bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hot spots of climate action research: altmetric attention and bibliometric analysis
Authors: Andrabi Syed Aasif Ahmad , Loan Fayaz Ahmad
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to apply altmetrics and bibliometric indicators on the top 100 most mentioned articles published related to the sustainable development goal (SDG)-13, Climate Action.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used the Altmetric Explorer’s SDGs filter to extract the most mentioned articles belonging to Climate Action and their other characteristics, such as DOI, titles, tools mentioning them and their demographic descriptions. The same set of papers was searched in the Dimensions database to extract them in the format importable in R-studio to check the distribution of papers across various journals and identify their subject category, countries and institutions publishing these papers. Further, SPSS was used to check the correlation between altmetric attention score (AAS) and citations.

Findings

The results of the paper showed the mean of AAS and the citations received by the articles was 3,556.35 and 304.04, respectively. Twitter has been the most used social media platform for mentioning the research related to climate action, covering 88.1% of the total mentions. The Twitter and the News mention demographics show the USA contributing the most tweet mentions (15.2%) as well as news mentions (57.65%) to the papers. Also, the USA has solely published 49 papers from the total papers selected for the study. The papers were published in 31 journals most of them belonging to the quartile first (Q1) category and primarily belonged to the subject category “Earth Sciences.” Pearson’s correlational method showed a significant but low positive correlation between AAS and citation counts (r = 0.365, p = <0.001) and a strong positive correlation between the citations and Mendeley readership counts (r = 0.907).

Originality/value

The research is original in nature and discovered very interesting results about climate action using altmetric and bibliometric techniques.
Revisiting internal consistency in hospitality research: toward a more comprehensive assessment of scale quality
Authors: Njeri Millicent , Khader Malak , Ali Faizan , Line Nathan Discepoli
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to revisit the measures of internal consistency for multi-item scales in hospitality research and compare the performance of Cronbach’s α, omega total (ωTotal), omega hierarchical (ωH), Revelle’s omega total (ωRT), Minimum Rank Factor Analysis (GLBfa) and GLB algebraic (GLBa).

Design/methodology/approach

A Monte Carlo simulation was conducted to compare the performance of the six reliability estimators under different conditions common in hospitality research. Second, this study analyzed a data set to complement the simulation study.

Findings

Overall, ωTotal was the best-performing estimator across all conditions, whereas ωH performed the poorest. α performed well when factor loadings were high with low variability (high/low) and large sample sizes. Similarly, ωRT, GLBfa and GLBa performed consistently well when loadings were high and less variable as well as the sample size and the number of scale items increased. Of the two GLB estimators, GLBa consistently outperformed GLBfa.

Practical implications

This study provides hospitality managers with a better understanding of what reliability is and the various reliability estimators. Using reliable instruments ensures that organizations draw accurate conclusions that help them move closer to realizing their visions.

Originality/value

Though popular in other fields, reliability discussions have not yet received substantial attention in hospitality. This study raises these discussions in the context of hospitality research to promote better practices for assessing the reliability of scales used within the hospitality domain.
Soft HRM bundles: a potential toolkit for future crisis management
Authors: Dubey Naman , Bomzon Semsang Dolma , Murti Ashutosh Bishnu , Roychoudhury Basav
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper spans twofold. Firstly, to investigate Human Resource Management practices (HRMP) adopted by organisations during the pandemic. Secondly, to bundle similar HRMP into Human Resource Management (HRM) bundles that provided unhindered organisational support to employees during the crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted 39 in-depth interviews across industries using a semi-structured interview schedule. Thereafter, the authors transcribed the interviews verbatim and analysed them thematically using MAXQDA 2021.

Findings

The study identifies effective practices during times of uncertainty and how soft HRM practices helped organisations survive during a crisis. When bundled together, these practices enabled organisations to continue operations during the pandemic, keeping their employees engaged and motivated.

Practical implications

Based on the learnings from the COVID-19 pandemic, the study provides a toolkit of HRMP bundles that organisations can adopt for future crisis management, enhancing the organisations’ absorptive capacity.

Originality/value

The study investigates the practices incorporated during COVID-19, leading to the identification of soft HRM bundles. The study adds value to the existing domain of HRM by including a unique set of soft HRMP bundles that have not been discussed in earlier studies and could be of high utility to organisations during the crisis.
Understanding the acceptance of business intelligence from healthcare professionals’ perspective: an empirical study of healthcare organizations
Authors: Alkhwaldi Abeer F.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Due to its ability to support well-informed decision-making, business intelligence (BI) has grown in popularity among executives across a range of industries. However, given the volume of data collected in health-care organizations, there is a lack of exploration concerning its implementation. Consequently, this research paper aims to investigate the key factors affecting the acceptance and use of BI in healthcare organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Leveraging the theoretical lens of the “unified theory of acceptance and use of technology” (UTAUT), a study framework was proposed and integrated with three context-related factors, including “rational decision-making culture” (RDC), “perceived threat to professional autonomy” (PTA) and “medical–legal risk” (MLR). The variables in the study framework were categorized as follows: information systems (IS) perspective; organizational perspective; and user perspective. In Jordan, 434 healthcare professionals participated in a cross-sectional online survey that was used to collect data.

