospital in India. The Define-Measure-Analyse-Improve-Control approach optimised the workflow within 6 months. Lean tools such as value stream mapping (VSM), waste audits and Gemba were utilised to identify issues involving various stakeholders in the workflow. Sigma-level calculations were used to compare baseline, improvement and sustainment status. Additionally, statistical techniques were effectively employed to draw meaningful inferences.

Findings

LSS tools and techniques can be effectively utilised in large tertiary care hospitals to optimise workflow through a structured approach. Sigma ratings of the processes showed substantial improvement, resulting in a five-fold increase in clinical outcomes. Specifically, there was a 43% improvement in outcome for patients who underwent acute stroke revascularisation. However, certain sigma ratings deteriorated during the control and extended control (sustainment) phases. This indicates that ensuring the sustainability of quality control interventions in healthcare is challenging and requires continuous auditing.

Research limitations/implications

The article presents a single case study deployed in a hospital in India. Thus, the generalisation of outcomes has a significant limitation. Also, the study encounters the challenge of not having a parallel control group, which is a common limitation in quality improvement studies in healthcare. Many studies in healthcare quality improvement, including this one, are limited by minimal data on long-term follow-up and the sustainability of achieved results.

Originality/value

This study pioneers the integration of LSS methodologies in a large Indian tertiary care hospital, specifically targeting AS intervention. It represents the first LSS case study applied in the stroke department of any hospital in India. Whilst most case studies discuss only the positive aspects, this article fills a critical gap by unearthing the challenges of applying LSS in a complex healthcare setting, offering insights into sustainable quality improvement and operational efficiency. This case study contributes to the theoretical understanding of LSS in healthcare. It showcases its real-world impact on patient outcomes and process optimisation.
Anti-corruption reporting: a review empirical literature
Authors: Khelil Imen , Khlif Hichem , Achek Imen
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This review summarizes the empirical literature dealing with anti-corruption disclosure as this specific type of disclosure has attracted a great deal of attention in accounting literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Keywords used to collect relevant papers from numerous electronic databases (e.g. Science Direct, Emerald, Wiley-Blackwell, Springer and Taylor and Francis) include “anti-corruption reporting” “anti-corruption disclosure”. The final sample encompasses a set of 35 empirical studies published between 2015 and the beginning of 2024.

Findings

The summary of reviewed studies suggests that anti-corruption empirical studies are mainly cross-country investigations. Two streams of research are identified: (i) the determinants of anti-corruption disclosure and (ii) the economic consequences of anti-corruption reporting. With respect to the first stream of research, six main categories of determinants are identified (corporate characteristics, corporate governance attributes, informal institutions, stakeholders’ pressures, country institutional effect and regulation effect). With respect to the second stream of research, findings show that anti-corruption reporting is negatively associated with profitability, reduces earnings management and enhances corporate social reputation.

Practical implications

With respect to regulators, this review sheds light on the importance of anti-corruption disclosure in the fight against corruption. It also suggests that the adoption of some regulations like the Directive 2014/95/EU in the European Union or the 2010 UK Bribery Act have contributed to more transparency. With respect to investors, the existence of some determinants of anti-corruption reporting (e.g. United Nations Global Compact membership, cross-listing, multinationality, board independence) may signal the adequacy of corporate reporting policy and that management is following an adequate strategy to fight corruption and enhance transparency.

Originality/value

This review offers future research avenues for accounting scholars with respect anti-corruption disclosure literature.
Donation-based crowdfunding the future of terrorist financing or a method counteracted ex-ante by European authorities
Authors: Cookman Daniel
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the adequacy of current and proposed European legislative measures for the mitigation and prevention of the use of donation-based crowdfunding to enable terrorist-related financing.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines current and proposed European legislative and academic literature. To provide analysis on the current terrorist financing risks posed by donation-based crowdfunding.

Findings

The activity of European donation-based financing is not in theory completely removed from AML/CFT prevention, mitigation and reporting standards. European credit institutions and payment service providers are required to implement AML/CFT internal controls that target their entire customer base, which includes situations whereby an individual and/or individuals elect to engage in donation-based funds transfer. Current European crowdfunding and proposed crowdfunding AML/CFT standards target investment and consumer credit provision by credit and financial institutions and credit and mortgage intermediaries. Donation-based terrorist financing will likely remain a consideration for subversive groups and lone wolf individuals seeking integrated financing. European credit institutions and payment service providers will be required to cooperate both internally and externally on a national and transnational basis to prevent the materialisation of donation-based financing risks, ex-ante.

