bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of some macroeconomics variables on estimated tax evasion: evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Ya'u Abba , Umar Mohammed Abdullahi , Yunusa Nasiru , Rengasamy Dhanuskodi
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Most research on tax evasion focused on microeconomic variables revolving around perceptions and decisions of individual taxpayers. However, a new wave of research is now investigating the role of macroeconomic variables in inducing tax evasion. This study adds to the limited studies in this new direction of research. Previous studies found that inflation, low gross domestic product (GDP) growth and gross fixed capital formation causes recession, increases unemployment, raise interest rates, hurts both domestic and foreign direct investments. This study examined the relationship between these variables and estimated tax evasion in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a correlation research design with 2,300 data points collected from 23 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Specifically, tax to GDP ratio, gross fixed capital formation per GDP and the GDP annual growth report from each country for the period 2011–2020 was retrieved. Generalised least square regression technique was employed to analyse the data due to the presence of heteroskedasticity in the model and random effect was utilized based on the Hausman test. To avoid misspecification and biased result; therefore, all relevant test was conducted including the multicollinearity test.

Findings

The results indicate that GDP annual growth and gross fixed capital formation have a significant negative impact on estimated tax evasion in Sub-Saharan Africa. The findings further indicate a negative but insignificant relationship between inflation and estimated tax evasion in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study concludes that both GDP annual growth rate and gross fixed capital formation negatively influence estimated tax evasion and the policy implications in the African continent were discussed.

Originality/value

The new findings on the effects of GDP annual growth, growth fixed capital formation and inflation on estimated tax evasion provide novel knowledge that is currently lacking in the current literature, specifically Sub-Saharan African continent.
Disentangling the relationship between institutional influence, transformational leadership and performance in higher educational institutions in India: a three-way interaction model
Authors: Victor Leema Rose , Siluvaimuthu Mariadoss , George Hesil Jerda , Parayitam Satyanarayana
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The present study aims to investigate the relationship between institutional influence and performance, mediated through transformational leadership (TL) and moderated by barriers, situational factors, communication and implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a structured survey instrument, data were collected from 370 faculty members from 31 higher educational institutions in southern India. After checking the psychometric properties of the instrument, the authors used Hayes’s PROCESS to test the direct hypotheses and three-way interactions.

Findings

The results revealed that TL mediated the relationship between institutional influence and performance. Further, the findings supported the three-way interactions between (1) institutional influence, barriers and communication positively affecting TL; and (2) TL, situational factors and implementation affecting the performance of faculty members.

Research limitations/implications

This study underscores the importance of TL for the smooth functioning of higher educational institutions and achieving superior performance, especially in the new normal context after the global pandemic.

Practical implications

This study makes several significant recommendations to administrators in higher educational institutions, in addition to contributing to the vast literature on TL. The study suggests that administrators must invest resources in developing TL skills so that employees reach their fullest potential and contribute to achieving organizational goals. In addition, leaders in organizations need to exercise a transformational style to combat the new normal post-pandemic academic environment.

Originality/value

This study provides new insights into the importance of TL style and institutional influence to enhance performance. To the best of our knowledge, the conceptual model developed and tested the first of its kind in India, significantly contributing to theory and practice.
The different impact of utilitarian and hedonic attributes on web-based retail shopping behaviour through the lens of extended technology acceptance model
Authors: Taufique Khan Md. Raziuddin , Sabbir Md. Mahiuddin , Quinton Sarah , Andaleeb Syed Saad
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Acknowledging previous scholarly focus on functional attributes in understanding technology acceptance behaviour, the current study aims to offer a novel perspective by integrating eight different dimensions of utilitarian and hedonic attributes to examine their influence in delivering a holistic web-based retail shopping experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model was tested and validated through data collected from 370 online shoppers across both hedonic and utilitarian product ranges. Hypotheses were tested using covariance-based structural equation modelling with multi-group analysis to examine the moderation effect.

Findings

The findings strongly support the model confirming eight new utilitarian and hedonic dimensions that influence web-based retail shopping behaviour. The findings also confirm that hedonic attributes remain important even for utilitarian product purchasing.

Practical implications

The key managerial implication is the demonstrated need to balance utilitarian and hedonic attributes in web-based retail platforms, where previously, there has been an overemphasis on functional features. Web-based retailers should consider the optimal blend of utilitarian (e.g. information quality) and hedonic (e.g. aesthetic) attributes in the design of a retail shopping site, irrespective of the product category.

