bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexually transmitted infections among pregnant Syrian refugee women seeking antenatal care in Lebanon
Authors: Fahme Sasha A , Fakih Iman , Ghassani Ali , El-Nakib Mostafa , Abu-Raddad Laith J , Klausner Jeffrey D , Mumtaz Ghina R
Published: April 2024

The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis was determined among 431 pregnant Syrian refugee women seeking antenatal care in Lebanon. Low prevalence at 0.5% for chlamydia, 0.2% for trichomoniasis and 0.0% for gonorrhoeae was detected, suggesting a low burden of sexually transmitted infection in this population.
A simple method to measure νmax for asteroseismology: application to 16 000 oscillating Kepler red giants
Authors: Sreenivas K R , Bedding Timothy R , Li (李亚光) Yaguang , Huber Daniel , Crawford Courtney L , Stello Dennis , Yu Jie
Published: April 2024

The importance of νmax (the frequency of maximum oscillation power) for asteroseismology has been demonstrated widely in the previous decade, especially for red giants. With the large amount of photometric data from CoRoT (Convection, Rotation, and planetary Transits), Kepler, and Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, several automated algorithms to retrieve νmax values have been introduced. Most of these algorithms correct the granulation background in the power spectrum by fitting a model and subtracting it before measuring νmax. We have developed a method that does not require fitting to the granulation background. Instead, we simply divide the power spectrum by a function of the form $\rm \nu ^{-2}$, to remove the slope due to granulation background, and then smooth to measure νmax. This method is fast and simple and avoids degeneracies associated with fitting. The method is able to measure oscillations in 99.9 per cent of previously studied Kepler red giants, with a systematic offset of 1.5 per cent in νmax values that we are able to calibrate. On comparing the seismic radii from this work with Gaia, we see similar trends to those observed in previous studies. Additionally, our values of width of the power envelope can clearly identify the dipole mode suppressed stars as a distinct population, hence as a way to detect them. We also applied our method to stars with low νmax (0.19–18.35 µHz) and found that it works well to correctly identify the oscillations.
Primordial intermediate and supermassive black hole formation during the electron–positron annihilation epoch
Authors: Sobrinho J L G , Augusto P
Published: April 2024

Some of the Intermediate Mass Black Hole candidates observed at the centre of galaxies or in globular clusters and some of the Supermassive Black Holes seen at the centre of many galaxies might be of primordial origin. Indeed, Primordial Black Holes (PBHs) of such mass could have formed when the Universe was ∼1–103 s old, due to the collapse of density fluctuations. In particular, when the Universe was ∼1 s in age, Electron–Positron Annihilation (EPA) took place. We explore the formation of intermediate mass and supermassive PBHs, taking into account the effect of the EPA when the fluctuations have a running tilt power-law spectrum: when these cross the 10−0.5–103.0 s Universe horizon they could produce 5 × 103–5 × 108 M⊙ PBHs with a density as high as ∼1010/Gpc3. On average, this implies a population of about one thousand PBHs in the Local Group of Galaxies, with the nearest one at about 250 kpc, just under half the distance to the Andromeda galaxy (M31).
Oryzomys texensis (Rodentia: Cricetidae)
Authors: Rose Robert K
Published: April 2024

Oryzomys texensis Allen, 1894, the Texas Marsh Rice Rat, is a yellowish gray-brown oryzomyine rodent with whitish feet and venter, black eyes, small hairy ears, short vibrissae, and a tail about one-half of total length. It was elevated to species status based on the results of an extensive molecular genetics analysis of the O. palustris complex. The poorly defined eastern boundary of O. texensis includes Mississippi, Arkansas, southern Missouri, and southern Illinois, with populations extending westward to southeastern Kansas, eastern Oklahoma, eastern and coastal Texas, into northeastern Tamaulipas, Mexico. Present in tidal marshes and other habitats near water, O. texensis is omnivorous, with some populations being highly carnivorous.
Redox Regulation by Priming Agents Toward a Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Tripathi Durgesh Kumar , Bhat Javaid Akhter , Antoniou Chrystalla , Kandhol Nidhi , Singh Vijay Pratap , Fernie Alisdair R , Fotopoulos Vasileios
Published: April 2024

