bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One Nose but Two Nostrils: Learning to Align with Sparse Connections between Two Olfactory Cortices
Authors: Liu Bo , Qin Shanshan , Murthy Venkatesh N. , Tu Yuhai
Published: December 2024

The integration of neural representations in the two brain hemispheres has been studied extensively in vision, audition, and somatosensation, but less so in olfaction. Recent experiments have revealed that odor responses in cortical neurons driven by separate stimulation of the two nostrils are highly correlated. This bilateral alignment points to structured, nonrandom interhemispheric connections, but how this structure leads to alignment is unclear. Here, we hypothesized that continuous exposure to environmental odors shapes these projections and modeled it as online learning with a local Hebbian rule. We found that Hebbian learning with sparse connections achieves bilateral alignment, exhibiting a linear tradeoff between speed and accuracy (lower learning rate leads to higher alignment level but slower convergence). Furthermore, we identified an inverse scaling relationship between the number of cortical neurons and the interhemispheric projection density required for desired alignment accuracy. Thus, more cortical neurons allow sparser interhemispheric projections, which was explained analytically. We next compared the alignment performance of local Hebbian rule and the global stochastic gradient descent (SGD) learning rule used in artificial neural networks. We found that although SGD leads to the same alignment accuracy with a slightly reduced sparsity, the same inverse scaling relation holds. Our analysis showed that their similar performance originates from the fact that the update vectors of the two learning rules align with each other throughout the entire learning process. Our work suggests that a biologically plausible mechanism with sparse connections suffices for correlated bilateral responses. The quantitative comparison between the local Hebbian rule and the global SGD rule may inspire efficient sparse local learning algorithms for more complex problems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Barriers to manufacturing integrated circuit chips in the Indian semiconductor manufacturing industry using the grey influence analysis (GINA)
Authors: Singh Karam Bharat , Misra Subhas Chandra
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study identifies and ranks the barriers to manufacturing integrated circuit (IC) chips in the Indian semiconductor manufacturing industry by examining the causal relationships between the different barriers using an advanced causal modeling technique named the grey influence analysis (GINA). Moreover, IC plays a crucial function in reducing the size, boosting the speed and improving the dependability of electronic devices. The widespread use of these technologies has led to advancements in sectors such as communications, healthcare, transportation and entertainment.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates 12 factors related to the barriers to manufacturing IC chips. In addition, experts from an Indian semiconductor manufacturing organization have validated the presence of these barriers. In addition, the research employs a novel GINA to investigate and comprehend the influence relationships between these barriers.

Findings

To successfully manufacture IC chips in India, the “Government Policies and Regulations (B11),” “Lack of Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities (B1)” and “Dependence on Imported Raw Materials and Components (B2),” were the critical barriers that must be addressed and overcome, as per the GINA result.

Practical implications

The author highlighted that a lack of fabrication plants could lead to limited production of the semiconductor chips and that a lack of local fabs can hinder the development of advanced technologies. The complex policy can significantly affect the set-up of new semiconductor fabs, hamper the overall growth of the semiconductor market and divert away foreign investors. This further creates restrictions on employment creation and undermines the economy.

Originality/value

Although semiconductor applications have several benefits, more research is needed to identify the barriers to manufacturing IC chips in India, making this study unique. In addition, the advanced GINA method is also used to examine the critical barriers and their interconnection based on an expert response-based study from an Indian semiconductor organization.
Leveraging sentiment analysis via text mining to improve customer satisfaction in UK banks
Authors: Ghadiridehkordi Amirreza , Shao Jia , Boojihawon Roshan , Wang Qianxi , Li Hui
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study examines the role of online customer reviews through text mining and sentiment analysis to improve customer satisfaction across various services within the UK banking sector. Additionally, the study analyses sentiment trends over a five-year period.

Design/methodology/approach

Using DistilBERT and Support Vector Machine algorithms, customer sentiments were assessed through an analysis of 20,137 Trustpilot reviews of HSBC, Santander, and Tesco Bank from 2018 to 2023. Data pre-processing steps were implemented to ensure data integrity and minimize noise.

Findings

Both positive and negative sentiments provide valuable insights. The results indicate a high prevalence of negative sentiments related to customer service and communication, with HSBC and Santander receiving 90.8% and 89.7% negative feedback, respectively, compared to Tesco Bank’s 66.8%. Key areas for improvement include HSBC’s credit card services and call center efficiency, which experienced increased negative feedback during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings also demonstrate that DistilBERT excelled in categorizing reviews, while the SVM model, when combined with customer ratings, achieved 96% accuracy in sentiment analysis.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on UK bank consumers of HSBC, Santander, and Tesco Bank. A multi-country or cross-cultural study may further enhance our understanding of the approaches and findings.

Practical implications

Online customer reviews become more informative when categorised by service sector. To enhance customer satisfaction, bank managers should pay attention to both positive and negative reviews, and track trends over time.