Originality/value

This study integrates multiple dimensions of utilitarian and hedonic attributes into a single model and highlights the interplay of these attributes, thus extending the technology acceptance model. This paper also advances scholarship through its identification of attribute impact across different product categories.
Trends and population attributable risk estimates for individual and community-level factors of neonatal mortality in Pakistan (1990–2018)
Authors: Kamal Asifa , Naz Lubna , Shakeel Abeera
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Pakistan ranks third globally in terms of newborn deaths occuring within the first 24 hours of life. With a neonatal mortality rate of 42.0%, it carries the highest burden compared to neighboring countries such as Bangladesh (17%), India (22.7%) and Afghanistan (37%). While there has been a decline in neonatal mortality rates in Pakistan, the pace of this decline is slower than that of other countries in the region. Hence, it is crucial to conduct a comprehensive examination of the risk factors contributing to neonatal mortality in Pakistan over an extended period. This study aims to analyze the trends and determinants of neonatal mortality in Pakistan over three decades, providing valuable insights into this persistent issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The study focused on neonatal mortality as the response variable, which is defined as the death of a live-born child within 28 days of birth. Neonates who passed away during this period were categorized as “cases,” while those who survived beyond a specific timeframe were referred to as “noncases.” To conduct a pooled analysis of neonatal mortality, birth records of 39,976 children born in the five years preceding the survey were extracted from four waves (1990–2018) of the Pakistan Demographic and Household Survey. The relationship between risk factors and the response variable was examined using the Cox Proportional Hazard Model. Neonatal mortality rates were calculated through the direct method using the “syncmrates” package in Stata 15.

Findings

During the extended period in Pakistan, several critical protective factors against neonatal mortality were identified, including a large family size, improved toilet facilities, middle-aged and educated mothers, female children, singleton live births, large size at birth and longer birth intervals. These factors were found to reduce the risk of neonatal mortality significantly.

Originality/value

This study makes the first attempt to analyze the trends and patterns of potential risk factors associated with neonatal mortality in Pakistan. By examining a large dataset spanning several years, the study provides valuable insights into the factors influencing neonatal mortality.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-09-2022-0604
How CEO transformational leadership affects business model innovation: a serial moderated mediation model
Authors: Yao Nan , Guo Tao , Zhang Lei
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to reveal how chief executive officer (CEO) transformational leadership affects business model innovation (BMI) by exploring the serial mediating role of top management team (TMT) collective energy and behavioral integration and the moderating role of TMT-CEO value congruence.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample of 520 TMT members from 127 enterprises in North China was collected through a two-wave questionnaire survey. Hierarchical regression and bootstrapping were used to test the hypothetical relationships proposed in this study.

Findings

The results indicate that TMT collective energy and behavioral integration play a serial mediation role between CEO transformational leadership and BMI. TMT-CEO value congruence positively moderates the relationship between CEO transformational leadership and TMT collective energy as well as the serial mediation effect.

Practical implications

The results suggest that CEOs can stimulate TMT collective energy by demonstrating transformational leadership behaviors, thereby promoting TMT behavioral integration and ultimately achieving BMI. In addition, to enhance the effectiveness of CEO transformational leadership, enterprises should take measures to ensure that TMT members hold values that are consistent with those of CEOs.

Originality/value

Based on social cognitive theory, the mediating mechanism and boundary conditions of CEO transformational leadership that affect BMI are revealed by this study, thus opening the “black box” of the relationship between the two. It also supplements research on the role of TMT among the antecedents of BMI.
Using data as poetry and text in case study research – poetic representations of adult learner experiences in neighbourhood houses
Authors: Ollis Tracey , Harrison Ursula , Ryan Cheryl
Published: March 2024

Purpose

We argue this method of inquiry better represents the participants' learning, lives and experiences in the formal neoliberal education system prioritising performativity, categorising and ranking students.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores using poetry as a research method to reveal the learning experiences of adult learners, who have often had disruptive experiences of the formal schooling system and return to study in community-based education spaces. Inspired by Laurel Richardson’s transgressive technique of presenting sociological data through poetry as method, we use poetic representations of these learners' lives alongside case study research methodology. The research was conducted in conjunction with Neighbourhood Houses in Victoria, Australia. Qualitative data were generated through conducting multiple case studies of learners across various adult community education (ACE) sites. In this research, some case studies were presented in the traditional method of writing biography, others were written in the form of found poetry, which we refer to as data as poetry and text. The paper uses found poetry through participant-voiced poems written from interview transcripts. We argue this method of inquiry better represents the participants' learning, lives and experiences in the formal neoliberal education system prioritising performativity, categorising and ranking students. Our findings highlight the benefits of using poetry to communicate data in case study research as it effectively represents the experiences of adult learners' lives in a creative and concise form, transgressing normative practices of writing education research. These poetic representations of data reveal learner experiences in an embodied and agentic way while providing readers with a deep and rich understanding of these crucial adult learning spaces.

Findings

Our findings highlight the benefits of using poetry to communicate data in case study research as it effectively represents the experiences of adult learners' lives in a creative and concise form, transgressing normative practices of writing education research.

Originality/value

This research paper is empirical research and has not been submitted elsewhere for publication.
Prognostic factors of chronic postsurgical pain following gastrointestinal surgery: A systematic review protocol
Authors: Stryhn Josephine , Rosendahl Amalie , Juhl Carsten B. , Thomsen Thordis , Brandstrup Birgitte , Møller Ann M.
Published: March 2024

Background

Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) presents a considerable healthcare challenge, impacting patients, and healthcare providers, particularly in the context of gastrointestinal surgery. The notable incidence of CPSP in this specific surgical domain emphasizes the need to identify patients with a high risk of developing this condition. Despite various studies exploring this topic, a comprehensive systematic review focusing on prognostic factors of CPSP following gastrointestinal surgery is currently lacking. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review is, through systematically examination of existing literature, to assess both established and potentially novel prognostic factors, associated with CPSP following gastrointestinal surgery.