Findings

The findings of the “structural equation modeling” revealed that professionals’ behavioral intentions toward using BI systems were significantly affected by performance expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, MLR, RDC and PTA. Also, an insignificant effect of PTA on PE was found based on the results of statistical analysis. These variables explained 68% of the variance (R2) in the individuals’ intentions to use BI-based health-care systems.

Practical implications

To promote the acceptance and use of BI technology in health-care settings, developers, designers, service providers and decision-makers will find this study to have a number of practical implications. Additionally, it will support the development of effective strategies and BI-based health-care systems based on these study results, attracting the interest of many users.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is one of the first studies that integrates the UTAUT model with three contextual factors (RDC, PTA and MLR) in addition to examining the suggested framework in a developing nation (Jordan). This study is one of the few in which the users’ acceptance behavior of BI systems was investigated in a health-care setting. More specifically, to the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study that reveals the critical antecedents of individuals’ intention to accept BI for health-care purposes in the Jordanian context.
Study on the prediction of high-speed rotary lip seal wear in aero-engine based on heat-fluid-solid coupling
Authors: Wei Jian , Xue YuXi , Tian Jing , Guo Fei
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effect of frictional heat on the wear of high-speed rotary lip seals in engines.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research paper, the authors focus on the high-speed rotating lip seal of aircraft engines. Using the hybrid lubrication theory, a thermal-fluid-solid coupled numerical simulation model is established to investigate the influence of parameters such as contact pressure distribution, temperature rise and leakage rate on the sealing performance under different operating conditions. By incorporating the Rhee wear theory and combining simulation results with experimental data, a method for predicting the wear of the rotating seal lip profile is proposed. Experimental validation is conducted using a high-speed rotating test rig.

Findings

The results indicate that as the speed increases, the rise in frictional heat leads to a decrease in the sealing performance of the lip seal contact region. The experimental results show a similar trend to the numerical simulation results, and considering the effect of frictional heat, the predicted wear of the lip seal profile aligns more closely with the actual wear curve. This highlights the importance of considering the influence of frictional heat in the analysis of rotating seal mechanisms.

Originality/value

This study provides a reference for the prediction of wear profiles of engine high-speed rotary lip seals.
Contextualizing the “Spanish dream”: using critical HRM to understand immigrant homeownership in Spain, 2000–2009
Authors: Gonzalez-Fuentes Mario , Gilbert Jonathan Ross , Scherer Robert F. , Iglesias-Fernandez Carlos
Published: January 2024

Purpose

A pronounced rise in postpandemic immigration is creating consumption opportunities and challenges for countries worldwide. Past research has shown that immigrant homeownership indicates advanced consumer acculturation. However, critical factors which differentiate immigrant decisions to purchase a home remain underexplored. This study aims to examine the importance of different identity resources in determining homeownership gaps between immigrant groups in Spain during a dynamic decade.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed methods research design with triangulation was used. First, the critical “historical research method” is used to empirically assess 15,465 household-level microdata files from the National Immigrant Survey of Spain. Second, the analysis is corroborated through informant interviews, an evaluation of digital news archives and other historical traces such as relevant advertisements in Spain from 2000 to 2009.

Findings

Results provided an account of immigrant homeownership whereby foreign-born consumers leveraged resources to promote social identities aligned with an advanced level of acculturation through housing investment during this period. Furthermore, marketing focused on specific targets of ethnic minority consumers coupled with government policies to promote immigrant homeownership reinforced the “Spanish Dream” as a new paradigm for housing market integration.

Originality/value

Spain provides an unprecedented historical context to explain marketing-related phenomena due to a perfect storm of immigration, job availability and integration supports. Contrary to popular wisdom, immigrant consumer homeownership gaps are not solely a result of differences in income and economic mobility, but rather an advanced acculturation outcome driven by personal and social investments in resources that lead to consumer identities.
The effect of referral tasks on customers’ referral likelihood on social platforms
Authors: Ma Sai , Xie Qinghong , Wang Jiaxin , Dong Jingjing
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Customer referral programs (CRPs) are popular; however, they often generate low referral rates. The authors propose that certain CRP referral tasks may hinder consumers’ referral likelihood. This study aims to explore the effects of referral tasks (communication content and approach) on customers’ referral likelihood on social platforms and the role of self-construal.

