bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A health-conformant reading of the GDPR’s right not to be subject to automated decision-making
Authors: van Kolfschooten Hannah B
Published: August 2024

As the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in healthcare is expanding, patients in the European Union (EU) are increasingly subjected to automated medical decision-making. This development poses challenges to the protection of patients’ rights. A specific patients’ right not to be subject to automated medical decision-making is not considered part of the traditional portfolio of patients’ rights. The EU AI Act also does not contain such a right. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) does, however, provide for the right ‘not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing’ in Article 22. At the same time, this provision has been severely critiqued in legal scholarship because of its lack of practical effectiveness. However, in December 2023, the Court of Justice of the EU first provided an interpretation of this right in C-634/21 (SCHUFA)—although in the context of credit scoring. Against this background, this article provides a critical analysis of the application of Article 22 GDPR to the medical context. The objective is to evaluate whether Article 22 GDPR may provide patients with the right to refuse automated medical decision-making. It proposes a health-conformant reading to strengthen patients’ rights in the EU.
Sinha’s spectral sequence for long knots in codimension one and non-formality of the little 2-disks operad
Authors: Moriya Syunji
Published: August 2024

We compute some differentials of Sinha’s spectral sequence for cohomology of the space of long knots modulo immersions in codimension one, mainly over a field of characteristic 2 or 3. This spectral sequence is closely related to Vassiliev’s spectral sequence for the space of long knots in codimension $\geq2$. We prove that the d2-differential of an element is non-zero in characteristic 2, which has already essentially been proved by Salvatore, and the d3-differential of another element is non-zero in characteristic 3. While the geometric meaning of the sequence is unclear in codimension one, these results have some applications to non-formality of operads. The result in characteristic 3 implies planar non-formality of the standard map $C_\ast(E_1)\to C_\ast(E_2)$ in characteristic 3, where $C_\ast(E_k)$ denotes the chain little k-disks operad. We also reprove the result of Salvatore which states that $C_\ast(E_2)$ is not formal as a planar operad in characteristic 2 using the result in characteristic 2. For the computation, we transfer the structure on configuration spaces behind the spectral sequence onto Thom spaces over fat diagonals through a duality between configuration spaces and fat diagonals. This procedure enables us to describe the differentials by relatively simple maps to Thom spaces. We also show that the d2-differential of the generator of bidegree $(-4,2)$ is zero in characteristic $\not=2$. This computation illustrates how one can manage the three-term relation using the description. Although the computations in this paper are concentrated to codimension one, our method also works for codimension $\geq2$ and we prepare most of the basic notions and lemmas for general codimension.
Comparison of Restricted versus Liberal Post-Surgical Ambulation Protocols on Outcomes after Lumbar Fusion Surgery
Authors: Narayanan Rajkishen , Kellish Alec , Ezeonu Teeto , Lee Yunsoo A. , Carroll Jessica , Hagan Timothy , Hammelef Emma , Teichner Eric , Canseco Jose A. , Kaye Ian David , Kurd Mark F. , Hilibrand Alan S. , Vaccaro Alexander R. , Kepler Christopher , Schroeder Gregory D.
Published: August 2024

Study Design.

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective.

The objective of this study was to explore the impact of different hospital-based ambulation protocols on mobility and surgical outcomes after lumbar fusion surgery.

Summary of Background Data.

Previous research has highlighted the value of early ambulation after surgery; still some hospitals choose to adopt a more conservative ambulation approach due to concern for patient safety.

Methods.

Adult patients ≥18 years who underwent primary posterior lumbar decompression and fusion (PLDF) surgery at a hospital with restricted ambulation and a hospital with a liberal ambulation protocol within the same health system from 2021-2022 were identified and matched based on patient demographic characteristics. Surgical outcomes included inpatient complications, length of stay, readmissions, reoperations, and discharge disposition. Mobility outcomes included Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) daily activity score, post-therapy session pain rating, and gait trial distance from the first inpatient physical therapy session.

Results.

Patients within the liberal ambulation protocol cohort had shorter hospital stays (P<0.001) and were less likely to require reoperation within 1 year of surgery (P=0.013). Patients within the restricted ambulation protocol were more likely to experience a complication (P=0.005) and were less likely to be discharged home after surgery (P=0.020). Patients at the liberal ambulation hospital had higher AM-PAC basic mobility scores (P<0.001) and achieved further gait distances (P<0.001). On multivariable regression analysis, a further gait distance at the first inpatient PT session was a significant predictor of decreased odds of inpatient complications (P=0.010), decreased length of stay (P=0.005), and increased odds of discharge to home (P<0.001).

Conclusion.