Methods

Adhering to the Cochrane Handbook and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta‐Analysis Protocols (PRISMA‐P) checklist, we will use pre‐established criteria based on Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome, Timing, and Setting (PICOT‐S), to determine eligibility for inclusion. Essentially, this entails studies reporting on prognostic factors of CPSP following gastrointestinal surgery. Relevant studies will be identified through systematic searches in medical databases, examination of reference lists from included studies, and screening of Clinicaltrials.gov. No restrictions will be imposed regarding language, publication time or source, and both randomized trials and observational studies will be included. Data extraction will follow the Checklist for Critical Appraisal and Data Extraction for Systematic Reviews of prognostic factor studies (CHARMS‐PF) and for quality assessment, we will use the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool.

Results

The aim for the systematic review is to identify and assess the prognostic value of potential factors for the development of CPSP following gastrointestinal surgery.

Conclusion

By creating a comprehensive overview of important prognostic factors for the development of CPSP following gastrointestinal surgery, the findings of this systematic review have the potential to guide future research and to enhance patient information resources.
Evaluation of the anticarcinogenic effects of Rutin on brain tissue in mice with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma by micro‐computed tomography and histological methods
Authors: Ocak Mert , Ateş Şükrü , Kahveci Selda , Okan Aslı , Doğanyiğit Züleyha , Uçar Sümeyye , Yılmaz Seher
Published: March 2024

Background

Studies for new treatment strategies on cancer continue, and new searches continue in the diagnosis and evaluation of cancer. This study examined the possible anticarcinogenic effect of Rutin on the brain tissues of male mice with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC).

Material and methods

We used micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) and histologically Hematoxylin&Eosin (H&E) staining methods for evaluation.

Results

In the evaluation results, we saw a significant decrease in the brain volume of the tumor group to the control group. The difference in volume between the Rutin treatment group and the control group was not significant. In the brain tissues of the tumor group, numerous degenerated neurons characterized by pericellular/perivascular space expansion, cell swelling, or expansion were detected in the cortex and hippocampus regions. We showed a reduction in the damage rate in the Rutin treated group.

Conclusion

As a result, Rutin was found to have an anticarcinogenic effect. In addition to the classical histological evaluation, we used a newer method, micro‐CT, in our study. We believe that this study has important results both in terms of its originality and adding new information to the literature.
‘No zone’ approach in the management of penetrating neck injuries – an Australian Tertiary Trauma Centre experience
Authors: Chandrananth Meera L. , Lee Jordan D. , Read David , Shakerian Rose
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Penetrating neck injuries (PNIs), defined as deep to the platysma, can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Management has evolved from a zone‐based approach to a ‘no zone’ algorithm, resulting in reduced non‐therapeutic neck exploration rates. The aim of this study was to examine PNIs and its management trends in an Australian tertiary trauma centre, to determine if a ‘no zone’ approach could be safely implemented in this population, as has been demonstrated internationally.

Methodology

This was a retrospective observational study at a level 1 adult Australian tertiary trauma centre using prospectively collated data from January 2008 to December 2018. Observed data included age, gender, mechanism of injury, computed tomography angiography (CT‐A) use and operative intervention. Patients were examined based on zone of injury and presenting signs – ‘hard’, ‘soft’ or ‘asymptomatic’. Major outcomes were CT‐A usage, positive CT‐A correlation with therapeutic neck explorations and negative neck exploration rates.

Results

This study identified 238 PNI patients, with 204 selected for review. Most injuries occurred in zone 2 (71.6%), with soft signs accounting for 53.4% of cases. Over 10 years, CT‐A utilization increased from 55% to 94.1%, with positive CT‐As being more likely to yield therapeutic neck explorations. There was a general decreased trend in operative intervention but without a clear reduction in non‐therapeutic neck explorations.

Conclusion

Our data suggests similarities with results from around the world, demonstrating that the ‘no zone’ approach should be considered when managing PNIs, but with clinician discretion in individual cases.
Letter: Impact of antiviral treatment on renal function in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Wang Jian , Fan Tao , Zhang Shaoqiu , Wu Chao , Huang Rui
Published: March 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Hong et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17819 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17937
The impact of compulsory primary education law on the educational attainment of children: Evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Dang Binh Thi Thanh , Hoang Trung Xuan
Published: March 2024

This study examines the short‐term impact of the compulsory primary education law (CPEL) on the educational attainment of children in Vietnam. This study uses the 1999 Vietnam Population and Housing Census and survival analysis to account for the right‐censoring problem in the educational outcomes of children. The study found that CPEL reduces the dropout rate of children by 12%. However, the effect is minor, especially when compared with the impact of family income and parents' education. This finding is similar to those of other studies, suggesting that in addition to CPEL, other family income support and parent‐oriented policies are crucial to improving children's educational attainment.
Factors related to post‐thoracotomy pain following robotic‐assisted thoracic surgery
Authors: Tokuishi Keita , Wakahara Jun‐ichi , Ueda Yuichiro , Miyahara So , Nakashima Hiroyasu , Masuda Yoshiko , Waseda Ryuichi , Shiraishi Takeshi , Sato Toshihiko
Published: March 2024

Background

Robotic‐assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) is a minimally invasive procedure; however, some patients experience persistent postoperative pain. This study aimed to investigate factors related to postoperative pain following RATS.

