bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Model of student engagement in the distance learning process
Authors: Chwiłkowska-Kubala Anna , Spychała Małgorzata , Stachurski Tomasz
Published: April 2024

Purpose

We aimed to identify factors that influence student engagement in distance learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The research involved a group of 671 students from economic and technical higher education institutions in Poland. We collected the data with the CAWI technique and an original survey. Next, we processed the data using principal component analysis and then used the extracted components as predictors in the induced smoothing LASSO regression model.

Findings

The components of the students’ attitude toward remote classes learning conditions are: satisfaction with teachers’ approach, attitude to distance learning, the system of students’ values and motivation, IT infrastructure of the university, building a network of contacts and communication skills. The final model consisted of seven statistically significant variables, encompassing the student’s sex, level of studies and the first five extracted PCs. Student’s system of values and motivation as well as attitude toward distance learning, were those variables that had the biggest influence on student engagement.

Practical implications

The research result suggests that in addition to students’ system of values and motivation and their attitude toward distance learning, the satisfaction level of teachers’ attitude is one of the three most important factors that influence student engagement during the distance learning process.

Originality/value

The main value of this article is the statistical model of student engagement during distance learning. The article fills the research gap in identifying and evaluating the impact of various factors determining student engagement in the distance learning process.
Work–family conflict and high-quality relationships in construction project management: the effect of job and life satisfaction
Authors: Kunkcu Handan , Koc Kerim , Gurgun Asli Pelin
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Work–family conflict is one of the most challenging stressors for construction industry professionals to cope with emotional problems. This study aims to propose a model linking work–family conflict and high-quality relationships among project team members and explore mediating effects of life and job satisfactions.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical framework was established based on the spillover theory and social exchange theory. Data were obtained by a questionnaire survey conducted with 328 respondents working in construction projects. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test interrelationships among work–family conflict, job satisfaction, life satisfaction and high-quality relationship.

Findings

The results indicate that work–family conflict is negatively associated with both job and life satisfactions of construction professionals. In addition, there were direct and positive relationships between satisfaction domains and high-quality relationship capacity. The findings further support that job satisfaction plays a mediating role between work–family conflict and high-quality relationship among construction professionals, while life satisfaction does not mediate the relationship.

Originality/value

The effects of interrole conflicts on the context of satisfaction have been investigated previously; however, there is a lack of knowledge regarding its influence on high-quality relationship among project team members. This study extends the body of knowledge on high-quality relationships among project team members to understand how conflict and satisfaction factors influence interpersonal relationships in construction project management.
Trading wage jobs for dreams: the interplay between entry modes into self-employment and the duration of subsequent self-employment stints
Authors: Lindelid Lidia Kritskaya , Nair Sujith
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Wage employees enter self-employment either directly or in a staged manner and may subsequently undertake multiple stints at self-employment. Extant research on the relationship between entry modes and the persistence and outcomes of self-employment is inconclusive. This study investigates the relationship between wage employees’ initial mode of entry into self-employment and the duration of the subsequent first two stints of self-employment.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a matched longitudinal sample of 9,550 employees who became majority owners of incorporated firms from 2005 to 2016.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that the initial mode of entry into self-employment matters for the first two stints at self-employment. Staged entry into self-employment was associated with a shorter first stint and became insignificant for the second stint. Staged entry into self-employment was positively related to the odds of becoming self-employed for the second time in the same firm.

Originality/value

Using a comprehensive and reliable dataset, the paper shifts focus from the aggregated onward journey of novice entrepreneurs (survival as the outcome) to the duration of their self-employment stints. By doing so, the paper offers insights into the process of becoming self-employed and the patterns associated with success/failure in entrepreneurship associated with self-employment duration.
Using indirect survey techniques to investigate the relationship between employee personal experience of abusive supervision and job performance
Authors: Zampetakis Leonidas A.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To propose the use of indirect survey protocols, in general and the item count technique (ICT), in particular, that ensure participant anonymity in organizations to explore the effect of employee perceived abusive supervision on job performance.

Design/methodology/approach

We apply ICT to a sample of 363 employees (52.6% female) from Greek organizations. Utilizing multivariate statistical techniques, we investigated how employees assess the impact of their personal encounters with abusive supervision on job performance. This approach allowed us to explore the percentage of employees perceiving negative effects on job performance, distinguishing our study from previous studies that primarily focus on quantifying the extent or magnitude of abusive supervision in organizational settings. Also, we investigated how employee socio-demographic characteristics, human capital characteristics and affective traits relate to the evaluation of experienced abusive supervision as a negative factor for their job performance.