Liberal ambulation protocols are safe and effective postoperative management strategies after PLDF to decrease inpatient complications, length of stay and discharge to a rehabilitation facility. These findings highlight the role that such protocols can play in helping patients to achieve early mobilization and favorable short-term outcomes.
A Refined Population Pharmacokinetic Model–Based Guideline for Individualized PEGasparaginase Dosing in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Brigitha Leiah J. , Zaky Karen , Pieters Rob , van der Sluis Inge M.
Published: August 2024

Background:

In the Dutch Childhood Oncology Group ALL11 protocol, PEGasparaginase dosing was individualized for standard-risk and medium-risk patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. After using our pragmatic old guideline, we aimed to improve individualized PEGasparaginase dosing by developing a population pharmacokinetic model–based dosing guideline.

Method:

After the 3 doses of 1500 IU/m2 administered in induction, standard-risk patients received 1 individualized dose and medium-risk patients 14, targeting trough activity levels between 100 and 250 IU/L. The effectiveness, adherence, and toxicity of our new dosing guideline was assessed and compared with the old guideline.

Results:

In total, 92 patients (714 samples) were included in the new dosing group and 509 patients (4539 samples) were included in the old dosing group. Comparing the effectiveness, we found that 32% (22/67) of patients in the new and 13% (47/354) of patients in the old dosing group were within the target range after the first individualized dose (P < 0.001). Among medium-risk patients, a median of 3 dose reductions was needed to reach and maintain levels within the target range in the new dosing group compared with 5 in the old dosing group (P < 0.001). With a continuous PEGasparaginase dosing schedule, target trough activity levels were reached after 2 dose reductions in the new group versus 4 in the old dosing group. The adherence to the new guideline was >99%, with 6/714 recommended doses deviating from the guideline. With exception of a lower proportion of patients with increased (≥grade 3) serum alanine transaminase (34% new vs 64% old, P < 0.05) in the new dosing group, toxicity was comparable between guidelines.

Conclusions:

With the new dosing guideline, fewer dose-reduction steps are necessary to reach and remain within the target. The high adherence rate emphasized its simplicity and practicality, confirming that it can be easily integrated into clinical practice.
The trend and ripple effects of retractions in primary health care: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Lin Kuan-Chen , Chen Yu-Chun , Lin Ming-Hwai , Chen Tzeng-Ji
Published: August 2024

Background:

In primary health care, the dissemination of retracted publications through literature reviews, guidelines, and recommendations can have a significant and lasting impact. Despite this potential threat, the retraction consequences and patterns in this domain have not been extensively explored. Therefore, this study investigates the characteristics and ripple effects of retracted papers in primary health care literature.

Methods:

Retracted publications indexed in PubMed from 1984 to 2022 in primary health care journals underwent bibliometric analysis. The dataset included detailed publication information, from which we derived annual retraction rates and examined trends by journal, authorship, and geographic origin. We further evaluated the extent of influence exerted by retracted papers through postretraction citation analysis.

Results:

In 44 primary health care journals, 13 articles were retracted over the study period, representing a retraction rate of 0.01%—notably lower than the aggregate rate for all PubMed journals. Despite this, we observed a recent surge in retraction frequency, especially in the last decade. The median interval to retraction was 15 months, with scientific misconduct, specifically fabrication, and plagiarism, as the predominant reasons. After retraction, the articles continued to exert considerable influence, averaging 25 citations per article with a 78.1% postretraction citation prevalence.

Conclusion:

Retractions resulting from scientific misconduct in primary health care are increasing, with a substantial portion of such work continuing to be cited. This trend underscores the urgent need to improve research ethics and develop mechanisms that help primary care physicians discern reliable information, thereby reducing the reliance on compromised literature.
Autism, youth suicide, and psychedelics: A review of the 21st century evidence
Authors: Chen Mu-Hong , Su Tung-Ping , Hsu Ju-Wei , Tsai Shih-Jen
Published: August 2024

The concurrent rise in the prevalence of autism and youth suicide has drawn public health and professional attention. The renaissance of psychedelics in psychiatry occurred in the early 21st century and may suggest a hope for the therapeutic effect of psychedelics in autism and suicide. The psychedelics’ molecular entities are the compounds that modulate the serotoninergic and glutamatergic systems, which play a crucial role in the pathomechanisms underlying autism and suicide. This systematic review comprehensively discussed the prevalence trends of autism and youth suicide globally and in Taiwan and discussed an association between autism and suicidality based on the 21st century clinical and preclinical literature. Furthermore, this review proposed a possible neurobiological connection between autism, suicide, and psychedelics. Finally, this review discussed the potential therapeutic applications of psychedelics in autism and youth suicide.
Dipolar EEG Spikes Are More Benign
Authors: Datta Anita N. , Wong Peter K.H.
Published: August 2024

Purpose:

Rolandic epileptiform discharges with tangential dipole (T-dipole) configurations are associated with favorable prognosis. Whether the same is true for T-dipole epileptiform discharges in other brain regions is less established and is the objective of this study.