Design/methodology/approach

This study establishes a theoretical model based on online social platforms and conducts three scenario-based experiments. The authors obtain data from consumers on Sojump platform and test the hypotheses using analysis of variance (ANOVA) analysis and mediation analysis in SPSS. The valid sample sizes for these three experiments are 288, 203 and 214, respectively.

Findings

Three experimental studies indicate that communication content and approach have a significant effect on referral likelihood. Furthermore, the effect of communication content on referral likelihood depends on the communication approach. Self-construal plays a moderating role in the effect of communication content and approach on perceived social costs.

Originality/value

CRPs typically involve tasks and rewards; consumers are asked to complete a referral task and then receive a reward. Both tasks and rewards can affect an individual’s willingness to participate; however, existing studies on CRP focus primarily on the reward component. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to systematically investigate the role of referral tasks (communication content and approach) in CRPs. The authors extend the related research by examining the impact of referral tasks on consumers’ willingness to recommend. In addition, this study introduces self-construal into CRPs research.
Investigating the barriers facing corporate social responsibility in the built environment: Ghana’s perspective from a qualitative approach
Authors: Aigbavboa Clinton , Ebekozien Andrew , Afetorgbor Emmanuel Kofi , Arthur-Aidoo Bernard Martins , Thwala Wellington Didibhuku
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Several organisations dedicate a portion of their budget and business websites to corporate social responsibility (CSR) events. This illustrates the significance attached to CSR events. In Ghana, a social disconnection may exist between the community and the construction sector. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the benefits of CSR in the construction industry, the implementation challenges and measures to enhance CSR in the Ghanaian built environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative technique was adopted using an extensive review of literature supported by structured interviews and analysed by context analysis. The participants include ministry and municipal directors, contractor associations, unions and institutions of engineers. The study achieved saturation.

Findings

Findings reveal that the construction industry’s CSR impacts the community’s social behaviour and has economic and environmental significance. The absence of government implementation policy and finance constraints were identified as Ghana’s major CSR implementation challenges. Also, besides the government instituting a mandatory policy on CSR in the industry, findings suggest that stakeholders, especially players in the industry and policymakers, should form an integral part of the CSR decisions.

Practical implications

Findings will support and recommend holistic measures to mitigate CSR implementation hindrances and encourage CSR via a central government's mandatory policy in the Ghanaian built environment.

Originality/value

Besides most studies used questionnaires, the contribution deduced shows that construction companies' management could use the knowledge from this study and involve all the relevant stakeholders when undertaking CSR activities. Also, the study would fill the scarcity of relevant materials concerning CSR in Ghanaian construction sector.
Organizational politics and employee job performance in the tourism and hospitality industry: workplace stress and counterproductive work behavior
Authors: Al-Romeedy Bassam Samir , Khairy Hazem Ahmed
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore how job performance (EJP) is affected by employees’ perception of organizational politics (POP). It also investigates the mediating roles of workplace stress (WS) and counterproductive work behavior (CWB).

Design/methodology/approach

Data was gathered from employees working in category (A) travel agencies and five-star hotels in Egypt. A partial least squares structural equation modeling analysis was conducted using 468 valid responses.

Findings

The findings indicate that there is a negative correlation between POP and EJP. Additionally, there is a positive correlation between POP and CWB as well as WS. The results also demonstrate a negative correlation between WS and CWB with EJP. Moreover, the findings suggest that CWB and WS act as partial mediators in the relationship between POP and EJP.

Originality/value

The research included some ground-breaking investigations. Currently, research on the effects of POP on CWB, WS and EJP is insufficient. As well, the current study attempts to measure the mediating role of CWB and WS in the link between POP and EJP. The current study has filled a gap in the tourism and hospitality literature, human resources management literature and organizational behavior literature by empirically analyzing these links in the context of Egyptian hotels and travel agencies.
Regional differences in thermoregulation between two European butterfly communities
Authors: Toro‐Delgado E. , Vila R. , Talavera G. , Turner E. C. , Hayes M. P. , Horrocks N. P. C. , Bladon A. J.
Published: January 2024

Understanding how different organisms cope with changing temperatures is vital for predicting future species' distributions and highlighting those at risk from climate change. As ectotherms, butterflies are sensitive to temperature changes, but the factors affecting butterfly thermoregulation are not fully understood.

We investigated which factors influence thermoregulatory ability in a subset of the Mediterranean butterfly community. We measured adult thoracic temperature and environmental temperature (787 butterflies; 23 species) and compared buffering ability (defined as the ability to maintain a consistent body temperature across a range of air temperatures) and buffering mechanisms to previously published results from Great Britain. Finally, we tested whether thermoregulatory ability could explain species' demographic trends in Catalonia.

The sampled sites in each region differ climatically, with higher temperatures and solar radiation but lower wind speeds in the Catalan sites. Both butterfly communities show nonlinear responses to temperature, suggesting a change in behaviour from heat‐seeking to heat avoidance at approximately 22°C. However, the communities differ in the use of buffering mechanisms, with British populations depending more on microclimates for thermoregulation compared to Catalan populations.