Methods

The data of 145 patients with lung cancer, who underwent RATS with a four‐port (one in the sixth intercostal space [ICS] and three in the eighth ICS) lobectomy or segmentectomy between May 2019 and December 2022, were retrospectively analyzed. Factors associated with analgesic use for at least 2 months following postoperative pain (PTP group) were analyzed.

Results

Patients who underwent preoperative pain control for any condition or chest wall resection were excluded. Among the 138 patients, 45 (32.6%) received analgesics for at least 2 months after surgery. Patient height and transverse length of the thorax correlated with PTP in the univariate analysis (non‐PTP vs. PTP; height, 166 vs. 160 cm; p < .001; transverse length of the thorax, 270 vs. 260 mm, p = .016). In the multivariate analysis, height was correlated with PTP (p = .009; odds ratio, 0.907; 95% confidence interval, 0.843–0.976). Height correlated with the transverse length of the thorax (r = .407), anteroposterior length of the thorax (r = .294), and width of the eighth ICS in the middle axillary line (r = .210) using Pearson's correlation coefficients. When utilizing a 165‐cm cutoff value for height to predict PTP using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the area under the curve was 0.69 (95% confidence interval, 0.601–0.779).

Conclusion

Short stature is associated with a high risk of postoperative pain following RATS.
A paradigm shift?—On the ethics of medical large language models
Authors: Grote Thomas , Berens Philipp
Published: March 2024

After a wave of breakthroughs in image‐based medical diagnostics and risk prediction models, machine learning (ML) has turned into a normal science. However, prominent researchers are claiming that another paradigm shift in medical ML is imminent—due to most recent staggering successes of large language models—from single‐purpose applications toward generalist models, driven by natural language. This article investigates the implications of this paradigm shift for the ethical debate. Focusing on issues like trust, transparency, threats of patient autonomy, responsibility issues in the collaboration of clinicians and ML models, fairness, and privacy, it will be argued that the main problems will be continuous with the current debate. However, due to functioning of large language models, the complexity of all these problems increases. In addition, the article discusses some profound challenges for the clinical evaluation of large language models and threats to the reproducibility and replicability of studies about large language models in medicine due to corporate interests.
Ownership‐attributing intuitions are cross‐culturally shared
Authors: Białek Michał , Stefanczyk Michal Mikolaj , Kowal Marta , Sorokowski Piotr
Published: March 2024

This study tested intuitions about ownership in children of Dani people, an indigenous Papuan society (N = 79, Mage = 7, 49.4% females). The results show that similar to studies with children from Western societies, children infer ownership from (1) control of permission, (2) ownership of the territory the object is located in, and (3) manmade versus natural origins of the object. By contrast, they did not (4) infer ownership from the first observed possession of an object. Additionally, Papuan children showed (5) an absolute first possession heuristic, whereby they assigned ownership to a person who achieved a goal, in contrast to a person who was first to pursue this goal but failed to be the first to claim it.
Cholestyramine alleviates bone and muscle loss in irritable bowel syndrome via regulating bile acid metabolism
Authors: Chen Ming , Wei Wei , Li Yi , Ge Siliang , Shen Junmin , Guo Jiayu , Zhang Yu , Huang Xiang , Sun Xinyu , Cheng Dongliang , Zheng Huayong , Chang Feifan , Chen Junyu , Liu Jiang , Zhang Qinxiang , Zhou Tianjunke , Yu Kang , Tang Peifu
Published: March 2024

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a widespread gastrointestinal disorder known for its multifaceted pathogenesis and varied extraintestinal manifestations, yet its implications for bone and muscle health are underexplored. Recent studies suggest a link between IBS and musculoskeletal disorders, but a comprehensive understanding remains elusive, especially concerning the role of bile acids (BAs) in this context. This study aimed to elucidate the potential contribution of IBS to bone and muscle deterioration via alterations in gut microbiota and BA profiles, hypothesizing that cholestyramine could counteract these adverse effects. We employed a mouse model to characterize IBS and analysed its impact on bone and muscle health. Our results revealed that IBS promotes bone and muscle loss, accompanied by microbial dysbiosis and elevated BAs. Administering cholestyramine significantly mitigated these effects, highlighting its therapeutic potential. This research not only confirms the critical role of BAs and gut microbiota in IBS‐associated bone and muscle loss but also demonstrates the efficacy of cholestyramine in ameliorating these conditions, thereby contributing significantly to the field's understanding and offering a promising avenue for treatment.
Ecosystem functions of ants and dung beetles in agriculture‐dominated Amazonian riparian forests
Authors: Ribeiro Vanessa Soares , Schoereder José Henrique , Sobrinho Tathiana Guerra , Brando Paulo Monteiro , Maracahipes‐Santos Leonardo , Macedo Marcia Nunes , Paolucci Lucas Navarro
Published: March 2024

Land‐use changes and habitat fragmentation can alter biodiversity and associated ecosystem functions.