Findings

We found that approximately 62% of the respondents evaluated personal experience of abusive supervision as negatively affecting their job performance. We also found that the likelihood of employees evaluating personal experience of abusive supervision as having a negative impact on their job performance is: (1) higher for female employees, (2) does not depend on employee age, job tenure and education; (3) is lower for employees with managerial roles and (4) increases with employee trait negative affectivity.

Originality/value

The study is a response to the call for researchers to use innovative methods for advancing abusive supervision research. The study highlights the significance of taking a proactive stance towards addressing abusive supervision in the workplace, by using indirect survey methods that ensures employee anonymity. The results have implications for organizational strategies aimed at increasing awareness of abusive supervision and its impact on employee performance.
Investigating impact of health belief and trust on technology acceptance in smartwatch usage: Turkish senior adults case
Authors: Gündüz Nalan , Zaim Selim , Erzurumlu Yaman Ömer
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the influence of health beliefs and trust by senior adults as associated with the perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, for the acceptance of smart technology with a focus on smartwatch technology.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling is used to conceptualize the model using survey data collected from 243 randomly selected senior adults 60+ years of age.

Findings

This paper presents that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, trust and health belief are direct and indirect predictors of senior adults’ technology acceptance and intention to use smartwatch technology.

Research limitations/implications

The study reveals the moderator effect of social influence on relation between perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and intention to use. The authors highlight the effect of health belief and trust on perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use and the role of intention to use smartwatch technology.

Practical implications

The authors contribute bridging developers of health technologists and senior adults as end-user perspectives. For marketing of health-care technology products, specifically smartwatch, to seniors, a focus on health beliefs and trust is essential to build, maintain and improve perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use.

Originality/value

The present study contributes empirical evidence to the literature on factors affecting the acceptance of the smartwatch technology by senior adults.
Mechanical behavior of ECC-reinforced coupled shear wall
Authors: Zhao Jun , Zhang Hao , Liu Junwei , Gong Yanfen , Wan Songqiang , Liu Long , Li Jiacheng , Song Ziyi , Zhang Shiyao , Li Qingrui
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Based on the weak seismic performance and low ductility of coupled shear walls, engineered cementitious composites (ECC) is utilized to strengthen it to solve the deformation problem in tall buildings more effectively and study its mechanical properties more deeply.

Design/methodology/approach

The properties of reinforced concrete coupled shear wall (RCCSW) and reinforced ECC coupled shear wall (RECSW) have been studied by numerical simulation, which is in good agreement with the experimental results. The reliability of the finite element model is verified. On this basis, a detailed parameter study is carried out, including the strength and reinforcement ratio of longitudinal rebar, the placement height of ECC in the wall limb and the position of ECC connecting beams. The study indexes include failure mode and the skeleton curve.

Findings

The results suggest that the bearing capacity of RECSW is significantly affected by the ratio of longitudinal rebar. When the ratio of longitudinal rebar increases from 0.47% to 3.35%, the bearing capacity of RECSW increases from 250 kN to 303 kN, an increase of 21%. The strength of longitudinal rebar has little influence on the bearing capacity of RECSW. When the strength of the longitudinal rebar increases, the bearing capacity of RECSW increases little. The failure mode of RECSW can be improved by lowering the casting height of the ECC beam in a certain range.

Originality/value

In this paper, ECC is used to strengthen the coupled shear wall, and the accuracy of the finite element model is verified from the failure mode and skeleton curve. On this basis, the casting height of the ECC casting wall limb, the strength and reinforcement ratio of longitudinal rebar and the position of the ECC beam are studied in detail.
Influence of microtextured parameters of dry gas sealing rings on tribological performance
Authors: Chen Delin
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to research the influence mechanism of microtextured geometric parameters of dry gas seal end face on the tribological behavior under dry frictional conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The microtexture was processed using laser processing, while the diamond-like carbon (DLC) film was applied through magnetron sputtering; the experimental platform of friction vibration was established, the frictional and vibrational properties of different geometric parameters were tested; the data signals of vibrational acceleration and frictional torque were collected and processed using data acquisition instrument. The entropy characteristic parameters of 3D vibrational acceleration were extracted based on wavelet packet decomposition method. The end-face topography was measured with ST400 three-dimensional noncontact surface topography instrument.

Findings

The geometry of pits plays a key role in influencing friction performance; the permutation entropy and fuzzy entropy of the vibration acceleration signal changed with variations in microtextured parameters. A textured surface with appropriately size parameters can trap debris, enhance the dynamic pressure effect, reduce impact between the friction interfaces and improve the frictional vibrational performance. In this research, microtextured surface with Φ150 µm-10% and Φ200 µm-5% can effectively reduce friction and vibration between the end faces of a dry gas seal.

