bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid assessment of changes in phage bioactivity using dynamic light scattering
Authors: Dharmaraj Tejas , Kratochvil Michael J. , Pourtois Julie D. , Chen Qingquan , Hajfathalian Maryam , Hargil Aviv , Lin Yung-Hao , Evans Zoe , Oromí-Bosch Agnès , Berry Joel D. , McBride Robert , Haddock Naomi L. , Holman Derek R. , van Belleghem Jonas D. , Chang Tony H. , Barr Jeremy J. , Lavigne Rob , Heilshorn Sarah C. , Blankenberg Francis G. , Bollyky Paul L.
Published: July 2023

Extensive efforts are underway to develop bacteriophages as therapies against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. However, these efforts are confounded by the instability of phage preparations and a lack of suitable tools to assess active phage concentrations over time. Here, we use Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) to measure changes in phage physical state in response to environmental factors and time, finding that phages tend to decay and form aggregates and that the degree of aggregation can be used to predict phage bioactivity. We then use DLS to optimize phage storage conditions for phages from human clinical trials, predict bioactivity in 50-year-old archival stocks, and evaluate phage samples for use in a phage therapy/wound infection model. We also provide a web-application (Phage-ELF) to facilitate DLS studies of phages. We conclude that DLS provides a rapid, convenient, and non-destructive tool for quality control of phage preparations in academic and commercial settings.

Significance Statement

Phages are promising for use in treating antibiotic-resistant infections, but their decay over time in refrigerated storage and higher temperatures has been a difficult barrier to overcome. This is in part because there are no suitable methods to monitor phage activity over time, especially in clinical settings. Here, we show that Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) can be used to measure the physical state of phage preparations, which provides accurate and precise information on their lytic function – the key parameter underlying clinical efficacy. This study reveals a “structure-function” relationship for lytic phages and establishes DLS as a method to optimize the storage, handling, and clinical use of phages.
Management control practices and pragmatism
Authors: Curtis Emer , Sweeney Breda
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Pragmatism is very relevant to workplace management and performance measurement, yet in the accounting literature, it is a term used loosely and in a colloquial manner. By drawing on a framework based on classical pragmatism, this study aims to examine how a pragmatic perspective is discernible in the form and use of management control (MC) practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collects data using a case study of a firm in the green energy construction sector.

Findings

Building on the analytical framework, this study provides evidence that a pragmatic perspective is discernible in both form and use of MC practices, through a clear focus on targets rather than variance analysis, the presence of mutable local MC practices characterised by interaction and problem-solving and the absence of other common MC practices with no clear links to ends-in-view. This study also provides evidence of the potential limitations of a pragmatic perspective including myopia and an exacerbation of the inherent bias in organisations towards exploitation.

Originality/value

This research brings analytical clarity to the study of pragmatism in the accounting literature and insights into how a pragmatic perspective is discernible in the form and use of MC practices. Further, the study shows the potential limitations of a pragmatic perspective for management.
Review of drivers of teamwork for construction health and safety
Authors: Shaikh Aziz Yousif , Osei- kyei Robert , Hardie Mary , Stevens Matt
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper systematically reviewed research work on drivers of teamwork, which will reinforce construction work teams to enhance workers’ safety performance. This study adds to the existing but limited understanding of teamwork drivers on construction workers’ safety performance. This paper presents scholars and industry-based professionals with critical initiatives that have to be implemented in organisations to get positive results in safety while working in teams with an emphasis on systems drivers of teamwork on safety performance at the organisational level, which will help in providing information on the functioning of the teams and contribute towards improved safety performance of team workers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study aims to systematically examine the existing body of knowledge on drivers of teamwork by analysing 53 publications from the years 1997–2021. The Scopus search engine was used to conduct a systematic review and germane publications were collated.

Findings

According to the findings of the review, since 1997, there has been a burgeoning concern in the research of drivers of teamwork and its impact on workers’ safety performance. After performing a systematic review, 37 drivers of teamwork were identified. The top five drivers are effective communications, team workers’ relations, leadership, shared knowledge and information, and team training. Moreover, it was noted that the United States and Australia have been the international regions of focus for most of the research in the area of drivers of teamwork from the years 1997–2021. The 37 drivers of teamwork are distributed into six major socio-technical components: people drivers; culture drivers; metrics drivers; organisational and management practices and procedures drivers; infrastructure drivers and technology drivers.

Practical implications

The results reported present research scholars and professional practitioners with an overview of the drivers of teamwork that could be implemented in the construction industry to streamline potential implementations and improve safety performance of construction workers.