Originality/value

The uniqueness of this study lies in its exploration of the importance of categorisation in text-mining-based sentiment analysis, its focus on the influence of both positive and negative sentiments, and its emphasis on tracking sentiment trends over time.
Religiosity and corruption acceptability in a developing country: does patriotism mediate the relationship?
Authors: Puni Albert , Hilton Sam Kris , Mohammed Ibrahim
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Religiosity is believed to have an effect on corruption acceptability but the mechanism by which its effect is realized is not fully known. In this study, we explore the potency of patriotism as a mediating variable on the relationship between religiosity and corruption acceptability in a developing context.

Design/methodology/approach

We use cross-sectional data from the World Values Survey on Ghana which was collected from 1,552 respondents. We analyse the data using descriptive statistics, correlation and macro PROCESS model in SPSS.

Findings

We ascertain that while religiosity has a significant direct negative effect on corruption acceptability, it has no significant direct effect on patriotism or indirect effect on corruption acceptability. However, patriotism has a positive significant effect on corruption acceptability. Furthermore, the findings reveal that private-sector employees, as compared to public sector employees, are more likely to perceive corruption as unacceptable. Similarly, females are more likely than males to perceive corruption as unacceptable. We conclude that patriotism does not mediate the relationship between religiosity and corruption acceptability.

Originality/value

Our findings have bridged the gap in extant literature by revealing that patriotism is not an effective mediator in the relationship between religiosity and corruption acceptability in developing country context. Therefore, we provide evidence for building a strong link between religiosity and socio-moral conduct, where the conscience of citizens will be developed against the acceptability of corruption.
A nexus analysis of future ICT professionals’ views on sustainable digital technology development
Authors: Vainionpää Fanny , Aalto Ville , Kinnula Marianne
Published: November 2024

Purpose

There are increasing expectations for educators to include sustainability as part of higher education Information and Communication Technology (ICT) curricula, but we still lack concrete ways how to integrate it into teaching. To be able to create meaningful learning experiences we need to understand how our students approach sustainability and what they base their thinking on.

Design/methodology/approach

We asked our students to consider technology development linked with the European Green Deal targets in their essays and utilized nexus analysis to focus on discourses in place, interaction order and the historical body revealed in the essays.

Findings

Learning about sustainability could be approached in the ICT courses in a structured way as a question of four intersecting elements: individuals, societal systems, current and emerging technologies, and relevancy of the topic, all of these linked with the agency of ICT professionals.

Originality/value

This study contributes toward sustainable ICT research and design of effective ICT education (1) by providing an understanding of how future ICT professionals approach sustainability and digital technology development, (2) by proposing a way to raise students’ consciousness of their own role as future professionals in developing more sustainable digital solutions and (3) generally helping students to see the big picture of sustainability through setting the scene with the wider targets.
Assessing interest in addressing religion and spirituality in a recovery program for adults with serious mental illness
Authors: Matsuura Taiki , Klee Anne , Heikkila Holly , Cooke James , Edens Ellen , Rosenheck Robert
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Religion and spirituality (R/S) are recognized components of recovery-oriented mental health services. This study aims to present a clinically focused tool for assessing R/S interest among veterans with serious mental illness (SMI).

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire including 39 items was developed by experienced chaplains and mental health clinicians and administered to modest pilot sample of 110 participants in a recovery-oriented program at a medical center of the US Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

Findings

Altogether 40 (37%) participants said they would like R/S issues to be a greater part of their treatment (i.e. very or extremely). A screening tool to identify veterans for referral to R/S focused interventions was developed based on the selection of the five items most strongly loading on the strongest factor in a factor analysis.

Research limitations/implications

First, the identification of items for the survey was made on the basis of clinical experience with issues discussed by veterans in a VA recovery-oriented program and thus are based on clinician experience and their association with a stated desire for more R/S in their treatment. Since no gold-standard measure of “religion/spirituality” has been universally established and validated, this method, though imperfect, was accepted as practical and as having face validity. Furthermore, the sample size, while substantial, was limited and was not representative of the general population. Again, this was a pilot study of a unique effort to identify R/S issues of greatest relevance in a recovery program for people with SMI.

Practical implications

In this SMI sample, 36% of the participants said that they would like more R/S to be incorporated into their treatment. Factor analysis showed the desire for uplifting religious/spiritual community to be the predominant factor and formed the basis for a five-item screening tool that can be used to briefly identify services needs in this area of recovery.

Social implications

This screening tool can help incorporate religious and spiritual issues into mental health treatment, and area of importance that is often neglected. The results could help destigmatize this area of recovery practice for people with SMI.

