bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring human IT agility and firms' digitalization using POSET: evidence from Italy
Authors: Rubino Michele , Maggino Filomena , Antonicelli Margaret
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study is to provide a detailed picture of the digitalization propensity and human IT agility of Italian SMEs, verifying whether companies are pursuing coherent and reliable choices for these dimensions and whether digitalization choices affect human IT agility.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a POSET approach, this study constructs two nonaggregative multidimensional indicators of human information technology (IT) agility and firms' digitalization. The analysis is based on the microdata provided by ISTAT relating to 4,682 Italian manufacturing companies.

Findings

The results show the existence of a strong relationship between digitalization propensity and human IT agility. However, the analysis shows that companies are characterized by a low level of digitalization propensity and human IT agility. At the same time, the findings highlighted that the managerial choices adopted by companies appear to be inconsistent with respect to the two multidimensional indicators.

Practical implications

This study has important implications for managers and policymakers by suggesting acting specific policies to promote a better implementation of digitalization that considers the key role of human IT agility.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature on organizational agility and digitalization by providing a detailed picture of the Italian manufactured SMEs. At the same time, the POSET approach allows to aggregate a lot of information in one or more indicators without neglecting the value of each dimension faced with the extreme heterogeneity of companies' profiles.
Effect of polymer additives on the tribological performance of soybean oil
Authors: Guru Soumya Ranjan , Venugopal Chetla , Sarangi Mihir
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the behavior of vegetable oil with two additives. Base oil’s tribological qualities can be improved with the help of several additions. In the present investigation, soybean oil is served as the foundational oil due to its eco-friendliness and status as a vegetable oil with two additives, named polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2).

Design/methodology/approach

As additives, PTFE and MoS2 are used; PTFE is renowned for its anti-friction (AF) properties, while MoS2 is a solid lubricant with anti-wear (AW) properties. This investigation examines the synergistic impact of AF and AW additions in vegetable oil. The lubricity of the base oil is measured by using a four-ball tester, and the wear properties of the oil at different additive amounts are determined by using a universal tribometer.

Findings

PTFE (at 5 Wt.%) and MoS2 (at 1 Wt.%) were found to improve the tribological performance of the base oil. The weld load is significantly increased when 5 Wt.% of PTFE + MoS2 is added to the base oil.

Originality/value

A better tribological characteristic can be achieved by combining additives that amount to less than 1% of the base oil. In experiments with highly concentrated MoS2, the adequate pressure improved dramatically, but the lubricant’s tribological characteristics did not.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-11-2022-0321/
Ceasing to communicate public family firm identity: the decoupling of internally experienced and externally communicated identities
Authors: Boers Börje , Ljungkvist Torbjörn , Brunninge Olof
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore how the family firm identity is affected when it is no longer publicly communicated.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach was used to follow a third-generation family business, a large Swedish home electronics firm that acquired a competitor and, initially, continued using its family firm identity after the acquisition. This study longitudinally tracks the company and its owning family using archival data combined with interviews.

Findings

The case company decided to stop communicating their identity as a family business. Such a move initially appears counterintuitive, since it potentially threatens the family firm identity and leads the firm to forgo other advantages, e.g. in branding. However, the decision was based on arguments that were rational from a business perspective, leading to a decoupling of family and firm identity.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by showing a decoupling of internally experienced and externally communicated identities. It further contributes to the understanding of the family firm identity concept.
IBM's Ginni Rometty: portrait of a leader learning to use “Good Power”
Authors: Leavy Brian
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This masterclass examines former IBM CEO Ginni Rometty's personal memoir of her life and career as a study of authentic leadership in action, and her concept of “good power” through which she distills the major insights on leadership she gleaned along the way.

Design/methodology/approach

This masterclass examines the insights from a former IBM CEO's “memoir with purpose” as an example of the classic perspective on authentic leadership developed in the “True North” series of studies by Harvard's Bill George and his research associates over two decades.

Findings

Ginni Rometty's “good power” concept and principles, as developed in her “memoir with purpose,” represent a practical guide for aspiring leaders seeking to become a positive force for change, and they make a valuable addition to the literature on authentic leadership.

Research limitations/implications

Her “good power” concept and experience-based principles, as developed in her “memoir with purpose” make a valuable addition to the literature on authentic leadership.

Practical implications

Her “good power” concept and principles, as developed in her “memoir with purpose,” represent a practical guide for aspiring leaders seeking to become a positive force for change.

Social implications

Her memoir, with its conception of “good power,” strongly encourages corporate leaders to adopt a “stakeholder perspective” and become more active and outspoken, forces for positive change in the wider societies within which they operate.

Originality/value

Reflective memoirs as analytical as this one, from someone who has led at the highest level in the business world, are still rare in the genre.
Six Sigma application in an Irish meat processing plant to improve process yields
Authors: Gilligan Rebecca , Moran Rachel , McDermott Olivia
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to utilise Six Sigma in an Irish-based red meat processor to reduce process variability and improve yields.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a case study within an Irish meat processor where the structured Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control (DMAIC) methodology was utilised along with statistical analysis to highlight areas of the meat boning process to improve.