Contrary to the results from British populations, we did not find a relationship between region‐wide demographic trends and butterfly thermoregulation, which may be due to the interplay between thermoregulation and the habitat changes occurring in each region. Thus, although Catalan butterfly populations seem to be able to thermoregulate successfully at present, evidence of heat avoidance suggests this situation may change in the future.
How does a ‘Jewellery Club’ adaptation of the Lego Therapy intervention impact on social anxiety and interactions between girls aged 7 with social communication interaction difficulties?
Authors: Day Emily , Middleton Tristan
Published: January 2024

This study investigated the impact of a ‘Jewellery Club’ on girls with social, communication and interaction difficulties. The project focussed on three girls aged seven who participated in an intervention using similar principles to the ‘Lego Therapy’ intervention. An action research approach was followed, where two phases of the intervention were undertaken with participants engaging with a weekly 20 min session for 3 weeks per phase. The impact of the intervention was assessed through the use of a social difficulties log, field notes and unstructured interviews with parents. Findings identified an overall reduction in social difficulties and social anxiety related to school as well as improved play experiences for the participants during unstructured school times and highlighted the importance of the intervention being aligned with the interests of the participants. The findings suggest that reflection on the gendered nature of interventions may be useful when considering how research might be implemented in practice.
Simulated impact of mobile opioid treatment program units on increasing access to methadone for opioid use disorder
Authors: Gibbons Jason B. , Li Wenshu , Stuart Elizabeth A. , Saloner Brendan
Published: January 2024

Objective

To model the potential impact of mobile methadone unit implementation in Louisiana on net medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) treatment rates.

Data Sources/Study Setting

We use secondary Louisiana Medicaid claims data between 2020 and 2021.

Study Design

We simulate the impact of mobile methadone units in Louisiana using two approaches: (1) a “Poisson regression approach,” which predicts the number of opioid use disorder (OUD) patients that might use methadone at mobile locations based on the underlying association between methadone use and proximity to a brick‐and‐mortar methadone clinic; (2) a “policy approach,” which leverages local treatment uptake rates following the expansion of methadone coverage to Louisiana Medicaid beneficiaries in 2020 to estimate methadone use following mobile unit implementation. Models were run in cases where mobile methadone operators could choose their operation locations freely and in a separate instance where they were restricted to serving rural locations.

Data Collection

Our analytic sample includes 43,341 Louisiana Medicaid beneficiaries with one or more primary or secondary diagnoses for opioid dependence.

Principal Findings

We predict that 10 new mobile methadone units in Louisiana would increase the net MOUD treatment rate in the state by 0.54–2.39 percentage points. If these mobile units delivered Methadone exclusively to rural areas, they could increase rural MOUD treatment by 8.54–13.67 percentage points. Further, roughly 20% of all beneficiaries residing in rural areas being treated with methadone would be an average of 24 miles closer to a methadone treatment provider following mobile unit implementation.

Conclusions

Mobile methadone units represent a promising innovation in the delivery of methadone that is likely to increase methadone use, especially in underserved rural locations. However, we find significant variation in their impact conditional on where they choose to operate, and so careful location planning will be required to maximize their benefit.
Characterization of fruit pulp‐soy protein isolate (SPI) complexes: Effect of superfine grinding
Authors: Xie Jin , Lyu Jian , Wang Fengzhao , Bai Lansha , Bi Jinfeng
Published: January 2024

Superfine grinding (SG), as an innovative technology, was conducted to improve the physicochemical and structural properties of fruit pulps. Nectarine, apple, and honey peach were selected as the materials. With the increase in SG frequency, the soluble solids content, viscosity, D[4, 3], D[3, 2], G′ and G″ of fruit pulps were evidently decreased, whereas the turbidity was increased. The smallest D[4, 3] (294.90 µm) and D[3, 2] (159.67 µm) were observed in nectarine pulp under SG at 50 Hz. The highest turbidity (266.33) was shown in honey peach pulp under SG at 50 Hz. The active groups of the fruit pulps with SG were exposed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR). Notably, the excessive destruction in structure was confirmed in SG with 50 Hz. With soy protein isolate (SPI) addition, D[4, 3] and D[3, 2] of complexes decreased, whereas G′ and G″ increased. The formation of new fruit pulp‐SPI complexes was demonstrated by FT‐IR and LF‐NMR analysis. The dense and uniform structure was found in complexes prepared by SPI and fruit pulp with 30 Hz SG. Especially, apple‐SPI complex with 30 Hz SG showed the highest water‐holding capacity (WHC) (0.75) and adhesiveness (7973.00 g s). A significant correlation between fruit pulps and the complexes was revealed. Taken together, the impact of SG modification on fruit pulps would enhance WHC, rheology, and textural properties of the fruit pulp‐SPI complexes, especially for SG with 30 Hz.