Originality/value

A list of teamwork drivers has been developed to ratify potential empirical research in the area of construction safety. The results would contribute to the existing but restricted understanding of drivers of teamwork in the construction industry.
New insights into the impact of global security on economic growth: The case of Tunisia
Authors: Jmaii Amal , Zaafouri Noomene
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper provides a new empirical evidence of the impact of Global security on economic growth in Tunisia. Like Buzan (1991), the framework used four types of security: army security, economic security, social security, and political security.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examine the multidimensionality of global security using ARDL-based cointegration bound tests. The model allows also for examining the long-run/short-run impacts of global security indicators on economic growth.

Findings

The proposed methodology revealed interesting results that may raise some potentially prominent policy implications. First, the findings show that the four security indicators have a significant impact on economic growth. In particular, from a social/political security point of view, the fundamental objective is to satisfy the needs of the poorest population, to limit the effect of social demands and protests on economic and political stability, to review the subsidy principle and aid policy to the poorest families, for greater efficiency and social equity.

Originality/value

The study highlights that global security is no longer a question of just army and defense, but it is also a question of equity, economic, social, and political development. These results call for the policymaker to adopt a strategy that reduces regional disparities and social inequalities and this through fairly distributing financial wealth for the benefit of marginalized populations.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-02-2023-0082
The impact of interaction on continuous use in online learning platforms: a metaverse perspective
Authors: Xu Wei , Zhang Nan , Wang Mingming
Published: July 2023

Purpose

As online learning is the embryonic form of education in the metaverse, it is extremely important to explore the behavioral preferences of users. The aim is to explore the impact of interactive features on continuous use in online learning and to further explore what kind of interaction mode should be constructed for different types of students to obtain the best educational experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The study developed an empirical model and used a real-world dataset to test hypotheses. Specifically, the interaction in online learning is analyzed from different dimensions, including the interaction intensity of multiple subjects, the immersion of interactive technology, the timeliness of interactive feedback, and the fun in interaction.

Findings

The authors found that the intensity of interaction, immersion, timeliness of feedback and fun in the interaction all had significant positive effects on continuous use. Among them, the most important is the interaction between teachers and students. With the growth of user grades, the role of parents in the interaction is getting smaller and smaller, and the fun in the interaction is gradually becoming unnecessary. For high school students, gamified interactions can even have a negative impact. In addition, from the perspective of gender, males prefer immersive interaction, while females pay more attention to themselves and have negative feedback on fees.

Originality/value

The authors deepened the interaction and summarized the impact of different interactive features on continuous use in online learning platforms. The authors focused on the impact of the immersive experience brought by the application of interactive technology, which can confirm the user behavior preferences of online learning in the context of the metaverse. The research also provides a reference for online learning institutions to set up course interaction modes and targeted marketing programs.
Rasa indung bini: an exploratory research into Bruneian sense of motherhood
Authors: Sultana Rumana
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This is exploratory research on the Bruneian sense of motherhood. The pre-socially established religious definition of motherhood is unformulated where; the analysis is located in the inner context of experience. The Western feminist idea defined motherhood as such reality as the “otherness” whereby its common sense justifies sexuality and feminism. The religious significance gives meaning to its spiritual connection, embodying a foundational knowledge of Bruneian proper personhood – being a good, spiritual and respected person. This relates to the importance of the body as an entity of both culture and symbol that has drawn attention to its sociological significance.

Design/methodology/approach

The argument here is how religious experience influences the meaning of motherhood in Brunei Darussalam, which underwent a transformation scheme to empower women. Participants were interviewed, and the transcribed interviews were analysed using the reflexive methodology to find out the natural phenomena of motherhood.

Findings

The findings indicate that the Bruneian sense of motherhood is regulated through natural norms of femininity, an unformulated knowledge of spirituality, religion and the influence of cultural and religious rituals, such as prayers, consuming pure food, concoction and reciting holy verses from the Quran.

Originality/value

This study reveals to codify and extend the sense of religious obedience through generations. Religion rationalises the spiritual experience and provides the basis of obedience towards a proper development of personhood Bruneian. The idea of motherhood itself recreates a role to empower women, which will initiate opportunities for further studies in Brunei context.
Hidden aliens: Application of digital PCR to track an exotic foraminifer across the Skagerrak (North Sea) correlates well with traditional morphospecies analysis
Authors: Morin Filip , Panova Marina Antonina Zoe , Schweizer Magali , Wiechmann Marlene , Eliassen Nicole , Sundberg Per , Cluzel‐Burgalat Lili , Polovodova Asteman Irina
Published: July 2023

