bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Financialization and labor discipline in contemporary capitalism
Authors: Prata Feres Lucas , Wilhans Antonio Palludeto Alex , Oliveira Rodrigues Dias Hugo Miguel
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Drawing upon a political economy approach, this article aims to analyze the transformations in the labor market within the context of contemporary capitalism, focusing on the phenomenon of financialization.

Design/methodology/approach

Financialization is defined as a distinct wealth pattern marked by a growing proportion of financial assets in capitalist wealth. Within financial markets, corporate performance is continuously assessed, in a process that disciplines management to achieve expected financial results, with consequences throughout corporate management.

Findings

We find that this phenomenon has implications for labor management, resulting in the intensification of labor processes and the adoption of insecure forms of employment, leading to the fractalization of work. These two mechanisms, added to the indebtedness of workers, constitute three elements for disciplining labor in contemporary capitalism.

Originality/value

We argue that these forms of discipline constitute a subsumption of labor to finance, resulting in an increase in labor exploitation. This formulation of the relationship between financialization and changes in the realm of labor also contributes to understanding the unrealizing potential of social free time in contemporary capitalism.
Networks, ownership and productivity does firm age play a moderating role?
Authors: Aiello Francesco , Cardamone Paola , Mannarino Lidia , Pupo Valeria
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether and how inter-firm cooperation and firm age moderate the relationship between family ownership and productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

We first estimate the total factor productivity (TFP) of a large sample of Italian firms observed over the period 2010–2018 and then apply a Poisson random effects model.

Findings

TFP is, on average, higher for non-family firms (non-FFs) than for FF. Furthermore, inter-organizational cooperation and firm age mitigate the negative effect of family ownership. In detail, it is found that belonging to a network acts as a moderator in different ways according to firm age. Indeed, young FFs underperform non-FF peers, although the TFP gap decreases with age. In contrast, the benefits of a formal network are high for older FFs, suggesting that an age-related learning process is at work.

Practical implications

The study provides evidence that FFs can outperform non-FFs when they move away from Socio-Emotional Wealth-centered reference points and exploit knowledge flows arising from high levels of social capital. In the case of mature FFs, networking is a driver of TFP, allowing them to acquire external resources. Since FFs often do not have sufficient in-house knowledge and resources, they must be aware of the value of business cooperation. While preserving the familiar identity of small companies, networks grant FFs the competitive and scale advantages of being large.

Originality/value

Despite the wide but ambiguous body of research on the performance gap between FFs and non-FFs, little is known about the role of FFs’ heterogeneity. This study has proven successful in detecting age as a factor in heterogeneity, specifically to explain the network effect on the link between ownership and TFP. Based on a representative sample, the study provides a solid framework for FFs, policymakers and academic research on family-owned companies.
Unpacking product design awards: a qualitative inquiry into consumer perceptions and responses
Authors: Idemen Elif , Elmadag A. Banu
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore consumer perceptions of product design awards (PDAs) and their impact on consumer product evaluation and attitude formation about the award-winning product, the award-winning organization and the award-granting organization.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the grounded theory approach, an exploratory qualitative study is conducted, using 16 semi-structured in-depth interviews with Turkish consumers through discussions on real-world examples.

Findings

Results show that consumers develop emotional responses to PDAs (e.g. interest, curiosity and confusion), hypothesize reasons for products receiving awards and cite rewards as confirmation of their existing judgments about products. PDAs are perceived as extrinsic cues signaling quality and price, and their impact is increased when consumers feel that the award is based on functional feature superiority. Consumer responses to PDAs are also influenced by the perceived expertise of the award-granting organization and beliefs about the award-granting process. Finally, PDAs can lead to positive brand-perception outcomes, influencing consumer perceptions of the product company as resourceful, competent and prominent.

Practical implications

This study shows that it is critical for companies to inform consumers about the specific features that resulted in a given product receiving a design award, as well as to provide information about the PDA itself.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first attempt to explore consumer perceptions of and reactions to PDAs, with significant implications for both the marketing managers of PDA-winning products and award-granting organizations.
Climate change and the European banking sector: the effect of green technology adaptation and human capital
Authors: Afzal Ayesha , Hasnaoui Jamila Abaidi , Firdousi Saba , Noor Ramsha
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Climate change poses effect on banking sector’s risks and profitability through adaptation of green technology. This study aims to incorporates green technology adaptation in three sectors: green banking, green entrepreneurial innovation (EI) and green human resource (HR), in a model of bank’s performance. And determines the impact of climate change on bank risk and profitability.

Design/methodology/approach

An assessment of profitability and risk profile of commercial banks is done for 27 European countries for 2013–2022, employing a two-step difference system-generalized method of moments estimation technique with a moderate effect of climate change by including interaction between climate change and green technology adaptation.

Findings

The results indicate that green banking increases profitability, reduces credit risk and increases liquidity risk. The results also show that green human resource increases profitability and becomes a source of credit and liquidity risks for the banks. Green EI increases credit risk and liquidity risk, while the effects of green EI on profitability vary with the use of two proxies: Green patents increase profitability and environment, social and corporate governance (ESG) scores decrease profitability.