Practical Application

This research provided a comprehensive exploration of the potential of SG technology to modify fruit pulps, solving the diversity of textural customization problems and offering valuable insights for the development of semisolid food products.
Differential expression of ASIP transcripts reveals genetic mechanism underpinning black‐tail independence from body plumage in yellow‐bodied chickens
Authors: Zheng Xiaotong , Chen Jianfei , Nie Ruixue , Miao Huanhuan , Chen Ziwei , He Jiaheng , Xie Yinku , Zhang Hao
Published: January 2024

The genetic foundation of chicken body plumage color has been extensively studied. However, little attention has been paid to the inheritance patterns and molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of distal feather colors (tail and wingtip). Differences in these colors are common; for example, the Chinese Huiyang Beard chicken has black tail feathers, but yellow body plumage. Here, the hybrid offspring of Huiyang Beard and White Leghorn chickens were used to study the inheritance patterns of tail‐feather color. The expression levels of pigment genes in differently colored feather follicles were analyzed using quantitative real‐time PCR. The results showed that genetic regulation of tail‐feather color was independent of body‐plumage color. The Dominant White locus inhibited eumelanin synthesis in tail feathers without affecting the formation of yellow body plumage, whereas the Silver locus had the opposite effect. The expression of agouti signaling protein (ASIP) gene class 1 transcripts was significantly lower in black tail‐feather follicles than in yellow body follicles, whereas tyrosinase‐related protein 1 (TYRP1) gene expression was significantly higher in black tail feathers. These differentially expressed genes were confirmed to exert an effect on eumelanin and pheomelanin formation in feathers, thus influencing the regulation of chicken tail‐feather color. In conclusion, this study lays the foundation for further research on the genetic mechanisms of regional differences in feather color, contributing to a better understanding of plumage pigmentation in chickens.
Tick bites, IgE to galactose‐alpha‐1,3‐galactose and urticarial or anaphylactic reactions to mammalian meat: The alpha‐gal syndrome
Authors: Wilson Jeffrey M. , Erickson Loren , Levin Michael , Ailsworth Samuel M. , Commins Scott P. , Platts‐Mills Thomas A. E.
Published: January 2024

The recent recognition of a syndrome of tick‐acquired mammalian meat allergy has transformed the previously held view that mammalian meat is an uncommon allergen. The syndrome, mediated by IgE antibodies against the oligosaccharide galactose‐alpha‐1,3‐galactose (alpha‐gal), can also involve reactions to visceral organs, dairy, gelatin and other products, including medications sourced from non‐primate mammals. Thus, fittingly, this allergic disorder is now called the alpha‐gal syndrome (AGS). The syndrome is strikingly regional, reflecting the important role of tick bites in sensitization, and is more common in demographic groups at risk of tick exposure. Reactions in AGS are delayed, often by 2–6 h after ingestion of mammalian meat. In addition to classic allergic symptomatology such as urticaria and anaphylaxis, AGS is increasingly recognized as a cause of isolated gastrointestinal morbidity and alpha‐gal sensitization has also been linked with cardiovascular disease. The unusual link with tick bites may be explained by the fact that allergic cells and mediators are mobilized to the site of tick bites and play a role in resistance against ticks and tick‐borne infections. IgE directed to alpha‐gal is likely an incidental consequence of what is otherwise an adaptive immune strategy for host defense against endo‐ and ectoparasites, including ticks.
Survival outcomes after caudate lobectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Al‐Ameri Abdulahad Abdulrab Moahmmed , Zheng Shusen
Published: January 2024

Background

Caudate lobectomy (CLB) remains the most effective treatment for caudate lobe hepatocellular carcinoma (CL‐HCC). However, there is controversy regarding the survival after CLB. This meta‐analysis aims to investigate the survival outcomes following CLB for the treatment of CL‐HCC.

Methods

In line with PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines, a search for all eligible studies was performed. The pooled estimates of survival rates and hazard ratios (HRs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using fixed‐ or random‐effects models.

Results

Sixteen studies comprising 864 patients met the inclusion criteria. The pooled estimates of 3‐ and 5‐year overall survival (OS) rates were 62.3% and 42.9% respectively and the pooled estimate of 3‐ and 5‐year recurrence‐free survival (RFS) rates were 39.3% and 24.4% respectively. CL‐HCC showed inferior OS (HR:1.39, 95% CI: 0.91–1.88, P < 0.001) and RFS (HR:1.33, 95% CI: 1.10–1.56, P < 0.001) than other sites HCC. Isolated CLB showed better OS (HR:0.9, 95% CI:0.39–1.41, p < 0.001) and RFS (HR:0.76, 95% CI: 0.03–1.5, P = 0.04) than combined CLB.