The problem of invasive species is a well‐studied one, but knowledge of free‐living unicellular eukaryotic invasive species is lacking. A potentially invasive foraminifer (Rhizaria), Nonionella sp. T1, was recently discovered in the Skagerrak and its fjords. Digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) was applied to track the spread of this non‐indigenous species using a new dPCR assay (T1‐1). The use of dPCR appears highly complementary to traditional hand picking of foraminiferal shells from the sediment, and is far less time‐consuming. This study indicates that Nonionella sp. T1 has bypassed the outer Skagerrak strait, instead becoming established in Swedish west coast fjords, constituting up to half of the living foraminiferal community in fjord mouth areas. The ecology of Nonionella sp. T1 and its potential invasive impacts are still largely unknown, but it appears to be an opportunist using several energy sources such as nitrate respiration and kleptoplasty along with a possibly more efficient reproductive strategy to gain an advantage over the native foraminiferal species. Future ecological studies of Nonionella sp. T1 could be aided by dPCR and the novel Nonionella sp. T1‐specific T1‐1 assay.
Repeatability and reproducibility of comparison decisions by firearms examiners
Authors: Monson Keith L. , Smith Erich D. , Peters Eugene M.
Published: July 2023

In a comprehensive study to assess various aspects of the performance of qualified forensic firearms examiners, volunteer examiners compared both bullets and cartridge cases fired from three different types of firearms. They rendered opinions on each comparison according to the Association of Firearm & Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) Range of Conclusions, as Identification, Inconclusive (A, B, or C), Elimination, or Unsuitable. In this part of the study, comparison sets used previously to characterize the overall accuracy of examiners were blindly resubmitted to examiners to assess the repeatability (105 examiners; 5700 comparisons of bullets and cartridge cases) and reproducibility (191 examiners of bullets, 193 of cartridge cases; 5790 comparisons) of firearms examinations. Data gathered using the prevailing AFTE Range were also recategorized into two hypothetical scoring systems. Consistently positive differences between observed agreement and expected agreement indicate that the repeatability and reproducibility of examiners exceed chance agreement. When averaged over bullets and cartridge cases, the repeatability of comparison decisions (involving all five levels of the AFTE Range) was 78.3% for known matches and 64.5% for known nonmatches. Similarly averaged reproducibility was 67.3%% for known matches and 36.5% for known nonmatches. For both repeatability and reproducibility, many of the observed disagreements were between a definitive and inconclusive category. Examiner decisions are reliable and trustworthy in the sense that identifications are unlikely when examiners are comparing non‐matching items, and eliminations are unlikely when they are comparing matching items.
Standardising the biochemical confirmation of adult male hypogonadism: A joint position statement by the Society for Endocrinology and Association of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine
Authors: Jayasena Channa N. , de Silva Nipun L. , O'Reilly Michael W. , MacKenzie Finlay , Marrington Rachel , Jones Hugh , Livingston Mark , Downie Paul , Hackett Geoff , Ramachandran Sud , Tomlinson Jeremy , David Janine , Boot Christopher , Patel Mayur , Tarling Julie , Wu Fredrick , Quinton Richard
Published: July 2023

Background

Inter‐assay variation between different immunoassays and different mass spectrometry methods hampers the biochemical confirmation of male hypogonadism. Furthermore, some laboratories utilise assay manufacturer reference ranges that do not necessarily mirror assay performance characteristics, with the lower limit of normality ranging from 4.9 nmol/L to 11 nmol/L. The quality of the normative data underlying commercial immunoassay reference ranges is uncertain.

Design

A working group reviewed published evidence and agreed upon standardised reporting guidance to augment total testosterone reports.

Results

Evidence‐based guidance on appropriate blood sampling, clinical action limits, and other major factors likely to affect the interpretation of results are provided.

Conclusions

This article aims to improve the quality of the interpretation of testosterone results by non‐specialist clinicians. It also discusses approaches for assay harmonisation which have been successful in some but not all healthcare systems.
Implementation strategies to support ultrasound thyroid nodule risk stratification: A systematic review
Authors: Edwards Matthew , Brito Juan P. , Salloum Ramzi G. , Hoang Jenny , Singh Ospina Naykky
Published: July 2023

Background

Ultrasound risk stratification can improve the care of patients with thyroid nodules by providing a structured and systematic approach for the evaluation of thyroid nodule features and thyroid cancer risk. The optimal strategies to support implementation of high quality thyroid nodule risk stratification are unknown. This study seeks to summarise strategies used to support implementation of thyroid nodule ultrasound risk stratification in practice and their effects on implementation and service outcomes.

Methods

This is a systematic review of studies evaluating implementation strategies published between January 2000 and June 2022 that were identified on Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, Ovid Cochrane, Scopus, or Web of Science. Screening of eligible studies, data collection and assessment for risk of bias was completed independently and in duplicate. Implementation strategies and their effects on implementation and service outcomes were evaluated and summarised.

Results

We identified 2666 potentially eligible studies of which 8 were included. Most implementation strategies were directed towards radiologists. Common strategies to support the implementation of thyroid nodule risk stratification included: tools to standardise thyroid ultrasound reports, education on thyroid nodule risk stratification and use of templates/forms for reporting, and reminders at the point of care. System based strategies, local consensus or audit were less commonly described. Overall, the use of these strategies supported the implementation process of thyroid nodule risk stratification with variable effects on service outcomes.