Originality/value

A desktop review composed by the author.
Onboarding for liaison librarians: building community and practice
Authors: Riesen Karleigh
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This article describes an onboarding program created for liaison librarians at an academic library and details a replicable framework for effective implementation at other institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

This article outlines a month-long onboarding program that provides new-to-the-field and experienced librarians with support and structure as they learn the core competencies of liaison work, adjust to a new professional setting and grow in their practice as liaison librarians.

Findings

Information about onboarding practices across academic libraries, liaison librarianship within the library and information science (LIS) curriculum and the need for onboarding programs that provide a comprehensive overview of core liaison librarianship competencies is provided.

Originality/value

Onboarding programs specific to liaison librarians is an underexplored topic. This article emphasizes fostering community and skill development throughout the onboarding process to bolster confidence, engagement and retention.
Toward a data culture model for local governments: conceptualization and insights from Belgium
Authors: Lega Mathieu , Clarinval Antoine , Burnay Corentin , Linden Isabelle , Castiaux Annick
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Despite the current attention toward the concept of data culture, a commonly accepted scope and definition is currently lacking. Addressing this conceptual fuzziness would be beneficial to pursue the development of knowledge on data culture in the public sector. The research aims at advancing theory by building a novel conceptualization of the constituent elements of data culture in local governments and their relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, the authors used a multi-method research design. More precisely, the authors conducted 12 semi-structured interviews with mayors and heads of administration from local governments, and a document analysis. The authors inductively mapped the findings to an existing heuristic featuring seven levels of data culture and extracted relationships between these levels.

Findings

The authors find several elements belonging to the data culture of local governments for each level of the existing generic heuristic and identify 24 influence relationships between these levels. The authors integrate these findings into the data culture model, which conceptualizes data culture in local governments.

Research limitations/implications

The data culture model provides a strong theoretical basis for researchers to position their research and further advances knowledge on this still elusive concept. Practitioners can use the data culture model as a reflective tool to understand which elements impacted their current data behavior.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first work to provide a conceptualization of data culture in local governments at this level of depth, and to conceptualize relationships between constituent elements of data culture.
The impact of team competence on short- and long-term team performance
Authors: Beyer Annabelle , Hohagen Saskia , Wilkens Uta , Langholf Valentin
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Due to the current shortage of skilled employees, there is a growing need to cope with given team settings and to offer appropriate team training. For team training, it is important to know how different competences influence team performance. Therefore, this study aims to examine the influence of social and cognitive competences on team performance and the relationship of the different competence dimensions to each other.

Design/methodology/approach

Data of 53 student and work teams was collected through a digital simulation laboratory, designed as an escape game. Competences of 228 team members were assessed through questionnaires prior to the simulation. Team performance was measured through short-term performance indicators. Additionally, a postsimulation survey regarding a long-term performance indicator was carried out. Three multiple regression analyses and mediation analyses were conducted.

Findings

A tradeoff between cognitive and social competences regarding their impact on short- and long-term team performance is observed. Facets of cognitive competences enhanced short-term performance, whereas facets of social competences reduced short-term performance while enhancing long-term performance. Although cognitive competences show a positive direct effect on short term performance, a negative indirect effect, mediated by social competences, became apparent.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to harmonizing contradictory findings on the impact of high achievers in teams. Although they can have an impact on rapid problem solving, long-term performance depends more on facets of social competences than cognitive competences. Furthermore, social and cognitive competences are positively correlated, showing that teams with higher cognitive competences tend to become stronger in terms of their social competences over time.
Introduction – The evolution of New Development Bank (NDB): A decade plus in the making
Authors: Chin Gregory T.
Published: June 2024

This article serves as the Introduction for the collection of nine articles on New Development Bank (NDB) and the BRICS. In addition to highlighting the key contributions of each article in this Special Section, this Introduction briefly discusses the achievements of NDB during its first decade, the evolving research agendas and scholarly debates on NDB, and the subtle shifts in the focus, goals, and agenda of the Bank from its initial establishment to the current period as NDB enters its second decade.
PD‐L1 expression in patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer is associated with sex and genetic alterations: A retrospective study within the Caucasian population
Authors: Sarova P. , Mosleh B. , Zehetmayer S. , Oberndorfer F. , Widder J. , Prosch H. , Aigner C. , Idzko M. , Hoda M. A. , Gompelmann D.
Published: June 2024

Background

Programmed cell death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression is a well‐established biomarker for predicting responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors and certain targeted therapies. As a result, treatment strategies for patients vary based on their PD‐L1 expression status. Understanding the clinical features of patients with distinct PD‐L1 levels is crucial for personalized treatment approaches.

