bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing TRMS stability: a multi-objective genetic algorithm approach to PID controller design
Authors: Çelebi Barış , Bilgiç Boğaç
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to enhance the stability and control of twin rotor multi-input multi-output system (TRMS) helicopters by introducing a novel approach that utilizes a multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) for optimizing proportional, integral, derivative (PID) controllers in simultaneous pitch and yaw motions.

Design/methodology/approach

The TRMS, a common prototype for helicopter motion studies, is introduced, and a PID controller is designed for pitch and yaw stabilization. The gains of the PID controller are optimized using a MOGA, a technique not previously proposed for TRMS in the literature.

Findings

While various controllers have been explored in literature for TRMS stabilization, a MOGA-optimized PID controller for TRMS has not been proposed before. Simultaneous optimization of both pitch and yaw motions using two PID controllers is expected to yield improved robustness.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses on simulations, and experimental validation is not conducted. The MOGA is introduced as an optimization technique, and future studies may explore its application in experimental settings.

Originality/value

This study introduces a novel approach by utilizing a MOGA to optimize PID controller gains for TRMS. Simultaneous optimization of pitch and yaw motions aims to enhance robustness, providing a unique contribution to the field of helicopter control.
Sentiment analysis and topic modelling on diamond jubilee celebration of independence by citizens of a nation: a case study of India
Authors: Borgohain Prantim , Asjola Viral , Sutariya Divyakant , Bhatt Atul
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Every nation celebrates their Independence Day as a grand celebration by the whole country together. The purpose of this study is to identify the people’s emotions and sentiments about their country at the time of Independence Day celebration through the analysis of social media messages.

Design/methodology/approach

To collect data from Twitter now which is known as “X”, this study used python computer programming language. Total 119,151 tweets were collected, and sentiment analysis was done based on the polarity score and Latent Dirichlet Allocation to understand the sentiments of public. The topic modelling was also done in this study, where topics and categories were created based on the words found through the Latent Dirichlet Allocation.

Findings

The result of this study revealed that people have the respect towards their country and are always ready to come together for the nation. They also feel proud to be a citizen of an independent nation. Therefore, they celebrate their country’s Independent Day every year with joy. Every nation needs a dynamic leader to lead the nation, whom people can trust easily and follow blindly.

Practical implications

The result of this study can be generalised as everyone supports and respects their nation and the national flag. This study is practically useful to other researchers to conduct similar study of sentiment analysis and topic modelling on other counties’ patriotism or other campaigns at national or global level.

Originality/value

As a result, this study contributes to understand people’s respect towards the nation. This study also showed people’s positive response at their leader’s request. There are many studies done on topic modelling and content analysis, but this is the first and original work attempted on the special subject on national patriotism campaign to the best of the authors’ knowledge.
Statutory ESG reporting and investment efficiency: evidence using quasi-natural experiment
Authors: Desai Rajesh
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effect of compulsory environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure regulation on corporate investment efficiency (IE). The study also explains how carbon sensitivity moderates the ESG-IE nexus.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study is based on the well-developed difference-in-differences (DID) research design with firms required to file ESG reports as the treatment group and others as a control group. Companies listed on the National Stock Exchange have been considered as the source of the sample and the final dataset of 1,077 firms (9,149 firm-year observations from 2011 to 2020) has been selected using a multi-stage sampling approach. The study also performs several robustness tests to validate the reliability of the results.

Findings

Based on empirical results, the study concludes that the implementation of compulsory ESG reporting improves the investment efficiency of treated firms in the post-enforcement period. Further, the study also confirms that firms in the carbon-sensitive industry have experienced a high level of improvement in investment efficiency.

Research limitations/implications

As the study supports the value relevance of mandatory ESG disclosure, managers can utilize the same to communicate superior firm performance and reduce information asymmetry. Further, this study empirically validates the outcome of a regulatory policy which in turn assists policymakers in smooth implementation.

Originality/value

The extant literature has primarily analysed voluntary ESG reporting framework and that too in the setting of developed nations. However, as against developed economies, emerging countries have scanty regulations for ESG reporting and that too perforated with gaps. Such a constrained legal environment amplifies the information asymmetry among investors and managers leading to investment inefficiency. Thus, the current research deepens the extant literature by studying mandatory ESG reporting within an emerging economy to better understand the ESG-IE nexus.
Public crisis management during COVID-19: an empirical analysis of professional and volunteer emergency responders in Germany
Authors: Nolte Isabella M.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Crises such as the 2015–2016 European refugee crisis and the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) represent creeping crises that public organisations manage. Yet both scholars and practitioners lack insight into how well public organisations manage creeping crises that lead to a new normal and whether professionals and volunteers differ in their crisis response.