We investigated whether cropland expansion in south‐east Amazonia decreases ecosystem functions performed by ants and dung beetles by altering their communities.

We sampled both groups in two forest types, in south‐eastern Amazonia: undisturbed riparian forests and riparian forests surrounded by croplands. We sampled ants and dung beetles with epigaeic pitfall traps, and experimentally assessed seed removal and predation by ants, and faeces and seed removal by dung beetles.

Although ant and dung beetle abundance and richness did not differ across riparian forests, species composition of both groups did. Ants found seeds faster in undisturbed riparian forests, but the proportion of seed removal did not differ between forests. The abundance of predatory ants and the predation of termites by ants did not differ between forests.

Seed and dung removal by dung beetles did not differ across riparian forests. Despite the observed differences in dung beetle composition, we did not find the effects on ecosystem functions probably due a functional redundancy of species.

The quality of ecosystem functions provided by ants is lower in riparian forests surrounded by croplands, while changes in dung beetle diversity did not impact their ecosystem functions, with potential effects on the natural recovery of these disturbed riparian forests.
Do firms led by founders take higher risk?
Authors: Lawrence Edward , Nishikawa Yuka , Upadhyay Arun
Published: March 2024

This study examines whether firms led by founder‐CEOs are significantly different from firms led by nonfounder‐CEOs in terms of the nature of their risk. Our results show that founder‐led firms are associated with higher operational but lower financial risk. We find that the differential nature of risk‐taking in founder‐CEO firms is driven by CEO's influence, their propensity of removal, and the probability of bankruptcy of the firm. While CEO‐chair duality and the sensitivity of founder‐CEO firm's probable bankruptcy play significant roles in determining the level of financial risk, the sensitivity of founder‐CEOs to forced turnover leads to higher operational risk.
Impact of Ramadan fasting on vision and headache‐related quality of life in women with idiopathic intracranial hypertension: A prospective observational study
Authors: Hussein Mona , Abdelghaffar Mohamed , Ali Mona , Yassein Abdelhady M. , Khalil Doaa M. , Magdy Rehab
Published: March 2024

Background

Ramadan fasting is an obligatory religious practice for Muslims. However, research data on the effect of Ramadan on idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) symptoms are lacking. This study aimed to study the effect of Ramadan fasting on the severity of headache and visual symptoms and related quality‐of‐life activities.

Methods

This prospective cohort study targeted females diagnosed with IIH (n = 102) who were eligible to fast for Ramadan in 2023. The patients were recruited from the Neurology Clinic in Beni‐Suef University Hospital, Egypt. Body mass index (BMI), monthly headache days and intensity of headache attacks, six‐item Headache Impact Test (HIT‐6), and the 25‐item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI‐VFQ‐25) scores during Ramadan were compared to those during the (non‐fasting) month of Shaaban, the preceding month to Ramadan.

Results

There was a significant increase in the BMI of patients with IIH in Ramadan compared to the (non‐fasting) month of Shaaban, at a median (interquartile range [IQR]) of 30.5 (26.6–35.8) kg/m2 and 30.1 (26.6–35.2) kg/m2, respectively (p = 0.002). The median (IQR) value of monthly headache days was significantly increased during Ramadan in comparison to the (non‐fasting) month of Shaaban, at 20 (11.5–30) vs. 15 (10–25) (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant worsening in the visual analog scale (VAS) scores (median [IQR] 7 [5–8] vs. 6.5 [5–8]), HIT‐6 scores (median [IQR] 61 [58–67] vs. 59 [53–61.5]), and NEI‐VFQ‐25 total scores (median [IQR] 1312.5 [1238.8–1435] vs 1290 [1165–1417.5]) during Ramadan in comparison to the (non‐fasting) month of Shaaban (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). The change in BMI in Ramadan was positively correlated with the change in monthly headache days (r = 0.24, p = 0.014), VAS (r = 0.20, p = 0.043), HIT‐6 (r = 0.25, p = 0.010) and NEI‐VFQ‐25 scores (r = 0.24, p = 0.016).

