bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laboratory data and broncho-alveolar lavage on Covid-19 patients with no intensive care unit admission: Correlation with chest CT features and clinical outcomes
Authors: Nardi Cosimo , Magnini Andrea , Rastrelli Vieri , Zantonelli Giulia , Calistri Linda , Lorini Chiara , Luzzi Valentina , Gori Leonardo , Ciani Luca , Morecchiato Fabio , Simonetti Virginia , Peired Anna Julie , Landini Nicholas , Cavigli Edoardo , Yang Guang , Guiot Julien , Tomassetti Sara , Colagrande Stefano
Published: July 2024

Broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) is indicated in cases of uncertain diagnosis but high suspicion of Sars-Cov-2 infection allowing to collect material for microbiological culture to define the presence of coinfection or super-infection. This prospective study investigated the correlation between chest computed tomography (CT) findings, Covid-19 Reporting and Data System score, and clinical outcomes in Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patients who underwent BAL with the aim of predicting outcomes such as lung coinfection, respiratory failure, and hospitalization length based on chest CT abnormalities. Study population included 34 patients (range 38–90 years old; 20 males, 14 females) with a positive nucleic acid amplification test for Covid-19 infection, suitable BAL examination, and good quality chest CT scan in the absence of lung cancer history. Pulmonary coinfections were found in 20.6% of patients, predominantly caused by bacteria. Specific correlations were found between right middle lobe involvement and pulmonary co-infections. Severe lung injury (PaO2/FiO2 ratio of 100–200) was associated with substantial involvement of right middle, right upper, and left lower lobes. No significant correlation was found between chest CT findings and inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, procalcitonin) or hospitalization length of stay. Specific chest CT patterns, especially in right middle lobe, could serve as indicators for the presence of co-infections and disease severity in noncritically ill Covid-19 patients, aiding clinicians in timely interventions and personalized treatment strategies.
Highlighting the Benefits of the Clinical Education Resource Nurse for New Graduate Nurses
Authors: Cox Jamie , Witner Kathryn , DePriest Kalei , Ramirez Mariah , Hessler Karen , Varty Maureen
Published: July 2024

Nurse residency programs provide a valuable transition to practice environment for graduate nurses. The Clinical Education Resource Nurse (CERN) role offers continued clinical assistance to graduate nurses who have completed orientation with a preceptor during the 1st year of practice including education and continued clinical oversight when needed. This column defines the role of CERN and provides a description of the clinical application and support provided.
Supporting Time-Critical Decision Making
Authors: Morse Lisa , Apen Lynette V. , Williams Michelle Y. , Crawford Cecelia L.
Published: July 2024

Due to shifting priorities and unforeseen challenges, nurse leaders often lack sufficient time and resources to systematically review and appraise the available literature in search of the best evidence to guide decisions. A nurse-led rapid review service can produce accelerated knowledge synthesis and contextualized translation of evidence in a resource-efficient manner. This article describes a nurse-led rapid review service implemented at a large academic medical center and provides a reproducible process to guide other healthcare organizations in developing similar programs.
Inclusion, Participation, Belonging = Surviving, Thriving, Flourishing
Authors: Long Toby
Published: July 2024

Purpose:

To share my perspectives on how pediatric physical therapists support children with disabilities and their families to maximize their potential to flourish.

Key Points:

Best practice supports the inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of society. Policy statements from governmental agencies, research universities, advocacy, and non-governmental organizations all support inclusion. The concept of belonging and how pediatric physical therapists can promote belonging is less familiar to pediatric physical therapists than inclusion and participation. Essential elements necessary to bring about a sense of belonging in young children will be presented, leading to a discussion on the role of the pediatric physical therapist and key implications for the early childhood system of care.

Conclusions:

Pediatric physical therapists support children with disabilities and their families to maximize the potential of every child. I propose that to do this, we must focus our interventions to promote a child’s active participation in community life and build programs and relationships that promote belonging.

Clinical Relevance:

Interventions for children with disabilities will be successful by focusing on the outcomes that promote inclusion, participation, and belonging.
Building Partnerships Out of Barriers: Lessons Learned From Partnerships Between Centers for Independent Living and Health Departments During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Bednar Hailey , Callis LaTasha , Whitton Alaina , Lyons Sara , Tissot Kimberly
Published: July 2024

Introduction

People with disabilities were left behind in the beginning of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout. More work needs to be done to connect people with disabilities to public health initiatives. Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are an important and under-utilized community partner for health departments and should be engaged as a trusted source when working to reach people with disabilities and improve access to public health programs and services.