Methods

Demographic and clinicopathological characteristics of 227 patients (54% male, mean age 67 ± 9.9 years) newly diagnosed with non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) between April 2020 and December 2022 were retrospectively compared among three groups based on the PD‐L1 expression: PD‐L1 Tumor Proportion Score (TPS) negative, 1–50%, and ≥50%. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate predictors for high PD‐L1 expression ≥50%.

Results

PD‐L1 expression levels were distributed as follows: negative in 29% of patients, between 1% and 50% in 41%, and greater than 50% (high) in 29%. In comparison to negative PD‐L1 expression, low and high PD‐L1 expression was associated with female sex (32.9% vs. 52.7% vs. 50.7%, p = 0.031), with the absence of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations (83.6% vs. 91.1% vs. 98.1% p = 0.029), and with the absence of ERBB2 (HER2) tyrosine kinase mutations (90.9% vs. 100% vs. 98.1% p = 0.007), respectively. Age, smoking status, histological subtype, and disease stage showed no significant differences among the three patient groups. In the univariate logistic regression, EGFR mutation appeared to be the only predictor for PD‐L1 expression, although it did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.06).

Conclusion

Although sex and genomic alterations are associated with PD‐L1 expression in patients with NSCLC, no clinical characteristics seem to predict PD‐L1 expression significantly.
The influence of semantics on long‐term visual memory capacity in children and adults
Authors: Gupta Priti , Vogelsang Marin , Vogelsang Lukas , Shah Pragya , Gilad‐Gutnick Sharon , Sinha Pawan
Published: June 2024

Human visual memory capacity has a rapid developmental progression. Here we examine whether image semantics modulate this progression. We assessed the performance of children (6–14 years) and young adults (19–36 years) on a visual memory task using real‐world (or meaningful) as well as abstract image sets, which were matched in low‐level image attributes. For real images, we find comparable performance across the two age groups, consistent with previously reported results. However, for abstract images, we find a clear age‐related difference indicating greater reliance of children's memory processes on semantics, suggesting that strategies for encoding abstract patterns keep improving even into late childhood. We complemented these studies with computational experiments designed to examine the role of increasing experience with real‐world images on real and abstract image encoding, to examine whether the observed age‐related differences, as well as the general privilege of real over abstract images, can emerge directly through experience with meaningful images. Our results provide support for this possibility and set the stage for a finer‐grained investigation of the timeline along which children's memory capacity for abstract images reaches adult levels.
Working it out together: Lessons and insights into inclusive research in an arts context
Authors: Reason Matthew , Acton Kelsie , Foulds Daniel
Published: June 2024

Background

I'm Me is a creative research project co‐created between York St John University and Mind the Gap, investigating learning disabled and autistic artists’ understandings of identity, representation and voice.

Methods

In this paper, we use Walmsley and Johnson's criteria for inclusive research to reflect on the involvement of people with learning disabilities and autism in I'm Me.

Findings

Researchers need to carefully reflect on who benefits from research. Long‐term relationships allow genuine allyship and for research design to emerge in an inclusive manner. Taking the time to develop access and clear structures for decision‐making can support people with learning disabilities’ participation and control over research. Part of access is sharing our findings in accessible ways, in this case, by using plain language and artistic outputs.

Conclusions

Working out how people with learning disabilities and autism should be involved in research has involved establishing structures, reflecting and responding to create as much involvement and enable as much decision‐making as possible.
1088. Lilium primulinum Baker var. burmanicum (W.W.Sm.) Stearn: Liliaceae
Authors: Compton James A. , Farrer Annie
Published: June 2024

Lilium primulinum Baker, a complex species from the eastern Himalayan region is reviewed. L. primulinum var. burmanicum from Myanmar and Yunnan is illustrated. Suggestions for its successful cultivation are given. Lectotypes are designated for the names Lilium primulinum, L. primulinum var. burmanicum and L. poilanei.
Closing the policy gap in diabetes care for individuals with advanced CKD
Authors: Habte‐Asres Hellena Hailu , Rosenthal Miranda , Nitsch Dorothea , Wheeler David C.
Published: June 2024

Aim

The co‐existence of diabetes and CKD poses significant challenges to healthcare systems, current frameworks often inadequately address the complex needs of individuals with both conditions. Recognising these gaps, we introduced a new diabetes care model for people with advanced CKD in renal satellite units.This paper aims to evaluate this new diabetes model care.

