bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Sweeten the (i)-deal”: unveiling power and influence dynamics in family small and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Renedo Santiago , Martínez-Corts Inés , Di Marco Donatella , Medina Francisco J.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Family small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) represent a substantial part of many economies. In these organizations, close and informal relationships between employers and employees often foster a mutual understanding of each other’s needs, facilitating the negotiation of idiosyncratic deals (i-deals), special employment conditions tailored for individual employees. However, research on how i-deals are negotiated in family SMEs, especially regarding power dynamics and influence, remains limited. This study aims to identify the types of i-deals negotiated in family SMEs and explore the role of power and influence in these negotiations.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 45 employees and 15 employers from Spanish family SMEs. Data were analyzed using ATLAS.ti 8, and thematic analysis was performed.

Findings

The study concludes that task, flexibility, financial and development i-deals are particularly negotiated in family SMEs. It identifies that referent and expert power play an important role in initiating these negotiations. Furthermore, rational tactics are generally employed for negotiating work performance, soft tactics for employment-related aspects and hard tactics for work flexibility. Additionally, the study identified gender differences in the negotiation of i-deals.

Research limitations/implications

This study enhances i-deal literature by highlighting the distinct characteristics of family SMEs and their impact on i-deal negotiations. The findings suggest that power dynamics and influence tactics in family SMEs differ from those in larger firms. Moreover, certain i-deals may encounter resistance due to concerns about organizational performance and economic implications. Understanding these factors is essential for developing effective negotiation strategies in family SMEs.

Originality/value

This study offers a dual perspective, analyzing the power and influence tactics used by both employees and employers in family SME i-deal negotiations and highlighting gendered dynamics in these processes.
Linking demand conditions to competitive advantage: the role of government support programs in the halal cosmetic and personal care industry
Authors: Aziz Mohd Amar , Ayob Noor Hadzlida , Zakaria Muhammad Hafeez , Ab Razak Ratna Roshida
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the mediating role of government support programs in the halal cosmetics and personal care industry between local demand conditions and competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 96 companies in the cosmetics and personal care industry in Malaysia, and the analysis was conducted using the partial least squares structural equation modeling approach.

Findings

The results indicate that demand conditions do not have a direct effect on competitive advantage in the halal cosmetics and personal care industry. However, government support programs, specifically regulatory and innovation programs, play a crucial mediating role between demand conditions and competitive advantage. This highlights the importance of both regulatory and innovation programs in shaping the halal market ecosystem.

Practical implications

The halal industry policy should prioritize innovation and regulatory programs to ensure that nonfood halal products, including beauty products, are evaluated not only based on ingredient content but also on broader aspects such as product effectiveness, quality, safety and affordability.

Originality/value

This study offers a unique perspective by highlighting the often-overlooked role of government support programs as key drivers in shaping the halal market ecosystem and enhancing competition in the halal cosmetics and personal care industry. While the government’s role is frequently neglected in market dynamics, this research emphasizes how government intervention, when implemented through effective policy, can significantly contribute to industry growth and competitiveness.
Born to go far: analyzing how emerging economy born globals make strategic changes toward internationalization
Authors: Berisha Gentrit , Lajçi Rrezon , Kallmuenzer Andreas , Krasniqi Besnik
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the drivers of the internationalization scope of born global from the digital and software solution sector in an emerging economy context, which presents an unexplored avenue of research. This study endeavors to understand the individual and market-level drivers of internationalization scope. Relying on the effectuation and causation framework and reactive/proactive driver typology, this paper sheds light on the individual decision-maker’s makeup and market conditions that influence the changes between strategies in the internationalization process.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative multiple case study approach is used to explore drivers of the internationalization scope of born globals. Seven born globals from the digital and software solution sectors were depicted, and interviews with their founders were conducted.

Findings

Study findings support the utilization of effectuation theory in explaining the scope of internationalization of born globals. Furthermore, the findings attest that the two decision-making logics are interchangeable. On the market level, several context-specific factors have stirred the diversity of markets pursued by born globals. The findings evince that the founders of the born globals perceive the domestic market as small and underdeveloped; therefore, they seek more developed, easily accessible, distant markets.

Originality/value

The study contributes to a better understanding of the internationalization of born globals in an emerging economy context. We find that born globals change their strategies iteratively with the stage of internationalization.
From awareness to action: unraveling the interplay of employee AI awareness and change leadership in fostering knowledge hiding
Authors: Iram Tahira , Bilal Ahmad Raza , Khan Rida , Mehmood Saqib , Kumar Harish
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper investigates the mediating role of employee awareness of artificial intelligence (AI) in the relationship between technological turbulence and knowledge hiding, with a focus on the moderating impact of change leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey study adopted a quantitative approach to propose and test a model based on predictors of knowledge hidings. The survey approach received 320 respondent firms in the hotel management sector. The structural and measurement model was calculated using SmartPLS.