Originality/value

This R/S survey of SMI adults suggests that over one-third of the participants in a pilot sample in a recovery-oriented program would like more R/S emphasis in their treatment. Factor analysis showed the desire for uplifting religious/spiritual community to be the predominant factor.
‘One of the greatest injustices of our time’: The impact of social representations of modern slavery in the UK—A mixed methods approach
Authors: Haughton Melanie , Vione Katia C. , Hughes Zoe
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to examine how social representations of modern slavery and immigration become entangled in newspaper media. 2672 UK newspaper articles were collated from 2013 to 2022 and analysed using Content Analysis (Descendant Hierarchical Classification) and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA). Two themes and corresponding extracts were identified from the content analysis output and analysed using CDA allowing for the exploration of the role of the hegemonic social representations to understanding how discourses of modern slavery are reproduced through the othering in relation to ethnicity and migration. The two themes that emerged were ‘Leading the way in tackling slavery’ and ‘Making claims.’ The themes combined showed how the media and political discourse positioned the UK government as leading the way in tackling modern slavery. Simultaneously, discourses criminalized migrants and constructed them as the source of social harm, and the obstacles to resolving the social injustices were those opposing anti‐immigration legislation. These two contradictory positions have implications in how modern slavery is understood by the public. More worryingly, it could lead to silence from victims due to the threat of being criminalized.
Gendered attitudes towards pro‐environmental change: The role of hegemonic masculinity endorsement, dominance and threat
Authors: Avery Robert A. T. , Kulich Clara , Thaqi Lumturie , Elbindary Aly M. A. M. K. , El Bouchrifi Hind , Favre Alexis N. J.‐L. , Gmür Simon , Hauke Sydney , Huete Chloé I. A. , Lee Si Young , Miranda Jérémy Nelson , Mizeret Zacharie , Palle Pablo , Razgallah Hédi , Theytaz Léo , Butera Fabrizio
Published: December 2024

One of the most robust findings in environmental psychology is that men report lower pro‐environmentalism than women. Whilst this difference is often attributed to personality or identity processes, there seems to be a lack of empirical research on potential ideological influences. We propose—and provide evidence through two correlational studies—that radical pro‐environmentalism is often akin to propositions of change that challenge tenets of patriarchal ideology such as dominance orientations. As men tend to endorse patriarchal ideologies more than women, they may perceive these challenges as more threatening, leading to greater opposition towards pro‐environmental change. In line with our hypothesis, Study 1 (N = 450, UK sample) revealed that men's (vs. women's) greater endorsement of hegemonic masculinity and threat perceptions of anticipated social change accounted for their stronger rejection of pro‐environmental policies. Study 2 (N = 254, Francophone Swiss sample) showed that men's greater endorsement of hegemonic masculinity, and higher social and ecological dominance orientation explained their higher perceptions of threat compared to women. These results highlight hegemonic masculinity as a plausible ideological framework likely to bridge previous gender gap explanations and provide policymakers with preliminary insights regarding resistance to change.
Has ChatGPT Made Economics Homework Questions Obsolete?
Authors: Faerber‐Ovaska Rachel , Ovaska Tomi , Palardy Joseph , Uppal Yogesh
Published: November 2024

We investigate the accuracy of ChatGPT's answers to multiple‐choice and short essay questions from a widely used OER economics textbook. The questions are classified by their difficulty and cognitive level. In our tests, the bot scored a high D in multiple‐choice questions and a low A in essay questions. Most errors were found in questions of higher cognitive levels, and with calculations and graphs. While a student who has attended lectures would not gain much, if at all, from using the bot for multiple‐choice questions, the gain for a higher grade in essays is considerably larger.
A case series study on the safety of cefditoren pivoxil use during the first trimester of pregnancy in Japan
Authors: Honma Mariko , Suzuki Naoto , Goto Mikako , Obara Taku , Saito Yoshiyuki , Nakajima Ken , Yamane Ritsuko , Takahashi Kunihiko , Nakayama Takeo , Hayashi Masahiro , Murashima Atsuko , Toyama Akira
Published: December 2024

We evaluated the teratogenic risk associated with exposure to cefditoren pivoxil during the first trimester of pregnancy using the integrated databases of the Toranomon Hospital and the National Center for Child Health and Development. Among 13 599 registered individuals, the analysis included 285 subjects who had taken cefditoren pivoxil during the first trimester of pregnancy. The rates of stillbirth, miscarriage, and elective terminations were 0.4%, 5.6%, and 2.1%, respectively. Among 262 live births, the rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, and major congenital malformations were 4.6%, 5.7%, and 1.2%, respectively. Our results suggest that exposure to cefditoren pivoxil during the first trimester of pregnancy does not significantly increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and infant outcomes.
A 10‐Year Follow‐Up of Reconstructive Treatment of Peri‐Implantitis Using Mineralized Dehydrated Allograft and Resorbable Membrane: A Retrospective Case Series
Authors: La Monaca Gerardo , Pranno Nicola , Annibali Susanna , Polimeni Antonella , Cristalli Maria Paola
Published: November 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the 10‐year clinical and radiographic outcomes of peri‐implantitis intrabony defects treated with mineralized dehydrated bone allograft (MDBA) and resorbable membrane in patients undergoing a regular supportive peri‐implant/periodontal therapy (STP).

Materials and Methods

The original study participants were 34 (34 defects). After mechanical debridement and chemical decontamination of implant surfaces, intrabony defects were filled with MDBA and covered by a resorbable membrane. Patients were enrolled in a maintenance program with a recall interval of 6 months. The primary outcome was the absence of additional marginal peri‐implant bone loss ≥ 1.0 mm after surgery. The composite outcome was no additional marginal peri‐implant bone loss ≥ 1.0 mm and the absence of probing depth (PD) ≥ 5 mm, bleeding on probing and suppuration.