Design/methodology/approach

Using survey data from 112 professional and volunteer emergency responders in Germany, this study examines how crisis-induced reforms and challenges during COVID-19 affected their crisis response. This study uses partial least squares structural equation modelling to evaluate the relationships among crisis-induced reforms and challenges and both crisis response proficiency and collaboration intention.

Findings

Crisis-induced reforms support both crisis response proficiency and collaboration intention, while organisational challenges weaken response proficiency. A group comparison reveals that whereas professional responders are more likely to manage crises better than volunteer responders, volunteer responders are more predisposed to engage in future stakeholder collaboration.

Practical implications

Public sector organisations need to embrace opportunities for better crisis response through crisis-induced reforms. Additionally, policymakers need to acknowledge the differing capabilities and support needs of both professional and volunteer emergency responders.

Originality/value

This study provides insights into creeping crisis management by analysing crisis response proficiency and collaboration for two typical crisis responders: emergency response professionals and volunteers. While demonstrating that crisis response proficiency is more realistic in a professional setting, whereas volunteers more strongly focus on collaboration, the study presents a differentiated view of public crisis responders.
Tacit knowledge-informed approximate dynamic programming for last-mile delivery operations in online-to-offline pharmacies
Authors: Yang Xuan , Luo Hao , Nie Xinyao , Kong Xiangtianrui
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Tacit knowledge in frontline operations is primarily reflected in the holders’ intuition about dynamic systems. Despite the implicit nature of tacit knowledge, the understanding of complex systems it encapsulates can be displayed through formalization methods. This study seeks to develop a methodology for formalizing tacit knowledge in a dynamic delivery system.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a structured survey to gather experiential knowledge from dispatchers engaged in last-mile delivery operations. This knowledge is then formalized using a value function approximation approach, which transforms tacit insights into structured inputs for dynamic decision-making. We apply this methodology to optimize delivery operations in an online-to-offline pharmacy context.

Findings

The raw system feature data are not strongly correlated with the system’s development trends, making them ineffective for guiding dynamic decision-making. However, the system features obtained through preprocessing the raw data increase the predictiveness of dynamic decisions and improve the overall effectiveness of decision-making in delivery operations.

Research limitations/implications

This research provides a foundational framework for studying sequential dynamic decision problems, highlighting the potential for improved decision quality and system optimization through the formalization and integration of tacit knowledge.

Practical implications

This approach proposed in this study offers a method to preserve and formalize critical operational expertise. By embedding tacit knowledge into decision-making systems, organizations can enhance real-time responsiveness and reduce operational costs.

Originality/value

This study presents a novel approach to integrating tacit knowledge into dynamic decision-making frameworks, demonstrated in a real-world last-mile delivery context. Unlike previous research that focuses primarily on explicit data-driven methods, our approach leverages the implicit, experience-based insights of operational staff, leading to more informed and effective decision-making strategies.
Exploring factors influencing the continued use of personal cloud computing services: an extended expectation-confirmation model
Authors: Khahar Hani Hafiera , Vafaei-Zadeh Ali , Hanifah Haniruzila , Ramayah T.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study leverages an enhanced expectation confirmation model of information technology continuance to explore the factors that shape the continuance intention toward cloud computing services.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from personal cloud computing service users in Malaysia, resulting in a total of 567 usable responses. The research used partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) for comparative analysis and model selection based on predictive accuracy.

Findings

The study findings demonstrate that perceived benefits, ease of use, usefulness, risk and trust play crucial roles as antecedents to user confirmation and satisfaction, thereby influencing the intention for continuous service usage. Notably, the hypotheses formulated for the study received robust support, with 13 out of 14 anticipated relationships proving statistically significant.

Originality/value

This study presents a novel investigation into the continuance of personal cloud computing services among Malaysian users, contributing to a deeper understanding of user intention dynamics in this context. Integrating an expanded ECM-IT framework offers a comprehensive analytical approach that simultaneously considers information systems and non-IS factors. Additionally, the study underscores the significance of predictive capability assessment using the PLSpredict method, providing a valuable benchmark for model selection in future research.
Ecological and demographic drivers of kin‐directed cooperation in a social bird: Insights from a long‐term study
Authors: Morinay Jennifer , Woodward Beth K. , Russell Andrew F. , Sharp Stuart P. , Hatchwell Ben J.
Published: January 2025

The evolution of sociality is one of the major evolutionary transitions in the history of life and a key step in this transition is the occurrence of kin associations. Yet, the question of what demographic processes and environmental factors generate kin‐structured populations and drive kin‐directed cooperation remains open.

In this review, we synthesise 30 years of studies of the long‐tailed tit Aegithalos caudatus, which has a kin‐selected cooperative breeding system with redirected help: failed breeders may help to raise offspring of conspecifics, typically relatives, breeding nearby. We describe the use of ecological, demographic, genetic and behavioural approaches to reveal: (a) how kin‐structured populations (here ‘kin neighbourhoods’) arise; (b) why the prevalence of cooperation varies among populations and individuals; and (c) how variation in dispersal and opportunities for cooperation influence individual fitness.