Conclusion

Ramadan fasting had an aggravating effect on headache, visual symptoms, and related quality‐of‐life activities, which might be attributed to weight gain during this month. Whether proper nutritional management to prevent weight gain during Ramadan may help mitigate this worsening effect is a mission of future studies.
Epidemiology of Fontan‐associated liver disease in Japan: Results from a nationwide survey in 2021
Authors: Ohfuji Satoko , Tanaka Atsushi , Kogiso Tomomi , Kanto Tatsuya
Published: March 2024

Aim

Although the Fontan procedure has improved the survival of patients with single‐ventricle heart disease, the long‐term consequences of the procedure have been a concern. This study aimed to explore the patients' postoperative clinical characteristics, including a diagnosis of Fontan‐associated liver disease (FALD).

Methods

A nationwide Japanese epidemiological survey of post‐Fontan patients was undertaken in 2021. The survey targets were selected from all departments of pediatrics, pediatric surgery, cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, and gastroenterology using stratified random sampling by the number of beds. Each department was asked to complete a mail‐back questionnaire on the numbers of patients and their clinical characteristics. The diagnosis of FALD was made by each attending physician.

Results

The estimated number of post‐Fontan patients was 7810 (95% confidence interval, 5430−10 200) in 2020, with a period prevalence of 61.9 per million. During the follow‐up of 13.8 years after the Fontan procedure, 40% of patients were diagnosed with FALD. An elevated γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase level was the most common finding leading to the FALD diagnosis (41%), and 45% of the patients also showed liver fibrosis. Compared with non‐FALD patients, FALD patients were older, had longer duration since the Fontan procedure, and had more severe cardiac or liver conditions. However, more than half of the non‐FALD patients had elevated liver enzyme levels, suggesting underestimation of the number of FALD patients.

Conclusions

In 2020, approximately 40% of post‐Fontan patients underwent follow‐up with a diagnosis of FALD, although the lack of established diagnostic criteria for FALD could affect the reported prevalence of FALD.
Mapping health promotion practices across key sectors and its intersectoral approach at the local level: Study protocol
Authors: Pumar‐Méndez María J. , Lopez‐Dicastillo Olga , Hernantes Naia , Antón‐Solanas Isabel , Zabaleta‐Del‐Olmo Edurne , Rodríguez‐Roca Beatriz , Subirón‐Valera Ana B. , Juvinyà‐Canal Dolors , Mujika Agurtzane
Published: March 2024

Aims

This study outlines a protocol aimed at identifying and mapping health promotion practices in need of development from the perspectives of key sectors responsible for it at the local level and from an intersectoral perspective across four Spanish regions.

Design

A complementary multi‐method study combining survey methods and qualitative interviews will be adopted.

Methods

Purposive snowball sampling will be employed to select potentially rich informants from city councils, primary care centres, primary and secondary schools, and public health and civil society organizations in 12 municipalities sensitive to local health. Data on the degree of execution of health promotion activities, the level of intersectorality in their implementation, and their origins will be collected using PromoACTIVA questionnaires, an intersectoral typology model and an interview protocol. A parallel mixed analysis encompassing descriptive statistics and a ‘framework analysis’ will be performed.

Discussion

This study is expected to yield thorough and reliable insights into health promotion practices and omissions at the local level by focusing on key stakeholders, both individually and collaboratively. This information can enhance health promotion planning and improve its effectiveness, efficiency and contextual relevance. The development and testing of a methodology for the integration and interpretation of these data will ensure sustainable capacity building.

Impact

Managers and practitioners interested in health promotion planning in the researched settings can benefit from a comprehensive map of the current state of their practices and insights into the starting points of collaboration. In addition, planners from other local settings will gain access to tools and methodologies to replicate and expand these maps to their own contexts.

Stakeholder Engagement

Engaging key stakeholders with experience working in or with primary care centres, public health organizations, primary and secondary schools, civil society organizations, and city councils was vital to ensure the study's relevance and feasibility.
Does home blood pressure monitoring improve blood pressure‐related outcomes in people living with chronic kidney disease? A systematic review
Authors: Carey Nathan P. , Curtis Ffion , Eisenbeisz McKenna L. , Akbari Sadaf , Sambharia Meenakshi , Jalal Diana I. , Wilkinson Thomas J.
Published: March 2024

High blood pressure is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease and disease progression in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Evidence on the effects of home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) is limited. This review aimed to determine the effect of HBPM on systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in patients with CKD. We searched medical literature databases for eligible studies presenting pre‐ and post‐data for interventions utilizing HBPM. Study quality was assessed using the NHLBI tools for quality assessment. Heterogeneity prohibited a meta‐analysis so estimates of effects were calculated along a sign test to examine the probability of observing the given pattern of positive effect direction. Eighteen studies were included (n = 1187 participants, mean age 56.7 [± 7.7] years). In 15 studies, HBPM was conducted within the context of additional high‐level tailored support. Overall, the quality of n = 7/18 studies was rated as “good”; n = 6/18 were “fair,” and n = 5/18 were rated as “poor.” Interventions utilizing HBPM had a significant effect on SBP, with 14/16 studies favoring the intervention (88% [95% CI: 62%–98%], P = .002). Favorable effects were also seen on DBP (73% [95% CI: 45%–92%], P = .059). HBPM had a favorable effect on blood pressure goal attainment (86% [95% CI: 42%–100%], P = .062). HBPM in patients with CKD as part of a multicomponent intervention may lead to clinically significant reductions in blood pressure; however, research is needed to support the validity of this claim due to the high heterogeneity across the studies included.
Blood pressure difference between pre and post‐menopausal women and age‐matched men: A cross‐sectional study at a tertiary center
Authors: Alhawari Hussein , Alzoubi Osama , Alshelleh Sameeha , Alfaris Leen , Abdulelah Mohammad , AlRyalat Saif Aldeen , Altarawneh Saleh , Alzoubi Mohammad
Published: March 2024