Plants are sessile organisms that are often subjected to a multitude of environmental stresses, with the occurrence of these events being further intensified by global climate change. Crop species therefore require specific adaptations to tolerate climatic variability for sustainable food production. Plant stress results in excess accumulation of reactive oxygen species leading to oxidative stress and loss of cellular redox balance in the plant cells. Moreover, enhancement of cellular oxidation as well as oxidative signals has been recently recognized as crucial players in plant growth regulation under stress conditions. Multiple roles of redox regulation in crop production have been well documented, and major emphasis has focused on key redox-regulated proteins and non-protein molecules, such as NAD(P)H, glutathione, peroxiredoxins, glutaredoxins, ascorbate, thioredoxins and reduced ferredoxin. These have been widely implicated in the regulation of (epi)genetic factors modulating growth and health of crop plants, with an agricultural context. In this regard, priming with the employment of chemical and biological agents has emerged as a fascinating approach to improve plant tolerance against various abiotic and biotic stressors. Priming in plants is a physiological process, where prior exposure to specific stressors induces a state of heightened alertness, enabling a more rapid and effective defense response upon subsequent encounters with similar challenges. Priming is reported to play a crucial role in the modulation of cellular redox homeostasis, maximizing crop productivity under stress conditions and thus achieving yield security. By taking this into consideration, the present review is an up-to-date critical evaluation of promising plant priming technologies and their role in the regulation of redox components toward enhanced plant adaptations to extreme unfavorable environmental conditions. The challenges and opportunities of plant priming are discussed, with an aim of encouraging future research in this field toward effective application of priming in stress management in crops including horticultural species.
Shaping Brassinosteroid Signaling through Scaffold Proteins
Authors: Guo Boyu , Kim Eun-Ji , Zhu Yuxian , Wang Kun , Russinova Eugenia
Published: April 2024

Cellular responses to internal and external stimuli are orchestrated by intricate intracellular signaling pathways. To ensure an efficient and specific information flow, cells employ scaffold proteins as critical signaling organizers. With the ability to bind multiple signaling molecules, scaffold proteins can sequester signaling components within specific subcellular domains or modulate the efficiency of signal transduction. Scaffolds can also tune the output of signaling pathways by serving as regulatory targets. This review focuses on scaffold proteins associated with the plant GLYCOGEN SYNTHASE KINASE3–like kinase, BRASSINOSTEROID-INSENSITIVE2 (BIN2), that serves as a key negative regulator of brassinosteroid (BR) signaling. Here, we summarize current understanding of how scaffold proteins actively shape BR signaling outputs and cross-talk in plant cells via interactions with BIN2.
Rice transcription factor OsWRKY37 positively regulates flowering time and grain fertility under copper deficiency
Authors: Ji Chenchen , Li Haixing , Ding Jingli , Yu Lu , Jiang Cuncang , Wang Chuang , Wang Sheliang , Ding Guangda , Shi Lei , Xu Fangsen , Cai Hongmei
Published: April 2024

Efficient uptake, translocation, and distribution of Cu to rice (Oryza sativa) spikelets is crucial for flowering and yield production. However, the regulatory factors involved in this process remain unidentified. In this study, we isolated a WRKY transcription factor gene induced by Cu deficiency, OsWRKY37, and characterized its regulatory role in Cu uptake and transport in rice. OsWRKY37 was highly expressed in rice roots, nodes, leaf vascular bundles, and anthers. Overexpression of OsWRKY37 promoted the uptake and root-to-shoot translocation of Cu in rice under −Cu condition but not under +Cu condition. While mutation of OsWRKY37 significantly decreased Cu concentrations in the stamen, the root-to-shoot translocation and distribution ratio in brown rice affected pollen development, delayed flowering time, decreased fertility, and reduced grain yield under −Cu condition. yeast one-hybrid, transient co-expression and EMSAs, together with in situ RT-PCR and RT-qPCR analysis, showed that OsWRKY37 could directly bind to the upstream promoter region of OsCOPT6 (copper transporter) and OsYSL16 (yellow stripe-like protein) and positively activate their expression levels. Analyses of oscopt6 mutants further validated its important role in Cu uptake in rice. Our study demonstrated that OsWRKY37 acts as a positive regulator involved in the uptake, root-to-shoot translocation, and distribution of Cu through activating the expression of OsCOPT6 and OsYSL16, which is important for pollen development, flowering, fertility, and grain yield in rice under Cu deficient conditions. Our results provide a genetic strategy for improving rice yield under Cu deficient condition.
Dynamic Perturbation
Authors: Mennuni Alessandro , Rubio-Ramírez Juan F , Stepanchuk Serhiy
Published: April 2024

We present a novel algorithm called Dynamic Perturbation for solving large-scale macroeconomic models. Our approach involves computing first-order Taylor expansions of the policy functions along the entire equilibrium path. This method applies to a wide range of models and offers significantly higher accuracy than traditional perturbation approaches. Remarkably, even when utilising first-order approximations, our method can effectively handle models with strong nonlinearities and occasionally binding constraints, such as the zero lower bound.
A Qualitative Exploration of Social Workers’ Job Preparedness in Law Enforcement Agencies
Authors: Rhodes Dasha J , Ost Jam H , Gandarilla-Javier Sharon
Published: April 2024