Method

We conducted a prospective audit of a new integrated diabetes kidney care model. Data were presented as mean ± SD or counts/percentages, and pre‐ and post‐intervention differences were assessed using paired samples t‐tests.

Results

A total of 291 individuals with diabetes and advanced CKD stages 4 or 5, or undergoing haemodialysis, were included. The mean age was 68.5 (±13.0) years, 58.4% were males. Nearly half of the cohort had four or more long‐term conditions, while two‐thirds experienced mild/severe frailty. Only 6% were receiving ongoing diabetes care from secondary care diabetes specialist services. For patients with CKD not receiving dialysis, comparing pre‐ and post‐intervention, there were improvements in HbA1c (−13.0 mmol/mol, p < 0.001), SBP (−13.7 mm Hg, p < 0.0001), and weight (−2.9 kg, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, there was an increase in guideline‐directed therapies, with notable usage of SGLT2i (62.9%) and GLP1‐RA (28.4%), while access to diabetes technology increased to 89%.

Conclusion

This new model of care resulted in improved metabolic outcomes, increased utilisation of guideline‐directed therapies, and enhanced access to diabetes technologies. However, the model also revealed significant unmet clinical needs in areas such as access to diabetes care, diabetes eye screening and foot surveillance.
Association between sarcopenia at discharge and functional outcomes 1 month and 6 months after discharge in patients in convalescent rehabilitation wards
Authors: Miura Kyohei , Matsushita Tatsuya , Nishioka Shinta , Nakashima Ryusei , Onizuka Shinya
Published: June 2024

Aim

This retrospective cohort study investigated the relationship between sarcopenia and Activities of Daily Living capacity after discharge from convalescent rehabilitation wards.

Methods

We included consecutive patients discharged from three convalescent rehabilitation wards in a hospital in Japan between December 2018 and October 2020. Sarcopenia was diagnosed based on the criteria of the 2019 Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia, utilizing skeletal muscle mass index and handgrip strength. Statistical analyses were carried out separately for men and women. The primary outcome was a higher motor domain (motor Functional Independence Measure [mFIM]) and a higher cognitive domain (cognitive Functional Independence Measure [cFIM]) of the FIM score 1 month after discharge. The secondary outcomes were higher mFIM and cFIM scores 6 months after discharge, analyzed using binary logistic regression.

Results

Among 305 participants (mean age 70.0 years, 148 men), 93 were identified as having sarcopenia. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 16% for outpatient rehabilitation services, 59% for home‐visit rehabilitation services and 50% for older adult day care. Logistic regression analyses showed that sarcopenia at discharge was not an independent variable for mFIM at 1 month (odds ratio [OR] 20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.31–1300 for men, OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.11–2.4 for women) and cFIM (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.10–3.8 for men, OR 5.3, 95% CI 0.81–34 for women). At 6 months, sarcopenia at discharge was not an independent variable for mFIM (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.02–3.6 for men, OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.06–2.5 for women) and cFIM (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.01–2.4 for men, OR 0.00, 95% CI 0.00–1.1 for women).

Conclusions

Sarcopenia at the time of discharge from convalescent rehabilitation wards does not independently predict FIM 1 month or 6 months after discharge. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 715–721.
Employment and Job Creation in the art Sector in Ghana: Evidence from A Tracer Survey of the Higher National Diploma Industrial art
Authors: Bukari Musah , Howard Ebenezer Kofi , Osei‐Poku Patrick
Published: June 2024