Conclusions

Implementation of thyroid nodule risk stratification can be supported by development of standardised reporting templates, education of users on risk stratification and reminders of use at the point of care. Additional studies evaluating the value of implementation strategies in different contexts are urgently needed.
Clinical profile and treatment outcomes among patients with sporadic and multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome‐related primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Mathew Uthara E. , Goyal Alpesh , Upadhyay Ashish D. , Kandasamy Devasenathipathy , Agarwal Shipra , Sharma Chitresh K. , Sharma Arundhati , Bal Chandrasekhar , Tandon Nikhil , Jyotsna Viveka P.
Published: July 2023

Objective

Accurate demarcation between multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 1 (MEN1)‐ related primary hyperparathyroidism (MPHPT) and sporadic PHPT (SPHPT) is important to plan the management of primary parathyroid disease and surveillance for other endocrine and nonendocrine tumours. The objective of this study is to compare the clinical, biochemical and radiological features and surgical outcomes in patients with MPHPT versus SPHPT and to identify the predictors of MEN1 syndrome in PHPT.

Design, Patients and Measurements

This was an ambispective observationalstudy involving 251 patients with SPHPT and 23 patients with MPHPT evaluated at the endocrine clinic of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India between January 2015 and December 2021.

Results

The prevalence of MEN1 syndrome among patients with PHPT was 8.2% and a genetic mutation was identified by Sanger sequencing in 26.1% of patients with MPHPT. Patients with MPHPT were younger (p < .001), had lower mean serum calcium (p = .01) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP; p = .03) levels and lower bone mineral density (BMD) Z score at lumbar spine (p < .001) and femoral neck (p = .007). The prevalence of renal stones (p = .03) and their complications (p = .006) was significantly higher in MPHPT group. On multivariable analysis, factors predictive of MPHPT were hyperplasia on histopathology [OR 40.1, p < .001], ALP levels within reference range [OR 5.6, p = .02] and lumbar spine BMD [OR 0.39 per unit increase in Z score, p < .001].

Conclusions

Patients with MPHPT have more severe, frequent and early onset of bone and renal involvement despite milder biochemical features. A normal serum ALP, low BMD for age and gender at lumbar spine and histopathology evidence of hyperplasia are predictive factors for MEN1 syndrome in PHPT.
Social class as a challenge in educating for diversity—The case of a Finnish preschool
Authors: Mikander Pia , Mansikka Jan‐Erik
Published: July 2023

This study investigates how the staff in one preschool group in Finland deals with questions of social class. Despite a lack of reference to class in policy documents, social class emerges in three ways in the discussions among the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) professionals: regarding how they view their group of children, in relation to their own inter‐relational dynamics, and in their perception of the practice in another less privileged ECEC setting. The study suggests a need for a more nuanced discussion about social class within ECEC, bearing in mind how it affects relations and the need for consciousness about how inequalities are reproduced.
Do‐it‐yourself continuous glucose monitoring in people aged 16 to 69 years with type 1 diabetes: A qualitative study
Authors: Sehgal Shekhar , Boucsein Alisa , Styles Sara , Palmer Octavia , Paul Ryan G. , Crocket Hamish , de Bock Martin , Wheeler Benjamin J.
Published: July 2023

Aims

In many countries, real‐time continuous glucose monitoring (rt‐CGM) is not funded, and cost presents a barrier to access. A do‐it‐yourself conversion of intermittently scanned CGM (DIY‐CGM) is a cheaper alternative. This qualitative study aimed to explore user experiences with DIY‐CGM in people aged 16 to 69 years with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Methods

Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants for semi‐structured virtual interviews exploring experiences of DIY‐CGM use. Participants were recruited after completing the intervention arm of a crossover randomised controlled trial that evaluated DIY‐CGM versus intermittently scanned CGM (isCGM). Participants were previously naive to DIY‐CGM and rt‐CGM but not isCGM. The DIY‐CGM intervention consisted of a Bluetooth bridge connected to isCGM, adding rt‐CGM functionality over 8 weeks. Interviews were transcribed, then thematic analysis was performed.

Results

Interviews were with 12 people aged 16 to 65 years, with T1D: mean age ± SD 43 ± 14 years; baseline mean HbA1c ± SD 60 mmol/mol ± 9.9 (7.6 ± 0.9%) and time in range 59.8% ± 14.8%. Participants perceived that using DIY‐CGM improved both glycaemic control and aspects of quality of life. Alarm and trend functionality allowed participants to perceive reduced glycaemic variability overnight and following meals. The addition of a smartwatch increased discrete access to glucose information. There was a high degree of trust in DIY‐CGM. Challenges while using DIY‐CGM included signal loss during vigorous exercise, alarm fatigue and short battery life.