Methods:

Over 20 years, patients with epileptiform discharges were identified as follows: frontal (F = 176), temporal (T = 196), central (C = 201), parietal (P = 120), and occipital (O = 205). T-dipoles were documented. Clinical features of children with and without T-dipole were compared both regardless of brain region and separately for each brain region.

Results:

The prevalence of T-dipoles was 232/898 (25.8%) overall and within different regions as follows: T = 104 (53.1%), O = 51 (24.9%), P = 23 (19.2%), C = 35 (17.4%), and F = 19 (10.8%). Most had epilepsy (T-dipole: 193 [83.2%] and nondipole: 532 [79.9%]). Regardless of region, T-dipole was associated with less drug-resistant epilepsy (11 [4.7%] vs. 202 [30.3%], P < 0.001), developmental delay (57 [24.6%] vs. 436 [51.0%], P < 0.001), school performance difficulties (SPD) (101 [43.5%] vs. 410 [61.6%], P < 0.001), autism (30 [12.9%] vs. 127 [19.1%], P = 0.037), and abnormal examination (28 [12.1%] vs. 257 [38.6%], P < 0.001]). Within different brain regions, on logistic regression, T-dipole was associated with lower odds of drug-resistant epilepsy (F, T, C, P, and O), developmental delay (F, T, C, and P), SPD (F, T, and C), autism (F and T), abnormal examination (F, T, C, and O), and abnormal neuroimaging (T, C, P, and O).

Conclusions:

On routine EEG analysis, focal epileptiform discharges with T-dipoles, regardless of brain region, are associated with a more favorable clinical course.
Assessing patterns of metazoans in the global ocean using environmental DNA
Authors: Geraldi Nathan R. , Acinas Silvia G. , Alam Intikhab , Gasol Josep M. , Fernández-de-Puelles María Luz , Giner Caterina R. , Hernández León Santiago , Logares Ramiro , Massana Ramon , Sánchez Pablo , Bajic Vladimir , Gojobori Takashi , Duarte Carlos M.
Published: August 2024

Documenting large-scale patterns of animals in the ocean and determining the drivers of these patterns is needed for conservation efforts given the unprecedented rates of change occurring within marine ecosystems. We used existing datasets from two global expeditions,
Tara Oceans
and
Malaspina
, that circumnavigated the oceans and sampled down to 4000 m to assess metazoans from environmental DNA (eDNA) extracted from seawater. We describe patterns of taxonomic richness within metazoan phyla and orders based on metabarcoding and infer the relative abundance of phyla using metagenome datasets, and relate these data to environmental variables. Arthropods had the greatest taxonomic richness of metazoan phyla at the surface, while cnidarians had the greatest richness in pelagic zones. Half of the marine metazoan eDNA from metagenome datasets was from arthropods, followed by cnidarians and nematodes. We found that mean surface temperature and primary productivity were positively related to metazoan taxonomic richness. Our findings concur with existing knowledge that temperature and primary productivity are important drivers of taxonomic richness for specific taxa at the ocean’s surface, but these correlations are less evident in the deep ocean. Massive sequencing of eDNA can improve understanding of animal distributions, particularly for the deep ocean where sampling is challenging.
Esophageal Actinobacillosis Mimicking a Diverticulum in a Cow: A Case Report
Authors: KUMAR RAHUL , Kumar Gulshan , Pandey R. P.
Published: August 2024

Present case report describes an unusual instance of esophageal actinobacillosis in an adult cow presented to the university hospital with a history of inability to drink and swallow. Clinical evaluation revealed a noticeable five-inch swelling in the Juglar groove, while radiographic imaging indicated the presence of a small, round, and mildly radio-opaque lesion. In response, an exploratory surgical excision was performed as a palliative measure, and the excised tissue was subsequently preserved in 10% buffered formalin for histopathological examination. Histopathology revealed pyogranulomatous inflammation characterized by radiating eosinophilic club shaped bodies surrounding small colonies of coccobacilli. Grams and Zeil Neelson stains confirmed the presence of gram negative and non-acid fast coccobacilli. Additionally, following a thorough review of relevant literature on atypical actinobacillosis, the authors assert the rarity of esophageal involvement, with this case representing only the second documented instance globally.
Porcine deltacoronavirus nucleocapsid protein interacts with the Grb2 through its proline-rich motifs to induce activation of the Raf-MEK-ERK signal pathway and promote virus replication
Authors: Li Mingxia , Zhang Liping , Zhou Peng , Zhang Zhongwang , Yu Ruiming , Zhang Yongguang , Wang Yonglu , Guo Huichen , Pan Li , Xiao Sa , Liu Xinsheng
Published: August 2024

Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV), an enteropathogenic coronavirus, causes severe watery diarrhoea, dehydration and high mortality in piglets, which has the potential for cross-species transmission in recent years. Growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (Grb2) is a bridging protein that can couple cell surface receptors with intracellular signal transduction events. Here, we investigated the reciprocal regulation between Grb2 and PDCoV. It is found that Grb2 regulates PDCoV infection and promotes IFN-β production through activating Raf/MEK/ERK/STAT3 pathway signalling in PDCoV-infected swine testis cells to suppress viral replication. PDCoV N is capable of interacting with Grb2. The proline-rich motifs in the N- or C-terminal region of PDCoV N were critical for the interaction between PDCoV-N and Grb2. Except for Deltacoronavirus PDCoV N, the Alphacoronavirus PEDV N protein could interact with Grb2 and affect the regulation of PEDV replication, while the N protein of Betacoronavirus PHEV and Gammacoronavirus AIBV could not interact with Grb2. PDCoV N promotes Grb2 degradation by K48- and K63-linked ubiquitin-proteasome pathways. Overexpression of PDCoV N impaired the Grb2-mediated activated effect on the Raf/MEK/ERK/STAT3 signal pathway. Thus, our study reveals a novel mechanism of how host protein Grb2 protein regulates viral replication and how PDCoV N escaped natural immunity by interacting with Grb2.
Development of the Pneumococcal Genome Library, a core genome multilocus sequence typing scheme, and a taxonomic life identification number barcoding system to investigate and define pneumococcal population structure
Authors: Jansen van Rensburg Melissa J. , Berger Duncan J. , Yassine Iman , Shaw David , Fohrmann Andy , Bray James E. , Jolley Keith A. , Maiden Martin C. J. , Brueggemann Angela B.
Published: August 2024

Investigating the genomic epidemiology of major bacterial pathogens is integral to understanding transmission, evolution, colonization, disease, antimicrobial resistance and vaccine impact. Furthermore, the recent accumulation of large numbers of whole genome sequences for many bacterial species enhances the development of robust genome-wide typing schemes to define the overall bacterial population structure and lineages within it. Using the previously published data, we developed the Pneumococcal Genome Library (PGL), a curated dataset of 30 976 genomes and contextual data for carriage and disease pneumococci recovered between 1916 and 2018 in 82 countries. We leveraged the size and diversity of the PGL to develop a core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) scheme comprised of 1222 loci. Finally, using multilevel single-linkage clustering, we stratified pneumococci into hierarchical clusters based on allelic similarity thresholds and defined these with a taxonomic life identification number (LIN) barcoding system. The PGL, cgMLST scheme and LIN barcodes represent a high-quality genomic resource and fine-scale clustering approaches for the analysis of pneumococcal populations, which support the genomic epidemiology and surveillance of this leading global pathogen.
Evaluating entrepreneurial intentions of health science students in higher education
Authors: Chams-Anturi Odette , Escorcia-Caballero Juan P. , Soto-Ferrari Milton
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Entrepreneurial activities significantly contribute to economic growth and job creation, making entrepreneurship an attractive career path. While students’ entrepreneurial intentions in traditional fields like economics, business and engineering have been widely studied, less attention has been given to nontraditional fields, especially in emerging economies. This study aims to address this gap by exploring the entrepreneurial intentions of health sciences students in Colombian universities, a context marked by unique socioeconomic and cultural factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The study surveyed 202 students across three colleges. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used to validate the theorized relationships and analyze the data.

Findings

Preliminary findings indicate a positive correlation between personal attitudes and educational support with entrepreneurial intentions among health science students. Contrary to expectations, the influence of family roles and broader sociocultural contexts appeared less significant, suggesting a distinct pattern within this field.

Originality/value

This paper presents a detailed study of the factors influencing the entrepreneurial intention of health sciences students in higher education. It provides theoretical and practical insights, contributing to the existing literature on entrepreneurial intention. The findings can be used by institutions to develop targeted training programs tailored to students’ specific needs.
Long-term needs, long-term access? Major crime recordkeeping and the information needs of individuals bereaved by homicide
Authors: Benton Lauren , Sexton Anna
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The article presents research on the long-term information needs of homicide bereaved individuals in the context of record-keeping practice within Major Crime Units (MCU) in England. The research objectives were to: (1) identify the long-term information needs of individuals bereaved by homicide; (2) establish MCU officer perceptions on the provision of information to individuals bereaved by homicide; (3) establish the current practice of MCU officers in managing and providing access to homicide records and (4) explore the capability of current recordkeeping practice to move beyond the use of homicide records for their primary “policing” purpose.

Design/methodology/approach

The research objectives were met by combining findings from a literature review across policing, bereavement, death, victimology, criminology, records management and archival studies with results from a singular interview-based study with officers at the Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire Major Crime Unit (BHCMCU).

Findings

The findings indicate that the long-term information needs of homicide bereaved individuals are ill-served by the current police recordkeeping framework which provides them with little involvement in record-keeping decision-making and limited long-term access to the information required for sensemaking/adaption in a post-homicide world. In this context, the research demonstrates a long term need for: (1) information access; (2) support for access; (3) a direct and personalised information access service and (4) trauma-informed and victim/survivor centred practice in police recordkeeping contexts.