Results

Of the original 34 implants, 20 completed the 10‐year follow‐up, and three failed. Related to the primary outcome, the mean peri‐implant marginal bone level changed from 4.78 mm (SD 1.84) at baseline to 3.10 mm (SD 1.73) after surgery and 3.71 mm (SD 1.78) at the follow‐up end point. According to the composite outcome for disease resolution, 19 of the 34 original implants were successfully treated at the 10‐year follow‐up with a statistically significant difference between 1 (31/34 implants) and 5 years (20/34 implants) (p = 0.003) and 1 and 10 years (p = 0.001) but not between 5 and 10 years (p = 1.000).

Conclusions

Ten years after the reconstructive treatment, followed by regular SPT, the cumulative successful treatment rate, according to the primary and the composite outcomes, was 58% (20/34 implants) and 53% (19/34) implants, respectively.
Within‐session repeatability of Doppler ultrasound leg blood flow assessments during exercise in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Mohammad Milan , Hartmann Jacob P.
Published: November 2024

Doppler ultrasound can be used to evaluate leg blood flow (Q̇leg), especially of interest when investigating peripheral vascular limitations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the within‐session repeatability, a subdomain of test‐retest reliability, of this method remains unknown. This study aimed to provide within‐session repeatability estimates of Doppler ultrasound‐based Q̇leg at rest and during single‐leg knee‐extensor exercise (KEE) in patients with COPD, and to compare these estimates to matched healthy controls. In this case‐controlled study, 16 participants with COPD were matched based on sex and age with 16 healthy controls. All participants underwent measurement of Q̇leg using Doppler ultrasound in a KEE setup at various intensities with the same measurement being performed again separated by 10 s. Smallest real difference (SRD) was lowest at rest in both groups and increased during exercise, reaching values ranging from 164 to 231 mL in COPD and 122–180 mL in the control group. The coefficient of variance (CV) was highest at rest and decreased during exercise to values ranging from 4.0% to 5.0% in COPD and 2.6%–3.2% in the control group. The CV was significantly lower in the control group during 0 watt and exercise at 20% of max watt, but apart from that, no reliability estimates were different between groups. To conclude, Doppler ultrasound showed nearly equal within‐session repeatability when evaluating Q̇leg in COPD patients and healthy individuals with a CV not exceeding 5% during exercise for both groups.
Influence of Acuity Circles on Hepatocellular Carcinoma and the Interaction of Gender and Race in Liver Transplantation
Authors: Manivannan Ahila , Pillai Anjana , Liapakis AnnMarie , Parikh Neehar D. , Kumar Vineeta , Verna Elizabeth C. , Salgia Reena , Wu Trueman , Lu Mei , Jesse Michelle T.
Published: December 2024

The impact of liver transplant allocation policy using acuity circles (ACs) on interactions between race and gender on waitlist mortality or receipt of deceased donor liver transplant (DDLT) is unknown. Using data from the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), we examined adults listed for DDLT from April 3, 2017, to October 4, 2022 (30 months pre‐ and post‐AC). Fine‐Gray sub‐distribution hazard model explored AC indicators by race and gender interactions and their effect on receipt of DDLT or waitlist mortality. Also explored was AC's impact on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosis and receipt of DDLT or waitlist mortality. 59 592 patients (30 202 pre‐AC, 29 390 post‐AC) included. For both receipt of DDLT and waitlist mortality, there were no 3‐way (AC by race by gender) interactions, indicating that the effects of race and gender on DDLT or waitlist mortality were consistent pre‐ and post‐AC. Irrespective of AC implementation, Black and Hispanic women were less likely to receive DDLT and had an increased risk of waitlist mortality compared to White women. White, Black, and Hispanic men had lower waitlist mortality risk and greater likelihood of receiving DDLT compared to their female race/ethnic counterparts. Patients with HCC had a significantly greater chance for DDLT than non‐HCC, although post‐AC this effect was attenuated. Patients with HCC were also at greater risk of waitlist mortality pre‐ and post‐AC compared to those without HCC however, the waitlist mortality post‐AC was attenuated only for those patients without HCC. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show the interaction of gender and race on waitlist mortality and access to transplantation since the implementation of AC, showing continued disparate outcomes for women both within and across racial groups.
Colloid Bodies in Cutaneous Basal Cell Carcinoma: Clinical and Histologic Correlates—An Analysis of 405 Cases
Authors: Oganesyan Ruben , Tahan Steven R.
Published: November 2024

Background

Colloid bodies (CB), also known as Civatte bodies, are commonly seen in inflammatory dermatoses and are thought to represent cell degeneration. No studies have investigated the incidence and clinical associations of CB in cutaneous basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The aim of this study is to assess the incidence of CB in BCC lesions and analyze their clinical associations.

Methods

Four hundred and five sequential cases of cutaneous BCC from 396 patients diagnosed from 1/1/2023 to 12/31/2023 in our institution were studied for the presence of CB. Only cases of BCC with a single growth pattern were included. BCC subtype, patient age, location of the lesion, history of previous BCC at other site, smoking history, and allergy history were collected. Cases with and without CB were compared for each parameter using the paired t‐test for age and the Chi‐square test for categorical data.