Practical implications

Supportive government initiatives, including subsidies and tax rebates to green borrowers, may take the burden of green transition off the banking sector.

Originality/value

This paper observes the impact of green technology adaptation in three sectors: banks, EI and HR, moderated by climate change, adding substantially to the existing literature in conceptual framework and methodology.
Tackling Climate Change with End‐of‐Life Circular Fashion Practices—Remade in Italy with Amore
Authors: Colucci Mariachiara , Vecchi Alessandra
Published: March 2024

The fashion industry makes a sizeable contribution to climate change. Research on grand challenges has now gained momentum in the management literature, given the vast array of grand challenges that are now globally affecting industries, societies and governments, such as the COVID‐19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and global warming. By coupling paradox theory with the literature on circular economy, this paper investigates the end‐of‐life circular practices implemented by ‘born‐circular’ Italian fashion companies. The paper focuses on upcycling and remanufacturing, which have been neglected in the literature and whose widespread implementation has been deemed suitable to tackle climate change. The analysis of several in‐depth interviews with companies and industry experts results in the development of a process model. The model provides granular insights into the environmental value created by the implementation of end‐of‐life circular practices by fashion firms in their quest to tackle climate change. The study both suggests that paradox theory is likely to have broader applicability to reconcile a wide set of managerial and societal issues and also supports the argument that overcoming an intrinsic paradox could lead to a strategic pivoting within an industry that might yield a paradigm shift.
Holistically bridging the gap between education and healthcare: A case study model of assessment
Authors: Hannant Penelope
Published: March 2024

In today's special educational needs and disability system, children spend an incomprehensible amount of time on waiting lists to see specialists, and teachers and parents spend an inordinate amount of time trying to target support when a child's needs are unidentified and unclear. This case study looks at the current pathway to support for children with neurodiversities in UK mainstream schools, considering in detail the role of the professionals around the child, in particular the SENCo. In this case study, three children are discussed; in these cases, an additional layer of assessment was included in the referral system, using Frith's causal modelling. This resulted in a more accurate and timely diagnosis of neurodiversities, whether singular or co‐occurring, in each case. The additional assessment level was undertaken by a developmental psychologist (DP) who acted as a catalyst for the assessment process and an advisor to target intervention. Following a holistic assessment by the DP, one child was diagnosed with autism on the NHS within three months of the assessment, one child was diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder on the NHS within six months of the assessment, and one child had a dual diagnosis of dyslexia and dyspraxia. Moreover, importantly, only one child's outcomes matched the SENCo's initial diagnostic hypothesis. Two possible, and probably controversial, assessment models are proposed, that take the guesswork out of the referral process for the SENCo, saving time and money across all sectors, while considering a child's needs holistically and wholly.
Travel distance and outcomes after surgical aortic valve among veterans
Authors: Beaulieu‐Jones Brendin R. , Siegel Noah , Collado Loreski , Mull Hillary J. , Quin Jacquelyn A.
Published: March 2024

Objective

To investigate the association between travel distance and postoperative length of stay (LOS) and discharge disposition among veterans undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR).

Data Sources/Study Setting

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing SAVR, with or without coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) at VA Boston Healthcare (January 1, 2005–December 31, 2015).

Study Design

Postoperative LOS and discharge disposition were compared for SAVR patients based on travel distance to the facility: <100 miles or ≥100 miles. Multivariable regression was performed to ascertain factors associated with LOS and home discharge.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Data were collected via chart review. All patients undergoing SAVR at our institution who primarily resided within the defined region were included.

Principal Findings

Of 597 patients studied, 327 patients underwent isolated SAVR; 270 patients underwent SAVR/CABG. Overall median (IQR) distance between the patient's residence and the hospital was 49.95 miles (27.41–129.94 miles); 190 patients (32%) resided further than 100 miles away. There were no differences in the proportion of patients with diabetes, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cerebrovascular disease, atrial fibrillation, or prior myocardial infarction between groups. Overall LOS (IQR) was 9 (7–13) days and did not differ between groups (p = 0.18). The proportion of patients discharged home was higher among patients who resided more than 100 miles from the hospital (71% vs. 58%, p = 0.01). On multivariable analysis, residing further than 100 miles from the hospital was independently associated with home discharge (OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.09–2.48). Travel distance was not associated with LOS.