The kin neighbourhoods of long‐tailed tits arise from three processes. First, natal dispersal is limited and sex‐biased so many individuals, especially males, recruit as breeders close to their natal site. Second, neither dispersal nor migration necessarily disrupts kin associations because long‐tailed tits often move with close relatives. Third, a small effective population size driven by high nest predation rates enhances within‐population relatedness. Together, these processes set the scene for kin‐directed helping behaviour by causing spatial clustering of relatives.

The prevalence of cooperation within kin neighbourhoods depends on several factors, both at the population‐level (annual nest predation rate and length of the breeding season) and individual‐level (relatedness, familiarity, sex and condition). However, limited information on prior social association and the reliability of kin discrimination cues hampers our current understanding of individual helping decisions.

Finally, variation in dispersal within and between sexes affects the probability of interacting with kin, the likelihood of cooperation, and accrual of the direct and indirect components of inclusive fitness.

We use this comprehensive understanding of the factors driving cooperative behaviour in long‐tailed tits to highlight gaps in knowledge and suggest future avenues for research in this system, and to make general inferences about the role of dispersal, demography and kinship in social evolution.
Demographic history of the Malayan tapirs (Tapirus indicus) in Southeast Asia
Authors: Lim Qi Luan , Sato Yu , Rosli Norsyamimi , Inoue‐Murayama Miho
Published: January 2025

Malayan tapir is the only extant Asian species in the family Tapiridae, which is endangered and threatened by the risk of inbreeding from population structure. To elucidate the demographic and evolutionary history of the tapirs in Southeast Asia (SEA), this study analyzed whole‐genome data from 10 individuals for historical effective population size (Ne) inference using sequentially Markovian coalescent (i.e., PSMC, MSMC, MSMC2), folded site frequency spectrum (i.e., Stairway Plot 2), and their hybrid SMC++. The results revealed that tapir Ne ranged from 6000 to 12,000 in the last glacial period but decreased to <2000 in recent times. Genomic analysis and population split time analysis (PSMC and SMC++) supported a population divergence (Fst > 0.25) between the Sumatran and mainland SEA tapirs 10–6 kya. Subsidence of Sundaland and rainforest reduction were the major drivers for Ne decline. The timing of the population split corresponded well with the inundation of the Straits of Malacca to present‐day levels by rapidly rising sea levels ~11 kya. The results of this study, as well as contemporary geographical isolation, support the subspecies status of the Sumatran population. This will have implications for the ex‐situ conservation practices that may have produced hybrids of the isolated populations.
Economic Consulting as a Career for Economics PhDs
Authors: Fahrer Jerome
Published: January 2025

This article is about careers for economics PhDs in the economic (or economics and policy) consulting industry in Australia. It draws on the author's experience, himself an economics PhD with 30 years of experience in the industry at ACIL Allen.
Endogeneity and the economic consequences of tax avoidance
Authors: Dyreng Scott D. , Hills Robert W. , Lewellen Christina M. , Lindsey Bradley P.
Published: January 2025

Academic research investigating the economic consequences of tax avoidance is almost always interested in the consequences of intentional, deliberate actions undertaken to reduce taxes relative to income. Therefore, it is crucial that such research distinguishes between intentional and incidental tax avoidance, since failure to do so can create endogeneity concerns and lead to incomplete and incorrect economic inferences. In this paper, we first develop a framework that conceptually defines and distinguishes between intentional and incidental tax avoidance. We highlight that the endogeneity problem arises because intentional tax avoidance is not directly observable. We consider two approaches to mitigating endogeneity concerns and apply these approaches by reexamining two influential studies that investigate the economic consequences of tax avoidance. We show how controlling for past accounting losses eliminates the effect of tax avoidance on credit spreads (Hasan et al. 2014, Journal of Financial Economics, 113(1), 109–130) and how using an instrumental variables approach changes the sign of the relation between tax sheltering and stock price crash risk (Kim et al., 2011, Journal of Financial Economics, 100(3), 639–662). Overall, our paper punctuates the importance of both (1) conceptually distinguishing between incidental and intentional tax avoidance and (2) econometrically addressing the challenges that arise when empirical differentiation between incidental and intentional tax avoidance is important to the research question.
Association Between Elevation of Serum Alanine Aminotransferase and HBsAg Seroclearance After Nucleos(t)ide Analog Withdrawal
Authors: Tsai Ying‐Nan , Wu Jia‐Ling , Tseng Cheng‐Hao , Tseng Shang‐Chen , Hung Chih‐Lung , Nguyen Mindie H. , Lin Jaw‐Town , Hsu Yao‐Chun
Published: January 2025

Background

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) frequently elevates in chronic hepatitis B patients stopping nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs).