Results

Patients were grouped based on the presence of CB into a study group (57 cases) and control group with no CB (348 cases). CB were identified in 14% (57/405) of BCCs. 19% (54/281) of nodular, 12.5% (1/8) of infiltrative, and 1.7% (2/116) of superficial type BCCs had CB. BCC with CB were more common on the face/scalp than other sites (66.7% vs. 34.2%, p < 0.001). Patients with CB were older (median 72 vs. 68 years ±12, p = 0.04), predominantly male (63% vs. 47%, p = 0.02), more frequently had a prior BCC (0.61% vs. 0.38%, p = 0.012), and did not differ in smoking history compared to the control cohort.

Conclusions

We identified CB in 14% of BCCs studied, most commonly in nodular, followed by infiltrative, and least often superficial type. After cohort matching, significant clinical associations of CB in BCC were sun‐exposed location and personal history of one or more prior BCC at other site(s). Their pathogenesis is not known, however their presence suggests tumor regression, which may potentially be exploited for new therapies in a subset of patients.
The universal role of adaptive transcription in health and disease
Authors: Lissek Thomas
Published: November 2024

In animals, adaptive transcription is a crucial mechanism to connect environmental stimulation to changes in gene expression and subsequent organism remodeling. Adaptive transcriptional programs involving molecules such as CREB, SRF, MEF2, FOS, and EGR1 are central to a wide variety of organism functions, including learning and memory, immune system plasticity, and muscle hypertrophy, and their activation increases cellular resilience and prevents various diseases. Yet, they also form the basis for many maladaptive processes and are involved in the progression of addiction, depression, cancer, cardiovascular disorders, autoimmune conditions, and metabolic dysfunction among others and are thus prime examples for mediating the adaptation–maladaptation dilemma. They are implicated in the therapeutic effects of major treatment modalities such as antidepressants and can have negative effects on treatment, for example, contributing to therapy resistance in cancer. This review examines the universal role of adaptive transcription as a mechanism for the induction of adaptive cell state transitions in health and disease and explores how many medical disorders can be conceptualized as caused by errors in cellular adaptation goals. It also considers the underlying principles in the basic structure of adaptive gene programs such as their division into a core and a directional program. Finally, it analyses how one might best reprogram cells via targeting of adaptive transcription in combination with complex stimulation patterns to leverage endogenous cellular reprogramming dynamics and achieve optimal health of the whole organism.
Establishing Effective Patient Engagement Through a Terms of Reference to Foster Inclusivity and Empowerment in Research: Example From a Healthcare Transition Quality Indicators Project
Authors: Munce Sarah E. P. , John Tomisin , Luong Dorothy , Mooney Sarah , Stromquist Lisa , Chambers Kyle , Crabtree Marilyn , Diaz Sanober , Dimitropoulos Gina , Henze Megan , Higgins Amanda , Li Elaine , Severino Samadhi Mora , Penner Melanie , Pidduck Jacklynn , Wan Michelle , Williams Laura , Yates Darryl , Toulany Alene
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Patient engagement in research aims to foster meaningful partnerships, integrating patient experiences into the research process. This paper describes the development of a Terms of Reference (ToR) to support these meaningful partnerships. While engagement improves data collection and empowerment, ineffective engagement can lead to negative outcomes. A well‐developed ToR promotes a structured, inclusive, and respectful process.

Methods

Using an integrated knowledge translation (iKT) approach, we established a panel of youth, caregivers, healthcare providers, and healthcare leaders/decision‐makers. Through collaborative discussions, we incorporated key elements into the ToR, including values, roles, decision‐making processes, and recognition of contributions.

Results

To promote effective engagement the ToR included sections to encourage open, transparent and vulnerable dialogue, evaluation, and accommodations for disabilities. The ToR draft was reviewed and refined by panel members for clarity. Regular reviews and updates will keep the ToR a living document and adaptable to the evolving engagement process.

Conclusion

The implementation of our ToR is designed to foster inclusivity, mutual respect, and accountability, avoiding tokenistic partnership, enriching the experience for patients and researchers alike, and ultimately enhancing research quality.
The Impact of Technostress, Nursing Informatics Competency and Knowledge‐Sharing Behaviour on Nursing Work Performance Among Tertiary Hospital Nurses
Authors: Baek Gyuli , Lee Young Ji , Lee Eunju
Published: November 2024

Aims

To examine the impact of technostress, nursing informatics competency and knowledge‐sharing behaviour on clinical nurses' work performance.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Method

We recruited nurses with over 6 months of experience from three tertiary hospitals in Daegu, Korea. Nurse managers and higher administrative positions were excluded. Participants completed an online questionnaire measuring technostress, nursing informatics competency, knowledge‐sharing behaviour and nursing work performance. Data were collected from December 20 to 29, 2023, and analysed using SPSS/WIN 24.0 with descriptive statistics, t‐tests, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient, multiple regression and the Scheffe test.

Results

Factors affecting nursing work performance included subfactors of nursing informatics competency— information ethics (β = 0.26, p < 0.001), problem clarification (β = 0.21, p = 0.003), information retrieval (β = 0.19, p = 0.002), information integration (β = 0.19, p = 0.003) and subfactors of technostress, namely techno‐complexity (β = −0.20, p = 0.001) and techno‐overload (β = −0.15, p = 0.007). These variables explained 62% of the variance in nursing work performance.