Originality/value

DLC film improves the hardness of seal ring end face, and microtexture improves the dynamic effect; the tribological behavior monitoring can be realized by analyzing the characteristics of vibration acceleration sensitive parameter with friction state. The findings will provide a basis for further research in the field of tribology and the microtexture optimization of dry gas seal ring end face.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-12-2023-0389/
Who cites the contributions by information science?
Authors: Järvelin Kalervo , Vakkari Pertti
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find out which research topics and methods in information science (IS) articles are used in other disciplines as indicated by citations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyzes citations to articles in IS published in 31 scholarly IS journals in 2015. The study employs content analysis of articles published in 2015 receiving citations from publication venues representing IS and other disciplines in the citation window 2015–2021. The unit of analysis is the article-citing discipline pair. The data set consists of 1178 IS articles cited altogether 25 K times through 5 K publication venues. Each citation is seen as a contribution to the citing document’s discipline by the cited article, which represents some IS subareas and methodologies, and the author team's disciplinary composition, which is inferred from the authors’ affiliations.

Findings

The results show that the citation profiles of disciplines vary depending on research topics, methods and author disciplines. Disciplines external to IS are typically cited in IS articles authored by scholars with the same background. Thus, the export of ideas from IS to other disciplines is evidently smaller than the earlier findings claim. IS should not be credited for contributions by other disciplines published in IS literature.

Originality/value

This study is the first to analyze which research topics and methods in the articles of IS are of use in other disciplines as indicated by citations.
Entrepreneurial migrations and diffusion of innovations: the case of Apulia in the first half of the 19th century
Authors: Lippolis Stella , Dell’Osa Dario , Ritrovato Ezio
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Through the reconstruction of the events of some foreign entrepreneurs who worked in the territory of the Italian city of Bari in the first half of the 19th century, this paper aims to analyze the role of entrepreneurial migration in the economic development of Apulia land in this period.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a theoretical framework that combines the concept of mixed embeddedness in a multifocal perspective, with the model of the diffusion of innovation focusing on the role of the so-called agency of actors, and of the network, in the dissemination of innovation. The theoretical framework is applied to multiple case studies to compare the evidence that emerged from the simultaneous analysis of several situations.

Findings

By analyzing how innovations have spread within the network of entrepreneurs of that time, it is possible to identify some relevant aspects related to the mechanisms of dissemination of innovations in the context of entrepreneurial migration. Specifically, the opportunity structure is intended in an even broader sense than indicated in the classic approach to mixed embeddedness: it is considered as the result of the joint interaction of the political, institutional and economic context of several places, and the behavioral dynamics of several groups.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the specific method chosen, the outcomes of the research might apply to a narrow context. Therefore, the results need to be tested and confirmed in further empirical studies, and by applying multiple research methods.

Practical implications

Findings are useful and significant in the analysis of the link that exists between the diffusion of innovations and migrant entrepreneurship, and then the conclusions can be applied and extended to the current phenomenon of migration-related innovations, with specific reference to developing countries.

Social implications

Findings can be applied and extended to the current phenomenon of migration-related innovations and highly skilled migration, with specific reference to developing countries.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to shed new light on the contextual and multifocal factors that influence the development of innovations in the networks of migrant entrepreneurship, in a specific historical period and a specific context. Combining social, human and financial capital with the wider opportunity structure, this study also provides a comprehensive understanding of the modalities through which migrant and high-skilled entrepreneurs could innovate.
Emergency policing and public trust in the police in Ghana: evidence from the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Dzordzormenyoh Michael K. , Dzordzormenyoh Claudia , Dogbey-Gakpetor Jerry
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic provides researchers and practitioners with an opportunity to examine the effect of emergency policing on public trust in the police and augment our understanding. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study was to examine the effect of police enforcement of COVID-19 health measures on public trust in the police in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

A multivariate binary logistic regression was utilized to assess the effect of police enforcement of COVID-19 health measures on public trust in the police in Ghana using national representative data.

Findings

Our analysis suggests that emergency policing positively influences public trust in the police in Ghana. Additionally, we observed that police-related issues such as corruption and professionalism, as well as demographic factors of the public, influence trust in the police. These observations are helpful for emergency policing and policy development in Ghana.

Originality/value

This study is unique because it uses national representative data to assess the effect of police enforcement of COVID-19 health measures on public trust in the police in Ghana. Furthermore, this study is among the first or among the few from Ghana and the sub-region to examine the nexus between health emergencies and policing.
A holistic approach to artificial intelligence-related research in the transportation system: bibliometric analysis
Authors: Şengöz Ayşe , Orhun Beste Nisa , Konyalilar Nil
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Developments regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in transportation systems, one of the important stakeholders of tourism, are remarkable. However, no review thus far has provided a comprehensive overview of research on AI in transportation systems.