Aims

To clarify the association between ALT elevation and HBsAg seroclearance after NA withdrawal.

Methods

This multicenter cohort study reviewed consecutive patients discontinuing NA between 2004/04/01 and 2022/05/24. Treatment initiation and discontinuation generally followed the Asian‐Pacific guidelines. Eligible patients had negative HBeAg and undetectable HBV DNA before treatment cessation, without malignancy, organ transplant or autoimmune disorders. We used competing risk analysis to estimate HBsAg seroclearance incidence and a time‐dependent model to investigate post‐cessation ALT elevation.

Results

Among 841 patients (74.7% male; median age, 53.2 years; median treatment duration, 34.7 months), 38 patients cleared HBsAg over a median follow‐up of 3.7 years, with a 10‐year cumulative incidence of 12.4%. The median peak ALT level was significantly lower in patients achieving HBsAg seroclearance versus not (93 vs. 127 U/L; p < 0.001). Hepatitis flare after NA cessation (> 5 times upper limit) was inversely associated with HBsAg seroclearance in the univariable analysis (sub‐distribution hazard ratio [SHR], 0.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.13–0.73; p = 0.007), and the association was not significant (adjusted SHR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.09–2.01; p = 0.28) in the multivariable analysis adjusted for pretreatment HBV DNA. Consistent results were observed in the sensitivity analyses with different ALT cutoffs and subgroup analysis adjusted for HBsAg levels at treatment cessation.

Conclusion

ALT elevation after NA cessation is not associated with HBsAg seroclearance following NA withdrawal, suggesting cytolytic pathways are not essential for a functional cure.
Blood culture isolates and antimicrobial sensitivities from 1621 critically ill neonatal foals (2005–2022)
Authors: Flood JA , Collins NM , Russell CM , Cuming RS , Carrick JB , Cudmore LA
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Sepsis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in neonatal foals. Administration of appropriate antimicrobials and early aggressive supportive treatment is central to the efficacious treatment of neonatal sepsis and has proven to positively influence outcomes. The primary aim of our study was to evaluate microorganism results and antimicrobial sensitivities of neonatal foals with a positive blood culture submitted to our intensive care unit (ICU) during 2005–2022. The secondary aim was to compare the results to those of a similar previous study performed at the same ICU during 1999–2004.

Materials and methods

Retrospective analysis of bacterial blood culture results from neonatal foals ≤7 days of age admitted to Scone Equine Hospital between 2005 and 2022 was analysed. Samples were collected at admission. Antimicrobial sensitivity testing was assessed using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method. Susceptibility results from the two study periods were compared using Fisher's exact tests. Statistical significance was achieved at P value <0.05.

Results

From 1621 blood cultures submitted, 380 returned a positive result (380/1621; 23.4%). A total of 402 bacterial isolates were recovered: 55.5% Gram‐positive isolates (223/402), 42.6% Gram‐negative isolates (171/402) and 1.7% anaerobic isolates (7/409). A significant increase in Gram‐positive isolates between time periods was observed (P = 0.002). Gram‐negative isolates had significant increases of resistance in seven out of nine antimicrobials tested.

Conclusion

This study provides Australian veterinarians with information on common bacterial pathogens in critically ill neonatal foals to assist with making informed empirical antimicrobial choices to optimise treatment efficacy. Increases in bacterial resistance to commonly administered antimicrobials were observed; therefore, culture and sensitivity testing should guide antimicrobial choices. Judicious use of antimicrobials in equine practice is imperative.
Exploring the congruence between perceived parent–teacher achievement goals and student academic outcomes: A study using polynomial regression with response surface analysis
Authors: Zhao Ningning , Dou Diya , Chen Xiaohan , Chen Fumei , Luo Rui , Zhu Xiaoqin , Xiang Guo‐Xing
Published: January 2025

Background

The achievement goals set by parents and teachers play a crucial role in shaping students' personal goal orientation and academic performance. Previous studies have revealed discrepancies between achievement goals set by parents and teachers. However, limited research has examined how the congruence of perceived parents' and teachers' achievement goals is associated with students' academic performance.

Aims

The current study sought to investigate the impact of congruence and discrepancy between students' perceptions of teachers' and parents' achievement goals, including mastery goals and performance goals, on students' academic performance in mathematics and language.

Sample and Methods

Data were collected from a sample of 4944 Chinese students from Grades 3 to 8 using self‐reported questionnaires. Polynomial regression with response surface analyses were employed to analyse the data.

Results

The results indicated that students' performance in both mathematics and language improved when congruence levels were high in perceived teachers' and parents' mastery goals. Conversely, the congruence level between perceptions of teachers' and parents' performance goals was only related to students' mathematics performance.