Findings

Employee AI awareness mediates the relationship between technological turbulence and knowledge hiding. Change leadership significantly moderates this relationship, reducing knowledge hiding by promoting innovative discussions and collaboration. High employee AI awareness can lead to knowledge hiding due to perceived threats to job security, but effective leadership mitigates this by fostering a collaborative environment.

Originality/value

The study highlights the importance of effective leadership in reducing knowledge hiding and emphasizes the need for a collaborative environment where employees view external partnerships as opportunities for learning and acquiring AI knowledge.
Exploring relationships among leadership behaviors, organizational citizenship behaviors, organizational justice and person–organization fit in Vietnamese academic libraries
Authors: Tran Quan Hoang Nguyen
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between leadership behavior, organizational justice, person–organization fit and organizational citizenship behavior in the context of Vietnamese academic libraries. Using social exchange theory, this research indicates the impact of leadership behavior on organizational citizenship behavior. This study also examines the mediating role of organizational justice and person–organization fit in the relationship between leadership behavior and organizational citizenship behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 248 responses are obtained from academic library personnel in Vietnam, which are used to examine the research hypotheses.

Findings

The findings partially support the hypotheses because two leadership dimensions significantly influence organizational citizenship behavior, and organizational justice mediates the relationship between relationship-oriented leadership and organizational citizenship behavior. However, person–organization fit does not mediate the relationship between leadership behavior and organizational citizenship behavior.

Practical implications

Results indicate that two types of leadership behavior can significantly impact the organizational citizenship behavior of the librarians. Academic libraries should provide opportunities to librarians to engage in citizenship behavior by implementing organizational justice intervention.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the social exchange theory by integrating leadership behaviors, organizational justice, person–organization fit and organizational citizenship behaviors. Given that no prior studies have investigated the associations among four constructs, the obtained findings are a new exploration.
Care during conflicts: Emergency support systems in Oceania
Authors: Tin Derrick , Cheng Lenard , Braitberg George , Naitini Ilikini , A de Jesus Gustodio , Ciottone Gregory
Published: November 2024

Objective

The present study analyses Oceania's protest and conflict events (2021–2022) to aid healthcare systems better understand the scope of the issue.

Methods

Data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data database were examined for event types and fatalities.

Results

A total of 2743 events were recorded, mainly protests (83.3%). Fatalities stemmed from battles, violence against civilians and riots. Australia had the most events (56.1%); Papua New Guinea the highest fatality rate (1.03/event).

Conclusions

Australia faced pandemic‐related protests; Papua New Guinea grappled with tribal violence, posing healthcare challenges. A comprehensive approach emphasising disaster preparedness, regional cooperation and addressing root causes is crucial to bolster healthcare systems.
A Note on the Determinants of IFRS Policy Choice When Accounting for Non‐controlling Interest and Goodwill
Authors: Aasen Matilda Hellman , Hellman Niclas , Hjelström Tomas , White Jasmina T.
Published: November 2024

This paper provides evidence on the choices made by European firms when measuring non‐controlling interest (NCI) and goodwill. Since 2009, IFRS 3 allows measurement of NCI either at fair value (full goodwill method) or at the proportionate share of net assets (partial goodwill method). IFRS 3 allows this policy choice on a per transaction basis. Our data comprise 188 hand‐collected firm choices in connection with business combinations with remaining NCI, between 2010 and 2016. We use the theoretical framework developed by Stadler and Nobes (2014) explaining differences in firms’ choices of overt accounting options by country, industry, and firm‐specific topic factors. Based on univariate and multivariate analyses, we find that transaction‐specific and firm‐specific topic factors influence accounting policy choice, whereas country and industry factors do not. The choice has different effects on financial leverage and operating returns, which inform firm‐level preferences. Regarding choices made at the transaction level, we find acquirers with an intention to buy additional shares from non‐controlling shareholders tend to prefer the full goodwill method. Thus, the choice of accounting method conveys information to users about future additional acquisitions and has implications for standard setters, indicating that offering choices at transaction level may increase the forward‐looking content of financial statements.
Multiple large shareholders and ESG performance: Evidence from the cost‐sharing and resource‐provision view
Authors: Jiang Fuxiu , Ma Jia , Zheng Xiaojia
Published: November 2024

This paper investigates how multiple large shareholders (MLS) influence firms' environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. Based on Chinese data, we find that firms with MLS perform better on ESG compared to firms with a single blockholder. This impact is stronger in firms with a more balanced ownership structure and in the pandemic period, which supports the cost‐sharing of other large shareholders in motivating ESG activities. Such impact is also intensified in firms with different types of large shareholders and with foreign shareholders, aligning the resource provision mechanism. This study reveals a novel role of other large shareholders in driving ESG.
Ten‐year analgesic utilization patterns and economic implications in Portugal
Authors: Duarte Nuno , Martins João Paulo , García‐Pedraza Jose‐Ángel , Santos Marlene
Published: November 2024

Aims

This study evaluated the 10‐year consumption and economic patterns of classical analgesics, adjuvants and opioids in Portugal (2012‐2022), and conducted a comparative analysis between Portugal, Spain and Denmark to explore the consumption patterns among these countries for 2022.