Design/methodology/approach

To fill this gap, this study uses the VOSviewer software to present a bibliometric review of the current scientific literature in the field of AI-related tourism research. The theme of AI in transportation systems was explored in the Web of Science database.

Findings

The original search yielded 642 documents, which were then filtered by parameters. For publications related to AI in transportation systems, the most cited documents, leading authors, productive countries, co-occurrence analysis of keywords and bibliographic matching of documents were examined. This report shows that there has been a recent increase in research on AI in transport systems. However, there is only one study on tourism. The country that contributed the most is China with 298 studies. The most used keyword in the documents was intelligent transportation system.

Originality/value

The bibliometric analysis of the existing work provided a valuable and seminal reference for researchers and practitioners in AI-related in transportation system.
Functional compensation in a savanna scavenger community
Authors: Walker Alice E. L. , Robertson Mark P. , Eggleton Paul , Fisher Adam M. , Parr Catherine L.
Published: April 2024

Functional redundancy, the potential for the functional role of one species to be fulfilled by another, is a key determinant of ecosystem viability. Scavenging transfers huge amount of energy through ecosystems and is, therefore, crucial for ecosystem viability and healthy ecosystem functioning. Despite this, relatively few studies have examined functional redundancy in scavenger communities. Moreover, the results of these studies are mixed and confined to a very limited range of habitat types and taxonomic groups.

This study attempts to address this knowledge gap by conducting a field experiment in an undisturbed natural environment assessing functional roles and redundancy in vertebrate and invertebrate scavenging communities in a South African savanna.

We used a large‐scale field experiment to suppress ants in four 1 ha plots in a South African savanna and paired each with a control plot. We distributed three types of small food bait: carbohydrate, protein and seed, across the plots and excluded vertebrates from half the baits using cages. Using this combination of ant suppression and vertebrate exclusion, allowed us explore the contribution of non‐ant invertebrates, ants and vertebrates in scavenging and also to determine whether either ants or vertebrates were able to compensate for the loss of one another.

In this study, we found the invertebrate community carried out a larger proportion of overall scavenging services than vertebrates. Moreover, although scavenging was reduced when either invertebrates or vertebrates were absent, the presence of invertebrates better mitigated the functional loss of vertebrates than did the presence of vertebrates against the functional loss of invertebrates. There is a commonly held assumption that the functional role of vertebrate scavengers exceeds that of invertebrate scavengers; our results suggest that this is not true for small scavenging resources.

Our study highlights the importance of invertebrates for securing healthy ecosystem functioning both now and into the future. We also build upon many previous studies which show that ants can have particularly large effects on ecosystem functioning. Importantly, our study suggests that scavenging in some ecosystems may be partly resilient to changes in the scavenging community, due to the potential for functional compensation by vertebrates and ants.
Expertise, policy advice, and policy advisory systems in an open, participatory, and populist era: New challenges to research and practice
Authors: Craft Jonathan , Head Brian , Howlett Michael
Published: April 2024

This article examines the themes of policy advice, expertise, and policy advisory systems. It argues that persistent challenges and more emergent trends involving their intersection can be effectively understood through the lenses of instrumentality, authority, and adaptability. In the wake of renewed questions about the continued viability of longstanding public administration advisory arrangements, these themes help locate new pressures on those arrangement such as those linked to technological developments, shifting conceptions of expertise, and growing recognition of the challenges of managing systems of advice. These themes help facilitate continued engagement with persistent challenges linked to adequate policy capacity, the role of the public service advice, and question of rigour, legitimacy, and the democratic contexts of policy advising.

Points for practitioners

Technological innovations and turbulent governance arrangements have renewed debates around technocracy, democratic control and participation, the role of evidence, and normative and ethical considerations inherent in the generation and use of policy advice.

Policy capacity remains important for well‐functioning policy advisory systems. It has itself become multifaceted reflecting not only important differences in types of expertise and policy advice, but also concerns around its management and deployment in varying governance contexts.