Findings

The project led to using Six Sigma to identify and measure areas of process variation. This resulted in eliminating over-trimming of meat cuts, improving process capabilities, increasing revenue and reducing meat wastage. In addition, key performance indicators and control charts, meat-cutting templates and smart cutting lasers were implemented.

Research limitations/implications

The study is one of Irish meat processors' first Six Sigma applications. The wider food and meat processing industries can leverage the learnings to understand, measure and minimise variation to enhance revenue.

Practical implications

Organisations can use this study to understand the benefits of adopting Six Sigma, particularly in the food industry and how measuring process variation can affect quality.

Originality/value

This is the first practical case study on Six sigma deployment in an Irish meat processor, and the study can be used to benchmark how Six Sigma tools can aid in understanding variation, thus benefiting key performance metrics.
Joint imaging of streamer and vertical cable data based on plane‐wave encoding reverse‐time migration
Authors: Zhang Jin , Cai Zhengkun , Lin Yuzhao
Published: May 2023

Offshore seismic surveys are typically conducted using streamers, which can make it challenging to accurately image deep and steep reflectors due to their horizontal layout and limited offset range. In recent years, vertical cable seismic acquisition has been developed as an alternative approach that utilizes a vertical layout to obtain wave field information not achievable by conventional streamers. However, relying solely on vertical cable seismic data does not produce high‐quality images due to its sparse detector distribution. To address this issue, we propose a joint imaging method based on reverse‐time migration that incorporates both streamer and vertical cable records. Our approach combines the back‐propagated wave fields of the streamer and vertical cable at each step of wave field extrapolation, providing more comprehensive wave field information than either one could provide individually. We then utilize zero‐delay cross‐correlation imaging conditions to generate a migration profile. To improve the efficiency of our reverse‐time migration algorithm, we employ a plane‐wave source encoding strategy for joint imaging. The effectiveness of our proposed method is validated using both the wedge model and the Marmousi model. By utilizing reverse‐time migration in the plane‐wave domain, our joint imaging method overcomes the limitations of poor imaging of steep‐dip formations with conventional streamer data. Additionally, it suppresses migration noise caused by insufficient illumination range from either streamer or vertical cable data alone. Overall, our joint imaging approach offers a promising solution for improving the accuracy and quality of offshore seismic surveys.
Animals and Nature as Rights Holders in the European Union
Authors: Epstein Yaffa , Bernet Kempers Eva
Published: May 2023

This article argues that EU law can be interpreted to support the current existence of legal rights for animals and nature. While these rights have not been explicitly recognised in law, the prerequisites for doing so already exist in the EU legal order. The theoretical justifications for the protection of animals and nature differ, but the protection of both may benefit from a rights approach. Further, such a rights approach helps address jurisprudential questions pertaining to direct effect and the effectiveness of EU law, and related EU law concepts. In this article, we examine EU animal and nature protection laws to analyse where these laws can be interpreted to assign rights to non‐human natural entities. We argue that the rights animals and nature already implicitly have in EU law should have consequences for how non‐human protections should be implemented and enforced in the EU context.
The ‘microbiome counterattack’: Insights on the soil and root‐associated microbiome in diverse chickpea and lentil genotypes after an erratic rainfall event
Authors: Brescia Francesca , Sillo Fabiano , Franchi Elisabetta , Pietrini Ilaria , Montesano Vincenzo , Marino Giovanni , Haworth Matthew , Zampieri Elisa , Fusini Danilo , Schillaci Martino , Papa Roberto , Santamarina Chiara , Vita Federico , Chitarra Walter , Nerva Luca , Petruzzelli Giannantonio , Mennone Carmelo , Centritto Mauro , Balestrini Raffaella
Published: May 2023

Legumes maintain soil fertility thanks to their associated microbiota but are threatened by climate change that causes soil microbial community structural and functional modifications. The core microbiome associated with different chickpea and lentil genotypes was described after an unexpected climatic event. Results showed that chickpea and lentil bulk soil microbiomes varied significantly between two sampling time points, the first immediately after the rainfall and the second 2 weeks later. Rhizobia were associated with the soil of the more productive chickpea genotypes in terms of flower and fruit number. The root‐associated bacteria and fungi were surveyed in lentil genotypes, considering that several parcels showed disease symptoms. The metabarcoding analysis revealed that reads related to fungal pathogens were significantly associated with one lentil genotype. A lentil core prokaryotic community common to all genotypes was identified as well as a genotype‐specific one. A higher number of specific bacterial taxa and an enhanced tolerance to fungal diseases characterized a lentil landrace compared to the commercial varieties. This outcome supported the hypothesis that locally adapted landraces might have a high recruiting efficiency of beneficial soil microbes.
Cortical thickness is inversely associated with transcranial magnetic stimulation‐evoked N45 potential among young adults whose heavy drinking began in adolescence
Authors: Juntunen Anna , Määttä Sara , Könönen Mervi , Kallioniemi Elisa , Niskanen Eini , Kaarre Outi , Kivimäki Petri , Vanninen Ritva , Tolmunen Tommi , Ferreri Florinda , Kekkonen Virve
Published: May 2023

Background

Adolescence is a particularly vulnerable stage of development in terms of the deleterious effects of alcohol. Both lower gray matter (GM) volume and greater GABAergic activity have been associated with chronic alcohol consumption during adolescence. However, the association between these measures has not been investigated.