Conclusions

Based on our institutional experience, potential concerns of longer hospital stay or discharge to other inpatient facilities for geographically distanced patients undergoing SAVR do not appear supported. Continued examination of the drivers underlying the marked shift of veterans to the private sector appears warranted.
Identification of lymph node adulteration in minced pork by comprehensive metabolomics and lipidomics approach based on UPLC/LTQ‐Orbitrap MS
Authors: Wang Wei , Jiang Feng , Wu Wan‐Qin , Zhu Xiao‐Ling , Wang Hui‐xia , Zhang Li , Fan Zhi‐yong
Published: March 2024

The deliberate pork adulteration with lymph nodes is a common adulteration phenomenon, and it poses a serious threat to public health and food safety. An untargeted metabolomics and lipidomics approach based on ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled with linear ion trap quadrupole‐Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry (MS) was used to distinguish lymph nodes from minced pork. The principal component analysis and orthogonal projection to latent structures discriminant analysis models were established with the good of fitness and predictivity. The results showed that there were significant differences in metabolites and lipids between lymph nodes and pork. A total of 16 significantly differentiated metabolites were identified, of which 1‐palmitoylglycerophosphocholine, 12,13‐dihydroxy‐9‐octadecenoic acid, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were positively correlated with lymph node content and were identified as potential markers of lymph nodes. These three markers were combined to create a binary logistic regression model, and a combined‐factor exceeding 0.75 was ultimately identified as a marker for pork adulteration with lymph nodes. The desorption electrospray ionization‐MS images showed that PGE2 had a higher relative abundance in the lymph node region than in adjacent non‐lymph node regions, indicating that PGE2 was a marker that contributed significantly for identifying lymph nodes adulteration into pork. Our results provide a theoretical basis for identifying lymph node adulteration, which will contribute to combating fraud in the meat industry.
Accounting and silence: The unspeakable, the unsaid, and the inaudible
Authors: Drujon d'Astros Caecilia , Morales Jérémy , Leca Bernard
Published: March 2024

This paper studies accounting and silence. Building on studies of accounting talk and introducing theories of “silencing,” we highlight the role of accounting silences in the production of engaging organizational conversations. Through a qualitative case study, we identify three forms of silence—the unspeakable, the unsaid, and the inaudible—and their links to accounting. Silences create motivations to engage in further accounting talk, but they also deny certain groups a voice in those conversations. An impression of participation, openness, and transparency emerges despite unequal access and the silencing of certain groups. Accounting itself can be silenced to avoid uncomfortable topics, potential problems, and anxiety‐inducing uncertainties. This silencing may serve to preserve a useful ignorance, avoid being in the know, and build alluring narratives and engaging conversations. Accounting silences sustain such conversations by protecting them from alternative voices, unsettling knowledge, and narratives that are incompatible with the organization's preferred story.
Shareholder perceptions of external tax advisors in corporate tax planning
Authors: Donohoe Michael P. , Gale Brian T. , Mayberry Michael A.
Published: March 2024

We examine shareholders' perceptions about how external tax advisors contribute to corporate tax planning. As residual claimants of corporate tax planning, shareholders benefit from lower corporate taxes, but also bear the financial and reputational costs of subsequent tax enforcement. Despite the influential advisory role of external tax advisors in corporate tax planning, existing research on how shareholders perceive this role is limited. Using event study methods and exploiting the heightened regulation of tax advice through the covered opinion rules as a setting, we observe average and cross‐sectional stock returns consistent with shareholders perceiving external tax advisors as contributing unfavorably to tax planning by promoting excessively risky strategies. We further find that risky and overall tax planning declined across firms after the enactment of the rules, consistent with shareholders' perceptions about tax advisors' contributions to firms' tax planning. Overall, our findings contribute to research on shareholder perceptions and valuation of tax planning, and have important implications for practice, where regulatory oversight of external tax advisors remains a significant concern.
Decreased oxytocin levels related to social cognition impairment in borderline personality disorder
Authors: Galvez‐Merlin Alejandra , López‐Villatoro José M. , de la Higuera‐González Pilar , de la Torre‐Luque Alejandro , McDowell Karina , Díaz‐Marsá Marina , Leza Juan C. , Carrasco José L.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Dysfunctions in the oxytocin system have been reported in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Deficits could be related to interpersonal hypersensitivity, which has been previously associated with failures in social cognition (SC) in this disorder, especially in Theory of Mind (ToM) skills. The aim of this work is to study the links between the oxytocin system and SC impairments in patients with BPD.

Method

Plasma oxytocin levels (OXT) and protein expression of oxytocin receptors in blood mononuclear cells (OXTR) were examined in 33 patients with a diagnosis of BPD (age: M 28.85, DT = 8.83). Social cognition was assessed using the Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition (MASC). Statistical associations between biochemical factors and different response errors in MASC were analyzed through generalized linear regression controlling for relevant clinical factors.

Results

Generalized linear regression showed a significant relationship between lower OXTR and overmentalization in BPD patients (OR = 0.90).