Police agencies are increasingly integrating social workers in response to more calls regarding mental health and social welfare needs. Limited research captures the experiences and needs of social workers in law enforcement agencies. This article explores social workers’ job preparedness through a qualitative phenomenological study. The study includes a semistructured interview with 40 participants from across the nation to identify factors for job preparedness, social workers’ experiences, and perceived areas for development. As a result, seven themes emerged: exposure, a lack of understanding, unpredictability, programmatic growth and support, systemic challenges, assessment needs, and workplace culture. Most participants revealed that they did not feel prepared for their role but shared instances of helpful experiences, insights, and needs of the profession. The participants highlighted the need for social workers to continue to educate themselves to better prepare for the populations they serve. Several implications are discussed to address and enhance the needs of the profession.
Predictive Models to Assess Risk of Persistent Opioid Use, Opioid Use Disorder, and Overdose
Authors: Song Sophia L. , Dandapani Hari G. , Estrada Rodolfo S. , Jones Nicholas W. , Samuels Elizabeth A. , Ranney Megan L.
Published: April 2024

Background

This systematic review summarizes the development, accuracy, quality, and clinical utility of predictive models to assess the risk of opioid use disorder (OUD), persistent opioid use, and opioid overdose.

Methods

In accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis guidelines, 8 electronic databases were searched for studies on predictive models and OUD, overdose, or persistent use in adults until June 25, 2023. Study selection and data extraction were completed independently by 2 reviewers. Risk of bias of included studies was assessed independently by 2 reviewers using the Prediction model Risk of Bias ASsessment Tool (PROBAST).

Results

The literature search yielded 3130 reports; after removing 199 duplicates, excluding 2685 studies after abstract review, and excluding 204 studies after full-text review, the final sample consisted of 41 studies that developed more than 160 predictive models. Primary outcomes included opioid overdose (31.6% of studies), OUD (41.4%), and persistent opioid use (17%). The most common modeling approach was regression modeling, and the most common predictors included age, sex, mental health diagnosis history, and substance use disorder history. Most studies reported model performance via thecstatistic, ranging from 0.507 to 0.959; gradient boosting tree models and neural network models performed well in the context of their own study. One study deployed a model in real time. Risk of bias was predominantly high; concerns regarding applicability were predominantly low.

Conclusions

Models to predict opioid-related risks are developed using diverse data sources and predictors, with a wide and heterogenous range of accuracy metrics. There is a need for further research to improve their accuracy and implementation.
Management Changes After Echocardiography Are Associated With Improved Outcomes in Critically Ill Children*
Authors: Ip Pui Yin Florence , Periasamy Uvaraj , Staffa Steven J. , Zurakowski David , Kantor David B.
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate management changes and outcomes in critically ill children after formal echocardiography.

DESIGN:

Retrospective cohort study between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2020.

SETTING:

Tertiary care children’s hospital.

PATIENTS:

Patients from 1 to 18 years who had formal echocardiography within 72 hours of ICU admission and who were intubated and on vasoactive infusions at the time of the study. Patients were stratified into two cardiac function groups: 1) near-normal cardiac function and 2) depressed cardiac function.

METHODS:

Clinical variables were abstracted from the electronic medical record and placed in time sequence relative to echocardiography. Vasoactive and fluid management strategies in place before echocardiography were associated with markers of tissue perfusion and volume overload. Management changes after echocardiography were characterized and associated with outcomes.

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

Among patients eventually found to have depressed cardiac function, the use of vasoconstrictors was associated with worse lactate clearance and oxygen extraction ratio. Use of vasoconstrictors in this cohort was also associated with a more liberal fluid management strategy, evidence of increased lung water, and a worse Spo
2/Fio
2. An echocardiogram demonstrated depressed cardiac function was likely to be followed by management changes that favored inotropes and more conservative fluid administration. Patients with depressed cardiac function who were switched to inotropes were more likely to be extubated and to wean off vasoactive support compared with those patients who remained on vasoconstrictors.

CONCLUSIONS:

Among patients with depressed cardiac function, alterations in management strategy after echocardiography are associated with shortened duration of intensive care interventions.
Reliability and Validity of the Brief Attention and Mood Scale of 7 Items (BAMS-7): A Self-Administered, Online Assessment
Authors: Madore Kevin P , Osman Allen M , Kerlan Kelsey R , Schafer Robert J
Published: April 2024