Methods

The National Foundation for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC Foundation), through funding from the CDC, launched the Leveraging CILs to Increase Vaccine Access for People with Disabilities project. The primary goal was to increase accessibility of the COVID-19 vaccination among people with disabilities through (1) outreach and education, (2) service linkage and barrier removal through increasing accessible, (3) widespread education about the vaccine, and (4) improved partnerships between disability-led organizations and local health care providers.

Outputs

A grant program resulted in 39 awards distributed to CILs across the United States totaling $2 955 294.00 between November 2021 and March 2023. The project successfully resulted in reported improvements in partnerships between funded CILs and local health providers and a reported reduction in barriers to accessing vaccinations faced by people with disabilities. A suite of resources was also created to address targeted needs identified throughout partner implementation. Successful outreach to the targeted population resulted in 27 044 consumers being directly reached by CILs and 3 675 655 people reached through communication and outreach activities.

Discussion

Catalytic funding to disability-led organizations during public health emergency response and including people with disabilities as subject matter experts in program design can successfully strengthen access to care via trust building, message dissemination, and partnership. Building the capacity of community-based and consumer-led partners to implement evidence-based public health programming can provide a foundation for improved care for people with disabilities, particularly during an emergency response.
An Emergency Department Quality Improvement Project to Decrease Lumbar Puncture Rates in Febrile Infants 22 to 28 Days Old
Authors: Kelly Jessica M. , Ku Brandon C. , Gala Payal , Hawkins Bobbie , Lee Brian , Corso Salvatore , Green Rebecca , Scarfone Richard , Lavelle Jane M. , Kane Emily R. , Sartori Laura F.
Published: July 2024

Introduction:

Most providers have routinely performed universal lumbar puncture (LP) on well-appearing, febrile infants 22 to 28 days old. In 2021, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended clinicians should perform an LP in this age group if inflammatory markers are abnormal. This quality improvement project aimed to decrease LP rates in febrile infants 22 to 28 days old in the emergency department (ED) within 1 year, regardless of race/ethnicity, from a baseline of 87%.

Methods:

We used our institution’s quality improvement framework to perform multiple Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles. A multidisciplinary team reviewed the febrile infant literature, local epidemiology, and identified key drivers. We provided departmental education, updated our clinical pathway, and used clinical decision support. We analyzed baseline (January 2017–March 2022) and intervention data (April 2022–March 2024) and tracked data using statistical process control charts. Our primary outcome measure was rates of LP in the ED for this cohort. Process measures included rates of infants with procalcitonin results. ED length of stay, rates of first LP attempt after hospitalization, and missed bacterial meningitis were balancing measures.

Results:

The baseline LP rate of 87% decreased to 44% during the intervention period, resulting in a downward centerline shift. There were no significant differences when LP rates were analyzed by race/ethnicity. There was an upward centerline shift in the process measure of infants with procalcitonin results. There was no observed special cause variation in our balancing measures.

Conclusion:

Quality improvement efforts, including education, clinical pathway updates, and clinical decision support, safely reduced rates of LPs in febrile infants 22 to 28 days old.
Recent Clinical Implications of FAPI
Authors: Kiani Mahshid , Jokar Safura , Hassanzadeh Leila , Behnammanesh Hossein , Bavi Omid , Beiki Davood , Assadi Majid
Published: July 2024

The fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a biomarker that is selectively overexpressed on cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in various types of tumoral tissues and some nonmalignant diseases, including fibrosis, arthritis, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases. FAP plays a critical role in tumor microenvironment through facilitating proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, immunosuppression, and drug resistance. Recent studies reveal that FAP might be regarded as a promising target for cancer diagnosis and treatment. FAP-targeted imaging modalities, especially PET, have shown high sensitivity and specificity in detecting FAP-expressing tumors. FAP-targeted imaging can potentially enhance tumor detection, staging, and monitoring of treatment response, and facilitate the development of personalized treatment strategies. This study provides a comprehensive view of FAP and its function in the pathophysiology of cancer and nonmalignant diseases. It also will discuss the characteristics of radiolabeled FAP inhibitors, particularly those based on small molecules, their recent clinical implications in imaging and therapy, and the associated clinical challenges with them. In addition, we present the results of imaging and biodistribution radiotracer 68Ga-FAPI-46 in patients with nonmalignant diseases, including interstitial lung disease, primary biliary cirrhosis, and myocardial infarction, who were referred to our department. Our results show that cardiac FAP-targeted imaging can provide a novel potential biomarker for managing left ventricle remodeling. Moreover, this study has been organized and presented in a manner that offers a comprehensive overview of the current status and prospects of FAPI inhibitors in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
Safe and Reliable Use of Supraclavicular Flaps for Head and Neck Reconstruction
Authors: Kadota Hideki , Imai Yoshie
Published: July 2024

