bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Precision in decision-making: a novel Z-number DEA approach for European country rankings
Authors: Eligüzel Nazmiye , Aydoğan Sena
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Conventional approaches such as Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Fuzzy Data Envelopment Analysis (FDEA) cannot effectively account for uncertainty, which can lead to imprecise decision-making. Furthermore, these methods frequently rely on precise numbers, ignoring the inherent uncertainty of real-world data. To address this gap, the research question arises: How can we develop a methodology that combines Z-number theory and FDEA to provide a comprehensive assessment of residency preferences in European countries while accounting for uncertainty in information reliability? The proposed methodology aims to fill this gap by incorporating Z-number theory and FDEA.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed study assesses residency preferences across 39 European countries, focusing on key factors like environment, sustainability, technology, education, and development, which significantly influence individuals' residency choices. Unlike conventional DEA and FDEA approaches, the proposed method introduces a novel consideration: dependability. This inclusion aims to refine decision-making precision by accounting for uncertainties related to data reliability. The proposed methodology utilizes an interval approach, specifically employing the a-cut approach with interval values in the second step. Unlike using crisp values, this interval programming resolves formulations to determine the efficiencies of decision-making units (DMUs).

Findings

The comprehensive findings provide valuable insights into the distinctive factors of European nations, aiding informed decision-making for residency choices. Malta (75.6%-76.1%-75.8%), Austria (78.2%-78%-76.1%), and the United Kingdom (79.3%-78.4%-77%) stand out with distinct characteristics at levels of a = 0-a = 0.5-a = 1, assuming the independence of variables of the overall evaluation. Individual consideration of each factor reveals various countries as prominent contenders, except for the environmental factor, which remains consistent across countries.

Originality/value

Traditional DEA models encounter challenges when dealing with uncertainties and inaccuracies, particularly in the evaluation of large systems. To overcome these limitations, we propose integrating Z-numbers—a powerful mathematical tool for modeling uncertainty—into the conventional DEA process. Our methodology not only assesses the effectiveness of countries across various socio-economic and environmental metrics but also explicitly addresses the inherent uncertainties associated with the data. By doing so, it aims to enhance the precision of decision-making and provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders.
National stereotypes in the cross-cultural service encounter: empirical evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Quynh , Yankholmes Aaron , Ladkin Adele , Osman Hanaa
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate Vietnamese hotel workers’ use of national stereotypes in cross-cultural service encounters. The study extends the existing knowledge on service failures and recovery attempts by illustrating how national stereotypes could inform these decisions through the lens of the script theory.

Design/methodology/approach

In this qualitative study, 34 service providers were interviewed about their experience in dealing with guests from different countries in Vietnamese hotels.

Findings

Service providers categorised guests based on their countries of origin to predict their behaviour prior to guest arrivals. When the guest’s behaviour matches the expectations, the service encounters went smoothly by following existing scripts. If there is a discrepancy between the guest behaviours and expectations, it could lead to service failure and the need for new scripts. Appropriate interventions in this process could turn anecdotes into accumulated understanding of guest behaviour for better service and guest experience as a new application of national stereotypes.

Originality/value

This study advances cross-cultural service encounter research by integrating national stereotypes and script theory. It sheds new light on how national stereotypes could inform service delivery and recovery attempts in service organisations.
Is “machina” a “deus ex machina” solution to the labour shortages in tourism and hospitality?
Authors: Ivanov Stanislav
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the role of robots, artificial intelligence and service automation in mitigating the labour shortages in tourism and hospitality.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper.

Findings

Robots, artificial intelligence and service automation have substitution, enhancement and transformational effects on tasks and jobs. The automatability of jobs depends on the automatability of the tasks they include. Cognitive, repetitive, standardised tasks are easier to automate. Tourism jobs with more physical tasks are more difficult to automate.

Originality/value

The paper sheds light on the mechanisms through which tourism and hospitality jobs can be automated to mitigate labour shortages.
Utilising fatty acid prediction equations and mid‐infrared spectroscopy to estimate the seasonality changes in bovine milk from pasture‐based systems
Authors: Timlin Mark , O'Callaghan Tom F , McCarthy Elaine K , Lynch Michael , Sheehan Barry , McCarthy Noel A , Frizzarin Maria
Published: July 2024