Hypertension is a prominent risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Gender differences and menopausal status contribute to blood pressure changes across the lifespan which have not been completely characterized. Our study aims to explore the impact of multiple factors on blood pressure levels in previously healthy women and men. Factors of interest included gender, menopausal status, age, and body mass index. Healthy women and men were recruited through healthcare facility announcements. Detailed menopausal history was obtained from females. The authors measured each participant's systolic and diastolic blood pressure at our outpatient clinics twice on the same day, and two different days, one week apart, and the authors included the mean of the averaged two readings for each participant. The study sample consisted of 313 participants. Female gender was a significant predictor of lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p < .001), while age significantly correlated with higher systolic blood pressure readings (p = .004). Although systolic blood pressure levels were significantly higher in postmenopausal females (124 mmHg) compared to premenopausal females (116 mmHg), our multiple linear regression analysis revealed that postmenopausal status did not significantly predict changes in either systolic or diastolic blood pressure. Our study demonstrates significant associations between blood pressure levels and various factors such as gender and age. This could emphasize the intricate interplay of demographic and clinical factors in blood pressure variations among individuals, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to diagnosing hypertension, which considers various individual factors, including gender and age.
Bayesian evaluation of sensitivity and specificity of blood culture media and hypoglycemia in sepsis‐suspected calves
Authors: Pas Mathilde Laetitia , Boyen Filip , Castelain Donatienne , Chantillon Laurens , Paepe Dominique , Pille Frederik , Pardon Bart , Bokma Jade
Published: March 2024

Background

Sepsis is a life‐threatening condition for which critically important antimicrobials are often indicated. The value of blood culture for sepsis is indisputable, but appropriate guidelines on sampling and interpretation are currently lacking in cattle.

Objective

Compare the diagnostic accuracy of 2 blood culture media (pediatric plus [PP] and plus aerobic [PA]) and hypoglycemia for bacteremia detection. Estimate the contamination risk of blood cultures in critically ill calves.

Animals

One hundred twenty‐six critically ill calves, 0 to 114 days.

Methods

Retrospective cross‐sectional study in which the performance of PP, PA and hypoglycemia to diagnose sepsis was assessed using a Bayesian latent class model. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to compare time to positivity (TTP). Potential contamination was descriptively analyzed. Isolates were considered relevant when they were; member of the Enterobacterales, isolated from both blood cultures vials, or well‐known, significant bovine pathogens.

Results

The sensitivities for PP, PA, and hypoglycemia were higher when excluding assumed contaminants; 68.7% (95% credibility interval = 30.5%‐93.7%), 87.5% (47.0%‐99.5%), and 61.3% (49.7%‐72.4%), respectively. Specificity was estimated at 95.1% (82.2%‐99.7%), 94.2% (80.7%‐99.7%), and 72.4% (64.6%‐79.6%), respectively. Out of 121 interpretable samples, 14.9% grew a presumed contaminant in PA, PP, or both. There was no significant difference in the TTP between PA and PP.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

PA and PP appear to outperform hypoglycemia as diagnostic tests for sepsis. PA seems most sensitive, but a larger sample size is required to verify this. Accuracy increased greatly after excluding assumed contaminants. The type of culture did not influence TTP or the contamination rate.
Do sexes differ in consistent individual differences and behavioural syndrome in an aposematic poison frog?
Authors: Cossio R. , Ibáñez R. , Rodríguez A. , Pröhl H.
Published: March 2024

There is a burgeoning interest in studying consistent individual differences in animal behaviour. Most studies consider mainly males, but sexes are subject to distinct selection pressures that may drive differences in life history and therefore lead to differences in a variety of behaviours. Here, we used Oophaga pumilio, a poison frog with sex differences in life‐history strategies (e.g., sex bias in space use and parental care), to explore whether sexes differ or share personality characteristics like behavioural consistency and behavioural syndromes. Based on the natural history of this species, we predicted sex differences in behavioural consistency in exploration but not in boldness, and a correlation between these behavioural traits. We found no sex differences in behavioural consistency in boldness and exploration, although, we observed a tendency of higher consistency in males than females in boldness. When pooling all individuals, we found a higher consistency in boldness than exploration, suggesting the presence of a bold personality in general. We observed a positive between‐individual correlation of boldness and exploration in both sexes indicating the presence of a behavioural syndrome. Our data suggest that selective mechanisms shaping individual behaviour act equally on both sexes in this poison frog.
Identity fusion and support for political authoritarianism: Lessons from the U.S. insurrection of 2021
Authors: Martel Francois Alexi , Moniz Philip , Ashokkumar Ashwini , Swann William B.
Published: March 2024