Conclusions

The survival outcomes for CL‐HCC after CLB are lower compared to other sites HCC. Isolated CLB offers better survival outcomes compared to combined CLB. However, choosing isolated or combined approaches should be prioritized according to patient and tumour characteristics.
Low access and inadequate treatment in mental health care for asylum seekers and refugees in Germany—A prospective follow‐up study over 12 months and a nationwide cross‐sectional study
Authors: Dumke Lars , Schmidt Telja , Wittmann Jasmin , Neldner Sina , Weitkämper Angelina , Catani Claudia , Neuner Frank , Wilker Sarah
Published: January 2024

Refugees experience elevated rates of mental health problems, but little is known about mental health service utilization and quality among asylum seekers and refugees in Europe. In a 12‐month follow‐up study of newly arrived refugees (N = 166, Mage = 32.38 years, 30.7% female) and a nationwide cross‐sectional study (N = 579, Mage = 33.89 years, 36.2% female) of refugees who had been living in Germany for an average of 6 years, we examined objective need for mental health treatment, perceived need, access to treatment services, and adequacy of treatment. We defined minimally adequate mental health treatment according to the WHO World Mental Health Survey as ≥8 sessions of psychotherapy (minimally adequate psychotherapy) or pharmacotherapy plus ≥4 medical visits (minimally adequate pharmacotherapy). In both studies, two in three individuals screened for mental health symptoms and additionally perceived a need for professional treatment. Of those, less than half had contact to any service provider, with only 1 in 14 receiving minimally adequate psychotherapy. Overall, no more than one in seven of refugees in need received minimally adequate treatment. Despite a comprehensive mental health‐care system, refugees' access to mental health care and the treatment provided are inadequate. Health policies are urgently needed to provide equitable mental health care for all.
Acquired haemophilia A in paediatric patients: A retrospective French cohort of eight cases
Authors: Mouthon Paul , Guy Alexandre , d'Oiron Roseline , Harroche Annie , Lebreton Aurélien , Gourguechon Clément , Oudot‐Challard Caroline , Huguenin Yoann
Published: January 2024

Acquired haemophilia A (AHA) is a rare haemorrhagic disease characterised by new‐onset haemorrhagic symptoms associated with a dramatic decrease in factor VIII levels and an anti‐factor VIII neutralising autoantibody concentration >0.6 Bethesda units. Elderly people are often affected, whereas children are rarely affected; the paediatric incidence reported in the literature is about 0.045 case/million/year. For some time, the paediatric standard of care has been that for adults, but clinicians have often reported poor outcomes. Here, we describe the largest retrospective paediatric AHA cohort assembled to date, including eight patients diagnosed in France from 2000 to 2020.
Protecting the Forest Beings that Protect Us: The Cosmo‐Political ChallengeKawsak SachaPoses to Ecuador's Extraction‐Based Development
Authors: Oikonomakis Leonidas
Published: January 2024

Sarayaku, an Amazonian Kichwa community in Pastaza province, Ecuador, is suspected to be rich in oil reserves. This fact has generated outside interest in the region and in turn pushed Sarayaku Runa (Sarayaku people) to defend their territory against state‐led extractivist projects. In this context, the conflict in Sarayaku territory, among the state, multinational oil companies and the Indigenous Peoples who inhabit it, goes beyond natural resources. In an effort to distance themselves from the current use of terms such asbuen vivirandPachamamarights, Sarayaku Runa are now inventing new legal and social concepts, such asKawsak Sacha.
Passive cross‐holdings, horizontal differentiation, and welfare
Authors: Fang Jing , Huang Jingyi , Zeng Chenhang
Published: January 2024

We study how passive cross‐holdings affect product differentiation and welfare in a Cournot duopoly. We show that increasing unilateral ownership stimulates total investments, and therefore improves social welfare. Such cross‐holdings should not be controlled in view of social welfare. However, we identify an inverted‐U (a negative) relationship between consumer surplus and ownership when the demand is small (large). Then a government might apply intervention thresholds for passive ownership if it uses consumer surplus as the appropriate standard for antitrust enforcement. We further consider symmetric bilateral cross‐holdings and show that our results are in general robust, but increasing ownership will generate more serious competition harms than unilateral cross‐holdings. Thus, special concerns need to be given to bilateral cross‐holdings.
Submarine fluid flow system feeding methane emission in the northern South China Sea
Authors: Wang Jiliang , Li Ang , Wang Lawrence Hongliang , Wu Shiguo , Li Qingping
Published: January 2024