Conclusion

Nursing informatics competency and technostress significantly influence nursing work performance. Despite the regional limitation, our findings underscore the need to enhance informatics competency and mitigate technostress to improve nursing performance. Future studies should broaden the population scope and validate these results. System‐level interventions, such as technology education for nurses, can reduce technostress, thereby improving nursing work performance.

Impact

This study suggests that nursing informatics competency and technostress are crucial for nursing work performance, quality of care and public health enhancement.

Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
The Influence of Participation in an Intensive Care Trial on Health Practitioners' Knowledge of the Results—A Self‐Reported Survey
Authors: Mackle Diane M. , Nelson Katherine , Beasley Richard W. , Eathorne Allie , Young Paul J.
Published: November 2024

Aim

The Intensive Care Unit Randomised Trial Comparing Two Approaches to Oxygen Therapy Trial (ICU‐ROX) compared conservative oxygen therapy with usual care in mechanically ventilated adults in Australian and New Zealand intensive care units. Dissemination focused on publication and presentation, with no targeted approach.

The current study aimed to

investigate whether health practitioners from intensive care units that participated in ICU‐ROX were more likely to report they knew the trial results and had read the publication than those from intensive care units that did not participate;

explore whether there was a difference between doctors' and nurses' knowledge of the ICU‐ROX results and whether they read the publication.

Design

Survey using a self‐administered, quantitative design, developed for this study.

Methods

Convenience sample of 197 Australian and New Zealand intensive care specialist doctors and nurses.

Results

There was no difference in the knowledge of the study results between respondents from intensive care units that participated in ICU‐ROX compared to those that did not. Nurses were significantly less likely to have knowledge of the trial results or have read the publication than doctors. The commonest way for doctors and nurses to get the results was by word of mouth at work.

Conclusions

Participation in ICU‐ROX did not make a difference to knowledge of the findings. While the dissemination of trial results was extensive, it failed to adequately reach nurses, who play an important role in administering oxygen in intensive care.

Impact

This study has provided further evidence that nurses working in intensive care were unlikely to read the research results of an important study about oxygen management.

Implications for the Profession

Researchers, unit management and nurse leaders need to ensure dissemination methods that will reach nurses are used for research findings.

Reporting Method

This study followed the STROBE reporting guidelines for observational studies.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Trial Registration

This study is a substudy of a trial that was prospectively registered before the first participant was recruited: ACTRN12615000957594
Left Atrial Wall Thickness Measured by a Machine Learning Method Predicts AF Recurrence After Pulmonary Vein Isolation
Authors: Gomes Daniel A. , Bello Ana Rita , Freitas Pedro , Pereira Joana Certo , Matos Daniel Nascimento , Lopes Pedro , Rodrigues Gustavo , Carmo João , Gama Francisco , Guerreiro Sara , Santos Pedro Galvão , Costa Francisco Moscoso , Ferreira Jorge , Carmo Pedro , Abecasis João , Cavaco Diogo , Morgado Francisco Bello , Ferreira António M. , Adragão Pedro
Published: November 2024

Background

Left atrial (LA) remodeling plays a significant role in the progression of atrial fibrillation (AF). Although LA wall thickness (LAWT) has emerged as an indicator of structural remodeling, its impact on AF outcomes remains unclear. We aimed to determine the association between LAWT and AF recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), as well as to evaluate the relationship between LAWT and LA fibrosis.

Methods

Single‐center registry of patients enrolled for radiofrequency PVI from 2016 to 2018. In all cases, a pre‐ablation CT was performed within less than 48 h. Mean LAWT was retrospectively measured by a semi‐automated machine learning method (ADAS 3D). A subgroup of patients also underwent pre‐ablation cardiac MRI. The primary endpoint was time to AF recurrence after a 3‐month blanking period.

Results

A total of 439 patients (mean age 61 ± 12 years, 62% male, 78% with paroxysmal AF) were included. The mean LAWT was 1.4 ± 0.2 mm (0.9–1.9 mm). During a median follow‐up of 5.8 (IQR: 4.9–6.6) years, 238 patients (54%) had an AF relapse. After adjusting for 8 clinical and imaging potential confounders, LAWT remained an independent predictor of time‐to‐recurrence (aHR: 4.25 [95% CI: 1.65–10.95], p = 0.003). AF recurrence rates were 11%, 15%, and 21%/year across terciles of increasing LAWT (log‐rank p < 0.001). Additionally, the AF recurrence rate increased across the spectrum of LA structural remodeling, ranging from 8% (normal LAWT and LAVI) to 30%/year (LAWT and LAVI both increased). In the 62 patients who also underwent pre‐ablation MRI, a moderate relationship between LAWT and fibrosis (assessed by late‐gadolinium enhancement) was found (Spearman R 0.468; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Mean LAWT, easily assessed by commercially available machine learning software, is an independent predictor of time to AF recurrence after PVI in the long term. Whether patients with increased LAWT should receive tailored therapy deserves further investigation.
Diabetes remission in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus through short‐term continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion intensive therapy combined with low‐carbohydrate diet treatment
Authors: Huang Xuemei , Jiang Jiajin , Liu Li , Lin Yuanyuan , Zhang Feng , Ling Xiaoshan , Wei Haitao , Huang Guangjing , Ye Jinqun , Huang Cen , Huang Jianli , Tao Wenfu , Zou Xinyu
Published: November 2024