In Technical Universities in Ghana, the Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes are well‐established higher education programmes for the provision of middle‐level manpower needs of the Country. The programmes are considered industry‐related, offering students the knowledge and skills required for effective performance at work. However, there is very little tracer survey on the polytechnic/technical university graduate on the relevance of the HND Industrial Art Programmes run in the polytechnics/technical universities, apart from a study on exploring the destinations of Higher National Diploma, Graphic Design graduates in the Ghanaian labour market. Therefore, the study sought to conduct a tracer study on the impact of the HND Industrial Art Programme on the Art Sector in Ghana. To carry out the study, the main objective was to assess the effectiveness and the contribution of the HND Industrial Art Programme to employment and job creation in the Art Sector in Ghana. The Concurrent Triangulated Mixed Method research approach was adopted to undertake the research. From the study, the major finding is that the Painting and Decoration (P/D), Ceramics and Leatherwork options all succeeded in creating jobs/empowering graduates to create their own jobs, but that cannot be said with the Textiles option. The findings have implications for TVET training in the country. It is therefore recommended that appropriate steps should be taken in consultation with the Ghana Tertiary Education Council (GTEC) to have a holistic review of the curriculum to make it relevant for the benefit of this ever‐dynamic society.
Empathy helps, dehumanization harms: Beliefs about the causes of homelessness are (in)directly related to intentions to help and harm those who are unhoused
Authors: Tausen Brittany M. , Fossum Jessica
Published: June 2024

Homelessness is a complex social issue that can be attributed to a constellation of dispositional, situational, and health‐related causes. The extent to which these causal attributions are associated with the treatment of individuals experiencing homelessness, however, is not well understood. The current study addressed this gap by exploring the extent to which individual beliefs about the causes of homelessness were associated with intentions to help as well as endorsements of restrictions and legalistic harm aimed at those who are unhoused. Results demonstrated that structural and dispositional, but not health, attributions were associated with helpful and hurtful behaviors. Further, a structural equation model revealed that these effects were explained, in part, by empathy for and the dehumanization of individuals experiencing homelessness. Attributions were most clearly associated with intentions to help via empathy and endorsements of harm via distinct forms (animalistic and mechanistic) of dehumanization. Theoretical implications pertaining to Attribution Theory of Emotion and Motivation and the practical implications for improving the treatment of and support for individuals experiencing homelessness are also discussed.
Latinx adolescents' daily family assistance and emotional well‐being before and amid the COVID‐19 pandemic: A pilot measurement burst study
Authors: Shen Yishan , Zheng Yao , Garza Ari Rios , Reisz Samantha
Published: June 2024

This study examined Latinx adolescents' daily family assistance (assistance day, assistance time, language brokering) in relation to their daily affect and investigated whether the associations changed following the outbreak of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Two waves of 14‐day daily diary data collected from 13 18‐year‐old Latinx adolescents (ndays = 284; 77% Mexican American, 77% female) before and amid the pandemic were analyzed using multilevel modeling. Three main findings emerged: (1) assisting the family on a given day was associated with higher levels of same‐day positive affect both before and during COVID‐19, and with lower levels of negative affect during COVID‐19; (2) longer than usual family assistance time was associated with higher levels of same‐day positive affect and lower levels of negative affect only during COVID‐19; (3) language brokering on a given day was associated with higher levels of same‐day positive affect both before and during COVID‐19. These findings suggest a positive link between daily family assistance and Latinx youth's daily emotional well‐being, particularly during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Melatonin decreases human adipose tissue insulin sensitivity
Authors: Zambrano Carolina , Garitaonaindia Mireia Tena , Salmerón Diego , Pérez‐Sanz Fernando , Tchio Cynthia , Picinato María Cecilia , de Medina Fermín Sánchez , Luján Juan , Scheer Frank A. J. L. , Saxena Richa , Martínez‐Augustin Olga , Garaulet Marta
Published: June 2024