Changes in technology, regulatory guidance, and COVID-19 have spurred an explosion in online studies in the social and clinical sciences. This surge has led to a need for brief and accessible instruments that are designed and validated specifically for self-administered, online use. Addressing this opportunity, the Brief Attention and Mood Scale of 7 Items (BAMS-7) was developed and validated in five cohorts across four studies to assess real-world attention and mood in one instrument. In Study 1, an exploratory factor analysis was run on responses from an initial nine-item survey in a very large, healthy, adult sample (N=75,019, ages 18-89 years). Two brief subscales comprising seven items total were defined and further characterized: one for Attention, the other for Mood. Study 2 established convergent validity with existing questionnaires in a separate sample (N=150). Study 3 demonstrated known-groups validity of each subscale using a large sample (N=58,411) of participants reporting a lifetime diagnosis of ADHD, anxiety, or depression, alongside the healthy sample of Study 1. The Attention subscale had superior discriminability for ADHD and the Mood subscale for anxiety and depression. Study 4 applied confirmatory factor analysis to data (N=3,489) from a previously published cognitive training study that used the initial nine-item survey, finding that the Attention and Mood subscales were sensitive to the intervention (compared to an active control) to different degrees. In sum, the psychometric properties and extensive normative data set (N=75,019 healthy adults) of the BAMS-7 may make it a useful instrument in assessing real-world attention and mood.
Incorporating encoding into quantum system design
Authors: Kay Alastair
Published: April 2024

When creating a quantum system whose natural dynamics provide useful computational operations, designers have two key tools at their disposal: the (constrained) choice of both the Hamiltonian and the the initial state of the system (an encoding). Typically, we fix the design and utilize encodings to tolerate experimental imperfections. In this paper we describe a vital insight that incorporates encoding into the design process, with radical consequences. This transforms the study of perfect state transfer from the unrealistic scenario of specifying the Hamiltonian of an entire system to the far more realistic situation of being given a Hamiltonian over which we had no choice in the design, and designing time control of just two parameters to still achieve perfect transfer.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Sound velocity peak and conformality in isospin QCD
Authors: Chiba Ryuji , Kojo Toru
Published: April 2024

We study zero temperature equations of state (EOS) in isospin QCD within a quark-meson model which is renormalizable and hence eliminates high density artifacts in models with the ultraviolet cutoff (e.g., Nambu-Jona-Lasinio type models models). The model exhibits a crossover transition of pion condensations from the Bose-Einstein-Condensation regime at low density to the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer regime at high density. The EOS stiffens quickly and approaches the quark matter regime at density significantly less than the density for pions to spatially overlap. The squared sound velocity cs2 develops a peak in the crossover region, and then gradually relaxes to the conformal value 1/3 from above, in contrast to the perturbative QCD results which predicts the approach from below. In the context of QCD computations, this opposite trend is in part due to the lack of gluon exchanges in our model, and also due to the nonperturbative power corrections arising from the condensates. We argue that with large power corrections the trace anomaly can be negative. Our EOS reproduces the qualitative trend of the lattice results from the BEC to the BCS regime, implying that the quark-meson model captures relevant effective degrees of freedom. The BCS gap in our model is Δ≃300  MeV in the quark matter domain, and naive application of the BCS relation for the critical temperature Tc≃0.57Δ yields the estimate Tc≃170  MeV, in good agreement with the lattice data.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Corporate social responsibility supercharged: greening employee behavior through human resource management practices and green culture
Authors: Aukhoon Mubashir Ahmad , Iqbal Junaid , Parray Zahoor Ahmad
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The primary objective of this study was to understand the impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Employee Green Behavior, examining the mediating role played by Green Human Resource Management Practices and the moderating influence of Employee Green Culture.

Design/methodology/approach

To accomplish this, a careful research approach was taken, using a thoughtfully designed random sampling method to encompass 300 banking employees, ensuring a robust representation of the diverse workforce in the banking sector.

Findings

The empirical findings identified green human resource management practices as a pivotal mediator and employee green culture as a significant moderator. It elucidated how the strategic implementation of green human resource management practices can act as an amplifier, strengthening the positive effects of corporate social responsibility on employee green behavior. This insight underscores the strategic importance of aligning human resource practices with sustainability goals to further enhance the environmental consciousness of employees. It was revealed that the presence of a nurturing organizational culture, one that encourages and supports environmentally responsible behaviors can significantly bolster the association between corporate social responsibility and green behavior among employees.

Originality/value

These findings underscore the essential role of organizational culture as a catalyst for the successful implementation of corporate social responsibility initiatives and the cultivation of a sustainable corporate ethos. This comprehensive research underscores the profound significance of corporate social responsibility, green human resource management practices and employee green culture in fostering and promoting environmentally responsible behaviors within the banking industry. These findings hold substantial implications not only for businesses but also for policymakers.
Development of a digital transformation maturity model for the construction industry
Authors: Han Yanhu , Du Haoyuan , Zhao Chongyang
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Digital transformation is crucial for achieving high-quality development in the construction industry. Assessing the industry's digital maturity is an urgent necessity. The Digital Transformation Maturity Model is a potential tool to systematically evaluate the digital maturity levels of various industries. However, most existing models predominantly focus on sectors such as the Internet and manufacturing, leaving the construction industry comparatively underrepresented. This study aims to address this gap by developing a maturity model tailored specifically for digital transformation within the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study leverages the Capability Maturity Theory and integrates the unique characteristics of the construction industry to construct a comprehensive maturity model for digital transformation. The model comprises five critical dimensions: industry environment, strategy and organization, digital infrastructure, business process and management digitization, and digital performance. These dimensions encompass a total of 25 assessment indexes. To validate the model's feasibility and effectiveness, a digital transformation maturity assessment was conducted within China's construction industry.