The competencies required for policy workers inside and outside of government should reflect changes in the role of expertise and evolving systems of policy advice.
Oral delivery of probiotics using single‐cell encapsulation
Authors: Han Jiaqi , McClements David Julian , Liu Xuebo , Liu Fuguo
Published: April 2024

Adequate intake of live probiotics is beneficial to human health and wellbeing because they can help treat or prevent a variety of health conditions. However, the viability of probiotics is reduced by the harsh environments they experience during passage through the human gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Consequently, the oral delivery of viable probiotics is a significant challenge. Probiotic encapsulation provides a potential solution to this problem. However, the production methods used to create conventional encapsulation technologies often damage probiotics. Moreover, the delivery systems produced often do not have the required physicochemical attributes or robustness for food applications. Single‐cell encapsulation is based on forming a protective coating around a single probiotic cell. These coatings may be biofilms or biopolymer layers designed to protect the probiotic from the harsh gastrointestinal environment, enhance their colonization, and introduce additional beneficial functions. This article reviews the factors affecting the oral delivery of probiotics, analyses the shortcomings of existing encapsulation technologies, and highlights the potential advantages of single‐cell encapsulation. It also reviews the various approaches available for single‐cell encapsulation of probiotics, including their implementation and the characteristics of the delivery systems they produce. In addition, the mechanisms by which single‐cell encapsulation can improve the oral bioavailability and health benefits of probiotics are described. Moreover, the benefits, limitations, and safety issues of probiotic single‐cell encapsulation technology for applications in food and beverages are analyzed. Finally, future directions and potential challenges to the widespread adoption of single‐cell encapsulation of probiotics are highlighted.
Provenance Analysis of the Cenozoic Sedimentary Successions in the Ningnan Basin, NE Tibetan Plateau: Constraints on Sedimentological and Tectonomorphological Evolution
Authors: ZHAO Xiaochen , ZHAO Shaowei , LIU Chiyang , WANG Jianqiang , HUANG Lei , NIU Yazhuo , CHEN Yingtao , DU Fangpeng , PENG Heng , FENG Zeyi , DONG Yingchun
Published: April 2024

The evolution and reforming history of the Cenozoic basins in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau (NETP) are significant for understanding the northeastward growth of the Tibetan Plateau. The sediments in these basins archived the spatial‐temporal patterns of the surface uplift and deformation processes in response to remote effects of growth of the NETP. Here, we present an integrated provenance analysis of the Ningnan basin in the NETP to provide direct insights into the basin evolution and further constraints of the Tibetan Plateau's northeastward growth. In this study, the Cenozoic strata (Sikouzi, Qingshuiying, Zhang'enpu and Ganhegou formations) in the Ningnan basin yield complex detrital zircon age distributions featured by predominant age populations at 200–360 Ma and 360–540 Ma with minor Precambrian ages. Detrital zircon U‐Pb ages indicate that the southwestern Ordos Block, the western Qinling orogenic belt, and the eastern Qilian orogenic belt are primary source areas. Additionally, adjacent local paleo‐uplifts (e.g., Xihua, Nanhua, Xiangshan, Liupan Mts.) also provided minor volumes of sediment. In addition, conglomerates and paleocurrent directions of the Sikouzi–Ganhegou formations exhibit an apparent change since the late Miocene, revealing an obvious provenance shift. The quantitatively determined mixing proportions of the surrounding source areas also reveals that the early source‐to‐sink system was replaced during the deposition of the Ganhegou Formation. Combined with previous studies, we suggest that the formation of the Ningnan basin was controlled by normal faults in extension setting and experienced continued sediment accumulation during the Qingshuiying–Zhang'enpu period; since the late Miocene, the significant provenance shift reflects the obvious northeastward growth of the NETP and led to the extinction of the Ningnan basin.
Peace as a hypothetical imperative: Brazil's foreign policy standpoint on the war in Ukraine
Authors: Belém Lopes Dawisson , Vázquez Karin Costa
Published: April 2024

The text traces Brazil's pacifist stance back to the early 20th century, rooted in a pragmatic approach to conserve resources and foster economic growth. It discusses the role of public opinion in shaping Brazil's response to the conflict, highlighting a pro‐neutrality tendency within the populace. The article also analyses the continuity of Brazil's stance under two different presidents, emphasising that despite a change in leadership, there has been no structural shift in foreign policy concerning this matter. We then reflect on Brazil's evolving role on the global stage, considering its historical alignment with the West and the changing dynamics driven by factors such as China's rising influence and the BRICS grouping. The continuing conflict in Ukraine is portrayed as an illustrative case, providing insights on the prospective foreign policy conduct of Global South actors.
The benefits of neutrality: Saudi foreign policy in the wake of the Ukraine war
Authors: Heibach Jens
Published: April 2024