Originality/value

The research addresses a major gap across disciplinary research literature in its focus on the ways investigative information is disclosed by the police to the bereaved following case closure.
Deposit insurance and financial inclusion
Authors: Alley Ibrahim
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Deposit insurance activities aimed at achieving financial stability and depositor protection often align with financial inclusion programmes of other financial safety-net participants. However, there is limited empirical evidence in the literature on the role of deposit insurance (DIS) in financial inclusion. This study bridges this gap by analysing data from 143 countries to assess the impact of DIS on financial inclusion along the dimensions of access and usage.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the random effect and the generalized methods of moments (GMM) regression models to estimate the effects of deposit insurance on financial inclusion.

Findings

Our results show that, in addition to positive impacts from other policy drivers such as income per capita, economic growth and banking and financial sector development, the practice of an explicit deposit insurance system (EDIS) significantly promotes financial inclusion. However, merely having any form of DIS, as proxied by IADI membership, shows limited potential. Based on the data-informed reliability of our findings, we recommend that countries aiming to deepen financial inclusion should consider adopting or intensifying the practice of EDIS alongside existing programmes.

Originality/value

There is limited or scanty empirical evidence in the literature, if there exists any, that indicates that financial inclusion progress actually benefits from deposit insurance. This study therefore contributes to the literature by providing an empircal evidence on the positive impact of deposit insurance on financial inclusion.
Potential customers’ intention to use Islamic banking products in Cameroon: the mediating effect of attitude
Authors: Hamadou Issa , Hamidi M. Luthfi , Yumna Aimatul
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine factors influencing potential customers’ intention to patronize Islamic banking products in Cameroon.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this, a structured questionnaire was used with 318 respondents, and 300 were usable for analysis with a respondent rate of 94%. The study used SEM-PLS to analyze the data.

Findings

The findings suggested that attitude, religious motivation, awareness, subjective norm and relative advantage significantly affect potential customers intention toward Islamic banking products, while perceived regulatory and perceived innovation are insignificant. Furthermore, attitude substantially mediates the relationship between religious motivation, awareness, subjective norm, relative advantage and perceived innovation.

Research limitations/implications

However, this study focused on potential customers living in Muslim zones; future research should compare users and nonusers of Islamic banking products in both Muslim and non-Muslim zones to capture a big picture about customers’ perceptions of Islamic banking products in Cameroon.

Practical implications

The results of this study contribute to the literature by providing a new framework that combines the theories of planned behavior and diffusion of innovation theory and provides managerial implications at the level of Islamic finance operators. Meanwhile, this research offers some policy recommendations that can help boost the development of Islamic finance in Cameroon and promote financial inclusion.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research about potential customers’ intention to use Islamic banking products in Cameroon.
Improving client risk classification with machine learning to increase anti-money laundering detection efficiency
Authors: Reite Endre Jo , Karlsen Johan , Westgaard Elias Grefstad
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to describe and empirically explore a new method for bank anti-money laundering (AML) systems using machine learning models. Current automated money laundering detection systems are notorious for flagging many false positives, causing bank employees to spend unnecessary time manually checking transactions that do not constitute money laundering. Decreasing the number of false positives can free up resources for investigating money laundering.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses unique bank data on small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to examine how various client risk classification models can predict future suspicious transactions. This study explores various sources of client risk data and machine-learning approaches.

Findings

Client risk classification models can accurately predict suspicious future transactions. Adding accounting data and credit score information to client risk classification dramatically improves accuracy. This makes it easier to balance the risk of missing suspicious transactions with the need to reduce the number of false positives.

Practical implications

The suggested approach with readily available data sources and a focus on classifying client risk in a dynamic model can help banks significantly improve their efficiency by targeting their AML efforts toward the riskiest clients.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to empirically explore machine learning in client risk classification, document how machine learning in client risk classification can significantly reduce false positives by incorporating novel, but readily available sources, such as credit risk and accounting data.
Knowledge management as a driver of economic performance in the Spanish wine industry: the mediating role of open innovation
Authors: Martínez-Falcó Javier , Sánchez-García Eduardo , Marco-Lajara Bartolomé , Słoniec Jolanta
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the influence of Knowledge Management (KM) on the Economic Performance (EP) of wineries in Spain and examines the intermediary role of Open Innovation (OI) in this relationship, also considering the effects of the age of the winery, its size and its affiliation to a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) as control variables to refine the causality analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical framework derived from existing literature underpins this study, which employs Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze data gathered from 196 wineries across Spain during the period from September 2022 to January 2023.