Conclusions

This study suggests that for users, DIY‐CGM appears to be an acceptable alternative method of rt‐CGM.
Elections hinder firms' access to credit
Authors: Léon Florian , Weill Laurent
Published: July 2023

To analyze whether the occurrence of elections affects access to credit for firms, we perform an investigation using firm‐level data covering 44 developed and developing countries. The results show that elections impair access to credit. Specifically, firms have lower access to credit in election years and pre‐election years as elections exacerbate political uncertainty. While higher borrower discouragement is a tangible negative effect of elections, their occurrence per se does not seem to affect loan acceptance by banks. We also document that the negative relationship between elections and credit access is shaped by country and election characteristics as well as firm characteristics.
Organizational unlearning: A process of tension imposition, integration, and splitting
Authors: Xu Ning , Wu Xiaobo , Du Jian , Li Sihan
Published: July 2023

Organizational unlearning plays a vital role in facilitating new product development (NPD); however, the microprocesses of unlearning (i.e., how to unlearn) remain unclear. We aim to open this black box by investigating how two important dimensions—beliefs and routines—change during the unlearning process, using a longitudinal case study approach. Through a case study of Geely Auto, we identified specific cognitive and behavioral practices in the unlearning process and categorized them into three stages according to their time of occurrence and consequences. By adopting a tension lens, we demonstrate that unlearning involves three sequential steps: tension imposition, integration, and splitting. Our case study demonstrates that unlearning NPD processes involves a complex interweaving of changes in beliefs and routines. We advance the literature on learning by revealing the microprocesses that underlie organizational unlearning, and we open a broad avenue for future research to explore the microfoundations of organizational unlearning.
Arrhythmias induced by dextrose‐insulin challenge test in nondiagnostic Brugada ECG patterns
Authors: Velázquez‐Rodríguez Enrique , Jiménez‐Cruz José Paz Marcelo
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Dynamic ECG changes in Brugada syndrome (BrS) are influenced by several factors, may not be apparent, and can be unmasked by a drug test.

Methods and Results

Four of six patients with nondiagnostic Brugada ECG index patterns underwent a dextrose‐insulin challenge test that resulted in J‐ST segment elevation and triggered arrhythmias.

Conclusion

Insulin action may be due in part to an outward shift in the K+ current at the end of action potential phase 1 and the dispersion of repolarization, leading to local re‐entry with arrhythmogenicity. This effect is likely a phenomenon‐specific to BrS.
Association between residual unipolar voltage and arrhythmia recurrence after left atrial posterior wall isolation for persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Kujiraoka Hirofumi , Hojo Rintaro , Arai Tomoyuki , Takahashi Masao , Fukamizu Seiji
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Posterior wall isolation (PWI) combined with pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has proven effective for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). However, when performing PWI, creating transmural lesions with subendocardial ablation is sometimes difficult. Endocardial unipolar voltage amplitude had a higher sensitivity than bipolar voltage mapping for identifying intramural viable myocardium in the atria. In this study, we aimed to retrospectively investigate the correlation between the residual potential in the posterior wall (PW) following PWI for persistent AF and atrial arrhythmia recurrence using endocardial unipolar voltage.

Methods

This was a single‐center observational study. Patients who underwent PVI and PWI for persistent AF in the first procedure between March 2018 and December 2021 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Hiroo Hospital were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of residual unipolar PW potentials after PWI with a cutoff of 1.08 mV and the recurrence of atrial arrhythmias was compared.

Results

In total, 109 patients were included in the analysis. Forty‐three patients had residual unipolar potentials after PWI and 66 patients had no residual unipolar potentials. The atrial arrhythmia recurrence rate was significantly higher in the group with residual unipolar potential (41.8% vs. 17.9%, p = 0.003). The residual unipolar potential was an independent predictor of recurrence (odds ratio: 4.53; confidence interval: 1.67–12.3, p = 0.003).

Conclusion

Residual unipolar potential after PWI for persistent AF is associated with recurrent atrial arrhythmias.
Prospective randomized study comparing permanent pacing with rate drop response and closed loop stimulation in patients with vasovagal syncope where permanent pacing is indicated and selected as the appropriate treatment option
Authors: Prakash Atul , Sutton Richard
Published: July 2023

Background

Pacing for vasovagal syncope is established. Two pacing algorithms are available. The rate‐drop‐response (RDR‐Medtronic) is triggered by falling heart rate acting with modified rate‐hysteresis. The closed loop stimulation or system (CLS‐Biotronik) is triggered by impedance changes in the right ventricle reflecting falling volume and rising contractility. These are very different physiologically. Both algorithms carry favorable reports in clinical use.