Methods

In this exploratory study, we compared 26 young adults with a 10year history of heavy alcohol consumption with 21 controls who used little or no alcohol. Simultaneous transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography were used to assess transcranial magnetic stimulation‐evoked N45 potentials, reflecting a balance between GABAergic inhibition and N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor‐mediated glutaminergic excitation in the brain. GM thickness was measured from magnetic resonance images and GM and N45 potentials were then correlated.

Results

Cortical thickness was significantly lower in several brain regions in the heavy‐drinking group than the light‐drinking group. The N45 amplitude was significantly larger frontally in the heavy‐drinking group. Among heavy drinkers, there were several statistically significant correlations between thinner GM and larger frontal N45 amplitudes that were not detectable in the light‐drinking group. The strongest correlations were detected in the frontal and parietal lobes, especially in the left superior frontal gyrus and the left supramarginal gyrus, and in both hemispheres in the superior parietal lobes.

Conclusions

These findings show that a thinner cortex and greater inhibitory neurotransmission are correlated in certain brain regions among young, long‐term heavy alcohol users. Studies are needed to explore the possible causal mechanisms underlying these effects.
Cicadomorpha community (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha) in different agroecosystems in the north of Portugal
Authors: Rodrigues Isabel , Baptista Paula , Pereira José Alberto
Published: May 2023

The infraorder Cicadomorpha is a diverse group comprising several species considered important pests of economic crops and species that may act as vectors of plant pathogens. In Europe, the gram‐negative bacterium Xylella fastidiosa is one of the most important and severe insect‐borne plant pathogens associated with the infraorder Cicadomorpha.

Therefore, the knowledge of the abundance and diversity of native Cicadomorpha insect vectors related to the different agroecosystems is essential to design and implementing specific measures to control insect‐borne plant pathogens.

In this work, in two consecutive years (2018 and 2019), five almond orchards, five vineyards, five olive orchards, and five scrublands distributed in the North of Portugal were sampled in three different periods (early summer, summer and autumn) to investigate species composition, richness, and diversity of the Cicadomorpha community. Also, in 2019, five lemon orchards were sampled.

A total of 6056 individuals were collected (2322 in 2018 and 3734 in 2019), belonging to 71 species of three families. Observing several considered pests or vectors of vicious pathogens within these species was possible. The confirmed vectors of X. fastidiosa (Philaenus spumarius (Linnaeus, 1758) and Neophilaenus campestris (Fallen, 1805)) were captured in all agroecosystems and, in general, with more abundance in autumn. The highest abundance, richness, and diversity of Cicadomorpha were observed in vineyards. However, these parameters (abundance, richness and diversity) significantly differed between the agroecosystem and sampling period.

Further research on how the composition of the vegetation cover shapes the Cicadomorpha community is essential to implement strategies to reduce the spread of insect‐borne pathogens if they are introduced into agroecosystems.
Endometriosis research priorities in Australia
Authors: Armour Mike , Ciccia Donna , Yazdani Anusch , Rombauts Luk , Niekerk Leesa Van , Schubert Ruth , Abbott Jason
Published: May 2023

In Australia, endometriosis affects one in nine women and those assigned female at birth. Although endometriosis is more common than conditions such as diabetes, research funding for endometriosis research has historically been low in comparison. The National Action Plan for Endometriosis is an Australian Federal Government initiative designed to redress this imbalance, with a focus on research funding. Identification of research priorities, and subsequent funding allocation that is determined by consumer input is vital. An online survey focusing on Australia and New Zealand found that the highest general priorities were the treatment and management of endometriosis and its cause(s).
The explosion
Authors: Rubaii Kali
Published: May 2023

This ethnographic vignette, part of a special section on flash ethnography, describes the responses of bystanders and the security state to an explosion at a gas station in Fallujah, Iraq, during the author's fieldwork in 2021–2022.
Making clouds minor
Authors: Peterson Marina
Published: May 2023

Attuning toward clouds becomes a compositional encounter of thinking through form in this “hundreds” written for part of a special section honoring Kathleen Stewart.
A venetoclax and azacitidine bridge‐to‐transplant strategy for NPM1‐mutated acute myeloid leukaemia in molecular failure
Authors: Sartor C. , Brunetti L. , Audisio E. , Cignetti A. , Zannoni L. , Cristiano G. , Nanni J. , Ciruolo R. , Zingarelli F. , Ottaviani E. , Patuelli A. , Bandini L. , Forte D. , Sciabolacci S. , Cardinali V. , Papayannidis C. , Cavo M. , Martelli M. P. , Curti A.
Published: May 2023