Conclusions

The findings underscore the significance of congruence between perceived teachers' and parents' achievement goals in influencing students' academic performance.
EpigenPlot: An interactive web platform for DNA methylation‐based biomarker and drug target discovery in colorectal cancer
Authors: Müller Dalma , Győrffy Balázs
Published: January 2025

Background and Purpose

Genome‐wide methylation studies have significantly advanced our understanding of colorectal adenocarcinoma progression and biomarker discovery. Aberrant DNA methylation plays a crucial role in gene expression regulation during cancer transformation, highlighting the need to identify differentially methylated regions (DMRs) as potential diagnostic and therapeutic markers. However, an integrated resource to explore and validate methylation alterations across colorectal cancer stages has been lacking. We aimed to develop a platform that integrates existing methylation data, systematically identifies DMRs and provides a tool for further investigation.

Experimental Approach

We created a database combining Illumina HumanMethylation450K and EPIC data from normal colon, adenoma and adenocarcinoma tissues, comprising 2346 samples from 19 datasets. Methylation levels were analysed in six gene regions, and comparisons between tissue types were made using Mann–Whitney, Kruskal–Wallis and ROC tests.

Key Results

Both adenoma and adenocarcinoma samples exhibited a general decrease in methylation compared to healthy tissue. Differential methylation in genes such as ITGA4, NPY, IGFL1 and LRRC4 was validated. The strongest DMRs were observed in the C1orf70 gene's 5′UTR and TSS200 regions, with AUC values of 0.98 in both of the HM450K and EPIC datasets. We established an interactive web‐based platform accessible at https://epigenplot.com/ enabling future analysis of individual gene regions.

Conclusions and Implications

Our study provides an integrated database of DNA methylation profiles across normal, adenoma and adenocarcinoma tissues, offering a valuable resource for biomarker discovery. The integrated web platform can serve as a tool for the development of methylation‐based therapies in the future.
Longitudinal Dyadic Associations Between Maternal Monitoring, Household Environment and Mother–Adolescent Closeness
Authors: Outler Carson , Lowery Dylann F. , McWey Lenore M. , Cui Ming
Published: January 2025

There is a wealth of existing research supporting the importance of mother–adolescent closeness for short‐ and long‐term positive outcomes. Employing the bioecological systems model and the family resilience model, the present study aimed to explore modifiable components of this critical dyad's relationship and shared environment to promote relationship closeness. Longitudinal data from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study were used to explore the associations between maternal monitoring, household environment and relationship closeness for 2795 mother–adolescent dyads via actor–partner interdependence mediation modelling. From both mothers' and youths' perspectives, higher levels of monitoring in middle childhood were positively associated with relationship closeness in adolescence. Further, partner effects were discovered such that one's own perception of monitoring was positively and significantly correlated with the other's report of closeness. Direct pathway, partial mediation, actor and partner effects were found for household environment with relational closeness and maternal monitoring. These findings point to dyadic interactions among maternal monitoring, the household environment and mother–adolescent closeness. It is recommended to consider and attend to the shared context, including the household environment, when working with mothers and youths. Findings also underscore the importance of considering dyadic accounts of the relationship and environment, rather than relying on individual reports.
Colletotrichum siamense Causing Leaf Spot on Black Olive (Bucida buceras) in Mexico
Authors: Cota‐Rodríguez David A. , Beltrán‐Peña Hugo , Vieira Willie A. S. , Camacho‐Tapia Moisés , Lagunes‐Fortiz Erika , Morales‐Gallegos Luis M. , Tovar‐Pedraza Juan M.
Published: January 2025

During the summer of 2019, spots were detected on the leaves of black olive (Bucida buceras L.) trees distributed in urban areas in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico. Two single‐spore isolates were obtained and identified as Colletotrichum siamense by phylogenetic analyses of concatenated sequences of the ITS, gapdh, tub2, act, chs‐1 and gs genes. The pathogenicity of the isolates was demonstrated through inoculations under controlled conditions. This is the first report of C. siamense causing leaf spot of black olive in Mexico and worldwide.
Outcome and survival of septic arthritis treated with 0.05% chlorhexidine solution: Description of 10 cases
Authors: Rosa T. C. , Magalhães M. T. , Santos I. , Uva M. , Ramos S. , Pardon Lamas L. R. G.
Published: January 2025

Background

Established or ongoing septic arthritis requiring repeated joint flushing remains a treatment challenge with a poor survival outcome aggravated by the necessity of controlled antimicrobial usage.

Objective

To describe the outcomes and survival rates of patients with synovial sepsis treated by lavage with a 0.05% chlorhexidine solution.

Study design

Clinical retrospective observational study.

Methods

Patients with synovial sepsis underwent standing needle or arthroscopic lavage under general anaesthesia with a 0.05% chlorhexidine solution, followed by Lactate Ringer Solution (LRS). Complementary systemic and regional antibiotics were used. Short‐ (6 months) and long‐term (>1 year) outcomes were assessed.