Methods

Data on sales and national health service (NHS) costs were obtained from the Portuguese National Authority of Medicines and Health Products. Sales data were converted to defined daily dose (DDD) per 1000 inhabitants per day according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification/DDD methodology, while comparisons between Spain and Denmark were evaluated with the chi‐square test, when appropriate.

Results

The findings reveal that classical analgesics use in Portugal remained stable during the period 2012‐2022, with ibuprofen being the most consumed. Adjuvants, specifically gabapentinoids, experienced an 84% increase in use, primarily attributed to pregabalin. Weak opioids, led by tramadol, witnessed a 117% rise in use, while strong opioid use, led by tapentadol, increased by 618%. Portugal presented the lowest overall opioid consumption when compared to Denmark and Spain in 2022. Economic trends indicated a heightened NHS expenditure on analgesics, primarily driven by increased opioid use. Notwithstanding, there was no significant burden on relative expenditure over the 10‐year period.

Conclusions

Portugal presented a major increase in both weak and strong opioid prescriptions, aligning with the trends for Spain and Denmark. The development and approval of generic medicines and vigilant market monitoring are imperative strategies for managing the escalated costs resulting from heightened consumption, particularly concerning opioids.
Vegetation response to Early Holocene cooling events in the Moervaart region (northwestern Belgium)
Authors: van Asch Nelleke , Gouw‐Bouman Marjolein , Zwier Maaike , Bos Hanneke , Crombé Philippe
Published: November 2024

A high‐resolution palynological record from northwest Belgium is presented. The record encompasses the second part of the Younger Dryas and the Early Holocene. The basal part of the pollen record reflects a relatively open landscape, characteristic for the Younger Dryas. The transition to the Holocene is marked by an expansion of birch woodland, followed by an expansion of pine in the Late Preboreal (~11.2–10.7 cal. ka BP). Subsequently, the record shows an expansion of mixed deciduous forest with hazel, elm and oak, characteristic for the Boreal (~10.7–8.6 cal. ka BP). Early Holocene forest expansion was interrupted by a number of short‐lived fluctuations, presumably driven by climatic changes. The most distinct event is the Rammelbeek phase (~11.4–11.2 cal. ka BP), during which forest development was temporarily interrupted in favour of grasses, while wildfires increased. Following this climatic event, hunter‐gatherers returned to the area after a period of almost 1.5 millennia of low population density. They most likely were attracted by the increased temperatures and abundance of edible plants present in the birch‐pine forests and on the banks of the river Kale/Durme. A temporary expansion of pine during the Boreal (~10.7–8.6 cal. ka BP) may correspond with the 9.3‐ka event. At this time, superimposed on a trend of gradual infilling of the channel, a temporary change to drier conditions is observed. The significant drop in the number of prehistoric sites in the Moervaart region clearly cannot be attributed to this short‐term climatic event alone but was most likely caused by a combination of environmental changes, such as the decreasing availability of hazelnuts as well as freshwater and edible (semi‐)aquatic plants as the Kale/Durme river gradually turned dry. The study provides insight into, partly climate‐driven, Early Holocene environmental changes and the effect this may have had on human occupation.
Sequential Dual Mediating Effects of Smartphone Dependence and Aggression on the Relationship Between Negative Parenting Attitudes and Depressive Symptoms Among Adolescents
Authors: Na Jihun , Lee Sungkyu , Sung Hyeyeon , Jhone Jinho
Published: November 2024

This study examined the sequential dual mediating effects of negative parenting attitudes, smartphone dependence and aggression on depressive symptoms among adolescents. Data were obtained from the 2018 Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey (KCYPS) conducted by the National Youth Policy Institute. Using a multistage stratified cluster sampling method, the 2018 KCYPS comprehensively examined various aspects of the growth and development of children and adolescents. The study sample included a nationally representative sample of 2541 adolescents. PROCESS macro Model 6 was used to examine the sequential dual mediating model that not only examines the effects of negative parenting attitudes on smartphone dependence and aggression but also establishes the sequential causal relationship between smartphone dependence and aggression, ultimately confirming the direct and indirect effects on depressive symptoms of adolescents. The significance of the mediation effect was verified by applying the bootstrapping method. The findings demonstrated that negative parenting attitudes increased smartphone dependence, which, in turn, elevated depressive symptoms among adolescents. Furthermore, negative parenting attitudes increased smartphone dependence, which heightened aggression, ultimately contributing to depressive symptoms among adolescents. Based on these findings, this study has practical and policy implications for preventing depressive symptoms among adolescents. Prioritizing efforts to reduce smartphone dependence and aggression among adolescents while promoting positive parenting attitudes can play a crucial role in addressing this issue.
Investigating health professionals' perspectives and experiences of food security‐related conversations in diabetes care
Authors: Mohamed Sophie , Avenell Alison , Douglas Flora , Keen Andrew
Published: November 2024