NPM1‐mutated acute myeloid leukaemia (NPM1mut AML) represents a mostly favourable/intermediate risk disease that benefits from allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in case of measurable residual disease (MRD) relapse or persistence after induction chemotherapy. Although the negative prognostic role of pre‐HSCT MRD is established, no recommendations are available for the management of peri‐transplant molecular failure (MF). Based on the efficacy data of venetoclax (VEN)‐based treatment in NPM1mut AML older patients, we retrospectively analysed the off‐label combination of VEN plus azacitidine (AZA) as bridge‐to‐transplant strategy in 11 NPM1mut MRD‐positive fit AML patients. Patients were in MRD‐positive complete remission (CRMRDpos) at the time of treatment: nine in molecular relapse and two in molecular persistence. After a median number of two cycles (range 1–4) of VEN–AZA, 9/11 (81.8%) achieved CRMRD‐negative (CRMRDneg). All 11 patients proceeded to HSCT. With a median follow‐up from treatment start of 26 months, and a median post‐HSCT follow‐up of 19 months, 10/11 patients are alive (1 died from non‐relapse mortality), and 9/10 patients are in MRDneg status. This patient series highlights the efficacy and safety of VEN–AZA to prevent overt relapse, achieve deep responses and preserve patient fitness before HSCT, in patients with NPM1mut AML in MF.
Cushioned grind‐out technique transcrestal sinus floor elevation for simultaneous implantation in severe atrophic maxilla: A retrospective study with up to 7 years of follow‐up
Authors: Gao Jiayu , Yin Wumeng , Liu Yeyu , Zhao Xiangqi , Huangphattarakul Vicha , Qu Yili , Man Yi
Published: May 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the cushioned grind‐out technique transcrestal sinus floor elevation for simultaneous implant placement with ≤4 mm of residual bone height (RBH).

Materials and Methods

This was a retrospective propensity score matching (PSM) study. Five PSM analyses included the confounding variables of Schneiderian membrane perforation, early and late implant failure, and peri‐implant apical and marginal bone resorption. After PSM, we compared the difference in five aspects between the RBH ≤ 4 and >4 mm groups.

Results

A total of 214 patients with 306 implants were included in this study. After PSM, the generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) indicated that RBH ≤ 4 mm had no significantly higher risk of Schneiderian membrane perforation and early and late implant failure (p = .897, p = .140, p = .991, respectively). The implant cumulative 7‐year survival rate of the RBH ≤ 4 and >4 mm groups was 95.5% and 93.9%, respectively (log‐rank test: p = .900). Within at least 40 cases per group after PSM, two multivariate GLMMs indicated that RBH ≤ 4 mm could not be identified as the promotive factor of bone resorption of either endo‐sinus bone gain or crest bone level (RBH × time interaction p = .850, p = .698, respectively).

Conclusions

Within the limitations, 3 months to 7 years of post‐prosthetic restoration review data indicated an acceptable mid‐term survival and success rate of applying the cushioned grind‐out technique in RBH ≤ 4 mm cases.
Pregnancy induces longitudinal changes in urinary C‐peptide creatinine ratio in women with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Mendoza Lilian C. , Tashkova Martina , Corcoy Rosa , Dornhorst Anne
Published: May 2023

Aims

Changes in maternal serum C‐peptide have been described during pregnancy in women with Type 1 diabetes. We aimed to determine whether in these women, C‐peptide, as measured by the urinary C‐peptide creatinine ratio (UCPCR), display changes during the course of pregnancy and in the postpartum period.

Methods

In this longitudinal study including 26 women, UCPCR was measured in the first, second, and third trimester of pregnancy, and postpartum, using a high sensitivity two‐step chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay.

Results

UCPCR was detectable in 7/26 (26.9%) participants in the first trimester, 10/26 (38.4%) in the second trimester, and 18/26 (69.2%) in the third trimester. Changes in UCPCR concentrations were observed throughout pregnancy, significantly increasing from first to third trimester. UCPCR concentration in the three trimesters was associated with a shorter duration of diabetes and in the third trimester also with first trimester UCPCR.