The supraclavicular flap is a regional flap in the supraclavicular area nourished by the transverse cervical or supraclavicular arteries. This flap gained popularity in the 2000s as it requires less surgical time than free flap reconstruction and has minimal donor-site morbidity. However, a high rate of postoperative complications has been reported. Moreover, there is ongoing debate regarding the indications and limitations of this flap. In this study, we confined the flap design to the supraclavicular fossa, considering flap vascularity and in an effort to minimize donor site morbidity. Between 2014 and 2023, we performed supraclavicular flap reconstruction in 3 cases of cervical skin defects and 1 case of a pharyngeal mucosal defect. The average defect and flap sizes were 7×3.9 cm and 11.5×4.4 cm, respectively. The lower border of the flap remained above the clavicle, and the lateral border did not exceed the acromioclavicular joint. When the flaps were transferred using the transposition method, the angle of transposition was limited to <90 degrees. When the VY advancement or turnover method was selected, we paid attention to the tension-free flap inset. We successfully reconstructed the defects without flap-related complications, and donor site scars were inconspicuous in all patients. In conclusion, we believe that confining the flap design to the supraclavicular fossa, limiting the indications of this flap to the reconstruction of medium-sized defects, and using tension-free flap insets are important for the successful application of this flap.
Electroconvulsive Therapy With Brain Cyst
Authors: Ahmad Bakir Azam , Martin Donel M. , Alduraywish Abdulrahman , Dokos Socrates , Loo Colleen K.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is effective in treating severe depression and other neuropsychiatric disorders, but how the presence of an anatomical anomaly affects the electrical pathways between the electrodes remains unclear. We investigate the difference in electric field (E-field) distribution during ECT in the brain of a patient with an arachnoid cyst relative to hypothetical condition where the cyst was not present.

Methods

Magnetic resonance imaging scans of the head of a patient with a large left frontal cyst were segmented to construct a finite element model to study the E-field distribution during ECT. Five electrode configurations were investigated: right unilateral, left unilateral, bifrontal, and bitemporal and left anterior right temporal. The E-field distributions for all montages were compared with a hypothetical condition where brain tissue and electrical conductivity from the right frontal region was mirrored across the longitudinal fissure into the cyst.

Results

Differences in mean E-field and 90th percentile E-fields were mainly observed in brain regions closest to the cyst including the left inferior frontal gyrus and left middle frontal gyrus. This trend was most pronounced in montages where the electrodes were closest to the cyst such as left unilateral and bitemporal.

Conclusion

The presence of a highly conductive cyst close to the ECT electrode tended to attract current into the cyst region, altering current pathways, with potential implications for therapeutic efficacy and safety. Placing electrodes farther away from the cyst is likely to minimize any effects on the E-field distribution and potentially clinical outcomes.
Genomic data reveals habitat partitioning in massivePoriteson Guam, Micronesia
Authors: Primov Karim D. , Burdick David R. , Lemer Sarah , Forsman Zac H. , Combosch David J.
Published: July 2024

Corals in marginal reef habitats generally exhibit less bleaching and associated mortality compared to nearby corals in more pristine reef environments. It is unclear, however, if these differences are due to environmental differences, including turbidity, or genomic differences between the coral hosts in these different environments. One particularly interesting case is in the coral genusPorites, which contains numerous morphologically similar massivePoritesspecies inhabiting a wide range of reef habitats, from turbid river deltas and stagnant back reefs to high-energy fore reefs. Here, we generate ddRAD data for 172Poritescorals from river delta and adjacent fore reef populations on Guam to assess the extent of genetic differentiation among massivePoritescorals in these two contrasting environments and throughout the island. Phylogenetic and population genomic analyses identify seven different clades of massivePorites, with the two largest clades predominantly inhabiting either river deltas and fore reefs, respectively. No population structure was detected in the two largest clades, andCladocopiumwas the dominant symbiont genus in all clades and environments. The perceived bleaching resilience of corals in marginal reef environments may therefore be attributed to interspecific differences between morphologically similar species, in addition to potentially mediating environmental differences. Marginal reef environments may therefore not provide a suitable refuge for many reef corals in a heating world, but instead host additional cryptic coral diversity.
Current substance use patterns and associated factors among Ghanaian adolescents in senior high school
Authors: Darko Rachael Asantewaa , Glozah Franklin N.
Published: July 2024