Aims

Household food insecurity (FI) is a serious public health concern and disproportionately affects people living with chronic health conditions, undermining diabetes self‐management. Little is known about healthcare professionals' (HCPs) experiences of supporting people affected by diabetes and FI, and no national guidelines incorporate consideration of FI within UK diabetes care. A qualitative study of NHS HCPs' consideration of FI within diabetes care, and the extent to which it informs their clinical practice, was undertaken.

Methods

Fifteen HCPs providing self‐management support to people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes in a Scottish Health Board took part in semi‐structured interviews. Data were analysed using a thematic framework approach informed by the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour (COM‐B) model of behaviour change.

Results

Although the potential impact of FI on diabetes self‐management was recognised, this important consideration was not currently core to their clinical practice. Enablers and barriers identified included: personal feelings about raising the issue, lack of knowledge of available resources, the patient‐practitioner relationship, and the wider socioeconomic environment. Practical suggestions to support HCPs included: specific training on communication, access to patient support information, use of a screening tool to assess FI, and building NHS‐third sector links.

Conclusions

Our findings provide insight into cognitive factors, emotional processes and environmental systems impacting on HCPs' practice supporting individuals with diabetes and FI. Research with affected patients is needed to gain a better understanding of how to provide support within NHS settings.
Becoming a Third Sex?: Chinese Women and Postgraduate Education
Authors: Aiston Sarah Jane , Morley Louise , Fo Chee Kent
Published: November 2024

This article explores how women's postgraduate education becomes entangled with heteronormative gender regimes enacted in public discourses that caution against women becoming too educated in China. The cultural capital of the PhD is obliterated by the loss of cultural capital resulting from gender non‐conformity. Two powerful discourses—‘leftover women’ and women with PhDs as a ‘third sex’ operate in tandem, we argue, to make the decision to study at postgraduate level challenging for women in China. Theoretically informed by neotraditionalist familialism, heteronormativity, chrononormativity and the potent affective ecology of shame, this research makes a significant contribution to scholarship on gender and higher education internationally by analysing the lived experiences of 15 Chinese postgraduate female students. The article suggests that by analysing gender and higher education in temporal terms, or culturally loaded age and gender‐appropriate decision‐making processes in China, chrononormativity effectively undoes the graduate premium and cultural capital of those Chinese women who do not marry or reproduce. We argue, however, that Chinese women are not powerless victims of patriarchal culture. Many are choosing to study for their PhDs (42% of PhDs in Mainland China in 2020 were gained by women), and in doing so are opening up options and lifestyles which disrupt, add value to or query the traditional gendered social order.
Between “Storm” and “Privilege”: The Unequal Impact of Online Learning In the Pandemic and its Consequences Among Romanian Graduates
Authors: Marcu Silvia
Published: November 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic impacted the lives of students around the world, forcing them to study remotely through online learning. This article uses 60 in‐depth interviews with students from four Romanian universities (Iasi, Galati, Brasov and Cluj‐Napoca) who had recently completed 3‐year degrees to analyse the impact of remote learning on the lives of Romanian graduates, taking into account inequalities in their living standards. This research contributes to the literature on higher education by analysing the unequal experiences of these graduates and how they have been affected in educational, emotional and professional terms, both during and after the pandemic. The findings show that despite the scarcity and absence of face‐to‐face learning, the students used resilience to overcome this period and graduate, albeit with clear differences: those in rural areas are still suffering severe consequences, while those in urban areas are enjoying the “privilege” conferred on them by their status. The conclusions highlight inequalities and reflect on the (dis)advantages of online learning in students' lives.
Demographics and health of U.S. senior horses used in competitions
Authors: Herbst Alisa C. , Coleman Michelle C. , Macon Erica L. , Harris Patricia A. , Adams Amanda A.
Published: November 2024

Background

A proportion of senior horses (≥15 years of age) are still used for competition. Information about this particular group of horses is currently sparse.

Objectives

To provide an overview of the demographics, management and health of competing U.S. senior horses (≥15 years of age).

Study design

Online survey.

Methods

Descriptive and inferential (Kruskal–Wallis test) analysis of 246 surveys from owners of U.S.‐resident senior horses used for competition. Confidence intervals were calculated for prevalence estimates of clinical signs and medical conditions.