Conclusion

UCPCR detects longitudinal changes during pregnancy in women with type 1 diabetes mellitus, more marked in those with shorter diabetes duration.
Effect of stress ratio on the tension–tension fatigue behavior of tungsten carbide nanoparticles toughened GFRP
Authors: Radhakrishnan P. M. , Bharadwaj S. , Sudhi G. , Ramajeyathilagam K.
Published: May 2023

The fatigue behavior of woven ply (0/90°) glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) laminates filled with 2 wt.% of tungsten carbide nano‐powder at different stress ratios, 0.1 and 0.3, was investigated. Specimens were subjected to constant amplitude fatigue loading for three stress levels, 80%, 70%, and 60%, of ultimate tensile strength at each stress ratio for both neat GFRP and tungsten carbide modified GFRP (GFRP‐WC). The fatigue life was enhanced at all stress levels in neat GFRP composites with an increase in stress ratio from 0.1 to 0.3. In addition, incorporation of nanoparticles also increases fatigue life at all stress levels for both stress ratios. The addition of nanoparticles acts as a barrier to crack propagation, which leads to a significant effect on the evolution of fatigue stiffness, cyclic creep strain, and dissipated energy during cyclic loading at both stress ratios.
The contentious Ghanaian: An historical appraisal of social movements in Ghana
Authors: Sapong Nana Yaw Boampong
Published: May 2023

Ideas of freedom, liberty, and social justice are germane to most societies, including African societies. The quest for these values also often involves contentions, dialog, and compromise. Sadly, the often‐told stories of political and social change in Africa are brush‐stroked with bloodshed, tears, and anguish. This Africa of pessimism, unfulfilled dreams, state‐sponsored violence, and civil wars is a familiar headline in the global North. This work, however, proposes that African countries such as Ghana have been resolving their disagreements and contentions through other means. These range from subtle, subversive, noncompliant and complex responses to the less preferred direct and open confrontation with authority. Secondly, the historiography of protest movements in Ghana reveals a lingering preference for twentieth century social movements, neglecting nineteenth century forms of protest and social movement bases, which employed subtlety, noncompliance, and sometimes, direct confrontation. Lastly, initial social movement literature showed a preponderance of male‐dominated narratives, which eventually led to the creation of female‐inspired alternate narratives. Using selected works in social movement theory, general surveys on the history of Ghana, monographs, journal articles, book chapters and unpublished theses, this article seeks to offer a panoramic view of the history‐writing of social movements and its prospects in Ghana.
Development and psychometric validation of the hospitalized older adults' dignity scale for measuring dignity during acute hospitalization
Authors: Fuseini Abdul‐Ganiyu , Mohebbi Mohammadreza , Redley Bernice , Rawson Helen , Ley Lenore , Kerr Debra
Published: May 2023

Aim

To develop and validate a culturally appropriate patient‐reported outcome measure for measuring dignity for older adults during acute hospitalization.

Design

A three‐phased exploratory sequential mixed‐method design was used.

Methods

Domains were identified and items were generated from findings of a recent qualitative study, two systematic reviews and grey literature. Content validity evaluation and pre‐testing were undertaken using standard instrument development techniques. Two‐hundred and seventy hospitalized older adults were surveyed to test construct and convergent validity, internal consistency reliability and test–retest reliability of the measure. Analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 25. The STROBE checklist was used to document reporting of the study.

Results

We established the 15‐item Hospitalized Older Adults' Dignity Scale (HOADS) that has a 5‐factor structure: shared decision‐making (3 items); healthcare professional‐patient communication (3 items); patient autonomy (4 items); patient privacy (2 items); respectful care (3 items). Excellent content validity, adequate construct and convergent validity, acceptable internal consistency reliability and good test–retest reliability were demonstrated.

Conclusion

We established the HOADS is a valid and reliable scale to measure dignity for older adults during acute hospitalization. Future studies using confirmatory factor analysis are needed to corroborate the dimensionality of the factor structure and external validity of the scale. Routine use of the scale may inform the development of strategies to improve dignity‐related care in the future.

Impact

The development and validation of the HOADS will provide nurses and other healthcare professionals with a feasible and reliable scale for measuring older adults' dignity during acute hospitalization. The HOADS advances the conceptual understanding of dignity in hospitalized older adults by including additional constructs that have not been captured in previous dignity‐related measures for older adults (i.e. shared decision‐making and respectful care). The factor structure of the HOADS, therefore, includes five domains of dignity and offers a new opportunity for nurses and other healthcare professionals to better understand the nuances of dignity for older adults during acute hospitalization. For example, the HOADS enables nurses to identify differences in levels of dignity based on contextual factors and to use this information to guide the implementation of strategies that promote dignified care.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients were involved in the generation of items for the scale. Their perspectives and the perspectives of experts were sought in determining the relevance of each item of the scale to patients' dignity.
Back to the wild: movements of a juvenile tiger shark released from a public aquarium
Authors: Jewell Oliver J. D. , D'Antonio Ben , Blane Stacy , Gosden Emily , Taylor Michael D. , Calich Hannah J. , Fraser Matthew W. , Sequeira Ana M. M.
Published: May 2023

Sharks are an important attraction for aquaria; however, larger species can rarely be kept indefinitely. To date, there has been little work tracking shark movements post‐release to the wild. The authors used high‐resolution biologgers to monitor a sub‐adult tiger shark's pre‐ and post‐release fine‐scale movements following 2 years of captivity in an aquarium. They also compared its movement with that of a wild shark tagged nearby. Despite the differences in movement between the two sharks, with vertical oscillations notably absent and greater levels of turning seen from the released shark, the captive shark survived the release. These biologgers improve insight into post‐release movements of captive sharks.
Optimized dopant imaging for GaN by a scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Zhang Kai , Ban Chun‐Guang , Yuan Ye , Huang Li
Published: May 2023