Methods

A randomized‐controlled superiority trial is proposed to compare the two algorithms for the control of vasovagal syncope in patients for whom pacing is indicated by current guidelines in North America and Europe. Available recent evidence may be seen as supporting superiority of CLS. No comparison between the two algorithms has been made. In this trial, patients will be centrally randomized to one or other algorithm on a 1:1 basis. Two‐hundred‐seventy‐six patients in each group will be recruited. Sample size is determined using a confidence interval of 95%, a power of 90%, and a drop‐out rate of 10% to detect an 11% difference between CLS and RDR. Recurrent symptom comparison will be made by an independent committee. The Co‐primary endpoints will be recurrent syncope burden compared with that in 24‐months preimplant, and occurrence of syncope in 24‐months follow‐up. Each outcome will be compared between the two algorithms. Secondary endpoints will be program and drug therapy changes over 24‐months follow‐up and quality of life by questionnaire at baseline,1 and 2 years.

Results and Conclusions

These are anticipated to clarify the device algorithm choice and, therefore, to improve patient care.
Differences between typical and reverse typical atrial flutter identified by ultrahigh resolution mapping
Authors: Hara Satoshi , Sato Yoshikazu , Kusa Shigeki , Miwa Naoyuki , Hirano Hidenori , Nakata Tadanori , Doi Junichi , Hachiya Hitoshi
Published: July 2023

Background

Although atrial flutter (AFL) is a common arrhythmia that is based on a macro‐reentrant tachycardia around the tricuspid annulus, the factors giving rise to typical AFL (t‐AFL) versus reverse typical AFL (rt‐AFL) are unknown. To investigate the difference between t‐AFL and rt‐AFL circuits using ultrahigh resolution mapping of the right atrium.

Methods

We investigated 30 isthmus‐dependent AFL patients (mean age 71, 28 male) who underwent first‐time cavo‐tricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation guided by Boston Scientific's Rhythmia mapping system and divided them into two groups: t‐AFL (22 patients) and rt‐AFL (8 patients). We compared the anatomy and electrophysiology of their reentrant circuits.

Results

Baseline patient characteristics, use of antiarrhythmic drugs, prevalence of atrial fibrillation, AFL cycle length (227.1 ± 21.4 vs. 245.5 ± 36.0 ms, p = .10), and CTI length (31.9 ± 8.3 vs. 31.1 ± 5.2 mm, p = .80) did not differ between the two groups. Functional block was observed at the crista terminalis in 16 patients and at the sinus venosus in 11. No functional block was observed in three patients, all of whom belonged to the rt‐AFL group. That is, functional block was observed in 100% of the t‐AFL group as opposed to 5/8 (62.5%) of the rt‐AFL (p < .05). Slow conduction zones were frequently observed at the intra‐atrial septum in the t‐AFL group and at the CTI in the rt‐AFL group.

Conclusion

Mapping with ultrahigh‐resolution mapping showed differences between t‐AFL and rt‐AFL in conduction properties in the right atrium and around the tricuspid valve, which suggested directional mechanisms.
Unlocking the potential of cosmetic dermal delivery with ethosomes: A comprehensive review
Authors: Abu‐Huwaij Rana , Zidan Abdullah N.
Published: July 2023

Background

In a world where hair loss, acne, and skin whitening are common concerns, ethosomes emerge as a captivating breakthrough in cosmetic drug delivery.

Method

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the ethosomal system and assesses its potential as an effective nanocarrier for delivering active ingredients to the skin. The focus is on exploring their applications in various pathologies, particularly skin disorders such as acne, hair loss, and skin pigmentation.

Results

Ethosomes are a novel type of vesicular nanocarrier composed of high concentrations of ethanol (20‐45%) and phospholipids. Their unique structure and composition make them an ideal choice for transporting active ingredients through the skin, offering targeted and effective treatment. The inclusion of ethanol in ethosomes' composition gives them distinctive properties, including flexibility, deformability, and stability, facilitating deep penetration into the skin and enhancing medication deposition. Moreover, ethosomes improved theoverall drug‐loading capacity, and specificity of target treatment

Conclusion

Ethosomes represent a unique and suitable approach for delivering active cosmetic ingredients in the treatment of hair loss, acne, and skin whitening, presenting a versatile alternative to traditional dermal delivery systems. Despite the challenges associated with their complex preparation and sensitivity to temperature and humidity, the remarkable potential benefits of ethosomes cannot be ignored. Further research is crucial to unlock their full potential, understand their limitations, and refine their formulations and administration methods. Ethosomes hold the promise of transforming the way we address these cosmetic concerns, offering an exciting glimpse into the future of advanced skincare solutions.
Defending Home against Giants: Exclusive Dealing as a Survival Strategy for Local Firms*
Authors: Kitamura Hiroshi , Matsushima Noriaki , Sato Misato
Published: July 2023