Aim/Introduction

To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy short‐term continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) intensive therapy combined with a low‐carbohydrate diet (LCD) for diabetes remission in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

This study included patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus, who were randomly divided into two groups: conventional (conventional CSII + traditional lifestyle guidance); and intensive (intensive CSII + LCD lifestyle guidance). CSII was used for blood glucose control, with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) used to monitor blood glucose levels. The primary outcome measure was hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level; secondary outcomes included body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, glycemic control, and biochemical indices.

Results

The time in range (TIR) in the intensive treatment group was greater than that in the conventional treatment group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of hypoglycemia between the two groups (P > 0.05). Compared with the conventional treatment group, diabetes remission rates were significantly greater in the intensive treatment group (P < 0.05). In the intensive treatment group, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), HbA1c, Homeostasis Model assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA‐IR), triglycerides (TG), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐c), and changes in body weight, BMI, visceral fat area (VFA), and subcutaneous fat area (SFA) decreased significantly (P < 0.05). FPG, HOMA‐IR, TG, LDL‐c, and changes in body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and VFA were significantly correlated with HbA1c levels (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The combination of intensive CSII and LCD lifestyle guidance had been improved the remission rate in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus.
CBL1/CIPK23 phosphorylates tonoplast sugar transporter TST2 to enhance sugar accumulation in sweet orange (Citrus sinensis)
Authors: Li Mengdi , Mao Zuolin , Zhao Zeqi , Gao Siyang , Luo Yanrou , Liu Ziyan , Sheng Xiawei , Zhai Xiawan , Liu Ji‐Hong , Li Chunlong
Published: November 2024

Fruit taste quality is greatly influenced by the content of soluble sugars, which are predominantly stored in the vacuolar lumen. However, the accumulation and regulation mechanisms of sugars in most fruits remain unclear. Recently, we established the citrus fruit vacuole proteome and discovered the major transporters localized in the vacuole membrane. Here, we demonstrated that the expression of tonoplast sugar transporter 2 (CsTST2) is closely associated with sugar accumulation during sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) ripening. It was further demonstrated that CsTST2 had the function of transporting hexose and sucrose into the vacuole. Overexpression of CsTST2 resulted in an elevation of sugar content in citrus juice sac, calli, and tomato fruit, whereas the downregulation of its expression led to the reduction in sugar levels. CsTST2 was identified as interacting with CsCIPK23, which binds to the upstream calcium signal sensor protein CsCBL1. The phosphorylation of the three serine residues (Ser277, Ser337, and Ser354) in the loop region of CsTST2 by CsCIPK23 is crucial for maintaining the sugar transport activity of CsTST2. Additionally, the expression of CsCIPK23 is positively correlated with sugar content. Genetic evidence further confirmed that calcium and CsCIPK23‐mediated increase in sugar accumulation depends on CsTST2 and its phosphorylation level. These findings not only unveil the functional mechanism of CsTST2 in sugar accumulation, but also explore a vital calcium signal regulation module of CsCBL1/CIPK23 for citrus sweetness quality.
Young adults' gendered trajectories of routine housework time when leaving home
Authors: Schulz Florian , Raab Marcel
Published: November 2024

Objective

To examine young adult women's and men's time use for routine housework when moving out of the parental household.

Background

From a life‐course perspective, establishing an own household is one of the key markers of the transition to adulthood. Leaving home is associated with new responsibilities concerning the organization of everyday life, including routine housework, and provides a new context for gendered behavior.

Methods

Hours for routine housework were estimated with longitudinal fixed effects regression models, using data from the German Socio‐Economic Panel Study (1991–2020) on 911 women and 721 men, aged 18–32, who moved to an own couple or non‐couple household.

Results

During the transition to an own household, young adult women increased their time for routine housework by 18 min per day. Young adult men's increase was larger with 21 min per day. The gender gap in routine housework hours widened when young adults moved into couple households but showed a converging pattern when they moved into non‐couple households.

Conclusion

Women continue to do more routine housework than men in early adulthood, although moving into non‐couple settings tends to decrease gender inequality on average.
Effects of different 3Y‐TZP nanoparticle concentrations on reinforcing mechanical properties of 3D‐printed resin using stereolithography technology
Authors: Qi Keyu , Hada Tamaki , Ren Xiangyu , Iwaki Maiko , Minakuchi Shunsuke , Kanazawa Manabu
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of varying concentrations of 3 mol% yttria‐stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline ceramic (3Y‐TZP) nanoparticles on mechanical properties of three‐dimensional (3D)‐printed resins in stereolithography (SLA) technology.