This article assesses Saudi Arabia's ambivalent response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. On the one hand, the Kingdom has publicly condemned Russia's military aggression as contravening international law. Yet, on the other, it has also failed to take serious measures against Moscow, notably by refusing to join in Western attempts to prevent Russia from earning hydrocarbon revenues on the international market. Saudi Arabia has adopted a neutral position instead, offering to mediate between the warring parties while simultaneously repeatedly rebuffing its longtime ally the United States. By reviewing the Kingdom's foreign policy moves and narratives since the war's onset, it is argued Saudi officials are acting perfectly rationally in that they strive to achieve the optimum outcome as per their definition of Saudi national interests in this conflict, thereby pressing ahead with the diversification of Saudi foreign policy initiated roughly one decade earlier. In concluding, the implications of the Kingdom's stance on the war for future global order‐making are discussed.
Identification of candidate genes associated with milk production and mastitis based on transcriptome‐wide association study
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Sevda , Rafat Seyed Abbas , Javanmard Arash , Fang Lingzhao
Published: April 2024

Genetic research for the assessment of mastitis and milk production traits simultaneously has a long history. The main issue that arises in this context is the known existence of a positive correlation between the risk of mastitis and lactation performance due to selection. The transcriptome‐wide association study (TWAS) approach endeavors to combine the expression quantitative trait loci and genome‐wide association study summary statistics to decode complex traits or diseases. Accordingly, we used the farmgtex project results as a complete bovine database for mastitis and milk production. The results of colocalization and TWAS approaches were used for the detection of functional associated candidate genes with milk production and mastitis traits on multiple tissue‐based transcriptome records. Also, we used the david database for gene ontology to identify significant terms and associated genes. For the identification of interaction networks, the genemania and string databases were used. Also, the available z‐scores in TWAS results were used for the calculation of the correlation between tissues. Therefore, the present results confirm that LYNX1, DGAT1, C14H8orf33, and LY6E were identified as significant genes associated with milk production in eight, six, five, and five tissues, respectively. Also, FBXL6 was detected as a significant gene associated with mastitis trait. CLN3 and ZNF34 genes emerged via both the colocalization and TWAS approaches as significant genes for milk production trait. It is expected that TWAS and colocalization can improve our perception of the potential health status control mechanism in high‐yielding dairy cows.
Adverse impacts in residential aged care facilities: The resident perspective
Authors: St Clair Bella , Nguyen Amy , Jorgensen Mikaela , Georgiou Andrew
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Inclusion of consumer perspectives is a key component to person‐centred health‐care approaches. While current residential aged care systems focus on recording adverse events to meet the requirements of regulatory reporting, little is known about the views of residents. The aim of this research was to explore residents' responses on the types of incidents that have an adverse impact on them and how they are affected by these incidents.

Methods

The study used a qualitative, inductive approach to derive themes from interviews with 20 permanent residents of aged care facilities in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.

Results

Four main themes surrounding adverse incidents emerged: (i) social relationships and the adverse impacts of lack of meaningful interactions, (ii) adjustment to life in the residential aged care facility and the loss of residents' former life and self‐determination, (iii) the impact of COVID‐19 lockdowns which meant that residents were not able to go out or interact with others and (iv) acceptance, resignation and resilience in coping with adverse incidents.

Conclusions

This research highlights the difference between health‐care definition, used for incident management reporting and quality indicators, and the way residents respond when asked to describe an incident that has affected them. Resident responses discuss situations having an adverse effect on them in contrast to the way adverse events and incidents are reported and monitored. The findings suggest that within adverse event and incident management systems and resident governance systems, there is scope for incorporating periods of transitions and well‐being measures that capture elements that matter to older people.
Brodalumab for moderate–severe hidradenitis suppurativa: An open‐label multicentric cohort study in real clinical practice
Authors: Osorio‐Gómez Guiovana Fernanda , Ortiz‐Álvarez Juan , Diaz‐Ceca Delia , Guijarro‐Sánchez Cesar , Conejo‐Mir Sánchez Julián , Fernández Crehuet Pablo
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The use of biological therapy is becoming increasingly common in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Levels of serum TNF‐alfa and IL17 support the role of an immune system dysregulation in the pathogenesis of HS. Brodalumab targets the receptor A of IL‐17, thus having a promising role in the treatment of HS.

Material and methods

A multicenter retrospective observational open‐label study was conducted in two tertiary hospitals. Adults with moderate to severe HS under treatment with brodalumab 210 mg at week 0, 1, 2 and then every 2 weeks were included and assessed at weeks 0 and 16 which was the median follow‐up time. Demographic and disease‐related variables as well as response parameters (HiSCR and IHS4) and safety data were recorded and analysed.

Results

A total of 16 patients (75% males) were included in our study. 50% of patients presented an inflammatory phenotype and mean BMI was 28.37. HiSCR was achieved in 50% of patients and mean IHS4 decreased from 24.13 to 16.81 (p = 0.002). No differences were found between those who achieved HiSCR and those who did not. Grade 2 adverse events were reported in three patients with no fatal outcomes and treatment discontinuation was advised in four patients.