Two‐dimensional dopant profiling is vital for the modelling, design, diagnosis and performance improvement of semiconductor devices and related research and development. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has shown great potential for dopant profiling. In this study, the effects of secondary electron (SE) detectors and imaging parameters on the contrast imaging of multilayered p‐n and p‐i junction GaN specimens via SEM were studied to enable dopant profiling. The doping contrast of the image captured by the in‐lens detector was superior to that of the image captured by the side‐attached Everhart–Thornley detector at lower acceleration voltages (Vacc) and small working distances (WD). Furthermore, the doping contrast levels of the in‐lens detector‐obtained image under different combinations of Vacc and WD were studied, and the underlying mechanism was explored according to local external fields and the refraction effect. The difference in the angular distributions of SEs emitted from different regions, the response of the three types of SEs to detectors, and the solid angles of detectors toward the specimen surface considerably influenced the results. This systematic study will enable the full exploitation of SEM for accurate dopant profiling, improve the analysis of the doping contrast mechanism, and further improve doping contrast for semiconductors.
Treatment of mild‐to‐moderate facial cutaneous aging using a combination peel containing 6% trichloroacetic acid and 12% lactic acid
Authors: Fanning James , Jacob Carolyn , Diaz Isabel , Ibrahim Omer
Published: May 2023

Chemical peeling treats facial cutaneous aging and may avoid risks in patients with sensitive skin, darker skin types, limited finances, or concern for side effects of other resurfacing techniques. Tolerability and improvement of photoaging using a combination peel containing 6% trichloroacetic acid and 12% lactic acid for treatment of mild‐to‐moderate signs of facial photoaging were assessed. This is a prospective, single‐center, single‐arm, study of 32 female subjects with mild‐to‐moderate signs of facial aging and Fitzpatrick Skin Types I–V treated with three monthly treatments of a combination peel containing 6% trichloroacetic acid and 12% lactic acid. After 3 treatments, there were statistically significant improvements in clarity, brightness, redness, pigmentation, fine lines, tactile and visual roughness, and overall appearance scores. Subjective improvements in photoaging parameters varied from 53% (fine lines) to 91% (clarity/brightness). Three treatments with a combination peel containing 6% trichloroacetic acid and 12% lactic acid achieved improvements in signs of facial photoaging. This procedure is safe and effective at treating cutaneous aging for all skin types and a viable option for patients who wish to avoid other resurfacing techniques such as laser resurfacing, microneedling among others.
Collective turnover and firm innovation: Knowledge‐sharing system as a contingency
Authors: Ko Young Jin , Choi Jin Nam
Published: May 2023

Is high employee turnover harmful to innovation? To answer this question, we draw on the knowledge‐based view of innovation. Specifically, we theorize that the collective turnover of a firm engenders complex changes in knowledge insourcing needed for generating innovation, which may lead to the attenuating negative effect of turnover on innovation. This study also aims to investigate a contingency that modifies the detrimental effect of collective turnover on innovation. Specifically, we identify knowledge‐sharing system (KSS) as a positive knowledge‐related contingency that engenders a U‐shaped curvilinear relationship between collective turnover and firm innovation. In addition, replenishing human capital by hiring new employees improves knowledge insourcing quality and diversity, thereby constituting the mechanism through which collective turnover affects firm innovation. An analysis of large‐scale firm‐level data collected from 2259 Korean firms over a 6‐year period supports most hypotheses and confirms the positive effect of high turnover on firm innovation through replacement hiring and under favorable firm contingencies, such as a high KSS. This study provides a balanced perspective by revealing the costs and benefits of collective turnover and explains when and how turnover can facilitate firm innovation.
Pre‐existing sleep problems as a predictor of post‐acute sequelae of COVID‐19
Authors: Schilling Claudia , Nieters Alexandra , Schredl Michael , Peter Raphael S. , Rothenbacher Dietrich , Brockmann Stefan O. , Göpel Siri , Kindle Gerhard , Merle Uta , Steinacker Jürgen M. , Kern Winfried ,   the Epidemiology of Long COVID (EPILOC) Phase I study group
Published: May 2023