Substance use poses a significant threat to adolescent health and well-being globally, with rising rates of concern in developing countries. Understanding the specific factors currently driving substance use among youth is crucial for developing targeted interventions. This study examines current substance use patterns and their correlates among Ghanaian in-school adolescents. A cross-sectional survey was administered to a random sample of 425 SHS students in Accra. A standardised questionnaire was used to assess substance use patterns (types, frequency, age of initiation), peer and family influences, socio-demographic characteristics and potential substance dependence. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the sample and a multiple logistic regression models identified predictors of use for specific substances. The mean age of participants was 17.1 years. Cigarettes were the most used substance, followed by shisha, marijuana, and alcohol. Male students, those living with relatives, and those with friends who drink alcohol were more likely to use alcohol. Students who worked while in school, or had family members who smoke, had an increased likelihood of cigarette use. Older students and those with friends who use shisha were more likely to use shisha. Interestingly, limited social media exposure and living with parents and siblings were associated with lower marijuana use. Additionally, the results showed a potential substance dependence in some students. This study highlights substance use patterns and influential factors among adolescents in urban Ghana. Findings emphasize the interaction of peer influence, family environment, and gender in shaping substance use behaviours. These insights can inform culturally sensitive interventions to promote adolescent health and resilience in Ghana, and potentially other developing contexts.
Gender Differences in the Diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease after Spirometry
Authors: Moffett Alexander T. , Halpern Scott D. , Weissman Gary E.
Published: July 2024

Background

Women are more likely than men to report delays in the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), though the etiology of these delays is unknown. We sought to test whether delays in COPD diagnosis persist after the performance of spirometry.

Methods

We used the Optum Labs Data Warehouse to identify patients 18 years of age and older without a prior diagnosis of COPD, with a post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) to forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio of less than 0.7 on spirometry. We used a Cox proportional hazards model to compare the time to diagnosis after spirometry in men and women, adjusting for age, race, ethnicity, tobacco use, and post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC.

Results

The probability of receiving a COPD diagnosis after the performance of spirometry was lower among women than men (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.50 to 0.88)

Conclusion

In this retrospective cohort study of patients with spirometric evidence of obstruction, the time to diagnosis of COPD was greater among women than men. While previous vignette-based studies have found that gender differences in the diagnosis of COPD resolve with the performance of spirometry, we found that gender differences persist after spirometry has been performed. Clinicians were less likely to diagnose COPD in women even when spirometry supported this diagnosis.
Impact of Ambient Artificial Intelligence Notes on Provider Burnout
Authors: Misurac Jason , Knake Lindsey A. , Blum James M.
Published: July 2024

Background

Healthcare provider burnout is a critical issue with significant implications for individual well-being, patient care, and healthcare system efficiency. Addressing burnout is essential for improving both provider well-being and the quality of patient care. Ambient artificial intelligence (AI) offers a novel approach to mitigating burnout by reducing the documentation burden through advanced speech recognition and natural language processing technologies that summarize the patient encounter into a clinical note to be reviewed by clinicians.

Objective

To assess provider burnout and professional fulfilment associated with Ambient AI technology during a pilot study, assessed using the Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index (PFI).

Methods

A pre-post observational study was conducted at University of Iowa Health Care with 38 volunteer physicians and advanced practice providers. Participants used a commercial ambient AI tool, over a 5-week trial in ambulatory environments. The AI tool transcribed patient-clinician conversations and generated preliminary clinical notes for review and entry into the electronic medical record. Burnout and professional fulfillment were assessed using the Stanford PFI at baseline and post-intervention.

Results

Pre-test and post-test surveys were completed by 35/38 participants (92% survey completion rate). Results showed a significant reduction in burnout scores, with the median burnout score improving from 4.16 to 3.16 (p=0.005), with validated Stanford PFI cutoff for overall burnout 3.33. Burnout rates decreased from 69% to 43%. There was a notable improvement in interpersonal disengagement scores (3.6 vs. 2.5, p<0.001), although work exhaustion scores did not significantly change. Professional fulfillment showed a modest, non-significant increase (6.1 vs. 6.5, p=0.10).

Conclusions

Ambient AI significantly reduces healthcare provider burnout and modestly enhances professional fulfillment. By alleviating documentation burdens, ambient AI improves operational efficiency and provider well-being. These findings suggest that broader implementation of ambient AI could be a strategic intervention to combat burnout in healthcare settings.
Implementation of Pre-emptive Pharmacogenomics Testing in Outpatient Clinics in Asia (IMPT study)
Authors: Ng Fiona FJ , Verma Rashmi , Sani Levana , Irwanto Astrid , Lee Michael , Wee Angeline , Chng Shih Kiat , Wong Melvyn , Chan Alexandre
Published: July 2024