Submarine fluid flow system can transport methane into ocean. However, its evolution is not fully understood, particularly methane migration through the gas hydrate stability zone (GHSZ) in deep‐water settings. Here, we used 3D seismic and well‐logging data to show the currently active fluid flow system in the northern South China Sea. It was interpreted to have two parts and they together feed intermittent methane emission. Three gas clouds have been seismically imaged beneath the base of gas hydrate stability zone (BGHSZ) and a set of new faults can be identified within them. Twenty‐eight seismic pipes were found to penetrate three vertically stacked mass transport deposits (MTDs) above the gas clouds. Log‐seismic correlation shows that the seismic reflections in the pipe represent MTD sediment, bulk carbonate and gas hydrate‐ or free gas‐bearing sediments. We interpreted faults and pipes as the main migration conduits below and above the BGHSZ respectively. The MTD within the GHSZ could seal the underlying free gas transported by faults and thus overpressure built up at the base prior to the occurrences of the pipes and the fracturing through the overlying sedimentary succession. Subsequently, focused fluid flow entered the GHSZ, with the methane probably bypassing the GHSZ before pore clogging of gas hydrates occurred. Additionally, mapping of high‐amplitude reflections surrounding the upper portion of gas clouds reveals the relict free gas associated with three paleo‐GHSZ bases. Episodic emplacements of new MTDs repeatedly caused the upward shifts of the BGHSZ and the resultant gas hydrate dissociation, contributing to methane emission. We proposed that the occurrences of MTDs may facilitate methane emission by intermittently trapping methane and inducing gas hydrate dissociation in deep‐water settings.
A solider and a victim: Masculinity, violence, and incels celebration of December 6th
Authors: Halpin Michael , Preston Kayla , Lockyer Demeter , Maguire Finlay
Published: January 2024

In 1989, Marc Lépine murdered 14 women at L’École Polytechnique de Montréal. We demonstrate how involuntarily celibate (“incel”) men celebrate Lépine and claim him as a member of their community. Our analysis draws on 637 comments made on incels.is, the main English‐language incel forum, that explicitly mentions Marc Lépine. We argue that incels use Lépine to situate themselves in relation to masculinity and to justify violence against women. First, incels orient to both hegemonic and subordinate masculinity by arguing that feminists are waging a gender war against men. Second, incels celebrate Lépine as a methodical and efficient murderer, connecting both themselves and Lépine to hegemonic masculinity. Third, incels describe both themselves and Lépine as victims of feminists and use this perceived subordination to justify violence against women. We discuss findings in relation to theories of masculinity and policies regulating online communities.
A proposed multi‐domain, digital model for capturing functional status and health‐related quality of life in oncology
Authors: Izmailova Elena S. , Wagner John A. , Bakker Jessie P. , Kilian Rachel , Ellis Robert , Ohri Nitin
Published: January 2024

Whereas traditional oncology clinical trial endpoints remain key for assessing novel treatments, capturing patients' functional status is increasingly recognized as an important aspect for supporting clinical decisions and assessing outcomes in clinical trials. Existing functional status assessments suffer from various limitations, some of which may be addressed by adopting digital health technologies (DHTs) as a means of collecting both objective and self‐reported outcomes. In this mini‐review, we propose a device‐agnostic multi‐domain model for oncology capturing functional status, which includes physical activity data, vital signs, sleep variables, and measures related to health‐related quality of life enabled by connected digital tools. By using DHTs for all aspects of data collection, our proposed model allows for high‐resolution measurement of objective data as patients navigate their daily lives outside of the hospital setting. This is complemented by electronic questionnaires administered at intervals appropriate for each instrument. Preliminary testing and practical considerations to address before adoption are also discussed. Finally, we highlight multi‐institutional pre‐competitive collaborations as a means of successfully transitioning the proposed digitally enabled data collection model from feasibility studies to interventional trials and care management.
Digital rhythm training improves reading fluency in children
Authors: Zanto Theodore P. , Giannakopoulou Anastasia , Gallen Courtney L. , Ostrand Avery E. , Younger Jessica W. , Anguera‐Singla Roger , Anguera Joaquin A. , Gazzaley Adam
Published: January 2024

Musical instrument training has been linked to improved academic and cognitive abilities in children, but it remains unclear why this occurs. Moreover, access to instrument training is not always feasible, thereby leaving less fortunate children without opportunity to benefit from such training. Although music‐based video games may be more accessible to a broader population, research is lacking regarding their benefits on academic and cognitive performance. To address this gap, we assessed a custom‐designed, digital rhythm training game as a proxy for instrument training to evaluate its ability to engender benefits in math and reading abilities. Furthermore, we tested for changes in core cognitive functions related to math and reading to inform how rhythm training may facilitate improved academic abilities. Classrooms of 8–9 year old children were randomized to receive either 6 weeks of rhythm training (N = 32) or classroom instruction as usual (control; N = 21). Compared to the control group, results showed that rhythm training improved reading, but not math, fluency. Assessments of cognition showed that rhythm training also led to improved rhythmic timing and language‐based executive function (Stroop task), but not sustained attention, inhibitory control, or working memory. Interestingly, only the improvements in rhythmic timing correlated with improvements in reading ability. Together, these results provide novel evidence that a digital platform may serve as a proxy for musical instrument training to facilitate reading fluency in children, and that such reading improvements are related to enhanced rhythmic timing ability and not other cognitive functions associated with reading performance.