Conclusions

Brodalumab seems to be effective and safe in patients with moderate to severe HS, even in those that did not respond to adalimumab, which, at the moment, is the only widely approved biologic for this indication. Thus, it stands as an interesting option for the treatment of HS.
The Australian health workforce: Disproportionate shortfalls in small rural towns
Authors: Cortie Colin H. , Garne David , Parker‐Newlyn Lyndal , Ivers Rowena G. , Mullan Judy , Mansfield Kylie J. , Bonney Andrew
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The distribution of health care workers differs greatly across Australia, which is likely to impact health delivery.

Objective

To examine demographic and workplace setting factors of doctors, nurses and midwives, and allied health professionals across Modified Monash Model (MMM) regions and identify factors associated with shortfalls in the health care workforce.

Design

Descriptive cross‐sectional analysis. The study included all health professionals who were registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency in 2021, and who were working in Australia in their registered profession. The study examined number of registrations and full‐timed equivalent (FTE) registrations per MMM region classification, adjusted for population. Associated variables included age, gender, origin of qualification, Indigenous status and participation in the private or public (including government, non‐government organisation and not‐for‐profit organisations) sectors.

Findings

Data were available for 31 221 general practitioners, 77 277 other doctors, 366 696 nurses and midwives, and 195 218 allied health professionals. The lowest FTE per 1000 people was seen in MM5 regions for general practitioners, other doctors, nurses and midwives, and allied health professionals. Demographic factors were mostly consistent across MM regions, although MM5 regions had a higher percentage of nurses and midwives and allied health professionals aged 55 and over. In the private sector, FTE per 1000 people was lowest in MM5‐7 regions. In the public sector, FTE per 1000 people was lowest in MM5 regions.

Discussion

A disproportionate shortfall of health workers was seen in MM5 regions. This shortfall appears to be primarily due to low FTE per capita of private sector workers compared with MM1‐4 regions and a low FTE per capita of public sector workers compared with MM6‐7 regions.

Conclusion

In Australia, small rural towns have the lowest number of health care workers per capita which is likely to lead to poor health outcomes for those regions.
High‐risk neighbourhoods and behaviour outcomes in children born extremely preterm
Authors: Nwanne Ogochukwu Y. , Rogers Michelle L. , McGowan Elisabeth C. , Tucker Richard , Vivier Patrick M. , Vohr Betty R.
Published: April 2024

Aim

Study the association between neighbourhood risk and behaviour in extreme preterm (EPT) children. We hypothesised that EPT children living in high‐risk neighbourhoods have increased risk of clinical range behaviour problems at age 30–36 months.

Methods

Retrospective analyses of Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)scores for 739 EPTs born 2005–2016. Addresses were geocoded to identify census block groups and create high versus low‐risk groups. Regression analyses assessed the impact of neighbourhood risk on behaviour.

Results

Children from high‐risk (N = 272, 39%) and low‐risk (N = 417, 61%) neighbourhoods were compared. In adjusted analyses, odds of clinical range scores remained greater in high‐risk neighbourhoods for Emotionally Reactive (OR: 4.32, CI: 1.13, 16.51), Somatic Complaints (2.30, CI 1.11,4.79), Withdrawn (OR: 2.56, CI: 1.21, 5,42), Aggressive Behaviour (OR: 4.12, CI: 1.45, 11.68), Internalising (OR: 1.96, CI: 1.17, 3.28), and Total score (OR: 1.86, OR: CI: 1.13, 3.07). Cognitive delay was higher in high‐risk neighbourhoods and a risk factor for Attention Problems (2.10,1.08, 4.09). Breast milk was protective for Emotionally Reactive (OR: 0.22, CI: 0.06, 0.85) and Sleep Problems (OR: 0.47, CI:0.24, 0.94).

Conclusion

Neighbourhood risk provided an independent contribution to preterm adverse behaviour outcomes with cognitive delay an additional independent risk factor. Breast milk at discharge was protective.
To sleep or to breastfeed: Associations between feeding method and sleep in infants and children
Authors: Hershon Malka , Kiafar Anita , Laganière Christine , Pokhvisneva Irina , Gaudreau Hélène , Pennestri Marie‐Hélène
Published: April 2024

Aim

This study aimed to understand the association between feeding method, specifically breastfeeding versus non‐breastfeeding, at 6 and 12 months and infant sleep over the first 3 years of life.