Results

Competing senior horses were mainly kept at their owners' own facility, with owners making all management decisions (52.2%). In terms of housing, competing senior horses were most frequently kept in a stall but with ≥12 h a day on pasture. Competing seniors were predominantly 15–20 years of age (73.4%), were geldings (69.5%) and were Quarter Horses (33.5%). About one‐half competed/trained for competition at a medium level. Three percent competed at the highest (e.g., international) level. The most common discipline was dressage (32.0%). Stiffness/reduced leg‐joint flexibility was the most common owner‐reported clinical sign (29.2%; 95% CI: 23.5–35.6) and osteoarthritis was the most common owner‐reported veterinary‐diagnosed medical condition (32.6%; 95% CI: 26.8–39.0), followed by gastric ulcers (8.0%; 95% CI: 5.1–12.3) and lameness (7.6%; 95% CI: 4.8–11.8). Nearly one‐half (43.3%) indicated that their competing senior horse had no veterinary‐diagnosed medical condition at the time of the survey.

Main limitations

Potential recall, response and sampling bias.

Conclusions

Although few horses over 20 years of age were used in competition, senior horses (≥15 years of age) competed up to the highest level (e.g., internationally) in some disciplines. Competing senior horses were affected by medical conditions commonly reported in the general senior horse population (e.g., osteoarthritis and lameness) and younger competing horses (e.g., gastric ulcers and lameness), potentially increasing the complexity of their management.
Examining fairness in machine learning applied to support families: A case study of preventive services
Authors: Ahn Eunhye , Tejeda Yadi , Yang Yuanyuan
Published: November 2024

Objective

To evaluate the fairness of a machine learning (ML) model designed to assess the need for home visiting services, focusing on its performance across family characteristics.

Background

ML models are increasingly used in family‐centered services; however, their fairness remains underexplored, particularly concerning family sociodemographic factors and service contexts.

Methods

This study assessed the fairness of an ML model developed for home visiting services examining false negative rates (FNRs) across subgroups, particularly focusing on the intersection of maternal ethnicity and nativity.

Results

The ML model reduced FNRs from 52.9% to 22.1%, with the most notable improvements for children of Black mothers and with family characteristics associated with high risk. However, the model was less effective for children of Asian and foreign‐born Hispanic mothers.

Conclusion

Although the ML model substantially reduced FNRs across various family subgroups, disparities were observed.

Implications

Understanding fairness in ML models requires a thoughtful approach, considering service context and impact on the families from diverse backgrounds. Continued research and collaboration are necessary for fair and inclusive use of ML models for family‐centered services.
Learnings From 1000 Rejections
Authors: Edmans Alex
Published: November 2024

The Review of Finance aimed to significantly increase its standards over my 6 years as managing editor and 1 year as editor. To comply with these new standards, I had to reject nearly 1000 manuscripts. This paper aims to use these rejections constructively by distilling common reasons for rejection to guide future research. They are divided into three categories: contribution, execution, and exposition. Beyond extracts from decision letters that give reasons for rejection, this paper also shares excerpts that shed light on the editorial process, such as how an editor weighs up feedback to reach a decision, as well as emails to authors outside formal letters in response to queries on the process.
Multimodal signalling in manakins: lack of correlated evolution between acoustic, visual and behavioural traits
Authors: Ariznavarreta Sonia , Campo Alba Martín del , García‐Navas Vicente
Published: November 2024

Sexual traits, such as visual adornments, sound‐based cues and courtship dances, are frequently displayed in combination as multimodal signals. Some hypotheses propose that different signals trade‐off with each other, potentially due to resource limitations (‘trade‐off’ or transfer hypothesis) or that these develop simultaneously to enhance communication effectiveness (‘joint evolution’ hypothesis). Alternatively, multiple cues may evolve independently to serve distinct functions or convey different information (‘multiple messages’ hypothesis). Here, we explored the interdependence between different signal modalities in manakins (Pipridae), which are known for great interspecific diversity in the degree of elaboration in courtship dance, song and plumage coloration. We also used comparative methods to explore the mode of evolution and the degree of conservatism of these signals. We found that song, plumage coloration and courtship dance evolved independently as there was no correlation between these traits. Song evolution in manakins was attracted to a single optimum and exhibited a weak phylogenetic signal in comparison with those of colour and behavioural diversity. The high support found for the speciational and κ models when analysing the multivariate estimates of trait variability suggests that these signals (especially colour and behaviour attributes) may have evolved in a punctuated manner, with large evolutionary changes at speciation events and minimal subsequent changes along the branches. Our results show that song, colour and dance diversity are each associated (or marginally associated) with different ecological factors, indicating that sexual signals in manakins might convey different information and/or respond to different selection pressures. Larger species and those with lower dispersal capacity tend to exhibit higher colour richness, which in turn differed among lek categories, being higher in species with ‘classic’ leks and lower in non‐lekking species. Overall, the present study supports the idea that correlation between signal modalities does not constitute a widespread pattern in songbirds.
Micellar solubility and co‐solubilization of fragrance raw materials in sodium dodecyl sulfate and polysorbate 20 surfactant systems
Authors: Tilghman Christine , Li S. Kevin , Spaulding Laura A.
Published: November 2024

Objective

The aim of this work was to investigate the solubility and co‐solubilization of fragrance raw materials (FRMs) in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and polysorbate 20 (P20) surfactant micellar systems, which can advance our knowledge of multi‐solute micellar solubilization and fragrance olfactory performance from product matrices containing the surfactants.