Research Highlights

Digital rhythm training in the classroom can improve reading fluency in 8–9 year old children

Improvements in reading fluency were positively correlated with enhanced rhythmic timing ability

Alterations in reading fluency were not predicted by changes in other executive functions that support reading

A digital platform may be a convenient and cost‐effective means to provide musical rhythm training, which in turn, can facilitate academic skills
Retraction of health science articles by researchers in Latin America and the Caribbean: A scoping review
Authors: Herrera‐Añazco Percy , Fernandez‐Guzman Daniel , Barriga‐Chambi Fernanda , Benites‐Meza Jerry K. , Caira‐Chuquineyra Brenda , Benites‐Zapata Vicente Aleixandre
Published: January 2024

We aimed to conduct a scoping review to assess the profile of retracted health sciences articles authored by individuals affiliated with academic institutions in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). We systematically searched seven databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Medline/Ovid, Scielo, and LILACS). We included articles published in peer‐reviewed journals between 2003 and 2022 that had at least one author with an institutional affiliation in LAC. Data were collected on the year of publication, study design, authors' countries of origin, number of authors, subject matter of the manuscript, scientific journals of publication, retraction characteristics, and reasons for retraction. We included 147 articles, the majority being observational studies (41.5%). The LAC countries with the highest number of retractions were Brazil (n = 69), Colombia (n = 16), and Mexico (n = 15). The areas of study with the highest number of retractions were infectology (n = 21) and basic sciences (n = 15). A retraction label was applied to 89.1% of the articles, 70.7% were retracted by journal editors, and 89.1% followed international retraction guidelines. The primary reasons for retraction included errors in procedures or data collection (n = 39), inconsistency in results or conclusions (n = 37), plagiarism (n = 21), and suspected scientific fraud (n = 19). In conclusion, most retractions of scientific publications in health sciences in LAC adhered to international guidelines and were linked to methodological issues in execution and scientific misconduct. Efforts should be directed toward ensuring the integrity of scientific research in the field of health.
Efficacy and safety of once‐weekly insulin icodec in type 2 diabetes: A meta‐analysis of ONWARDS phase 3 randomized controlled trials
Authors: Shetty Sahana , Suvarna Renuka
Published: January 2024

Aim

Insulin icodec is a novel ultra‐long action basal insulin analogue designed for once‐weekly administration. With the merit of once‐a‐week administration, it promises better adherence and greater treatment satisfaction because of reduced injection frequency. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the efficacy and safety of once‐weekly insulin icodec in comparison with other basal insulin analogues in the management of type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

The PRISMA guidelines were followed during the conduct of this study. For the eligible studies, five databases and ClinicalTrials.gov were screened until July 2023. All randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy and safety of insulin icodec in type 2 diabetes versus other insulin analogues were included. The extracted data were then analysed for meta‐analysis using RevMan 5.3 software.

Results

Five clinical trials with 3764 participants were included. The meta‐analysis showed that once‐weekly insulin icodec had higher glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) reduction [mean difference −0.17%, 95% confidence interval (CI; −0.28 to −0.06), p = .003], with no significant difference in fasting plasma glucose compared with other insulin analogues. HbA1c achievement <7% [odds ratio 1.51, 95% CI (1.14‐1.99), p = .004] and HbA1c achievement <7% without hypoglycaemia [odds ratio 1.45, 95% CI (1.26‐1.67), p < .00001] were observed in higher proportions with insulin icodec compared with the comparator group. The percentage of time spent in the target glycaemic range was comparatively similar between insulin icodec and the comparator [mean difference 2.42%, 95% CI (0.01‐4.84), p = .05]. There was a significantly higher incidence of level 1 hypoglycaemia with insulin icodec but no significant difference was seen for the incidence of levels 2, 3 and combined 2/3 hypoglycaemia. Any adverse events and adverse events related to basal insulin were comparably similar in insulin icodec and comparators. The subgroup analysis of once‐weekly insulin icodec with individual insulin analogues (glargine U100 and degludec) showed that insulin icodec had similar efficacy with insulin glargine U100 but superior efficacy with higher HbA1c reduction with insulin icodec compared with insulin degludec. The safety profile was comparable between insulin icodec and glargine U100, whereas insulin icodec reported higher incidence of hypoglycaemia events and any adverse events when compared with degludec.

Conclusion

Once‐weekly insulin icodec showed a better HbA1c reduction with a higher proportion of patients achieving HbA1c targets in comparison with once‐daily basal insulin analogues. They were no major safety concerns with respect to hypoglycaemia or adverse events.