Background: In view of the limited data related to preemptive pharmacogenomics (PGx) testing in the primary care setting, we designed a study to assess the feasibility of implementing preemptive PGx services at outpatient clinics, with the aim to assess the practicality and challenges of implementing preemptive PGx testing within primary care, and its impact on clinical workflows and patient care. Methods: This prospective study was conducted between October 2022 and August 2023 at five outpatient clinics located in Singapore. Patients aged 21 to 65 with a reported history or risk of developing any of the target chronic conditions or any patients receiving one of the 29 PGx-associated medications were recruited. Patients' buccal samples were processed using the Nala RxReady, a multi-gene qPCR-based panel of 21 allele variants of five pharmacogenes. Surveys were administered to study participants and clinicians to assess their perceptions and outcomes related to PGx testing. Results: Among the 222 patients, 95% had at least one clinically actionable variant. Of these patients, 113 reported taking at least one of the 29 studied drugs, with 21.2% of them receiving at least one clinically actionable recommendation based on their PGx results. A total of 150 patients (67.6%) participated in the post-test follow-up survey. Among them, 70% expressed feeling relieved and happy upon receiving their test reports and reported increased confidence in taking their prescribed medication. Furthermore, clinicians identified the necessity for clearer legal regulations regarding PGx testing and insurance coverage to enhance future adoption of PGx testing. Conclusions: Given a high prevalence of clinically actionable variants in almost all tested patients, this study underscores the feasibility and clinical benefits of preemptive PGx testing in primary care clinics.
Coordinate versus momentum cuts and effects of collective flow on critical fluctuations
Authors: Kuznietsov Volodymyr A. , Gorenstein Mark I. , Koch Volker , Vovchenko Volodymyr
Published: July 2024

We analyze particle number fluctuations in the crossover region near the critical endpoint of a first-order phase transition by utilizing molecular dynamics simulations of the classical Lennard-Jones fluid. We extend our previous study [V. A. Kuznietsov , ] by incorporating longitudinal collective flow. The scaled variance of particle number distribution inside different coordinate and momentum space acceptances is computed through ensemble averaging and found to agree with earlier results obtained using time averaging, validating the ergodic hypothesis for fluctuation observables. Presence of a sizable collective flow is found to be essential for observing large fluctuations from the critical point in momentum space acceptances. We discuss our findings in the context of heavy-ion collisions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Migdal-type effect in the dark matter absorption process
Authors: Dzuba V. A. , Flambaum V. V. , Samsonov I. B.
Published: July 2024

We propose a new mechanism of absorption of dark matter particles in atoms which resembles the Migdal effect of inelastic dark matter scattering. In this process, atoms may be ionized upon absorption of a scalar particle through the scalar-nucleon Yukawa-type interaction. The crucial difference from the inelastic dark matter scattering on atoms is that the total energy of the particle, including its rest mass mc2 term, is transferred to the electron. As a result, the emitted electron kinetic energy is about 6 orders in magnitude bigger than that in the dark matter scattering process. This absorption process allows one to probe dark matter particles with a relatively small mass, in the range from 1 to 100 keV, that cannot be detected in the scattering process. It is also possible to detect hypothetical scalar particles emitted from the Sun. We calculate absorption cross sections of this process in Na, Si, Ar, Ge, I, Xe, and Tl target atoms and extract limits on the scalar-nucleon interaction constant from null results of the XENONnT experiment.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Gravitational wave as a probe of light feebly interacting dark matter
Authors: Gu Yuchao , Su Liangliang , Wu Lei , Wu Yongcheng , Zhu Bin
Published: July 2024

Light feebly interacting dark matter is widely predicted in a plethora of new physics models. However, due to very feeble couplings with the standard-model particles, its relic density produced via the relativistic thermal freeze-out process easily exceeds the observed value. The entropy dilution in an early matter-dominated era provides an attractive mechanism for solving such an overabundance problem. In this work, we note that this dark matter dilution mechanism will lead to two distinctive kinks in the primordial GW spectrum, whose frequencies strongly correlate with the DM mass. We show that the GW detectors, such as Cosmic Explorer (CE) and Big Bang Observer (BBO), can measure the kinks in the primordial GW spectrum and will offer a new avenue to probe light feebly interacting dark matter.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Semiclassical saddles of three-dimensional gravity via holography
Authors: Chen Heng-Yu , Hikida Yasuaki , Taki Yusuke , Uetoko Takahiro
Published: July 2024

We find out the complex geometries corresponding to the semiclassical saddles of three-dimensional quantum gravity by making use of the known results of dual conformal field theory (CFT), which is effectively given by Liouville field theory. We examine both the cases with positive and negative cosmological constants. We determine the set of semiclassical saddles to choose from the homotopy argument in the Chern-Simons formulation combined with CFT results and provide strong supports from the minisuperspace approach to the quantum gravity. For the case of positive cosmological constant, partial results were already obtained in our previous works, and they are consistent with the current ones. For the case of negative cosmological constant, we identify the geometry corresponding a semiclassical saddle with three-dimensional Euclidean anti–de Sitter space dressed with imaginary radius three-dimensional spheres. The geometry is generically unphysical, but the fact itself should not lead to any problems as derived from consistent dual CFT. We thus find an intriguing example, where the gravity path integral is performed over unphysical geometries.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
g
Theorem from Strong Subadditivity
Authors: Harper Jonathan , Kanda Hiroki , Takayanagi Tadashi , Tasuki Kenya
Published: July 2024