The recent surge in political authoritarianism has triggered interest in the factors that regulate its rise and fall. We explored these phenomena in the time around the January 6, 2021, insurrection in the United States. Identity fusion (synergistic union) with Trump predicted the perception that Democrats represented an existential threat to the American way of life; higher perceived threat, in turn, predicted endorsement of authoritarian actions against Democrats. Biden supporters did not display analogous effects. Among Trump supporters and, to a lesser extent, Biden supporters, fusion with the United States negatively predicted both the perception that out‐party members represented an existential threat and endorsement of authoritarian actions against them. These findings provide unique insight into the role of identity in the nation's closest brush with authoritarian takeover in over a century.
Genome sequence of
Erwinia amylovora
bacteriophage Omen
Authors: Abreu Gabriel , Garcia Edgar , Oliveira Ana , Oliveira Hugo
Published: March 2024

We report the genome of
Erwinia amylovora
phage Omen, isolated from a Portuguese orchard. Omen has a genome size of 85,304 bp, belongs to the genus
Kolesnikvirus
(myovirus morphotype), and shares over 80% nucleotide identity with various
Erwinia
phage genomes.
Genome assembly of
Pseudomonas
sp. strain SED1
T
, a psychrotolerant bacterium isolated from Deception Glacier (Washington, USA)
Authors: Shain Daniel H. , Klein Eric A.
Published: March 2024

Strain SED1
T
was isolated from glacial samples collected on Mount Deception, Washington, USA. Genome sequencing and assembly identified a DNA G + C content of 60.4 mol% with 6,125 predicted proteins. Analysis by the Type Strain Genome Server is consistent with the isolate representing a previously undescribed species in the genus
Pseudomonas
.
Genome of
Lamprobacter modestohalophilus
ShN
Lb
02, a moderate halophilic photosynthetic purple bacterium of the Chromatiaceae family
Authors: Kyndt John A. , Bryantseva Irina A. , Gorlenko Vladimir M. , F. Imhoff Johannes
Published: March 2024

The genome sequence of the moderately halophilic
Lamprobacter modestohalophilus
ShN
Lb
02 was compared to those of other
Lamprobacter
and
Halochromatium
species. It revealed an average nucleotide identity of 94% to
Lpb. modestohalophilus
DSM 25653 and of 89.7% to
Halochromatium roseum
DSM 18859, underscoring their close phylogenetic relationship.
Supplemental Material: Bank strength variability and its impact on the system-scale morphodynamics of the upper Amazon River in Brazil
Authors: Brückner Muriel Z.M. , al. et
Published: March 2024

Measurements, GIS data, and Landsat, CORONA, and MBES imagery, along with a detailed description of the methodology.  
Numerical solution of steady nonlinear differential equations for compressible flow through a spinning convergent divergent nozzle
Authors: Wajeeh-ul-Hassan Syed , Arif Mujtaba , Basit Muhammad Abdul , Basit Romana , Aslam Muhammad Nauman
Published: March 2024

Many projectiles tend to spin about their longitudinal axis while progressing in the forward direction. It helps in providing stability and a reference direction for guidance during their run. Many different projectiles employ a supersonic convergent-divergent nozzle to produce thrust for their forward motion; hence, the nozzle and overall whole propulsion system tend to spin about its axis of rotation. The main aim of this study is to observe the effect of spin on the nozzle. In this research, a converging bell-shaped diverging nozzle is numerically designed using a method of characteristics (MOC) for exit Mach number 3.21. Viscous simulations are performed for both two- and three-dimensional cases. The analysis is then performed with nozzle spinning about its axis of symmetry with a constant angular velocity of 10 revolutions per second. The analysis is repeated for the value of constant angular velocities to be 15 and 20 revolutions per second, and the behavior of flow with increasing angular velocity is examined. It has been observed that the exit Mach number and velocity decrease due to the radial protrusion of the boundary layer, and it has a negative impact on the performance of the nozzle. Moreover, the decrease of exit Mach number is in direct relation to increasing angular velocity.
Towards Nonlinearity in the Entrepreneurial Process: The Entrepreneurial S-Curve Perspective
Authors: Han Mary
Published: March 2024

Is the entrepreneurial process static? Is the process from idea to fruition on a linear trajectory and similar for all startups? Extant literature has documented four or five stages from startup to decline but paid little attention to undulations. Accounting for the dynamic nature of business and competition, we employ an S-curve perspective, integrate possibilities along the entrepreneurial (ENT) process to explain its nonlinearity and propose strategies to maximize performance. These strategies depict what we term “entrepreneurial S-curve” and are drawn from resource-based views, dynamic capabilities, and network perspectives. We explore the importance of less attended pre-startup stage, linking stage-specific risks and undulations to relevant strategic choices. In so doing, we present a holistic view, both defensively and offensively, for strategic formulation.