Methods

The transfer of individual FRMs and binary FRM mixtures into micellar phases was quantified by UV–VIS differential spectroscopy and evaluated in terms of the standard Gibbs free energy change and micelle‐water partition coefficient. Co‐solubilization effects were further evaluated by the deviation ratio.

Results

Anionic SDS was found overall to be a more efficient solubilizer than nonionic P20. On an individual basis, micellar solubilization generally increased with solute lipophilicity but was additionally impacted by solute rigidity and steric effects. Micellar solubilization was favoured for more rigid structures and less favoured for FRMs that exhibited larger molecular rotation and steric hindrance. For multi‐solute systems, three co‐solubilization effects were observed: (i) inhibitive effect in which micellar partitioning of both solutes decreased, (ii) an inverse effect where partitioning of one solute increased while the other decreased and (iii) synergistic effect in which partitioning of both solutes increased. During co‐solubilization in P20 micelles, many FRMs competed for solubilization between the polyoxyethylene chains in the outer layer of the micelle, thereby resulting in an inhibitory effect for both solutes. Co‐solubilization of FRM binary mixtures in SDS micelles often resulted in a synergistic increase in micellar solubility, possibly due to micellar swelling, thereby facilitating partitioning of additional solutes into the micelle. An inverse effect in which the micellar solubility of one solute increased, while the other decreased was observed in both surfactant systems with varying degrees of partitioning depending on the composition of the FRM mixture.

Conclusions

The results of this study provide valuable insights into the impact of FRM composition on multi‐solute partitioning behaviour and the impact of surfactant type on co‐solubilization in micellar solutions.
Advanced practice nursing in surgery: A scoping review of roles, responsibilities, and educational programs
Authors: Assolari Fabio , Mancin Stefano , Lopane Diego , Dacomi Alessandra , Coldani Chiara , Tomaiuolo Giuseppina , Cattani Daniela , Palomares Sara Morales , Cangelosi Giovani , Mazzoleni Beatrice
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The increasing complexity of the healthcare sector requires an evolution in nursing education to effectively manage care in complex and interdisciplinary contexts.

Aim

This review aims to analyze the role of advanced practice nurse (APN) in the surgical context within hospital settings, detailing their functions and responsibilities. It also provides an overview of the main degrees and postgraduate training programs for specialization in perioperative management in major Western countries.

Methods

This scoping review followed the Arksey–O'Malley framework and Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) was used to ensure rigorous and transparent reporting.

Results

Among the 3663 records analyzed, 20 were included in this review. The role of the APN spans across the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases, encompassing follow‐up care as leaders, mentors, and contributors to research. APNs play a pivotal role by offering direct and indirect patient care at each stage of the surgical journey. Acting as liaisons between the healthcare team and patients, APNs enhance healthcare delivery through personalized, coordinated care, while also fostering ongoing education and research in the field.

Conclusions

APNs enhance surgical care by providing in‐depth clinical assessments, education, and support throughout the treatment process. However, the lack of standardized regulatory frameworks in some countries limits the autonomy of APNs within the healthcare system, compromising their ability to address unmet health needs and engage in international collaboration.

Implications for nursing and health policy

The findings underscore the need for standardized educational pathways, roles, responsibilities, and autonomy for APNs, facilitating better international collaboration and contributing to scientific research.
ChatGPT for parents' education about early childhood caries: A friend or foe?
Authors: Elkarmi Rawan , Abu‐Ghazaleh Suha , Sonbol Hawazen , Haha Ola , AL‐Haddad Alaa , Hassona Yazan
Published: November 2024

Background

With the increasing popularity of online sources for health information, parents may seek information related to early childhood caries (ECC) from artificial intelligence‐based chatbots.

Aim

The aim of this article was to evaluate the usefulness, quality, reliability, and readability of ChatGPT answers to parents' questions about ECC.

Design

Eighty questions commonly asked about ECC were compiled from experts and keyword research tools. ChatGPT 3.5 was asked these questions independently. The answers were evaluated by experts in paediatric dentistry.