Several months after COVID‐19 many individuals still report persisting symptoms, the so‐called ‘post‐COVID‐19 syndrome’. An immunological dysfunction is one of the main pathophysiological hypotheses. As sleep is central to the functioning of the immune system, we investigated whether self‐reported pre‐existing sleep disturbance might be an independent risk factor for the development of post‐COVID‐19 syndrome. A total of 11,710 participants of a cross‐sectional survey (all tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2) were classified into probable post‐COVID‐19 syndrome, an intermediate group, and unaffected participants at an average of 8.5 months after infection. The case definition was based on newly occurring symptoms of at least moderate severity and ≥20% reduction in health status and/or working capacity. Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios were calculated to investigate the association between pre‐existing sleep disturbances and subsequent development of post‐COVID‐19 syndrome while controlling for a variety of demographic, lifestyle, and health factors. Pre‐existing sleep disturbances were found to be an independent predictor of subsequent probable post‐COVID‐19 syndrome (adjusted odds ratio 2.7, 95% confidence interval 2.27–3.24). Sleep disturbances as part of the post‐COVID‐19 syndrome were reported by more than half of the participants and appeared to be a new symptom and to occur independent of a mood disorder in most cases. Recognition of disturbed sleep as an important risk factor for post‐COVID‐19 syndrome should promote improved clinical management of sleep disorders in the context of COVID‐19. Further, it may stimulate further research on the effect of improving sleep on the prognosis of COVID‐19 long‐term sequelae and other post‐viral conditions.
Photochemical processes in surface water bodies and their potential impacts on the chemical composition of water: A review
Authors: Linnik Peter , Osadchyi Volodymyr , Osadcha Natalia
Published: May 2023

The present study is a review of photochemical processes that occur in surface water bodies and which can affect the chemical composition of water. It is expected that water bodies with a slow rate of water exchange, including lakes, reservoirs, estuaries and ponds with significant areas of shallow water will be most vulnerable to the impacts of these processes. It involves natural organic compounds and xenobiotics of organic origin that enter water bodies from anthropogenic sources or are formed in water bodies because of the development of cyanobacteria and other algae species. Photodegradation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) occurs as a result of both direct photolysis and photosensitized cleavage involving inorganic and organic compounds, which are characterized by chromophore properties, such as humic substances. Photolysis is accompanied by the transformation of high molecular weight organic compounds into lower molecular weight compounds that can become bioavailable to, and promote the development of, microorganisms. Photodegradation results in bioavailable forms of nitrogen and phosphorus being released into the water column. Accordingly, the present study presents the results of analysis of the photochemical destruction of humic substances, such as the most widespread group of the surface water body DOM under the influence of artificial UV irradiation and solar radiation. The results provide data on the products of humic substances photolysis, as well as the influence of the latter on the destruction of a number of organic substances, including xenobiotics (herbicides, pesticides, etc.). Photolysis of algotoxins, which are mainly concentrated in the water of highly trophic reservoirs and lakes during the period of water “blooming,” is among the main concerns being addressed, noting photochemical destruction of these dangerous toxicants can be considered an important means of removing them from drinking water. Also emphasized is that photochemical processes in surface water will likely intensify in the future amid the recent climate changes, also affecting the chemical composition of water.
Adaptability and Grit: Foundations for Their Joint Contribution to Students' Academic and Nonacademic Outcomes
Authors: Feraco Tommaso , Casali Nicole , Meneghetti Chiara
Published: May 2023

Adaptability (adjustment to new and uncertain situations) and grit (perseverance and passion for long‐term goals) both sustain students, but their joint contribution has never been explored, and recent studies propose they could compose a single factor. In this study we aim to test whether (i) they actually belong to a single overarching factor as recently posited by the Triarchic Model of Grit and (ii) they have specific effects on different outcomes. We show that, in a sample of 602 students (11–18 years old), perseverance of effort, consistency of interests (the two facets of grit), and adaptability are distinct factors, that uniquely contribute to the outcomes considered (academic self‐efficacy, achievement emotions, learning goals, self‐regulated learning, achievement, and life satisfaction). Perseverance resulted as the strongest predictor, followed by adaptability and consistency. Conscientiousness was positively related to all three. We conclude that adaptability and grit are two separate but correlated factors that can promote a host of positive outcomes.
Management of temporomandibular joint arthritis in children and adolescents: An introduction for orthodontists
Authors: Rongo Roberto , Michelotti Ambrosina , Pedersen Thomas Klit , Resnick Cory M. , Stoustrup Peter
Published: May 2023

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common inflammatory rheumatic disease of childhood. JIA can affect any joint and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the joints most frequently involved. TMJ arthritis impacts mandibular growth and development and can result in skeletal deformity (convex profile and facial asymmetry), and malocclusion. Furthermore, when TMJs are affected, patients may present with pain at joint and masticatory muscles and dysfunction with crepitus and limited jaw movement. This review aims to describe the role of orthodontists in the management of patients with JIA and TMJ involvement. This article is an overview of evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with JIA and TMJ involvement. Screening for the orofacial manifestation of JIA is important for orthodontists to identify TMJ involvement and related dentofacial deformity. The treatment protocol of JIA with TMJ involvement requires an interdisciplinary collaboration including orthopaedic/orthodontic treatment and surgical interventions for the management of growth disturbances. Orthodontists are also involved in the management of orofacial signs and symptoms; behavioural therapy, physiotherapy and occlusal splints are the suggested treatments. Patients with TMJ arthritis require specific expertise from an interdisciplinary team with members knowledgeable in JIA care. Since disorders of mandibular growth often appear during childhood, the orthodontist could be the first clinician to see the patient and can play a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of JIA patients with TMJ involvement.
Utilising a visual image quality metric to optimise spectacle prescriptions for eyes with keratoconus
Authors: Bell Elizabeth L. S. , Hastings Gareth D. , Nguyen Lan Chi , Applegate Raymond A. , Marsack Jason D.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

To compare optical performance, visual performance, and patient‐perceived quality of vision with: (1) spectacles determined using subjective refraction and (2) spectacles determined using an objective optimisation method based on wavefront aberration data for eyes with keratoconus.