We consider exclusive contracts a survival strategy for a local incumbent manufacturer facing a multinational manufacturer's entry. Although both manufacturers prefer to trade with an efficient local distributor, trading with inefficient competitive distributors is acceptable only to the entrant, because of the entrant's efficiency. Hence, such competitive distributors can be an outside option for the entrant. As the entrant becomes efficient, the outside option works effectively, implying that the entry does not considerably benefit the efficient local distributor. Thus, the local manufacturer is more likely to sign an anticompetitive exclusive contract with the efficient distributor as the entrant becomes efficient.
The emotional component of insomnia disorder: A focus on emotion regulation and affect dynamics in relation to sleep quality and insomnia
Authors: Meneo Debora , Samea Fateme , Tahmasian Masoud , Baglioni Chiara
Published: July 2023

Theoretical models of insomnia disorder recognise an emotional component in the maintenance of the disorder. Nonetheless, the field of emotions is vast and different processes are involved in psychological well‐being. The present narrative review focusses on emotion regulation and affect dynamics, synthesising some of the most recent and relevant evidence on emotions in relation to the quality of sleep and to insomnia disorder. The literature underlines the close association between impaired sleep quality and difficulties in regulating emotions. Impaired sleep quality is also associated with reduced positive affect and increased negative affect, but little evidence supports a bi‐directional association between affective states and sleep. Affect variability in relation to sleep has been less investigated. Initial evidence suggests that high variability in positive affect has a negative impact on sleep. Neurobiological and behavioural evidence indicates that insomnia disorder is associated with emotion dysregulation, negative affect, and a distinct daily profile of affective states. More research is needed on the affective experience of patients with insomnia disorder, adopting multiple sampling of affect across the day and the week. Understanding how the unfolding of emotions over time interact with sleep alterations may help to improve the tailoring and monitoring of treatments addressing disturbed emotional processes in insomnia disorder.
A systematic review of ecological momentary assessment studies of appetite and affect in the experience of temptations and lapses during weight loss dieting
Authors: Randle Mark , Ahern Amy L. , Boyland Emma , Christiansen Paul , Halford Jason C. G. , Stevenson‐Smith Jack , Roberts Carl
Published: July 2023

Dietary temptations and lapses challenge control over eating and act as barriers toward successful weight loss. These are difficult to assess in laboratory settings or with retrospective measures as they occur momentarily and driven by the current environment. A better understanding of how these experiences unfold within real‐world dieting attempts could help inform strategies to increase the capacity to cope with the changes in appetitive and affective factors that surround these experiences. We performed a narrative synthesis on the empirical evidence of appetitive and affective outcomes measured using ecological momentary assessment (EMA) during dieting in individuals with obesity and their association with dietary temptations and lapses. A search of three databases (Scopus, Medline, and PsycInfo) identified 10 studies. Within‐person changes in appetite and affect accompany temptations and lapses and are observable in the moments precipitating a lapse. Lapsing in response to these may be mediated through the strength of a temptation. Negative abstinence‐violation effects occur following a lapse, which negatively impact self‐attitudes. Engagement in coping strategies during temptations is effective for preventing lapses. These findings indicate that monitoring changes in sensations during dieting could help identify the crucial moments when coping strategies are most effective for aiding with dietary adherence.
Visual short‐term memory‐related EEG components in a virtual reality setup
Authors: Klotzsche Felix , Gaebler Michael , Villringer Arno , Sommer Werner , Nikulin Vadim , Ohl Sven
Published: July 2023

Virtual reality (VR) offers a powerful tool for investigating cognitive processes, as it allows researchers to gauge behaviors and mental states in complex, yet highly controlled, scenarios. The use of VR head‐mounted displays in combination with physiological measures such as EEG presents new challenges and raises the question whether established findings also generalize to a VR setup. Here, we used a VR headset to assess the spatial constraints underlying two well‐established EEG correlates of visual short‐term memory: the amplitude of the contralateral delay activity (CDA) and the lateralization of induced alpha power during memory retention. We tested observers' visual memory in a change detection task with bilateral stimulus arrays of either two or four items while varying the horizontal eccentricity of the memory arrays (4, 9, or 14 degrees of visual angle). The CDA amplitude differed between high and low memory load at the two smaller eccentricities, but not at the largest eccentricity. Neither memory load nor eccentricity significantly influenced the observed alpha lateralization. We further fitted time‐resolved spatial filters to decode memory load from the event‐related potential as well as from its time‐frequency decomposition. Classification performance during the retention interval was above‐chance level for both approaches and did not vary significantly across eccentricities. We conclude that commercial VR hardware can be utilized to study the CDA and lateralized alpha power, and we provide caveats for future studies targeting these EEG markers of visual memory in a VR setup.
Risk of childhood asthma in those born small
Authors: Malhotra Atul , Razak Abdul
Published: July 2023

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Large‐group simulation as a learning method to promote interprofessional collaboration and older adults' patient centered‐care
Authors: Tuononen Tiina A. , Saaranen Terhi , Holopainen Tiina , Suominen Anna Liisa , Silén‐Lipponen Marja
Published: July 2023

Aims

This study described the influence of a large‐group simulation on social and health care students´ working life competence concerning interprofessional collaboration (IPC) and patient centered‐care.