Results

ChatGPT provided “very useful” and “useful” responses to 82.5% of the questions. The mean global quality score was 4.3 ± 1 (good quality). The mean reliability score was 18.5 ± 8.9 (average to very good). The mean understandability score was 59.5% ± 13.8 (not highly understandable), and the mean actionability score was 40.5% ± 12.8 (low actionability). The mean Flesch–Kincaid reading ease score was 32% ± 25.7, and the mean Simple Measure of Gobbledygook index readability score was 15.3 ± 9.1(indicating poor readability for the lay person). Misleading and false information were detected in some answers.

Conclusion

ChatGPT has significant potential as a tool for answering parent's questions about ECC. Concerns, however, do exist about the readability and actionability of the answers. The presence of false information should not be overlooked.
Purchase efficiency in Dutch youth care: locally least squares frontier method applied to municipality data
Authors: Blank Jos L. T. , van Heezik Alex A. S.
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we present an empirical model to analyse the efficiency of youth care by local government, especially with regard to purchasing policies. Locally least squares is applied to data from 352 Dutch municipalities operating in 2021. The outcomes reveal significant variations in the cost efficiency related to purchasing policies among municipalities. For all municipalities, the average cost efficiency is 84%. However, the corresponding standard errors of cost efficiency vary between 2.6% and 14.8% with a mean of 8.6% implying that only a limited number of municipalities are able to achieve efficiency gains with a high degree of certainty. Open House outsourcing and a framework contract without intermediate access are the most influential instruments on cost efficiency. Other features such as the duration of the contract and collaboration with other municipalities appear to have only a modest effect.
Proteomic Insights Into Gingival Crevicular Extracellular Vesicles in Periodontitis and Gestational Diabetes: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Mizgier María Luisa , Nardocci Gino , Ramírez Valeria , Bendek María José , Hernández Marcela , Rojas Carolina , Herrera David , Kantarci Alpdogan , Kemp Matthew W. , Illanes Sebastián E. , Chaparro Alejandra
Published: November 2024

Aim

To characterize the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) and explore their proteomic cargo in healthy pregnant women compared to those with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and periodontitis.

Methods

One‐hundred and four pregnant women were recruited at 24–30 gestation weeks. GDM was diagnosed by an oral glucose tolerance test. GCF and plasma samples were obtained to isolate EVs and characterized by nanoparticle tracking, immunoassays, electron microscopy and mass spectrometry.

Results

Of the recruits,17.3% women were healthy, 50% had periodontitis and 32.7% had both GDM and periodontitis. Probing depth, clinical attachment loss and bleeding on probing were more severe in GDM and periodontitis pregnancies (p < 0.0001). Additionally, this group showed an increase concentration of total, small and large GCF‐EVs (p = 0.0015, p = 0.0011 and p = 0.0008, respectively), with decreased expression of CD9, CD81 and CD81/CD63 ratio (p = 0.0461, p = 0.0164 and p = 0.0005, respectively). No differences were observed in plasmatic EVs concentration or markers expression. Proteomic analysis of GCF‐EVs showed peptides of both host and bacterial origin. Gene ontology analysis revealed that proteins of GCF‐EVs participate in immune inflammatory responses, glucose metabolism and insulin response mechanisms.

Conclusion

GCF‐EVs were increased in both GDM and periodontitis, and their proteomic cargo suggest their involvement in immune inflammatory response, glucose metabolism and insulin pathways during pregnancy.
Architectural crypt distortions in ulcerative colitis: Time for reappraisal
Authors: Rubio Carlos A , Lang‐Schwarz Corinna , Vieth Michael
Published: November 2024

Chronic mucosal inflammation and architectural crypt distortions (ACD) are essential for the histologic diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (UC). ACD in UC has been defined as irregularly arranged, dilated, branched, and shortened crypts with inequality of inter‐crypt distance. However, neither the diagnostic sections' crypt phenotype nor the cutting mode have been considered. In this regard, previous studies showed that most diagnostic biopsies in UC are fortuitously crosscut at laboratories. In this communication, we review the crypt phenotypes that are included in the ACD in UC notion: crypts in asymmetric branching, crypt rings in tandem, crypts with lateral buds, face‐to‐face “kissing crypts,” crypts‐in‐crypts, laterally orientated crypts in anthemia fold domains, and crypts with irregular shape and size in innominate groves domains. The awareness that disparate crypt phenotypes may participate in the ACD notion may open new vistas in the interpretation of crypt distortions in crosscut diagnostic sections in UC. The present findings will permit endoscopists and clinicians to better understand the narrative of ACD in the pathological diagnosis.
Staff Observational Differences Between Depressive Disorders and Personality Disorders
Authors: Jayakody Kaushadh , McKinnon Iain , Cousins David Andrew
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Distinguishing those with a personality disorder from those with major depressive disorder (MDD) can be challenging, but establishing the correct diagnosis can direct appropriate management.

Aim

To identify whether behavioural themes differ between those with personality disorders from those with MDD, and how those differences might relate to a clinical team's perception of diagnosis.