Findings

The results of the maturity assessment within the Chinese construction industry reveal that it currently operates at the third level of digital maturity (defined level). The industry's maturity score stands at 2.329 out of 5. This outcome indicates that the developed model is accurate and reliable in assessing the level of digital transformation maturity within the construction industry.

Originality/value

This paper contributes both practical and theoretical insights to the field of digital transformation within the construction industry. By creating a tailored maturity model, it addresses a significant gap in existing research and offers a valuable tool for assessing and advancing digital maturity levels within this industry.
Gender quotas for corporate boards: do they lead to more women in senior executive management?
Authors: Halrynjo Sigtona , Teigen Mari
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The European Union (EU) has recently adopted gender quotas for corporate boards (CBQ), anticipating ripple effects on women’s careers in the companies concerned, as well as throughout the economy. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether CBQ has spurred ripple effects and discuss mechanisms hindering or facilitating women’s occupancy of top executive positions.

Design/methodology/approach

Norway was the first country in the world to introduce CBQ in 2003, with full effect from 2008. The policy requires company boards to be composed of 40% of each gender. Drawing on original data mapping boards and executive committees in Norway’s 200 largest companies, the authors analyze the association between CBQ and the gender composition of executive management almost 15 years after the full implementation. The data include both companies covered by the CBQ and large companies not covered.

Findings

The investigation does not find a positive association between CBQ and more women in executive positions. Thus, the ripple effect hypothesis of CBQ is not supported. CBQ may have contributed to an increased awareness of gender imbalances, yet these findings indicate that to achieve more gender balance in executive positions, scholars and practitioners may need to focus more on gendered conditions and processes in organizations and society throughout executive careers than on the gender composition of boards.

Originality/value

This paper provides empirical analyses of original data 15 years after the implementation of CBQ. The authors further contribute to scholarly debate by identifying and discussing possible mechanisms that explain how requiring more women on corporate boards may – or may not – have ripple effects on executive management.
Using machine learning methods to predict future churners: an analysis of repeat hotel customers
Authors: Dursun-Cengizci Aslıhan , Caber Meltem
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to predict customer churn in resort hotels by calculating the churn probability of repeat customers for future stays in the same hotel brand.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the recency, frequency, monetary (RFM) paradigm, random forest and logistic regression supervised machine learning algorithms were used to predict churn behavior. The model with superior performance was used to detect potential churners and generate a priority matrix.

Findings

The random forest algorithm showed a higher prediction performance with an 80% accuracy rate. The most important variables were RFM-based, followed by hotel sector-specific variables such as market, season, accompaniers and booker. Some managerial strategies were proposed to retain future churners, clustered as “hesitant,” “economy,” “alternative seeker,” and “opportunity chaser” customer groups.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of customer behavior in the hospitality industry and provides valuable insight for hotel practitioners by demonstrating the methods that facilitate the identification of potential churners and their characteristics.

Originality/value

Most customer retention studies in hospitality either concentrate on the antecedents of retention or customers’ revisit intentions using traditional methods. Taking a unique place within the literature, this study conducts churn prediction analysis for repeat hotel customers by opening a new area for inquiry in hospitality studies.
Mental health and positive aging: a positive autoethnographic case study of Joyce Shaffer
Authors: Shaffer Joyce , Gonot-Schoupinsky Freda
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to meet Dr Joyce Shaffer, PhD, ABPP, Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Washington.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study is presented in two sections: a positive autoethnography written by Joyce Shaffer, followed by her answers to ten questions.

Findings

In this positive autoethnography, Shaffer shares her life story and reveals numerous mental health and positive aging recommendations and insights for us to reflect on.

Research limitations/implications

This is a personal narrative, albeit from someone who has been a clinical psychologist and active in the field of aging for many decades.

Practical implications

A pragmatic approach to aging is recommended. According to Shaffer, “those of us who can recognize the beat of the historical drummer can harvest the best of it and learn from the rest of it.”

Social implications

Positive aging has strong social implications. Shaffer considers that it is not only about maximizing our own physical, mental, emotional and social health but also about maximizing that of others, to make our world a better place for everyone.