We show that strong subadditivity provides a simple derivation of the g theorem for the boundary renormalization group flow in two-dimensional conformal field theories. We work out its holographic interpretation and also give a derivation of the g theorem for the case of an interface in two-dimensional conformal field theories. We also geometrically confirm strong subadditivity for holographic duals of conformal field theories on manifolds with boundaries.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Crystal structure of Staudtienic acid, a diterpenoid from Staudtia kamerunensis Warb. (Myristicaceae)
Authors: Tonga Lembe Jordan , Mphahlele Precious Mokgadi , Kamdem Kengne Michael Hermann , Jiyane Pangaman , Djuidje Fotsing Marthe Carine , Ardene Charmaine , Mmutlane Edwin Mpho , Ndinteh Derek Tantoh
Published: July 2024

This title compound, C20H26O2, was isolated from the benzene fraction of the stem bark of Staudtia kamerunensis Warb. (Myristicaceae) using column chromatography techniques over silica gel. The compound was fully characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, one and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy, IR and MS spectrometry. The compound has two fused cyclohexane rings attached to a benzene ring, with a carboxylic acid on C-4. This cyclohexene ring has a chair conformation while the other adopts a half-chair conformation. The benzene ring is substituted with a propenyl moiety. The structure is characterized by intermolecular O—H...O hydrogen bonds, two C—H...O intramolecular hydrogen bonds and two C—H...π interactions. The molecular structure confirms previous studies carried out by spectroscopic techniques.
Crystal structure of 4-bromo-5,7-dimethoxy-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one
Authors: Galla Sri Hari , Sridhar Jayalakshmi , Mague Joel T. , Zhang Xiaodong , White Kira D. , Zhang Qiang , Donahue James P.
Published: July 2024

In the title molecule, C11H11BrO3, the dihydroindene moiety is essentially planar but with a slight twist in the saturated portion of the five-membered ring. The methoxy groups lie close to the above plane. In the crystal, π-stacking interactions between six-membered rings form stacks of molecules extending along the a-axis direction, which are linked by weak C—H...O and C—H...Br hydrogen bonds. A Hirshfeld surface analysis was performed showing H...H, O...H/H...O and Br...H/H...Br contacts make the largest contributions to intermolecular interactions in the crystal.
Downward social comparison in explaining pro-environmental attitude-sustainable consumption behavior gap
Authors: Do Van Thi Hong , Do Long Thanh
Published: July 2024

Purpose

While consumers are increasingly concerned about the environment and commit themselves to environmental protection, they are still reluctant to act. This phenomenon, to date, has remained a puzzle and gained much attention from practitioners and researchers. As a contribution to the understanding of the phenomenon, this study aims to examine the role of downward social comparison as an explanation for the inconsistency of the relationships between two types of pro-environmental attitudes, namely attitudes toward the environment and attitudes toward sustainable consumption, and two sustainable consumption behaviors including electricity-saving behavior and unneeded consumption reduction.

Design/methodology/approach

Hierarchical multiple regressions were employed to test the hypotheses with survey data from 381 consumers in a large city in a Southeast Asian country.

Findings

The regression results support our expectation that downward social comparison negatively moderates the relationships between the two attitude variables and the two sustainable consumption behaviors.

Originality/value

Our findings provide some insights into the complexity of the attitude-behavior relationship and offer some practical recommendations for governments and policymakers in designing more effective behavioral interventions for the sustainability of human society.
Evaluation of an integrated mental health and substance use video-based prevention program for Filipino youth
Authors: Hechanova Ma Regina M. , Co Trixia Anne C. , Soliman Jayson , Guevara Ana Maria Isabel Castro , Tuliao Antover P. , Botor Nephtaly , Felipe Ma Veronica
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Drug prevention programs typically focus on providing information on the effects of drugs and developing refusal skills. However, there is evidence that adolescents use substances to cope with stress. As such, integrating mental health literacy is important in prevention programs. The purpose of this study was to test a video-based mental health and substance prevention program for Filipino youth.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a cluster randomized trial and mixed methods design with 623 Filipino adolescents from 12 to 18 years old. The program consisted of six sessions focusing on stress, adaptive coping, effects of substances and drug refusal skills. It uses short psychoeducation videos along with self-reflection, and discussions to increase learner engagement.

Findings

Results revealed a significant increase in knowledge and negative attitudes toward substance of participants in the intervention group compared to the control group. Those in the intervention group reported improved use of adaptive coping skills particularly cognitive reappraisal, social support, problem-solving and relaxation compared to the control group.