Conclusions

This work supports the relationship between alterations in the oxytocin system and ToM impairments observed in BPD patients, enhancing the search for endophenotypes related to the phenotypic features of the disorder to improve current clinical knowledge and address more specific therapeutic targets.
The direct and indirect effects of cash transfer program on the consumption of nutrients: Evidence from Kenya
Authors: Ongudi Silas , Thiam Djiby , Miranda Mario J. , Abdoul Sam
Published: March 2024

How does the receipt of a cash transfer impact consumption of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in households? To answer this question, we use a randomized controlled trial dataset from Hunger Safety Net Program (HSNP) with 9,246 households spread across the four districts (Turkana, Marsabit, Wajir, and Mandera) of Kenya. In the experiment, HSNP treated households received a bi‐monthly cash transfer of about United States of America Dollar (USD) 20 relative to households in control sub‐locations. Using difference in‐difference specification, we find that HSNP poor beneficiary households in treated households increased (by approximately 96%, 50%, and 61%) the consumption of vitamins A, C, and beta carotene, respectively compared to those in control sub‐locations. Moreover, HSNP non‐poor, non‐beneficiary households residing in treated sub‐locations increased (by about 70% and 46%) the consumption of vitamin A and Beta carotene, respectively compared to those in control sub‐locations. In addition, HSNP‐poor beneficiary households in treated sub‐locations sourced most of their nutrients, vitamins, and minerals from the market. We rule out alternative pathways that could potentially increase consumption and conclude that a rise in consumption amongst HSNP non‐poor, non‐beneficiary households is due to sharing of HSNP transfer amongst social network members.
Hierarchy and war
Authors: Beek Maël van , Lopate Michael Z. , Goodhart Andrew , Peterson David A. , Edgerton Jared , Xiong Haoming , Alam Maryum , Tiglay Leyla , Kent Daniel , Braumoeller Bear F.
Published: March 2024

Scholars have written extensively about hierarchical international order, on the one hand, and war on the other, but surprisingly little work systematically explores the connection between the two. This disconnect is all the more striking given that empirical studies have found a strong relationship between the two. We provide a generative computational network model that explains hierarchy and war as two elements of a larger recursive process: The threat of war drives the formation of hierarchy, which in turn shapes states' incentives for war. Grounded in canonical theories of hierarchy and war, the model explains an array of known regularities about hierarchical order and conflict. Surprisingly, we also find that many traditional results of the international relations literature—including institutional persistence, balancing behavior, and systemic self‐regulation—emerge from the interplay between hierarchy and war.
How can previous intergroup contact predict willingness for intergroup interaction? The mediating role of specific intergroup emotions
Authors: Tang Lingjie , Zhang Chang'an , Liu Zhifang
Published: March 2024

Prior research recognizes intergroup emotions as crucial for intergroup attitudes and interactions, but the psychological mechanisms linking prior intergroup interactions to contact intentions remain incompletely understood. This study investigated the joint effects and interplay of Chinese students' positive and negative contact on behavioural intentions to interact with international students in the future. Six affective variables (fear, anger, anxiety, empathy, happiness, and trust) were tested as mediators. Results revealed that positive contact directly predicted stronger contact willingness and indirectly affected this variable through lower levels of fear, anger, and anxiety and higher levels of empathy, happiness, and trust. Negative contact, however, was negatively associated with positive emotions and contact willingness and predicted more negative emotions. All intergroup emotions played significant mediating roles in the relationship between intergroup contact and willingness for future contact, and anxiety, fear, and trust emerged as robust mediators. Notably, positive contact had larger effects as compared to negative contact. Moreover, no association was observed between negative contact and intergroup emotions when positive contact was frequent. However, when both positive and negative contact were at higher levels, positive contact emerged as a more influential predictor of all intergroup emotions. This research emphasizes examining both positive and negative contact and affective variables as contact mediators, shedding light on enhancing contact intentions.
Associations between a paternal healthy lifestyle score and its individual components with childhood overweight and obesity
Authors: Aubert Adrien M. , Douglass Alexander , Murrin Celine M. , Kelleher Cecily C. , Phillips Catherine M. ,   and the Lifeways Cross‐Generation Cohort Study
Published: March 2024

Background

Maternal healthy lifestyle behaviors during pregnancy have been associated with reduced risk of offspring overweight and obesity (OWOB). However, there has been little investigation, in the context of the Paternal Origins of Health and Disease (POHaD) paradigm, of the potential influence of the paternal lifestyle on offspring OWOB.

Objectives

To describe paternal healthy lifestyle factors around pregnancy and investigate their associations, individually and combined, with offspring risk of OWOB during childhood.

Materials and methods

Participants included 295 father–child pairs from the Lifeways Cross‐Generation Cohort Study. A composite paternal healthy lifestyle score (HLS) based on having a high dietary quality (top 40% of the Healthy Eating Index‐2015), meeting physical activity guidelines (≥450 MET‐min/week of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity), having a healthy body mass index (BMI) (18.5–24.9 kg/m2), being a non‐smoker, and having no/moderate alcohol intake, was calculated (range 0–5). Paternal HLS (and individual components) associations with child BMI and waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR) at age 5 and 9 years were assessed using linear (BMI z‐scores and WHtR) and logistic (IOTF categories) regression analyses, adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics.

Results

At age 5 and 9 years, 23.5% and 16.9% of children were classified as living with OWOB, respectively. Of the 160 pairs with a complete HLS, 45.0% of the fathers had unfavorable lifestyle factors, determined by a low HLS between 0 and 2 points. Although a low paternal HLS was not significantly associated with a higher risk of childhood OWOB measured using either BMI z‐scores and IOTF categories, it was associated with a greater child WHtR, an indicator of central adiposity, at 9 years of age (β [95% CI] = 0.04 [0.01,0.07]).