Findings

The analysis demonstrates a positive correlation between the implementation of KM practices and the EP of the wineries studied. Additionally, it identifies OI as a partial mediator in the relationship between KM and EP.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the academic discourse by outlining the benefits of KM, particularly in the Spanish wine sector, given that, to the authors' knowledge, there are no previous studies that have examined the catalytic effect of KM on OI and EP in this context, which supports the generation of new academic knowledge.
Linking systems thinking with citizenship education at the university
Authors: Astaíza Martínez Andrés Felipe , Rojas León Gina Alexandra
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Researchers from different disciplines have advocated for the incorporation of Systems Thinking in higher education in various fields such as environmental studies, engineering, economics and management. Nevertheless, educational experiences that seek to integrate the systems approach and citizenship education are not numerous and have not been sufficiently documented. This research paper presents classroom research aimed at understanding how Systems Thinking and citizenship education are articulated within a general education course.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was designed using Grounded Theory within an exploratory-descriptive approach. To collect data, the following techniques were used: participant observation, focus group and documentary analysis. The data analysis was carried out through the constant comparative method in its open, axial, selective and theoretical contrast coding phases.

Findings

The data analysis highlights the potential of Systems Thinking within the context of Citizenship Education as a comprehensive set of cognitive, affective and methodological tools. Moreover, it sheds light on the pedagogical practices, the teaching strategies and the type of socioemotional interactions in the classroom that are key elements in promoting citizenship attitudes, ideas and behaviors.

Originality/value

The research underscores the importance of a systemic vision of education that explicitly incorporates social-emotional learning and experiences of citizen participation beyond the classroom where students can build new knowledge from first-hand interactions with processes of social transformation.
Experience as a double-edged sword: CEO experience and power on breakthrough innovation
Authors: Ma Dechao , Wu Weiwei
Published: August 2024

Purpose

In recent years, the trend of hiring external CEOs has become increasingly prevalent. However, the impact of these CEOs' prior experiences in different firms on the innovation of their successor firms has not received sufficient attention. Drawing on upper echelons theory and management power theory, this study explores the non-linear relationship between prior CEO experience and breakthrough innovation, as well as the moderating effects of different types of CEO power.

Design/methodology/approach

We selected China’s A-share listed manufacturing companies as samples and used zero-inflated Poisson regression to verify the hypothesis. We employed instrumental variable methodology to address potential endogeneity issues and conducted robustness tests by substituting core variables, changing measures, adding additional control variables, and shrinking the core variables.

Findings

We conclude that there exists an inverted U-shaped relationship between prior CEO experience and breakthrough innovation. Furthermore, we analyze the effects of formal and informal CEO power on the role of prior CEO experience in breakthrough innovation and find that the inverted U-shaped relationship is contingent upon the level of CEO power.

Originality/value

The findings extend research on CEO succession and offer a reference for firms aiming to hire external CEOs with prior experience to foster breakthrough innovation.
Insights into the current state of electronic health records adoption and utilisation in Tanzanian public primary healthcare facilities: a survey study
Authors: Mwogosi Augustino , Mambile Cesilia
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the adoption and use of electronic health record systems (EHRS) in Tanzanian public primary healthcare institutions. The study’s objectives include understanding the factors that affect EHRS adoption, identifying implementation challenges and evaluating the effect of EHRS usage on healthcare delivery. By addressing these research goals, the study aims to contribute insightful information on the current level of EHRS adoption in Tanzanian primary healthcare facilities and contribute to developing strategies to improve EHRS deployment and healthcare in the nation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study combined quantitative and qualitative data using a mixed-methods methodology. Both data types were collected and analysed concurrently using a concurrent triangulation approach. The study aimed to comprehend the variables that affect the adoption and use of EHRS in Tanzanian public primary healthcare institutions. Eleven regions spanning various geographic locations and urban–rural dynamics were chosen as research sites. A survey of 122 healthcare employees was conducted with a sample of 31 healthcare facilities. The questionnaire had closed-ended and open-ended questions to gather quantitative and qualitative data. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used in data analysis. Throughout the investigation, ethical standards and confidentiality precautions were observed.

Findings

Several factors affect the adoption and use of EHRS. Perceived usefulness and use, support and training, interoperability, data security and privacy, business culture and leadership are all factors. Inadequate infrastructure, power interruptions, duplication of effort and a lack of data analytic expertise were among the difficulties. Among the effects were improvements in data management, service delivery and coordination, productivity and efficiency, medical supply inventory control, billing and revenue collection.

Originality/value

This study, which complements earlier research that has concentrated chiefly on specialised healthcare settings, gives new insights by investigating the adoption and utilisation of EHRS, especially in primary healthcare institutions. The findings give policymakers and healthcare professionals in Tanzania and other nations vital information to help them decide whether to embrace and use EHRS in primary healthcare.
Ecology and conservation under ageing and declining human populations
Authors: Marini Lorenzo , Batáry Péter , Carmenta Rachel , Gaston Kevin J. , Gordon Rowena , Macinnis‐Ng Cate , Mori Akira S. , Nuñez Martin , Barlow Jos
Published: August 2024

Much research and media attention has revolved around the environmental impacts of growing global human populations. While the conclusions remain contested, these assessments have largely neglected the ecological and conservation impacts of other key regional processes such as declining populations, ageing demographics and rural‐to‐urban migration.