Originality/value

This study adds to the literature on prevention from under-represented and non-Western contexts such as the Philippines. This study highlights how technology-mediated and integrated mental health and substance use programs can be useful in countries with few resources for mental health.
“It’s expected that students want to get drunk. that needs to change”: alcohol abstainer and light drinking university student experiences
Authors: Hill Kimberley , Mansbridge Sarah , Watts Amy , Saravanja Ana
Published: July 2024

Purpose

An increasing non-drinker population is developing, but much research focusses on alcohol misuse, rather than the experiences of those who abstain or consume little alcohol, particularly within student populations. This student co-constructed qualitative research aimed to understand alcohol abstainer and light drinking students’ university experiences and perceptions of university alcohol cultures, given recent trends in alcohol drinking behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

Ten UK undergraduate students (six males, four females; 21–26 years), five alcohol abstainers and five light alcohol drinkers (AUDIT-C), participated in semi-structured focus group interviews.

Findings

Thematic analysis of transcripts identified participants’ negative experiences of pre-university social pressures in navigating no or low alcohol drinking identities, which impacted university expectations. Participants perceived alcohol drinking cultures as remaining prevalent on university campuses and possibly used for profit and recruitment. Alcohol dominant university-sanctioned social events, alongside limited other provisions, impacted initial university transitions and belonging. However, students reported co-existing realities between such cultures and simultaneous peer acceptance of their no or low drinking status, finding similar others and long-term friendships not impacted. Due to this, student participants called for universities to take urgent action in changing pervasive university alcohol cultures, which they felt no longer aligned with changing student behaviours and perceptions.

Originality/value

Guided by findings, we provide important implications for prevention work and future research, including the importance of social context interventions. We also highlight the value of student co-creation and external partnerships within such work.
Investigating pozzolanic glass waste's role in reinforcing ultra-high-performance concrete beams for enhanced sustainability
Authors: Neamat Sevar Dilkhaz , Haido James H. , Wardeh George
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to address sustainability challenges in construction by exploring the structural performance and environmental benefits of incorporating pozzolanic waste glass (WG) into ultra-high-performance reinforced concrete (UHPRC) beams.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive evaluation of UHPRC beams was conducted, incorporating varying ratios (10%, 20% and 30%) of WG powder alongside a consistent 0.75% inclusion of basalt fiber. The investigation encompassed the entire UHPRC production process, including curing, casting and molding, while evaluating workability and physical properties. Furthermore, the environmental impact, particularly CO2 emissions associated with UHPRC mixture components, was also assessed. Type K thermocouples were employed to analyze temperature dynamics during fabrication, providing valuable insights.

Findings

The findings demonstrate positive implications for using pozzolanic WG as a cement substitute in UHPRC beams.

Originality/value

This research stands out for its unique focus on the combined effects of incorporating recycled pozzolanic glass waste on the structural performance and environmental footprint of UHPRC beams.
Digital financial inclusion and inclusive development in lower-middle-income countries: the enabling role of institutional quality
Authors: Ofosu-Mensah Ababio Josephine , Boachie Yiadom Eric , Ofori-Sasu Daniel , Sarpong–Kumankoma Emmanuel
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore how institutional quality links digital financial inclusion to inclusive development in lower-middle-income countries, considering heterogeneities.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses dynamic generalized method of moments to analyze a balanced panel data set of 48 lower-middle- income countries (LMICs) from 2004 to 2022, sourced from various databases. It assesses four variables and conducts checks for study robustness.

Findings

The study reveals a positive link between digital financial inclusion and inclusive development in LMICs, confirming theoretical predictions. Empirically, nations with quality institutions exhibit greater financial and developmental inclusion than those with weak institutions, emphasizing the substantial positive impact of institutional quality on the connection between digital financial inclusion and inclusive development in LMICs. For instance, the interaction effect reveals a substantial increase of 0.123 in inclusive development for every unit increase in digital financial inclusion in the presence of strong institutions. The findings provide robust empirical evidence that the presence of quality institutions is a key catalyst for the benefits of digital finance in inclusive development.

Originality/value

This study offers significant insights into digital financial inclusion and inclusive development in LMICs. It confirms a positive relationship between digital financial inclusion and inclusive development, highlighting the pivotal role of institutional quality in amplifying these benefits. Strong institutions benefit deprived individuals, families, communities and businesses, enabling full access to digital financial inclusion benefits. This facilitates engagement in development processes, aiding LMICs in achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
Are shocks to entrepreneurship persistence? Case of a Resource-based economy
Authors: Cheratian Iman , Goltabar Saleh
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the stationary properties of entrepreneurship capital in the Iranian business sector. The investigation is conducted based on firm size (micro, small and medium, and large), sector (ISIC classification), and location (23 provinces) over the period 1981–2021.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the purpose of the paper, we apply the Lagrange Multiplier (LM) unit root test with structural breaks.