Results

Ten horses met the inclusion criteria. Affected joints included metacarpophalangeal joints (2), tarsocrural joint (1), radiocarpal and intercarpal joints (2), distal interphalangeal joints and navicular bursa (3), distal interphalangeal joints (2). Time from onset to referral ranged from 1 to 20 days, with a mean of 8.3 days. Eighty per cent of horses survived for more than 1 year. Four horses were retired to the field, three returned to a light level of work and one went back to full work.

Main limitations

Retrospective study of a limited group of horses initially treated by different clinicians before referral, as such, first‐line treatment had differences between cases. Resolution was evaluated on based clinical signs rather than clinical pathology of synovial fluid due to clinical decisions or difficulty in obtaining samples.

Conclusion

With this series of challenging synovial sepsis cases treated by lavage with a chlorhexidine solution, we provide a treatment protocol, proof of clinical concept and report patients' short‐ and long‐term clinical outcomes. Short‐ and long‐term postoperative lameness should be expected despite the resolution of the septic arthritis. This treatment poses a novel option for challenging cases but should be regarded as a salvage procedure due to the possibility of long‐term mild lameness.
Physical Health Views Among Individuals Experiencing Mental Illness: A Mixed‐Methods Study of Self‐Reported Health and Contributing Factors
Authors: Heinz Stefan Sebastian , O'Brien Anthony John , Parsons Matthew , Walker Cameron
Published: January 2025

Severe mental illness is linked to poor physical health and shorter life expectancy, yet research on how individuals experiencing mental illness view and on improve their physical health is limited. This study investigates the perceptions of individuals experiencing mental illness regarding their physical health, utilising a mixed‐methods approach. Phase I involved quantitative and qualitative data from an online Qualtrics survey, which included the 12‐item Short Form (SF‐12) survey to measure participants' quality of life and assess self‐reported physical and mental health. Key findings from Phase I revealed significant relationships between lower Physical Component Summary (PCS) scores and factors such as the frequency of GP visits. Additionally, exercise preferences were found to significantly impact Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores, with individuals who preferred a mix of exercise settings reporting higher MCS scores compared to those who exercised alone or with a training partner. Phase II explored these findings further through semi‐structured interviews, where participants discussed themes including physical health perceptions, the role of medication and the importance of the general practitioner relationship. Thematic analysis revealed five main barriers to improving physical health: accessibility and availability of services, motivation, staff attitudes, medication side effects and the experience of diagnostic overshadowing. Participants reported viewing physical and mental health as interconnected and expressed a desire for more collaborative care. The results suggest that strengthening the relationship with GPs and increasing awareness of medication side effects may improve physical health outcomes for individuals experiencing mental illness. Mental health nurses can play a pivotal role in enhancing physical health outcomes by monitoring, supporting health‐improving strategies and facilitating access to primary care services.
Factors influencing negative outcomes for nurses who experience patient safety incidents: An integrative review
Authors: Lee Hanseulgi , Lee Nam‐Ju , Kim Nari
Published: January 2025

Aim

To synthesize evidence on factors influencing negative outcomes following patient safety incidents.

Background

Patient safety incidents affect not only patients and families but also healthcare workers (second victims) and institutions (third victims). Nurses are at risk due to stressful environments and direct patient care, leading to defensive practices, job turnover, and errors. Identifying these factors and developing support strategies are crucial.

Methods

This integrative review followed Whittemore and Knafl's method, guided by the middle‐range theory of nurses’ psychological trauma. Seven databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, KISS, KMbase, and RISS) were searched for English and Korean articles from 2014 to 2023. Study quality was evaluated using Joanna Briggs Institute tools, and reporting followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses checklist.

Results

A review of 24 cross‐sectional studies from the United States and China revealed factors such as genetic/biological (e.g., gender and age), environmental (e.g., work experience and organizational support), and psychological (e.g., distress and coping). Nonpunitive cultures reduced negative emotions, while high harm and preventable incidents increased negative impacts, mitigated by spirituality. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and supportive policies.

Conclusion

Multidimensional support strategies are necessary to improve nurses' working environments and patient care quality. Further research should explore additional mitigating factors and third victim studies.