Discussion and conclusion

Almost half of the fathers had unfavorable lifestyle factors around pregnancy. A low paternal HLS was associated with a greater child WHtR at 9 years but not with a higher risk of childhood OWOB when measured by BMI z‐scores or IOTF categories.
Surgical and survival outcomes of early‐onset colorectal cancer patients: a single‐centre descriptive Australian study
Authors: Garrett Celine , Steffens Daniel , Solomon Michael , Koh Cherry
Published: March 2024

Background

Early‐onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) incidence is increasing in Australia. However, no Australian studies have reported on EOCRC patients' surgical management and survival patterns.

Methods

A retrospective study of 111 EOCRC patients treated at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH), Sydney, Australia between January 2013 and December 2021 was performed. RPAH is a quaternary referral centre for pelvic exenteration (PE) and cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC).

Results

Most patients had left‐sided tumours (76.58%) and stage IV disease at the time of presentation (37.85%). 27.93% of patients underwent either CRS/HIPEC and PE and 72.07% of patients underwent other colorectal resections of which the most common was low anterior resection (19.82%). A stoma was fashioned in 50.54% of patients. Complications occurred in 54.95% of patients of which most were Clavien‐Dindo grade II (47.54%). Absolute 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year time intervals were 93.69%, 87.39% and 85.48%. Disease‐free and overall survival were poorer in stage IV patients who had PE, followed by CRS/HIPEC then other colorectal resections (P < 0.001 and P = 0.003).

Conclusions

Stoma formation, PE and CRS/HIPEC and minor postoperative complications were common in our EOCRC cohort. Despite this, the 5‐year absolute survival rate was acceptable. Thus, an aggressive surgical approach in EOCRC patients at a quaternary referral centre may be feasible at the cost of greater postoperative morbidity. This information is imperative in the surgical consent and preoperative counselling of EOCRC patients and highlights the need for further research to assess the postoperative functional outcomes and quality of life of EOCRC patients.
Review article: Current indications and selection criteria for early liver transplantation in severe alcohol‐associated hepatitis
Authors: Ramirez‐Cadiz Carolina , Blaney Hanna , Kubanek Natalia , Díaz Luis Antonio , Loomba Rohit , Skladany Lubomir , Arab Juan Pablo
Published: March 2024

Background

Alcohol‐associated hepatitis (AH) is a severe inflammatory form of alcohol‐associated liver disease (ALD) that carries a high mortality rate. Early liver transplantation for severe AH is increasingly available. However, specific criteria for referral and selection remain a subject of debate.

Aims

To provide a narrative review of the natural history, diagnostic criteria and indications for referral for early liver transplantation for severe AH.

Methods

We searched PubMed for articles published through August 2023. Key search terms were ‘alcoholic hepatitis,’ ‘alcohol‐associated hepatitis,’ ‘abstinence,’ ‘alcohol relapse,’ and ‘liver transplantation.’

Results

Previously, a six‐month period of alcohol abstinence was required before patients with ALD were considered for liver transplantation. However, studies in recent years have demonstrated that, among carefully selected patients, patients who received early transplants have much higher survival rates than patients with similarly severe disease who did not undergo transplants (77% vs. 23%). Despite these successes, early liver transplantation remains controversial, as these patients have typically not undergone treatment for alcohol use disorder, with the ensuing risk of returning to alcohol use.

Conclusions

While early liver transplantation for AH has survival benefits, many patients would not have received treatment for alcohol use disorder. An integrated approach to evaluating candidacy for early liver transplantation is needed.
Long‐term droughts change the hatching patterns of zooplankton resting eggs from permanent and temporary lakes
Authors: Vargas Anderson L. , Brazil Thamires , Santangelo Jayme M. , Bozelli Reinaldo L.
Published: March 2024

Resting eggs are commonly produced by zooplankton inhabiting permanent and temporary lakes. Although resting eggs are acknowledged to survive varying harsh conditions, the effects of desiccation on the viability and hatching patterns of resting eggs are not fully understood and might be context‐dependent.

This study simulated one long‐term (1 year) dry‐out episode in wet sediments originating from permanent and temporary lakes and compared hatching patterns through ex situ experiments.

The abundance and species richness of hatchlings decreased in dry sediments compared to wet sediments. Hatchling composition differed between wet and dry sediments of each lake category, whereas community variability did not differ between wet and dry sediments of temporary lakes.

Overall, there was no difference in the ability of rotifers and crustaceans to cope with desiccation, since all species decreased hatchling numbers after desiccation. Artemia was the only taxon that benefited from drying sediments.