Originality/value

Positive aging can be experienced despite adversity. As Shaffer says, “Adversity used for growth and healed by love is the answer.”
Engineering strategies and challenges of endolysin as an antibacterial agent against Gram‐negative bacteria
Authors: Zheng Tianyu , Zhang Can
Published: April 2024

Bacteriophage endolysin is a novel antibacterial agent that has attracted much attention in the prevention and control of drug‐resistant bacteria due to its unique mechanism of hydrolysing peptidoglycans. Although endolysin exhibits excellent bactericidal effects on Gram‐positive bacteria, the presence of the outer membrane of Gram‐negative bacteria makes it difficult to lyse them extracellularly, thus limiting their application field. To enhance the extracellular activity of endolysin and facilitate its crossing through the outer membrane of Gram‐negative bacteria, researchers have adopted physical, chemical, and molecular methods. This review summarizes the characterization of endolysin targeting Gram‐negative bacteria, strategies for endolysin modification, and the challenges and future of engineering endolysin against Gram‐negative bacteria in clinical applications, to promote the application of endolysin in the prevention and control of Gram‐negative bacteria.
Review article: Contemporary management of gastrointestinal, pancreatic and hepatic toxicities of immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Townsend Matthew J. , Benque Isaac J. , Li Michael , Grover Shilpa
Published: April 2024

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are effective oncologic agents which frequently cause immune‐related adverse events (irAEs) which can impact multiple organ systems. Onco‐Gastroenterology is a novel and emerging subspecialty within gastroenterology focused on cancer treatment‐related complications. Gastroenterologists must be prepared to identify and manage diverse immune‐mediated toxicities including enterocolitis, hepatitis, pancreatitis and other ICI‐induced toxicities.

Aim

To provide a narrative review of the epidemiology, diagnostic evaluation and management of checkpoint inhibitor‐induced gastrointestinal and hepatic toxicities.

Methods

We searched Cochrane and PubMed databases for articles published through August 2023.

Results

Gastrointestinal and hepatic irAEs include most commonly enterocolitis and hepatitis, but also pancreatitis, oesophagitis, gastritis, motility disorders (gastroparesis) and other rarer toxicities. Guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, American Society of Clinical Oncology and European Society for Medical Oncology, in combination with emerging cohort and clinical trial data, offer strategies for management of ICI toxicities. Evaluation of irAEs severity by formal classification and clinical stability, and a thorough workup for alternative etiologies which may clinically mimic irAEs underlie initial management. Treatments include corticosteroids, biologics and other immunosuppressive agents plus supportive care; decisions on dosing, timing and choice of steroid adjuncts and potential for subsequent checkpoint inhibitor dosing are nuanced and toxicity‐specific.

Conclusions

Expanding clinical trial and cohort data have clarified the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of gastrointestinal, pancreatic and hepatic toxicities of ICIs. Guidelines, though valuable, remain based principally on retrospective cohort data. Quality prospective, controlled studies may refine algorithms for treatment and potential immunotherapy rechallenge.
Tracing young people's engagements with the diplomacy and geopolitics of a British Overseas Territory
Authors: Benwell Matthew C. , Pennell Catriona , Pinkerton Alasdair
Published: April 2024

Research from political geographers has increasingly identified the diverse actors, practices, and performances of diplomacy, challenging narrow conceptions that had tended to associate them with the state alone. The following paper engages this plurality directly through, on the one hand, its focus on young people as diplomatic actors and, on the other, the diplomacy of a British Overseas Territory (OT)—the Falkland Islands—a polity characterised by its liminal subjectivity between colonial dependency and independent statehood. In 2022, to mark the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War, we partnered with the Falkland Islands Government Office (FIGO) in London, to design, deliver and evaluate a national schools' competition. The Falklands Forty Schools Competition (FFSC) culminated in an eight‐day trip to the Islands for seven prize winners. The paper reflects on our role in co‐organising the competition and the opportunities it afforded to observe young people probe and critically question the official narratives presented to them by government representatives. This offered us the opportunity to explore how geopolitical and diplomatic narratives can be projected, negotiated and challenged by young people in the context of a highly curated trip with narrative projection at its heart. We show how young people through their participation in the competition and, more specifically, a trip to the Falkland Islands, were able to identify slippages and inconsistencies in these ‘stable’ narratives related to governance of the Islands. The young people, far from being passive diplomatic ‘delegates’ unquestioningly imbibing the information presented to them were, instead, highly aware of narrative tipping‐points, tensions and slippages in their engagements with government representatives and diplomats.
Gemtuzumab ozogamicin plus midostaurin in combination with standard ‘7 + 3’ induction therapy in newly diagnosed AML: Results from the SAL‐MODULE phase I study
Authors: Röllig Christoph , Schliemann Christoph , Ruhnke Leo , Fransecky Lars , Heydrich Björn‐Niklas , Hanoun Maher , Noppeney Richard , Schäfer‐Eckart Kerstin , Wendelin Knut , Mikesch Jan‐Henrik , Middeke Jan Moritz , Reimann Manja , Fiebig Frank , Zukunft Sven , Wermke Martin , Serve Hubert , Platzbecker Uwe , Müller‐Tidow Carsten , Baldus Claudia D. , Bornhäuser Martin
Published: April 2024