Method

An observational study identifying all inpatients presenting with symptoms of depression. At discharge, patients (n = 60) underwent a structured diagnostic interview and were grouped according to diagnosis. Qualitative data was analysed to determine whether behavioural themes differed between those with MDD and those with a personality disorder (with or without MDD).

Results

Ward staff perceptions of diagnosis aligned in all cases of personality disorder, but they also attributed that diagnosis to 54% of patients who had only MDD. Several behavioural themes were evident in those with a personality disorder but not those with MDD. Many behavioural themes were observed in both groups, and it is likely these that drove differences in diagnostic views.

Implications for Practice

Certain behavioural themes may be determinants of the perception of diagnosis held by inpatient staff, and when present in acute episodes in MDD, may risk diagnostic misattribution.
Integrating digital behavioural therapy for insomnia into primary care: A feasibility mixed‐methods study
Authors: Gordon Christopher J. , Cheung Janet M. Y. , Schrire Zoe Menzel , Rahimi Matthew , Aji Melissa , Salomon Helena , Doggett Iliana , Glozier Nick , Wong Keith K. H. , Marshall Nathaniel S. , Bartlett Delwyn J. , Grunstein Ron R.
Published: November 2024

Digital cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia has been developed to increase capacity and scalability for patients with insomnia, but implementation in primary care remains limited. The aim of the trial was to evaluate the implementation of digital insomnia therapy into primary care practice for patients with insomnia. We conducted a single‐arm feasibility trial of digital behavioural therapy for insomnia (SleepFix) providing sleep restriction therapy with insomnia patients in primary care. Healthcare professionals (comprising General Practitioners, community pharmacists and nurses) were enrolled into the trial and, when deemed clinically appropriate, prescribed SleepFix to patients with insomnia. The primary outcome was uptake assessed by the number of downloads of SleepFix. Interviews with primary care healthcare professionals explored their attitudes towards implementing/using insomnia digital therapeutics in clinical practice, and patients about their experiences with SleepFix. Insomnia symptoms, mood and sleep quality were measured before and after the trial. This trial was prospectively registered (ACTRN12620000055909). Thirty healthcare professionals and 105 patients were enrolled into the trial. Fourteen healthcare professionals administered at least one insomnia digital therapeutic prescription between November 2021 and March 2022. Fifty patients downloaded and used SleepFix (47.6% uptake). In post‐trial interviews, healthcare professionals felt they could incorporate digital sleep health into clinical practice and patients found SleepFix acceptable. There were significant improvements in insomnia symptoms, mood and sleep quality at week 6 (all p < 0.05). This trial shows a real‐world implementation of a digital insomnia therapy into primary care that could provide a framework for prescribing digital sleep interventions.
The neurotensin receptor 1 agonist PD149163 alleviates visceral hypersensitivity and colonic hyperpermeability in rat irritable bowel syndrome model
Authors: Nozu Tsukasa , Miyagishi Saori , Ishioh Masatomo , Takakusaki Kaoru , Okumura Toshikatsu
Published: November 2024

Background

An impaired intestinal barrier with the activation of corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF), Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4), and proinflammatory cytokine signaling, resulting in visceral hypersensitivity, is a crucial aspect of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The gut exhibits abundant expression of neurotensin; however, its role in the pathophysiology of IBS remains uncertain. This study aimed to clarify the effects of PD149163, a specific agonist for neurotensin receptor 1 (NTR1), on visceral sensation and gut barrier in rat IBS models.

Methods

The visceral pain threshold in response to colonic balloon distention was electrophysiologically determined by monitoring abdominal muscle contractions, while colonic permeability was measured by quantifying absorbed Evans blue in colonic tissue in vivo in adult male Sprague–Dawley rats. We employed the rat IBS models, i.e., lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐ and CRF‐induced visceral hypersensitivity and colonic hyperpermeability, and explored the effects of PD149163.

Key Results

Intraperitoneal PD149163 (160, 240, 320 μg kg−1) prevented LPS (1 mg kg−1, subcutaneously)‐induced visceral hypersensitivity and colonic hyperpermeability dose‐dependently. It also prevented the gastrointestinal changes induced by CRF (50 μg kg−1, intraperitoneally). Peripheral atropine, bicuculline (a GABAA receptor antagonist), sulpiride (a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist), astressin2‐B (a CRF receptor subtype 2 [CRF2] antagonist), and intracisternal SB‐334867 (an orexin 1 receptor antagonist) reversed these effects of PD149163 in the LPS model.

Conclusions and Inferences

PD149163 demonstrated an improvement in visceral hypersensitivity and colonic hyperpermeability in rat IBS models through the dopamine D2, GABAA, orexin, CRF2, and cholinergic pathways. Activation of NTR1 may modulate these gastrointestinal changes, helping to alleviate IBS symptoms.