These demographic shifts are increasingly prevalent across many regions of the world, and will have significant direct effects on natural resource management and biodiversity conservation by altering individual consumption patterns, land use, land stewardship and natural disturbances. Given that the scientific foundation around this topic is still developing, we first present an initial examination of some of the key environmental impacts, aiming to elevate awareness and encourage further research in these areas.

Beyond the ecological implications, declining populations, ageing demographics and rural‐to‐urban migration carry intricate social and cultural consequences that can affect people and nature interactions. Ecological studies that focus on single dimensions of biodiversity or ecosystem responses often overlook these complexities. Demographic changes are likely to be accompanied by shifts in environmental attitudes and connections with nature, all of which will influence our capacity to adapt to or mitigate environmental changes. Finally, environmental policy and practice frameworks are potentially unprepared and their success could be sensitive to these socio‐cultural and demographic shifts.

Synthesis and applications: This brief overview demonstrates that population decline, ageing and rural‐to‐urban migration can have extensive implications for biodiversity and the socio‐cultural relationships between people and nature. However, the significance, dynamics and consequences of these processes are still largely overlooked. We believe that these changes warrant specific attention from the research, policy and practice communities, as understanding the outcomes and feedbacks associated with depopulation, ageing populations, loss of culture and tradition and ecological change could aid in designing landscapes and informing management that enhances both human well‐being and biodiversity conservation.
The odorant‐binding protein genes obp67 and obp56d‐like encode products that guide oviposition site selection in the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus
Authors: Zhao Siyu , Liu Hongkai , Wu Yiming , Wu Peilin , Fu Junyu , Yang Huijuan , James Anthony A. , Chen Xiao‐Guang
Published: August 2024

Aedes albopictus is an important vector of arboviruses and prefers small containers of stagnant water as oviposition sites. One of the mechanisms mosquitoes use to search for suitable oviposition sites is relying on odor cues from prospective sites and their surroundings. The genetic and molecular bases of this behavior are not known for Ae. albopictus. Oviposition site‐searching behavior can be separated into 2 stages: container location and water detection. We applied a glue compound to the antennae and the maxillary palps of adult females to mask their ability to detect molecules that may guide them to preferred oviposition sites. Treatment of the antennae significantly reduces the location index (P < 0.001), indicating a decreased ability to find oviposition sites, whereas no significant difference was observed in mosquitoes with maxillary palps treated with the same glue compound (P > 0.05). The detection time, measured as the duration from contact with the water surface to the deposition of the first egg, was extended in mosquitoes with treated antennae or maxillary palps, supporting the conclusion that olfaction is involved in the detection of oviposition site. Transcriptomic analysis identified differentially expressed olfactory‐related genes, including obp67, obp56d‐like, obp19d‐like and obp67‐like. RNA interference (RNAi)‐mediated knockdown of obp67 and obp56d‐like significantly affected the location index and detection time, respectively. Cas9/guide RNA‐mediated knockout of obp56d‐like resulted in a prolonged detection time, compared with the wild type (P < 0.05). These findings help to elucidate aspects of the olfactory mechanisms involved in Ae. albopictus oviposition site selection, and provide a basis for the development of mosquito surveillance and control strategies.
Common‐garden experiment reveals outbreeding depression and region‐of‐origin effects on reproductive success in a frequently translocated tortoise
Authors: Loope K. J. , DeSha J. N. , Aresco M. J. , Shoemaker K. T. , Hunter E. A.
Published: August 2024

Human‐mediated animal movement can expose wildlife populations to novel environments. Phenotypic plasticity can buffer against the challenges presented by novel environments, while adaptation to local ecosystems may limit resilience in novel ecosystems. Outbreeding depression during the mixing of disparate gene pools can also reduce reproductive success after long‐distance movement. Here, we use a ‘common‐garden’ population of gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus), translocated from numerous sites across the state of Florida, USA, to a mitigation site in the north‐west (panhandle) region to assess whether geographic origin, outbreeding effects, and behavioral plasticity influence reproductive success in this threatened keystone species. We found that females from north‐east Florida produced clutches with lower hatching success than females from other regions. We detected regional differentiation in nest site selection behavior in the common environment of the translocation site, though these differences did not mediate the regional effect on hatching success. We also found evidence for outbreeding depression: hatching success declined with increasing parental geographic and genetic distances, dropping from 93% to 67% across the range of observed parental genetic distances. Together, these results suggest that newly admixed populations may suffer reproductive costs due to historical population differentiation, and that undetected outbreeding depression could significantly hamper conservation efforts for this species and others undergoing a variety of human‐mediated movements.
Measuring the time‐varying market efficiency in the prewar and wartime Japanese stock market, 1924–1943
Authors: Hirayama Kenichi , Noda Akihiko
Published: August 2024