Implications for nursing policy

This review highlights the need for global mental health strategies and supportive organizational cultures for nurses. Addressing punitive environments and systemic factors through policy changes can improve nurse well‐being and patient care quality. Creating safer environments not only benefits nurses but also enhances the quality and safety of patient care, ultimately driving the provision of better healthcare services.
Indirect Contact and Knowledge Interventions to Improve Relations in the Disabled‐Nondisabled Intergroup Context: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dole Rebecca Jennie , Cameron Lindsey , Abbot‐Smith Kirsten
Published: January 2025

Stigma and prejudice towards individuals with disabilities is still prevalent in society today (Livneh, Chan, and Kaya 2014). Our aim was to evaluate the state of the research that tests interventions aiming to improve such attitudes, including uncovering which intervention methods can reduce this prejudice and identifying gaps in the research. Since a large proportion of nondisabled individuals will not have the opportunity for direct contact with disabled individuals, our systematic review focuses on non‐direct‐contact interventions, specifically knowledge‐based and indirect contact techniques. Fifty‐one studies published between 2001 and 2022 met all criteria, including the use of a comparison or control group. Overall, most studies did have a positive change on outcome measures, with some maintaining the effect weeks or months later. Despite intervention successes, trends indicating gaps in the research were uncovered including the focus on child and undergraduate student participants, and the lack of collaborative research with the disabled communities.
Prion Protein Endoproteolysis: Cleavage Sites, Mechanisms and Connections to Prion Disease
Authors: Castle Andrew R. , Westaway David
Published: January 2025

Highly abundant in neurons, the cellular prion protein (PrPC) is an obligatory precursor to the disease‐associated misfolded isoform denoted PrPSc that accumulates in the rare neurodegenerative disorders referred to either as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) or as prion diseases. The ability of PrPC to serve as a substrate for this template‐mediated conversion process depends on several criteria but importantly includes the presence or absence of certain endoproteolytic events performed at the cell surface or in acidic endolysosomal compartments. The major endoproteolytic events affecting PrPC are referred to as α‐ and β‐cleavages, and in this review we outline the sites within PrPC at which the cleavages occur, the mechanisms potentially responsible and their relevance to pathology. Although the association of α‐cleavage with neuroprotection is well‐supported, we identify open questions regarding the importance of β‐cleavage in TSEs and suggest experimental approaches that could provide clarification. We also combine findings from in vitro cleavage assays and mass spectrometry‐based studies of prion protein fragments in the brain to present an updated view in which α‐ and β‐cleavages may represent two distinct clusters of proteolytic events that occur at multiple neighbouring sites rather than at single positions. Furthermore, we highlight the candidate proteolytic mechanisms best supported by the literature; currently, despite several proteases identified as capable of processing PrPC in vitro, in cell‐based models and in some cases, in vivo, none have been shown conclusively to cleave PrPC in the brain. Addressing this knowledge gap will be crucial for developing therapeutic interventions to drive PrPC endoproteolysis in a neuroprotective direction. Finally, we end this review by briefly addressing other cleavage events, specifically ectodomain shedding, γ‐cleavage, the generation of atypical pathological fragments in the familial prion disorder Gerstmann–Sträussler–Scheinker syndrome and the possibility of an additional form of endoproteolysis close to the PrPC N‐terminus.

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GABAB Receptor Modulation of Membrane Excitability in Human Pluripotent Stem Cell‐Derived Sensory Neurons by Baclofen and α‐Conotoxin Vc1.1
Authors: St Clair‐Glover Mitchell , Yousuf Arsalan , Kaul Dominic , Dottori Mirella , Adams David J.
Published: January 2025

GABAB receptor (GABABR) activation is known to alleviate pain by reducing neuronal excitability, primarily through inhibition of high voltage‐activated (HVA) calcium (CaV2.2) channels and potentiating G protein–coupled inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels. Although the analgesic properties of small molecules and peptides have been primarily tested on isolated murine dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, emerging strategies to develop, study, and characterise human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)‐derived sensory neurons present a promising alternative. In this study, hPSCs were efficiently differentiated into peripheral DRG‐induced sensory neurons (iSNs) using a combined chemical and transcription factor‐driven approach via a neural crest cell intermediate. Molecular characterisation and transcriptomic analysis confirmed the expression of key DRG markers such as BRN3A, ISLET1, and PRPH, in addition to GABABR and ion channels including CaV2.2 and GIRK1 in iSNs. Functional characterisation of GABABR was conducted using whole‐cell patch clamp electrophysiology, assessing neuronal excitability under current‐clamp conditions in the absence and presence of GABABR agonists baclofen and α‐conotoxin Vc1.1. Both baclofen (100 μM) and Vc1.1 (1 μM) significantly reduced membrane excitability by hyperpolarising the resting membrane potential and increasing the rheobase for action potential firing. In voltage‐clamp mode, baclofen and Vc1.1 inhibited HVA Ca2+ channel currents, which were attenuated by the selective GABABR antagonist CGP 55845. However, modulation of GIRK channels by GABABRs was not observed in the presence of baclofen or Vc1.1, suggesting that functional GIRK1/2 channels were not coupled to GABABRs in hPSC‐derived iSNs. This study is the first to report GABABR modulation of membrane excitability in iSNs by baclofen and Vc1.1, highlighting their potential as a future model for studying analgesic compounds.