Materials and Methods

A total of four groups (n = 6) of specimens were printed. Pure 3D‐printed resin was used as the control group (0 wt%). For the experimental groups, modified 3Y‐TZP nanoparticles were dispersed into 3D‐printed resin at 1, 3, and 5 wt% concentrations to fabricate nanocomposites. Mechanical tests, including degree of conversion (DC), flexural strength, flexural modulus, fractography, and hardness, were evaluated and analyzed by one‐way analysis of variance followed by the Games–Howell post‐hoc test or Tukey post‐hoc test (α = 0.05).

Results

The DC of the control group showed the lowest value (p < 0.0001). The DC values peaked at the 5 wt% group, with no significant difference between the 3 wt% group. The flexural strength and modulus of the experimental groups were significantly higher than those in the control group. The addition of 1 and 3 wt% 3Y‐TZP nanoparticles significantly improved the flexural strength and modulus (p < 0.05), while 5 wt% resulted in a significant decrease. The 1 wt% group showed the lowest hardness value. Maximum hardness value was observed in the 3 wt% group (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between the control and 5 wt% groups (p = 0.428).

Conclusion

Optimal mechanical properties were obtained with the 3 wt% group, indicating its potential as a dental material in clinical application.
OPA1 Mediated Fatty Acid β‐Oxidation in Hepatocyte: The Novel Insight for Melatonin Attenuated Apoptosis in Concanavalin A Induced Acute Liver Injury
Authors: Chen Tong , Shuang Ruonan , Gao Tiantian , Ai Lijun , Diao Jichen , Yuan Xinyi , He Ling , Tao Weiwei , Huang Xin
Published: December 2024

Melatonin (MLT) has been reported to attenuate Concanavalin A (Con A)‐induced acute liver injury via the inhibition of immune cells. Whereas the response of hepatocyte to Con A‐caused inflammatory storm and the mechanism of MLT on hepatocyte remain not fully understood. Our RNA‐seq and bioinformatic analyses suggested that OPA1 and fatty acid β‐oxidation might be critical. It was found that MLT ameliorated Con A‐induced acute liver injury, promoted mitochondrial fusion, fatty acid β‐oxidation, modulated metabolic reprogramming and inhibited apoptosis. The overexpression and knockdown of OPA1 by adenovirus proved that these processes were governed by OPA1. With the overexpression plasmid, agonist, inhibitor and SiRNA, we found that MLT promoted OPA1 upregulation to enhance fatty acid β‐oxidation, which inhibited apoptosis. The MLT and OPA1‐promoted fatty acid β‐oxidation enhanced ATP production rather than reduced lipid accumulation. AMPK/FOXO1 was required for MLT and OPA1‐mediated fatty acid β‐oxidation and apoptosis. NOTCH1 was also necessary for this apoptotic process. The results were verified in immune deficiency mice and AML12 cells induced by Con A‐stimulated monocyte supernatant. MLT might control the transcription of OPA1 through MEF2A. TOMM70 was critical for MLT translocation and OPA1 upregulation. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that MLT attenuated Con A‐induced acute liver injury via the OPA1‐controlled fatty acid β‐oxidation to inhibit apoptosis in hepatocyte.
Dihydromyricetin Suppresses Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Intestinal Injury Through Reducing Reactive Oxygen Species Generation and NOD‐Like Receptor Pyrin Domain Containing 3 Inflammasome Activation
Authors: Chang Yicong , Jiang Xinru , Ji Zhenghua , Gong Yingchao , Fan Xianan , Hao Beili , Yuan Liang , Muhammad Ishfaq , Li Rui , Li Changwen , Liu Fangping
Published: December 2024

As an integral component of the gram‐negative bacterial cellular envelope, excess production of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) regularly precipitates causing intestinal damage and barrier dysfunction in avian species. Dihydromyricetin (DHM), a naturally occurring constituent in rattan tea, exhibits protective characteristics against various tissue injuries. However, the intervention mechanism of DHM on intestinal injury induced by LPS in chickens has not been determined. Consequently, this study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms through which DHM mitigates LPS‐induced intestinal damage in chickens through the reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐NOD‐like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Primary intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) were isolated and cultured from 14‐day‐old specific pathogen free (SPF) chicken embryos, and DHM ranging from 20 to 320 μmol/L increased cell survival rates. Additionally, DHM at 20 and 40 μmol/L demonstrated reduction in oxidative stress and ROS accumulation, mirroring the impact of ROS inhibitor (2.5 mmol/L NAC). DHM efficiently regulated ROS production, thereby augmenting ZO‐1, occludin and claudin‐1 expression to enhance barrier function; upregulating bcl‐2 expression and downregulating bax and caspase‐3 expression to regulate apoptosis and suppressing inflammation in IECs. Suppression of ROS subsequently attenuates NLRP3 inflammasome activation, leading to a remarkable downregulation of IL‐1β, IL‐18 and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) secretion, consistent with direct inactivation of NLRP3 inflammasome (10 μmol/L MCC950). Notably, DHM diminished IL‐1β and IL‐18 levels and LDH activity via suppression of ROS‐regulated NLRP3 and caspase‐1 expression and activation. In summary, DHM prevents LPS‐induced intestinal impairment by modulating ROS generation and NLRP3 inflammasome activation.