We conducted a phase I trial in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) to investigate the combination of two novel targeted agents, gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) and midostaurin, with intensive chemotherapy in FLT3‐mutated AML and CBF leukaemia. Three dose levels of midostaurin and one to three sequential doses of 3 mg/m2 GO in combination with ‘7 + 3’ induction were evaluated. Based on safety findings in 12 patients, our results show that 3 mg/m2 GO on Days 1 + 4 and 100 mg midostaurin on Days 8–21 can be safely combined with IC in newly diagnosed AML.
Unravelling the process of idea generation and assessment during the PhD trajectory: A case study approach
Authors: Gruber Marie , Crispeels Thomas
Published: April 2024

The three missions of universities are education, research, and knowledge/technology transfer. At the micro‐level of the research and knowledge/technology transfer mission, we position researchers, as individuals who decided to pursue a scientific career in academia, with the PhD as the starting point. While existing literature acknowledges the supervisor's significance during this process from dependency to autonomy, this paper advocates for a closer examination of external factors such as the network, supervisor's experience, and work environment in idea generation. Ideas in this context encompass both curiosity‐driven and entrepreneurial concepts, often evolving from one to the other. Our research builds upon the theory of opportunity identification, drawing parallels between ideas and opportunities. The research asserts that PhD students primarily rely on their networks for idea generation due to limited prior knowledge and experience. Our findings underscore the dynamic interplay between PhD students, supervisors, and networks in the process of idea generation, advancing a comprehensive framework encapsulating the multifaceted influences on the trajectory from idea generation to execution in the context of PhD education. The framework is based on empirical evidence from a qualitative case study comprising 16 PhD students in a European H2020 project in the field of Photonics, illuminating the intricate relationship between supervisors' orientations (entrepreneurial or curiosity‐driven) and the types of ideas generated by PhD students. Practical implications highlight the need for tailored support and resources to foster independent research capabilities among PhD students, considering individual variations in supervisory support and networking opportunities.
Experiences of people with Long Covid with a digital physiotherapy intervention: A qualitative study
Authors: Estebanez‐Pérez María‐José , Martín‐Valero Rocío , Pastora‐Estebanez Pablo , Pastora‐Bernal José‐Manuel
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Long Covid syndrome is a multiorgan condition with multiple sequelae affecting quality of life, capacity to work and daily activities. The advantages that new technologies can offer are presented as an opportunity in the current healthcare framework.

Objective

This research aimed to explore people with Long Covid's experiences with a digital physiotherapy practice intervention, during four weeks.

Methods

Qualitative semistructured interviews were conducted by video call. Thirty‐two Long Covid participants were invited to join an in‐depth interview once the intervention was completed. Participants were queried on their intervention experiences and perceptions, as well as any lifestyle changes made, as a result of receiving digital physiotherapy practice. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using inductive qualitative content analysis.

Results

In‐depth qualitative analysis has revealed four themes that reflect participants' perceptions of digital physiotherapy intervention. The helpfulness of the exercises, interaction with the physiotherapist, the domestic use of technology and the future of digital health practice were the topics highlighted by Long Covid participants. Some improvements have been suggested including video sounds and the need to introduce face‐to‐face sessions. Participants stated that interventions were helpful and superior to printed exercise sheets, mobile phone apps and usual care received. This intervention did not present major barriers, highlighting the importance of personalized care and continuity in the provision of health services.

Conclusion

The digital physiotherapy practice is perceived by people with Long Covid as an appropriate method for the care of their health needs. Participants stated the need for this type of intervention in the public health system, where it would eliminate waiting lists, facilitate accessibility and improve existing care.

Patient and Public Contribution

Participants contributed to the interpretation of the data acquired in the interview.

Clinical Trial Registration

Trial registration NCT04742946.
Home nursing and self‐administered outpatient parenteral antimicrobial treatment: a comparison of demographics and outcomes from a large regional hospital in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Brand Holly , Fryer Michael , Mehdi Ahmed M. , Melon Alex , Morcombe Bridie , Choong Keat , Subedi Shradha
Published: April 2024

Background

Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial treatment (OPAT) is a safe and effective therapy used in several settings across Australia. As OPAT services expand their inclusion criteria to include complex patient populations, there is an increased need for selecting appropriate patients to receive either healthcare‐administered OPAT (H‐OPAT) or self‐administered OPAT (S‐OPAT).

Aims

To describe patient demographics, diagnosis, microbiology and outcomes of patients treated by H‐OPAT and S‐OPAT within the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service, Australia.

Methods

Data on demographics, diagnoses, treatment and outcomes on all patients treated by H‐OPAT and S‐OPAT from March 2017 to December 2019 were collected retrospectively.