Methods

Thirty‐seven eyes (20 subjects) with keratoconus underwent both subjective refraction and uncorrected wavefront aberration measurement. Wavefront aberration data were used to objectively identify a sphero‐cylindrical refraction that optimised the visual image quality metric visual Strehl ratio (VSX). The two refractions were assembled in trial frames and worn by the subject in a random order. High‐contrast visual acuity (VA), letter contrast sensitivity (CS), and the patient's short‐term subjective preference were recorded for each prescription.

Results

Median magnitude of the dioptric difference (a measure of similarity between the subjective and objective refractions) was 2.77 D (range = 0.21–20.44 D, first quartile = 1.02 D, third quartile = 4.36 D). Sixty‐eight per cent of eyes had better VA with the objective refraction and 32% of eyes gained more than one line of VA. Monocularly, objective refraction was preferred 68% of the time when looking at a distant acuity chart and 76% of the time when viewing a real‐world dynamic scene.

Conclusions

Objective refraction based on visual image quality derived from wavefront aberration data can be valuable in the determination of monocular spectacle refractions for individuals with keratoconus.
The amplification of plant disease risk through ecological restoration
Authors: Mitchell Ruth J.
Published: May 2023

Ecological restoration, which encompasses habitat restoration and creation is essential to “bend the curve of biodiversity loss.” However, well‐intentioned actions could alter plant pest/pathogen distributions resulting in unanticipated detrimental impacts on both host plants and associated biodiversity. Awareness among practitioners of this risk is unknown but likely to be limited. Using an online survey, with responses from 224 participants involved in ecological restoration in the United Kingdom, we assessed: (1) their awareness of plant health biosecurity risks; (2) whether they had risk assessments and biosecurity guidance/best practices for plant pests/pathogens; and (3) what, if any, new guidance was required. Participants perceived that their neighbors' activities, rather than their own, were the most likely source of pests/pathogens establishing. Their perceptions of the activities most likely to be a source of pests/pathogens did not match the literature, with the introduction of both mature plants and seeds viewed as the same level of risk. Over half the participants did not have a risk assessment for plant pests/pathogens. More of the participants (70%) had biosecurity guidance. However, of those participants that had biosecurity guidance 22% failed to check whether this guidance was followed, while 40% did not have anyone in their organization responsible for biosecurity. The most frequent requests from participants for guidance were: (1) what biosecurity to put in place for staff/contractors?; (2) the current legislation on plant pests/pathogens and movement of plants/soil/equipment. We conclude that risk assessments for plant pests/pathogens must become standard practice in ecological restoration.
Prediction of risk factors for scrub typhus from 2006 to 2019 based on random forest model in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Huang Xiaobin , Xie Binbin , Long Jiali , Chen Haiyan , Zhang Hao , Fan Lirui , Chen Shouyi , Chen Kuncai , Wei Yuehong
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Scrub typhus is an increasingly serious public health problem, which is becoming the most common vector‐borne disease in Guangzhou. This study aimed to analyse the correlation between scrub typhus incidence and potential factors and rank the importance of influential factors.

Methods

We collected monthly scrub typhus cases, meteorological variables, rodent density (RD), Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and land use type in Guangzhou from 2006 to 2019. Correlation analysis and a random forest model were used to identify the risk factors for scrub typhus and predict the importance rank of influencing factors related to scrub typhus incidence.

Results

The epidemiological results of the scrub typhus cases in Guangzhou between 2006 and 2019 showed that the incidence rate was on the rise. The results of correlation analysis revealed that a positive relationship between scrub typhus incidence and meteorological factors of mean temperature (Tmean), accumulative rainfall (RF), relative humidity (RH), sunshine hours (SH), and NDVI, RD, population density, and green land coverage area (all p < 0.001). Additionally, we tested the relationship between the incidence of scrub typhus and the lagging meteorological factors through cross‐correlation function, and found that incidence was positively correlated with 1‐month lag Tmean, 2‐month lag RF, 2‐month lag RH, and 6‐month lag SH (all p < 0.001). Based on the random forest model, we found that the Tmean was the most important predictor among the influential factors, followed by NDVI.

Conclusions

Meteorological factors, NDVI, RD, and land use type jointly affect the incidence of scrub typhus in Guangzhou. Our results provide a better understanding of the influential factors correlated with scrub typus, which can improve our capacity for biological monitoring and help public health authorities to formulate disease control strategies.