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Assessing Clinical Nurse Educators’ Perceptions of Factors Influencing Evidence‐Based Nursing Policy Implementation Within a Large Pediatric Healthcare System
Authors: Lecesne Hannah , Kimble Laura , Gettis Margaret , Dye Betsy
Published: January 2025

Aim

To identify barriers and facilitators to implementation of new evidence‐based nursing policies among nurse educators.

Background

Evidence‐based practice promotes safe patient care through the combination of the best available research, clinical expertise and patient preferences. Policies are utilised by nursing to drive patient care and thus should be evidence‐based. Nurse educators are identified as champions of evidence‐based practice and policy dissemination. Therefore, understanding nurse educators' perceptions surrounding barriers and facilitators to nursing policy implementation and attitudes regarding evidence‐based practice can help drive successful policy implementation and foster evidence‐based practice in patient care.

Design

Descriptive, cross‐sectional.

Methods

A 7‐item survey was electronically distributed to all nurse educators within a large pediatric healthcare system to assess barriers and facilitators to policy implementation as well as attitudes surrounding evidence‐based practice and policies.

Findings

The most significant barriers were lack of time and poor understanding of policy development. The most significant facilitators were a standardised policy dissemination process and leadership support of policy implementation efforts. Most nurse educators agreed that evidence‐based practice is valuable to patient care. However, nurse educators report that they have a neutral to poor understanding of evidence‐based practice.

Conclusion

Findings were consistent with the literature, thus adding to the body of literature that supports the need for further development around policy dissemination and evidence‐based practice education for nurse educators.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

This paper supports the need for professional development for nurse educators, standardisation of policy dissemination and leadership support of policy dissemination and promotion of evidence‐based practice.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Reporting Method

This paper adheres to the SQUIRE 2.0 guidelines.
Effects of Exergaming on Frailty: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Ho Lily Yuen Wah , Tse Jodie Hau Yi , Chan Wayne Lap Sun , Cheung Daphne Sze Ki
Published: January 2025

Aim

To evaluate the effects of exergaming on physical frailty in older adults.

Design

Systematic review with meta‐analysis.

Methods

Six electronic databases were searched for randomised controlled trials evaluating the effects of exergaming on frailty in older adults. Data were synthesised using narrative synthesis and meta‐analysis. The risk of bias and the certainty of the evidence were assessed.

Data Sources

CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and China Academic Journal Network Publishing Database were searched from their inception through February 2024.

Results

Five studies (n = 391) were included. Exergaming, which was delivered in 20–36 sessions over 8–12 weeks, resulted in improvements in frailty scores and indices, frailty status, and frailty phenotypes, including exhaustion, low physical activity levels, gait speed, and muscle weakness over time. There was no effect on unintentional weight loss. Meta‐analyses showed that the effects of exergaming were not significantly different from those observed in the control groups. The rate of adherence to the intervention of the exergaming group was slightly higher than that of the comparison group (87.3%–87.7% vs. 81.1%–85.4%). The overall risk of bias was high in all studies. The certainty of the evidence was very low.

Conclusion

Exergaming exerts effects on frailty comparable to those of conventional physical exercises. Participants appeared to have better adherence to exergaming. Future studies with robust designs are warranted.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

With effects comparable to those of conventional physical exercises, exergaming could be considered in clinical settings to address frailty.

Impact

This review addressed the effects of exergaming on frailty instead of physical outcomes. Exergaming was comparable to conventional physical exercises in improving frailty scores and indices, frailty status, and four frailty phenotypes. The findings provide insights to healthcare providers on the design of exergames.

Reporting Method

PRISMA guidelines.

Protocol Registration

PROSPERO number: CRD42023460495.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.
Shear bond strength of vat photopolymerization additive‐manufactured zirconia to veneering ceramic
Authors: Zhu Yue , Zhai Zidi , Jiao Ting , Sun Jian
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) of stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP) manufactured, and computer numerical control (CNC) milled zirconia to veneering ceramic.

Materials and Methods

Rectangular shaped zirconia substrates (10 × 5 × 5 mm3) were manufactured through SLA, DLP, and CNC technology separately. Their surface roughness was measured and the surface topography was analyzed by atomic force microscope (AFM). Then the veneering ceramic (5 × 5 × 5 mm3) was applied to carry out the SBS test. Failure modes were examined by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The data of SBS and roughness were statistically analyzed with one‐way ANOVA followed by S‐N‐K post hoc comparisons (a = 0.05).

Results

The surface roughness of the SLA group (0.38 ± 0.03 µm) and the DLP group (0.37 ± 0.04 µm) were both significantly higher than the CNC group (0.16 ± 0.00 µm) (p < 0.001). AFM results revealed irregular surface of SLA and DLP zirconia. No significant difference was found in SBS value of the three groups (p = 0.253). SEM image showed different failure modes including cohesive, adhesive, and mixed failure.

Conclusion

The bonding ability of SLA and DLP zirconia to veneering ceramic were comparable with that of CNC zirconia.