Results

One hundred and sixty‐five patients (62.26%) were enrolled in H‐OPAT and 100 patients (37.74%) in S‐OPAT. S‐OPAT patients were significantly younger. H‐OPAT patients were more comorbid. Bone and joint infections were the most treated infections and were more likely to be treated by S‐OPAT. There was no difference in treatment duration, cure and complication rates between S‐OPAT and H‐OPAT. Longer duration of therapy was associated with more complications. Treatment failure was associated with infections due to multiple organisms, number of comorbidities and treatment of surgical site, skin and soft tissue infections.

Conclusions

There were significant differences in demographics between H‐OPAT and S‐OPAT without any difference in outcomes. Overall failure and complication rates were low. Higher rates of treatment failure were predicted by the diagnosis, number of comorbidities and number of organisms treated.
Are we practising what we preach and are we all singing from the same hymn sheet? An exploration of teaching in paediatric caries management across UK dental schools
Authors: Campbell Faith , Goldsmith Rachel , Rogers Helen
Published: April 2024

Background

The evidence underpinning caries management for children has progressed dramatically over the past 20 years. Anecdotally, this is not reflected in the teaching provided to undergraduate dental students, with the ongoing teaching of outdated methods within some dental schools.

Aim

To capture the current undergraduate teaching provision and clinical treatment experience requirement relative to caries management in paediatric dentistry in UK dental schools.

Design

Cross‐sectional analysis of current teaching methods on paediatric caries management was obtained using a piloted online data collection form. Question content included current caries teaching methods, assessment of student exposure and competence. The results were analysed descriptively.

Results

Of the 16 UK dental schools, 14 participated. Discrepancy in teaching content was apparent. Many schools (n = 9) taught biological caries management through therapeutic fissure sealants, yet this was not reflected in assessment and clinical requirements. Some schools (n = 4) taught amalgam placement in children, and most (n = 12) operatively taught treatments that would no longer be routinely provided in general dental practice in the UK, including primary tooth pulpotomy.

Conclusion

There is substantial variation in the paediatric caries management techniques that are taught across UK dental schools, demonstrating a need for a national consensus to address these disparities.
Race matters more than racial identity disclosure when evaluating applicant diversity statements
Authors: Nguyen Fiona , Carroll Ellen M. , Atkinson Ciara , Walker Tammi D. , Croft Alyssa
Published: April 2024

The present research investigated whether a target applicant's race and disclosure of their race in a personal diversity statement influenced White evaluators' perceptions of the applicant's egalitarian motivations and their likelihood of contributing to organizational diversity and inclusion outcomes. In Study 1 (N = 206), participants evaluated a diversity statement that was ostensibly written by a White or Black applicant who either referenced or did not reference his race within the statement. Participants judged Black applicants as more internally motivated to be egalitarian and White applicants as more externally motivated, regardless of whether they disclosed their race in the statement. Participants also judged Black applicants as more likely to contribute to diversity and inclusion outcomes than White applicants. Study 2 (N = 257) aimed to replicate Study 1 and tested a strengthened race disclosure condition. We again saw little evidence of race disclosure impacting evaluations of applicants: Black applicants were judged as more internally motivated, less externally motivated, and more likely to contribute to diversity and inclusion compared to White applicants. Study 3 (N = 297) aimed to further replicate and expand on these results by testing a disclosure manipulation wherein the applicant discussed the personal importance/centrality of his race. Once again, applicant race (and not disclosure) demonstrated consistent effects on applicant evaluations. Our results highlight flaws in the personal diversity statement evaluation process, such that factors beyond statement content (i.e., applicant race) influenced perceptions and outcomes of the applicants. Practical implications and solutions for applicant evaluation processes are discussed.
Examining the efficacies of instructor‐designed instructional videos in flipped classrooms on student engagement and learning outcomes: An empirical study
Authors: Shen Yan
Published: April 2024

Background

Instructional videos constitute a pivotal component in flipped learning. Despite their significance, there is a dearth of research specifically dedicated to instructional videos within the context of flipped classrooms. This paucity has led to an empirical void in verifying the efficacy of instructional videos in flipped learning environments.

Objectives

The present study endeavours to contribute to the extant literature on flipped pedagogical practices by providing empirical evidence regarding the effectiveness of instructional videos in flipped learning environments.

Methods

This study employs a convergent mixed‐methods design. Forty‐five instructional videos in three subtypes were administered in two classes over a 15‐week semester. Data, both quantitative (log data from the learning management system) and qualitative (from focus group discussions at two time points), were concurrently collected from a flipped class (n = 25) and a blended class (n = 28) with the aim of gauging student engagement and learning outcomes in the flipped class and understanding video‐viewing features typical of the flipped class.

Results

Both datasets corroborated that participants in the flipped class outperformed their counterparts in the blended class in terms of video‐watching, peer interaction, knowledge retention, and transfer skills.

Conclusions

The instructional videos within the flipped classroom setting serve to enhance student engagement in the learning process and improve learning outcomes. The efficacy of these instructional videos in flipped learning can be further augmented through strategic approaches in both their design and implementation.