Melatonin is a pineal hormone that modulates the circadian system and exerts soporific and phase‐shifting effects. It is also involved in many other physiological processes, such as those implicated in cardiovascular, endocrine, immune, and metabolic functions. However, the role of melatonin in glucose metabolism remains contradictory, and its action on human adipose tissue (AT) explants has not been demonstrated. We aimed to assess whether melatonin (a pharmacological dose) influences insulin sensitivity in human AT. This will help better understand melatonin administration's effect on glucose metabolism. Abdominal AT (subcutaneous and visceral) biopsies were obtained from 19 participants with severe obesity (age: 42.84 ± 12.48 years; body mass index: 43.14 ± 8.26 kg/m2) who underwent a laparoscopic gastric bypass. AT biopsies were exposed to four different treatments: control (C), insulin alone (I) (10 nM), melatonin alone (M) (5000 pg/mL), and insulin plus melatonin combined (I + M). All four conditions were repeated in both subcutaneous and visceral AT, and all were performed in the morning at 8 a.m. (n = 19) and the evening at 8 p.m. (in a subsample of n = 12). We used western blot analysis to determine insulin signaling (using the pAKT/tAKT ratio). Furthermore, RNAseq analyses were performed to better understand the metabolic pathways involved in the effect of melatonin on insulin signaling. As expected, insulin treatment (I) increased the pAKT/tAKT ratio compared with control (p < .0001). Furthermore, the addition of melatonin (I + M) resulted in a decrease in insulin signaling as compared with insulin alone (I); this effect was significant only during the evening time (not in the morning time). Further, RNAseq analyses in visceral AT during the evening condition (at 8 p.m.) showed that melatonin resulted in a prompt transcriptome response (around 1 h after melatonin addition), particularly by downregulating the insulin signaling pathway. Our results show that melatonin reduces insulin sensitivity in human AT during the evening. These results may partly explain the previous studies showing a decrease in glucose tolerance after oral melatonin administration in the evening or when eating late when endogenous melatonin is present.
LM IB PITHOI MAKERS: ROBUST AND BLENDED POTTERY PRODUCTION AT MOCHLOS
Authors: Morrison Jerolyn E.
Published: June 2024

The pithos is an iconic Bronze Age clay storage vessel of size and expense. Those found in the Neo‐palatial phase (1800–1450 BC) of the harbour town of Mochlos, Crete are here investigated through a multi‐disciplinary approach. The pots belong to two traditions of coil‐based manufacturing processes: the piriform which is more standardized in this and employs the wheel to assist in the manufacture, and the hole‐mouth version that combines wheel manipulation and purely handmade processes (and is less regular as a result). After outlining the historical and social context in which these vases were produced, and with reference to ethnographical practices of the recent past in making such items, the manufacturing methods of both sorts are set forth, and their distribution across the site investigated. The likelihoods of their being the output of different sets of potters operating in the area are examined. Similarly the restricted employment of some elite‐related decorative cordons is scrutinized to see what may be deduced about the relationships between potter, vase‐owner and the wider palatial environment they all existed within. The inevitably tentative observations arrived at are however robust enough to provide parameters to work within when expanding the debate to include the other ceramic wares made and present on the site.
Cervical Alignment and Range of Motion Change after Anterior 3‐Level Hybrid Surgery Compared with Cervical Laminoplasty: A Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Deng Yuxiao , He Junbo , Chen Hua , Wang Beiyu , Gong Quan , Li Tao , Liu Hao
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Cervical alignment and range of motion (ROM) changes after cervical spine surgery are related to cervical biomechanical and functions. Few studies compared these parameters between posterior laminoplasty and anterior 3‐level hybrid surgery incorporating anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with cervical disc replacement (CDR). This study is aimed to detect the differences of cervical alignment and ROM changes of the two surgeries in a matched‐cohort study.

Methods

From January 2018 and May 2020, 51 patients who underwent 3‐level hybrid surgery incorporating ACDF with ACDR were included. A 1:1 match of the patients who underwent cervical laminoplasty based on age, gender, duration of symptoms, body mass index, and cervical alignment type was utilized as control group. General data (operative time, blood loss, etc.), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, VAS (Visual Analog Score), NDI (The Neck Disability Index), cervical sagittal alignment, and cervical range of motion (ROM) were recorded and compared.

Results

Both groups gained significant improvement in JOA, VAS, NDI scores postoperatively (p < 0.05). Cervical alignment significantly increased in hybrid group and decreased in control group after surgeries (p < 0.001). ROM decrease was similar in two groups. For cervical lordosis, though cervical alignment angle in control group decreased, the final follow‐up cervical alignment and cervical alignment changes were not significantly different between hybrid and control groups. For cervical non‐lordosis, cervical alignment decreased in control group while increased in hybrid group. At final follow‐up, cervical alignment and the changes between the two groups were significantly different. Both control group and hybrid group had similar ROM decrease after the surgery no matter whether there was cervical lordosis or non‐lordosis. Hybrid surgery showed cervical alignments significantly improved and similar ROM preservation compared with control group at final follow‐up both for 1‐level and 2‐level disc replacement subgroups.

Conclusions

The hybrid surgery demonstrated advantages of preserving cervical alignment and gaining similar cervical ROM preservation compared with cervical laminoplasty, especially for cervical non‐lordosis. Given the importance of restoring lordotic cervical alignment, hybrid surgery may be preferred over laminoplasty to treat multilevel cervical disc herniation.