This study examines the adaptive market hypothesis in the prewar and wartime Japanese stock market using a new market capitalization‐weighted price index. First, we find that the degree of market efficiency varies over time and with major historical events. This implies that the hypothesis is supported in this market. Second, we find that the variation in market efficiency observed in this study is significantly different from that in previous studies. Finally, as government intervention in the market intensified throughout the 1930s, market efficiency declined as the war risk premium rose, especially from the time when the Pacific War became inevitable.
Differentiating optic neuropathies using laser speckle flowgraphy: Evaluating blood flow patterns in the optic nerve head and peripapillary choroid
Authors: Yamaguchi Chiaki , Kiyota Naoki , Himori Noriko , Omodaka Kazuko , Tsuda Satoru , Nakazawa Toru
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To compare blood flow (BF) impairment patterns in different optic neuropathies using laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG).

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled 24 eyes of 24 patients with non‐arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAAION), 59 eyes of 59 patients with optic neuritis (ON), 677 eyes of 677 patients with open‐angle glaucoma (OAG), and 110 eyes of 110 controls. The patient backgrounds of all groups were compared. Ophthalmologic findings were evaluated, adjusting for age, sex, blood pressure, pulse rate, and underlying systemic diseases with 1:1 optimal propensity score matching. We used LSFG to obtain optic nerve head (ONH) vessel‐area mean blur rate (MBR; ONH‐MV), ONH tissue‐area MBR (ONH‐MT), and choroidal MBR. The NAAION and ON groups were compared with the control and OAG groups.

Results

Best‐corrected visual acuity was worse in the NAAION, ON, and OAG groups than in controls (p < 0.001). Circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness was higher in the NAAION and ON groups and lower in the OAG group than in controls (p < 0.001). Compared to controls, the NAAION and OAG groups had significantly lower ONH‐MV, ONH‐MT, and choroidal MBR (p < 0.05). Additionally, the NAAION group had lower ONH‐MV and choroidal MBR than the OAG group (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001, respectively) but no difference in ONH‐MT (p = 0.857). The ON group had significantly lower ONH‐MV and choroidal MBR compared to the controls (p < 0.001 and p = 0.022, respectively) but no difference in ONH‐MT (p = 0.773).

Conclusion

Optic neuropathies showed different patterns of ocular BF impairment. Therefore, LSFG can be a useful tool for differentiating optic neuropathies.
Beyond average outcomes: A latent profile analysis of diverse developmental trajectories in preterm and early term‐born children from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study
Authors: Menu Iris , Ji Lanxin , Bhatia Tanya , Duffy Mark , Hendrix Cassandra L. , Thomason Moriah E.
Published: August 2024

Preterm birth poses a major public health challenge, with significant and heterogeneous developmental impacts. Latent profile analysis was applied to the National Institutes of Health Toolbox performance of 1891 healthy prematurely born children from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development study (970 boys, 921 girls; 10.00 ± 0.61 years; 1.3% Asian, 13.7% Black, 17.5% Hispanic, 57.0% White, 10.4% Other). Three distinct neurocognitive profiles emerged: consistently performing above the norm (19.7%), mixed scores (41.0%), and consistently performing below the norm (39.3%). These profiles were associated with lasting cognitive, neural, behavioral, and academic differences. These findings underscore the importance of recognizing diverse developmental trajectories in prematurely born children, advocating for personalized diagnosis and intervention to enhance care strategies and long‐term outcomes for this heterogeneous population.
Improving Emotional and Social Development in Preschool Children: Exploring the Effects of Mindfulness‐Based Mandala Intervention in Social Work Practice in Macao
Authors: Wong Waisan , Zhang Donghang , Hu Jierong , U Chao
Published: August 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to children's well‐being. Mindfulness mandalas, which mobilise attention to the present moment and emphasise the cultivation of here‐and‐now awareness, have proven effective in adjusting attention and emotions. However, research on the effects of mindfulness‐based mandala intervention for children in social work practice, particularly in China, remains inadequate. Using mixed methods and adopting a randomised controlled trial, this study is aimed at exploring the effects of the mindful mandala intervention on improving children's attention and social–emotional competencies. This study involved 16 preschool children in Macao, China, with eight children randomly assigned to the experimental group and eight to the control group. Participants in the experimental group received 8 weeks of mindfulness‐based mandala painting intervention, while participants in the control group were treated as usual. The findings revealed that the intervention improved children's attention and social–emotional outcomes across five themes in the experimental group: attention enhancement, emotion awareness, emotion validation, emotion regulation and identifying interrelationships. This study highlights the effects of the mindful mandala intervention in promoting attention and social–emotional development among preschool children. It supports social workers and other mental health professionals in collaborating proactively with educators and caregivers using this technique to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic on children.