Long‐term desiccation may affect the contribution of resting egg banks to future active populations in the water column, even in temporary habitats which presumably select for drought‐resistant resting eggs. The ecological roles played by resting egg banks may be weakening because droughts are becoming more common worldwide, even in former permanent aquatic habitats.
First multitaxon assessment of arthropod responses to urbanisation in a widely distributed native and ruderal plant of Brazil
Authors: Barão Kim Ribeiro , Seixas Luziene S. , Nobre Brenda , Ferreira Letícia , Lopes Rosy Valéria R. , Demetrio Guilherme R.
Published: March 2024

Unplanned urban development has consequences for natural ecosystems, resulting in habitat fragmentation and loss. Arthropod responses to urbanisation are well documented in the Global North, but no clear responses are found for the Global South.

We assessed beta diversity, composition, richness and abundance responses of arthropods in Turnera subulata in an urbanisation gradient.

Urbanisation affected arthropod communities' composition, and more urbanised areas showed lower insect richness and abundance. Arthropod taxa did not respond homogeneously to urbanisation.

Turnover best explained the change in beta diversity along the urbanisation gradient, indicating urbanisation causes species replacement compared to less urbanised areas.

We found negative results of urbanisation on the arthropod community on flowers of T. subulata. Our results are a first approximation to the effects of rural–urban gradient of urbanisation on multiple arthropod taxon in Brazil, highlighting the need for maintenance of urban green areas to allow the existence of a richer and more diverse community, especially in the face of the arthropod biodiversity crisis that we are experiencing.
Efficacy of adjunctive octenidine hydrochloride as compared to chlorhexidine and placebo as adjuncts to instrumentation in stage I–II periodontitis: A double‐blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rath Avita , Wong Melissa , Li Keehon , Wong Amanda , Tan Lisa , Tan Kenneth , Pannuti Claudio Mendes
Published: March 2024

Objectives

This randomized, controlled, double‐blinded clinical trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of octenidine hydrochloride and chlorhexidine mouthwashes as adjuncts to instrumentation in stage I–II periodontitis patients.

Methods

Forty‐five patients with mild‐to‐moderate periodontitis were randomly allocated to three groups: 0.1% octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT), placebo, and 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwashes. Patients were instructed to use the mouthwash after instrumentation for twice a day up to 3 weeks. Periodontal parameters such as probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), O'Leary plaque index (PI), Loe and Silness gingival index (GI), Lobene stain index (SI), and oral soft tissue changes were recorded at baseline and once every week for 3 weeks. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was also recorded as a self‐administered questionnaire at the end of the study. The one‐way ANOVA was used to compare VAS scores between the groups. The repeated measures ANOVA and post hoc Newman–Keuls tests were used to assess the differences in the periodontal parameters between groups at different time intervals. The Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare the mean SI.

Results

There was a significant reduction in the mean GI of the OCT and CHX groups compared to placebo (p < 0.05). OCT usage resulted in significantly less staining, according to mean SI, when compared to CHX. Furthermore, VAS scores revealed that OCT was significantly the preferred mouthwash (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Adjunctive octenidine hydrochloride may be an alternative to chlorhexidine in its ability to control the periodontal parameters in patients with stage I–II periodontitis. Further larger studies are necessary to confirm these findings.
The employment of dental hygienists in European countries: Report of a European Dental Hygienists Federation/European Association of Dental Public Health Survey in 2021
Authors: Rederiene Gitana , Bol‐van den Hil Ellen , Pajak‐Lysek Ewa , Eaton Kenneth A.
Published: March 2024

Aim

This survey aimed to investigate a range of topics relating to the employment of dental hygienists in European countries, whose National Dental Hygienists Associations (NDHAs) were members of the EDHF.

Methods

During 2020/2021, an online questionnaire and participant information leaflet were distributed by email in each of the 24 countries, whose NDHA is a member of the EFDH or to an EADPH member who was likely to respond.

Results

The broad term employment of dental hygienists was taken to include current numbers, place of work (public or private clinics and other locations), whether they were currently working as dental hygienists, their pay, any planned changes in their employment and their participation in continuing education. Twenty‐four countries (92%) responded. Hungary and Poland reported that fewer than 35% of their qualified dental hygienists were working as dental hygienists. In 10 countries, often for family reasons, over 40% worked part‐time. In 14 countries, over 70% worked in private clinics. Average annual pay ranged from €8400 in public clinics in Poland to €106,000 in dental hygienist‐owned clinics in Denmark Regular participation in continuing education was mandatory in only nine countries.

Conclusions

Dental hygienists play a different role within the oral healthcare system in each European country. There is a wide variation in their education, places of employment, annual pay and continuing education requirements.
Peri‐implantitis: Knowledge and attitudes of implantology clinicians regarding the disease management
Authors: de Paula Lucca Gomes , Vieira Jeniffer Lima , dos Santos Débora Rafaella Mendes , Mendes Patrícia Helena Costa , Abdo Victoria Lopes , Duraes Samuel Victor Pereira Barbosa , Bertolini Martinna , Souza João Gabriel Silva
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Since peri‐implantitis is an increasing and prevalent concern in clinical practice and there is no consensus regarding the best therapeutic protocol, this study evaluated the knowledge and behaviours of dentists working in Implantology regarding implant‐related infections modulating factors and therapeutic protocols used in the management of peri‐implantitis.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study was conducted with 86 Brazilian Implantology clinicians. Data were collected using a structured and online questionnaire evaluating socioeconomic characteristics, education, work/clinical practice, knowledge and attitudes regarding the risk factors and management of peri‐implantitis. The reliability of the questionnaire was evaluated by test–retest technique. The questionnaire was developed based on the last consensus on peri‐implant diseases (2018) and the current evidence related to implant‐related infections. Descriptive, bivariate and logistic regression analyses were conducted adopting a significance level of 5%.