Methods and results

The target group (n = 319) was social and health care students from several different degree programs taking part in a large‐group simulation concerning older people´s oral health as a part of his comprehensive well‐being and health. Data were collected with a questionnaire containing background questions, statements about interprofessional practice and open‐ended questions about learning experiences. The number of respondents was 257, including 51 oral health care students (OHCS). The data were analyzed using descriptive and statistical methods and content analysis.

Working life competencies covers the overall social and collaborative skills which health‐care professionals need in their work. They were reported to be improved in IPC and patient‐centered care (PCC). The main described learning experiences in open responses included appreciating different professionals’ competencies and the importance of interprofessional decision‐making, interpersonal communication competence and patient‐centered attitudes in care provision.

Conclusion

The large‐group simulation is a good model for educating larger student groups simultaneously and it functioned well in improving understanding of IPC and PCC among older adults.
Identifying Current User-Characteristics Influencing Housing Preferences in a Proposed Low-Income Estate Redevelopment in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Afolayan Akintade Samuel , Yussuff Ibiyemi Saidat
Published: July 2023

Having fallen into disrepair, the Lagos State Development and Property and Property Corporation (LSDPC), Nigeria was to redevelop the studied low-income housing estate, which it built in early 1980s. This study highlights current users’ characteristics which exhibit relationship with their housing preferences in the eventual redevelopment, for enhanced satisfaction. To achieve this aim, the study identified current users’ characteristics and examined the degree of their correlation in satisfaction with some established domains of the housing environment, with a view to assessing those, which determine current dissatisfaction ratings and by implication shape housing preferences in the envisaged redevelopment programme. The research is correlational. The survey utilised structured Likert-scale questionnaires to collect data from systematically sampled 142 of the 714 households. Housing environment research variables were established in three domains; ‘infrastructures, ‘building features’, and ‘management’. Pearson Correlation Analysis was utilised, due to the nature of data, to test the relationship between selected user characteristics and level of satisfaction/dissatisfaction with selected elements of the domains. The resultant correlation coefficients were further corroborated with crosstabulations of selected user characteristics against the domain factors. The study revealed residents’ assessment of current state of infrastructure, building features and management services as poor, in parts. The factors which exhibited relationship with users’ preferences were found to include ‘tenure status’ and ‘length of stay’ in the estate. The others were ‘family size/structure’ and ‘age’ of household heads. With building features constituting prime and rigid attributes of the housing environment, an appreciation of these factors would guide public policy on user needs and perceptions for enhanced satisfaction and pre-emption of user activism attributable to user-group dynamics, hereafter. Broadly, the study recommended amelioration of identified areas of user dissatisfaction with Infrastructures in ensuing redevelopment. For building features, the study recommended improvement, in addition to proactive home-ownership allotee profiling system to embrace identified user characteristics in future projects.
Systematic Literature Review of the Digital Transformation of Cultural Heritage Assets during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Abd Hamid Nor Fatimah
Published: July 2023

The repercussions of COVID-19 resulted in physical movement restrictions in the beginning of 2020. Due to these restrictions, which were imposed due to health policy considerations, cultural heritage assets are now under more pressure to continue operating and preserving their legacy. The approach for the protection and preservation of cultural heritage assets must be upgraded digitally. By conducting a thorough literature analysis, this research seeks to investigate how cultural heritage assets underwent digital change during the COVID-19 epidemic. A total of 334 results were returned for the search term. Unfortunately, only a total of 19 papers that were evaluated to be pertinent to the study issue. The analysis of these 19 papers showed that cultural heritage must be transformed digitally not just for conservation and preservation but also for improving visitor experiences, increasing understanding of the past, and educating, promoting, and managing heritage sites. The use of digital technology is mostly done to boost consumer interaction, enhance business performance, and support management needs. Advanced technologies including augmented and virtual reality, 3D reconstruction, digital twins, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are used to assist these purposes. Heritage managers may now continue their operations by providing visitors with virtual tours and displays. Also, certain institutes of higher learning are utilising this occasion to do study on the digitisation of historical assets. The analysis also suggests that the present stage of research on the digital transformation of cultural heritage assets is digitalisation. This is where technology adoption is focused on automating current business operations and procedures. Therefore, there are more opportunities for exploring the digital transformation of cultural heritage assets in order to reach a greater degree of digital transformation.