Findings

The results of our study confirm the stationarity of entrepreneurship for the majority of our categorizations. Therefore, entrepreneurs' willingness to start a business is temporarily affected by sharp shocks, suggesting that the entrepreneurship trends in these categories will eventually revert to their long-run equilibrium. However, the time series of entrepreneurship in provinces such as Zanjan and Lorestan, as well as in the electrical machines and devices (code 31) sector, remain permanent. These findings can assist policymakers in each sector and location in designing effective policies to promote entrepreneurial activities.

Research limitations/implications

In this study, the time period utilized was restricted, and there were no data accessible for an extended duration. Another limitation of this research is the absence of access to firm-level data on a shorter time scale, such as weekly or monthly.

Originality/value

The economic literature reveals that empirical studies on the persistence of entrepreneurship have received relatively less attention in the context of emerging and resource-based economies, compared to the increasing focus on them in developed countries. Therefore, to address this gap, this paper aims to extend the current empirical literature by presenting new evidence for the case of Iran, which has an emerging and resource-based economy.
Impediments of social responsibility investment adoption system: a post-pandemic qualitative analysis
Authors: Shehzad Ayesha , Khan Kanwal Iqbal
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Ecological degradation is causing various medical hazards worldwide. Modern globalization is enhancing several polluting factors that cause ecosystem deterioration. This situation leads to the increasing significance of implementing green environmental practices. Previous studies emphasize various green concepts, mainly in finance, encouraging investors to make ethical and responsible decisions to promote clean ecological practices. But still, emerging concepts like socially responsible investment (SRI) require more understanding and acknowledgment, particularly in developing economies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has focused on exploring the impediments to SRI-adopting practices. It is conducted in two phases. Initially, a systematic literature review was conducted to identify the hurdles in promoting SRI. Later, open-ended interviews from the active investors of Pakistan Stock Exchange Limited were executed to explore the barriers to implementing the SRI system. The responses were transcribed and tested through NVivo software.

Findings

The information extracted from the recorded statements was further classified into three themes: initial, subordinate and cluster, which provides an understanding of the identified factors. The findings suggest that the significant complications hindering SRI are a lack of regulatory framework, inadequate conceptual knowledge and limited resources.

Practical implications

The findings state that the identified impediments can help in developing a framework for successfully implementing SRI practices in emerging economies. It can strengthen the stakeholders' knowledge and suggest a guideline for investment decisions, providing them with socially, ethically and financially positive returns. Therefore, this study will inspire active and potential investors to adopt SRI practices, making the economic uplift certain.

Originality/value

This study will add value to the existing body of knowledge related to SRI and highlight the importance of SRI by suggesting it as a source to ensure sustainable green efficiency, particularly in the postpandemic era. It emphasizes the urgent need for a policy framework for effective investment decisions in emerging economies.
Balancing people, planet and profit: export strategies for sustainable value creation
Authors: Lages Luis Filipe , Silva Graça Miranda , Canhoto Ana Isabel , Martinez Luis F. , Jahanmir Sara
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Businesses are increasingly called upon to support the improvement of society and the environment, and one way to do so is by expanding into international markets, particularly through exports. Despite the importance and recognised challenges of a global approach to sustainable value creation, sustainability research tends to focus on domestic contexts. This paper aims to identify the boundary conditions linking sustainable value creation practices with firm performance in the international context.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors merge the sustainable value creation and the international marketing literature to develop two propositions that capture the emerging nature of the field and the lack of concluding evidence regarding the link between international sustainable value creation practices and firm performance. The authors test these propositions empirically by analysing 519 responses to a survey of exporting firms in Portugal, using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis.

Findings

The authors identify seven configurations that support sustainable value creation in an international context. These consist of varying levels of standardised and tailored offers, management experience and competitive intensity.

Practical implications

The identification of seven different configurations helps managers decide whether and how to innovate when pursuing sustainable value creation opportunities in international markets.

Social implications

The authors propose that an effective way for governments to achieve national and transnational social and environmental agendas is to help businesses that pursue sustainable value creation to succeed in international markets. Given that four of the seven pathways to improve export performance that the authors identified require international management experience, the authors posit that an effective way to support the internationalisation of those businesses is through targeted training programmes and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Originality/value

The authors respond to calls for research to integrate the sustainable value creation and the international marketing literatures, to identify how and when firms can create sustainable value creation in an international context and thus support the resolution of global, social and environmental problems. The finding that there are multiple configurations that support this goal explains why empirical evidence collected thus far is inconclusive and helps identify the boundary conditions of existing theory.