Results

In this study, 89.5% of included dentists reported that already treated patients with peri‐implantitis. Approximately 80% of dentists use antibiotics and mouth rinses during the treatment, and surgical procedures seem the main choice to treat peri‐implantitis (91.8%) by dentists. As a preventive approach, 94.2% of dentists reported that routinely assessed biofilm accumulation in the follow‐up visits after implant placement. Logistic regression showed that the self‐reported ability to treat peri‐implantitis was statistically (p < 0.05) higher among dentists who reported abilities to diagnose the disease and use laser for peri‐implantitis treatment.

Conclusion

Dentists working in Implantology have a good level of knowledge and behaviors in the management of peri‐implantitis. However, the lack of consensus regarding the best treatment protocols may reflect dentist's behaviours because different treatment protocols have been used by evaluated clinicians.
Trilobatin contributes to the improvement of myopathy in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Hermes Túlio de Almeida , Fratini Paula , Nascimento Beatriz Godinho , Ferreira Laís Leite , Petri Giuliana , Fonseca Fernando Luiz Affonso , Carvalho Alzira Alves de Siqueira , Feder David
Published: March 2024

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) occurs due to genetic mutations that lead to a deficiency in dystrophin production and consequent progressive degeneration of skeletal muscle fibres, through oxidative stress and an exacerbated inflammatory process. The flavonoid trilobatin (TLB) demonstrates antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory potential. Its high safety profile and effective action make it a potent therapy for the process of dystrophic muscle myonecrosis. Thus, we sought to investigate the action of TLB on damage in a DMD model, the mdx mouse. Eight‐week‐old male animals were treated with 160 mg/kg/day of trilobatin for 8 weeks. Control animals were treated with saline. Following treatment, muscle strength, serum creatine kinase (CK) levels, histopathology (necrotic myofibres, regenerated fibres/central nuclei, Feret's diameter and inflammatory area) and the levels of catalase and NF‐κB (western blotting) of the quadriceps (QUA), diaphragm (DIA) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles were measured. TLB was able to significantly increase muscle strength and reduce serum CK levels in dystrophic animals. The QUA of mdx mice showed a reduction in catalase and the number of fibres with a centralized nucleus after treatment with TLB. In the DIA of dystrophic animals, TLB reduced the necrotic myofibres, inflammatory area and NF‐κB and increased the number of regenerated fibres and the total fibre diameter. In TA, TLB increased the number of regenerated fibres and reduced catalase levels in these animals. It is concluded that in the mdx experimental model, treatment with TLB was beneficial in the treatment of DMD.
Individual‐level positive psychological capital that enhances managers' transformational leadership effectiveness on nurse career success
Authors: Jung Sujin , Han Kihye , Kim Kyeongsug
Published: March 2024

Aims

This study investigated the impact of nurse managers' transformational leadership on the subjective career success of staff nurses, particularly through exploring potential variations in this relationship based on nurses' positive psychological capital.

Background

Amid a challenging nursing environment, nurses' perceptions of career success affect their individual psychological satisfaction and improve work performance. Human resource strategies often include factors for workers’ subjective career success, e.g., managers’ transformational leadership and individual‐level positive psychological capital.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study collected survey data in 2021 from 348 staff nurses in 40 wards of a Korean tertiary hospital. The survey instruments included the Transformational Leadership tool, the Subjective Career Success Inventory, and the Psychological Capital Questionnaire. Multilevel hierarchical regression analysis and a simple slope test were used to examine moderating effects. The STROBE checklist was used for reporting.

Results

Nurses reported significantly higher subjective career success when they worked in units where unit managers’ transformational leadership was greater. This relationship strengthened when nurses had high positive psychological capital.

Discussion

To enhance staff nurses’ perceptions of career success, both managers' transformational leadership and individual nurses' positivity should be emphasized in nursing practice and education.