Methods

A sample of 444 mother‐infant dyads from the Maternal Adversity, Vulnerability and Neurodevelopment cohort were analysed. Based on retrospective maternal reports between 3–24 months, infants' breastfeeding status was determined at 6 and 12 months. Nocturnal sleep duration, longest period of consecutive sleep, and total sleep over 24 h were measured by maternal reports at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months.

Results

Generalized Estimating Equations revealed no significant association between feeding status, both at 6 and 12 months, and nocturnal sleep duration or total sleep over 24 h between 6–36 months (p > 0.05). However, breastfeeding at both 6 and 12 months was associated with shorter periods of consecutive sleep, at 6 and 12 months (p < 0.05) but not at 24 and 36 months (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that breastfeeding seems to be associated with more infant sleep fragmentation but not with total sleep duration in early infancy. However, this sleep fragmentation does not persist into later infancy and early toddlerhood.
Paediatric‐onset immune‐mediated inflammatory disease is associated with an increased mortality risk—A nationwide study
Authors: Malham Mikkel , Jansson Sabine , Ingels Helene , Jørgensen Marianne Hørby , Rod Naja Hulvej , Wewer Vibeke , Fox Matthew P.
Published: April 2024

Background

Paediatric‐onset immune‐mediated inflammatory diseases (pIMID) show more aggressive phenotypes than when diagnosed in adults. However, data on mortality are often extrapolated from adult studies.

Aim

To estimate the effect of pIMID on mortality.

Methods

In a population‐based cohort study using the nationwide Danish healthcare registers, we included all patients diagnosed with pIMID in Denmark from 1980 to 2018. PIMID were defined as ICD codes indicative of autoimmune hepatitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, lupus erythematosus, or vasculitis registered before age 18 years. All‐cause mortality was the primary outcome; cause‐specific mortality was the secondary outcome. We used Cox survival analysis to estimate hazard ratios (HR), and Aalen survival analysis to estimate rate differences.

Results

We included 11,581 individuals diagnosed with pIMID and 99,665 reference individuals, accounting for 1,371,994 person‐years of follow‐up. Median and interquartile (IQR) age at diagnosis was 12.6 (7.9–15.9) years. During follow‐up, 152 patients with pIMID and 316 reference individuals died; adjusted HR (aHR) was 3.8 (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.1–4.7). This corresponded to 6.9 (95% CI: 5.3–8.5) additional deaths per 10,000 person‐years. The strongest associations were found for gastrointestinal diseases (aHR 22.8; 95% CI 9.6–64.1), gastrointestinal cancers (aHR 19.2; 95% CI 5.0–74.2) and lymphoproliferative disorders (aHR 6.8; 95% CI 2.8–16.8).

Conclusion

Patients diagnosed with pIMID have a fourfold higher risk of mortality when followed into early adulthood compared with reference individuals. This underlines the severe disease course of pIMID and highlights the need for multidisciplinary care.
The expression of empathy in human's closest relatives, bonobos and chimpanzees: current and future directions
Authors: Brooker Jake S. , Webb Christine E. , de Waal Frans B. M. , Clay Zanna
Published: April 2024

Empathy is a complex, multi‐dimensional capacity that facilitates the sharing and understanding of others' emotions. As our closest living relatives, bonobos (Pan paniscus) and chimpanzees (P. troglodytes) provide an opportunity to explore the origins of hominin social cognition, including empathy. Despite certain assumptions that bonobos and chimpanzees may differ empathically, these species appear to overlap considerably in certain socio‐emotional responses related to empathy. However, few studies have systematically tested for species variation in Pan empathic or socio‐emotional tendencies. To address this, we synthesise the growing literature on Pan empathy to inform our understanding of the selection pressures that may underlie the evolution of hominin empathy, and its expression in our last common ancestor. As bonobos and chimpanzees show overlaps in their expression of complex socio‐emotional phenomena such as empathy, we propose that group comparisons may be as or more meaningful than species comparisons when it comes to understanding the evolutionary pressures for such behaviour. Furthermore, key differences, such as how humans and Pan communicate, appear to distinguish how we experience empathy compared to our closest living relatives.
A (dynamic) investigation of stereotypes, belief‐updating, and behavior
Authors: Coffman Katherine , Ugalde Araya Maria Paola , Zafar Basit
Published: April 2024

Using a controlled experiment, we study the dynamic effects of feedback on decision‐making across verbal skills and math. Before feedback, men are more optimistic about their performance and more willing to compete than women, especially in math. While feedback shifts individuals' beliefs and behavior, we see substantial persistence of gender gaps 1 week later. This is particularly true among individuals who receive negative feedback. Our results are not well‐explained by motivated reasoning; in fact, negative feedback is more likely to be recalled than positive feedback. Overall, our results highlight the challenges involved in overcoming gender gaps in dynamic settings.