Implications for nursing and nursing policy

Comprehensive efforts to highlight managers’ transformational leadership and staff nurses’ positive psychological capital can enhance subjective career success, which in turn improve nurses' job performance and intention to stay. Nursing policymakers should value transformational leadership among managers so nurses can achieve their subjective goals. An organization‐wide institutional system should be developed so nurses can receive support to strengthen their positivity. Future research should include interventions to foster managers' leadership and nurses' positive capital.
Endocardial repolarization dispersion in BrS: A novel automatic algorithm for mapping activation recovery interval
Authors: Latrofa Sara , Hartwig Valentina , Bachi Lorenzo , Notarstefano Pasquale , Garibaldi Silvia , Panchetti Luca , Nesti Martina , Seghetti Paolo , Startari Umberto , Mirizzi Gianluca , Morelli Maria Sole , Modena Martina , Mazzanti Andrea , Emdin Michele , Giannoni Alberto , Rossi Andrea
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Repolarization dispersion in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) contributes to the type‐1 electrocardiographic (ECG) phenotype of Brugada syndrome (BrS), while data on the significance and feasibility of mapping repolarization dispersion in BrS patients are scarce. Moreover, the role of endocardial repolarization dispersion in BrS is poorly investigated. We aimed to assess endocardial repolarization patterns through an automated calculation of activation recovery interval (ARI) estimated on unipolar electrograms (UEGs) in spontaneous type‐1 BrS patients and controls; we also investigated the relation between ARI and right ventricle activation time (RVAT), and T‐wave peak‐to‐end interval (Tpe) in BrS patients.

Methods

Patients underwent endocardial high‐density electroanatomical mapping (HDEAM); BrS showing an overt type‐1 ECG were defined as OType1, while those without (latent type‐1 ECG and LType1) received ajmaline infusion. BrS patients only underwent programmed ventricular stimulation (PVS). Data were elaborated to obtain ARI corrected with the Bazett formula (ARIc), while RVAT was derived from activation maps.

Results

39 BrS subjects (24 OType1 and 15 LTtype1) and 4 controls were enrolled. OType1 and post‐ajmaline LType1 showed longer mean ARIc than controls (306 ± 27.3 ms and 333.3 ± 16.3 ms vs. 281.7 ± 10.3 ms, p = .05 and p < .001, respectively). Ajmaline induced a significant prolongation of ARIc compared to pre‐ajmaline LTtype1 (333.3 ± 16.3 vs. 303.4 ± 20.7 ms, p < .001) and OType1 (306 ± 27.3 ms, p < .001). In patients with type‐1 ECG (OTtype1 and post‐ajmaline LType1) ARIc correlated with RVAT (r = .34, p = .04) and Tpec (r = .60, p < .001), especially in OType1 subjects (r = .55, p = .008 and r = .65 p < .001, respectively).

Conclusion

ARIc mapping demonstrates increased endocardial repolarization dispersion in RVOT in BrS. Endocardial ARIc positively correlates with RVAT and Tpec, especially in OType1.
Implementation and performance evaluation of a pilot‐scaled oscillating heat pipe on rice paddy drying
Authors: Klinbun Jirapol , Charoensin‐O‐larn Roytor
Published: March 2024

Thailand is the foremost global producer of rice, benefiting from its hot and humid climate which results in harvested rice with a high moisture content. This promotes the rapid growth of microorganisms that harm the paddy. Consequently, the utilization of drying techniques is necessary to uphold the quality of the product. For the sake of efficiency and dependability, forced draft convection drying is commonly utilized, despite its high energy consumption. In general, the paddy is subjected to the flow of hot air, which exits the drier at a reduced temperature, leading to energy dissipation. Heat pipes have been widely employed to reclaim wasted energy through the preheating of fresh air, owing to their straightforward design and lack of reliance on external power sources. Nevertheless, there has been a scarcity of research conducted on the utilization of the oscillating heat pipe in these particular applications. Thus, a pilot‐scale oscillating heat pipe is utilized in this study. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of waste heat recovery using the recently developed oscillating heat pipe, as well as the resulting energy conservation. Various thicknesses of rice paddy layers are examined to compare the duration it takes for them to dry. It is seen that the drying time increases as the bulk of the paddy increases. When the layer thickness is increased, a multimodal drying rate behavior is observed which is due to the fact that when the heated air ascends, it repeatedly heats each layer of the grain. The study focuses on analyzing the temperature profiles at the heat pipe and within the evacuated air. The rate of heat recovery is also computed. An investigation is conducted to determine the energy savings achieved through the use of heat pipes. The results indicate a decrease in energy consumption ranging from 39.4% to 63.7%. This study showcases the utilization of a research‐scaled oscillating heat pipe in the rice drying procedure, serving as a foundation for the future enhancement of the heat recovery system in industrial rice drying.

Practical applications

Thailand is the world's top rice producers and because it is hot and humid, the harvested rice has a high moisture content, which encourages the growth of bacteria. In most cases, forced draft convection drying is used, which uses a large amount of energy. In general, this is due to energy loss in the exhaust. Heat pipes have been widely employed to recover wasted energy. However, research on the utilization of oscillating heat pipes in such applications has been limited. Hence, a pilot‐scale oscillating heat pipe is used in this work to evaluate the efficacy of waste heat recovery as well as the energy savings. The drying time is shown to increase with the thickness of the paddy layer. The temperature profiles at the heat pipe and in the evacuated air, as well as the heat recovery rate, are investigated. The results show an energy reduction of 41.7%–53.9%.