The aim of this study was to utilise mid‐infrared spectroscopy with fatty acid (FA) predictions to characterise the seasonality‐associated changes to the FA profile of milk from Irish spring‐calving pasture‐based dairy cow production systems. A total of 546 454 individual milk records were collected from the Years 2015 to 2020, from 264 003 cows in 2400 commercial dairy farms. Significant changes occur to the predicted FA profile of milk across the year, such as increases in unsaturated FAs including C18:1 n‐9 until April. This can be associated with the increasing proportion of fresh pasture in the cows' diet, and a decrease between September and October as the cows begin to transition indoors for the winter period. The opposite trend was noted for saturated FAs and in particular C16:0, where proportions decreased until April and increased between September and November. Milk produced between April and September also coincided with the lowest spreadability index, indicating a more beneficial milk FA profile for more spreadable butter texture during this period. This work provides a valuable reference resource at a national level of the FA profile of milk from pasture‐based spring‐calving dairy systems.
Cognate Mafic Enclaves Formed by Cumulated Mush Convection in a Granitic Magma Chamber: Evidence from Mineral Chemistry of the Triassic Zhashui Pluton, Qinling Orogen
Authors: ZHANG Hongbing , ZHOU Xuchen , LAI Shaocong , ZHANG Hua , QIN Jiangfeng
Published: July 2024

Mafic enclaves in granites are generally considered to represent coeval mafic melts that derived from metasomatized mantle, which can provide valuable information about crust–mantle interaction. Exploring the genetic links between the mafic enclaves and their host monzogranite from the Triassic Zhashui Pluton, Qinling orogenic belt. The enclaves (220 ± 4.6 Ma) and the monzogranite (220 ± 2.8 Ma) display identical zircon U‐Pb ages, and they also share similar trace element and zircon Lu‐Hf isotopes, indicating a cognate source. The monzogranite displays zircon εHf(t) values of –0.99 to +1.98, while the mafic enclaves show similar values of –0.45 to +3.26; however, differences in mineral chemistry reveal different crystallization conditions. The amphibole from the mafic enclaves has higher temperature and pressure (757°C; 2.65 kbar) compared to those of the host monzogranite (733°C; 1.96 kbar), suggesting that mafic minerals in the enclaves crystallized at an early stage. Moreover, apatite in the mafic enclaves displays slightly higher volatile contents (0.72 wt%) than those of the monzogranite (0.66 wt%), indicating a volatile‐rich condition. These results suggest that the mafic enclaves represent early hydrous mafic cumulates in the granitic chamber, and subsequent magma convection would have led to the formation of the mafic enclaves.
Homologous recombination deficiency status predicts response to immunotherapy‐based treatment in non‐small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Gao Ai , Wang Xin , Wang Jing , Zhong Diansheng , Zhang Linlin
Published: July 2024

Background

Homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) is a biomarker that predicts response to ovarian cancer treatment with poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors or breast cancer treatment with first‐line platinum‐based chemotherapy. However, there are few studies on the prognosis of lung cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy using HRD as a biomarker.

Methods

We studied the relationship between HRD status and the effectiveness of first‐line ICI‐based therapy in EGFR/ALK wild‐type metastatic non‐small cell lung cancer patients (NSCLC) patients.

Results

This study included 22 treatment naïve NSCLC patients. The HRD score ranged from −26.37 to 92.34, with an average of 24.57. Based on analysis of the progression‐free survival (PFS) data from the included NSCLC patients, threshold traversal was carried out. HRD (+) was defined as an HRD score of 31 or higher. Kaplan–Meier PFS survival analysis showed prolonged median PFS (mPFS) in NSCLC patients with HRD (+) versus HRD (−) (N/A vs. 7.0 ms, log‐rank p = 0.029; HR 0.20, 95% CI: 0.04–0.96, likelihood‐ratio p = 0.03). In patients with PD‐L1 TPS ≥50% and HRD score ≥31 (co‐status high), the mPFS was temporarily not reached during the follow‐up period. In patients with PD‐L1 TPS <1% and HRD score <31, the mPFS was 3 ms. Cox regression analysis showed that the hazard ratio of the co‐status was 0.14 (95% CI: 0.04–0.54), which was a good prognostic factor, and the prognostic effect of co‐status was better than that of HRD score alone.

Conclusion

The HRD status can be identified as an independent significance in NSCLC patients treated with first‐line ICI‐based therapy.
‘Things have changed since we last spoke…’: The impacts of parental death on the life and livelihood of a young informal vendor in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Salvidge Nathan
Published: July 2024

While an increasing number of studies concerning youth and informality have examined the complex relationship between youth, informal work and transitions to adulthood, this literature has paid little attention to how the death of a family member presents distinctive challenges to young vendors' life and livelihood progression. Addressing this, the paper draws on a case study of a small‐scale informal worker in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, who was participating in in‐depth ethnographic research when their father died suddenly. Through this, it investigates how parental death intersects with the challenges a young vendor experienced working informally while simultaneously attempting to achieve transitions to anticipated adulthood. Life‐mapping interviews and participatory timeline diagrams were employed, gaining rich insights into a young vendor's experiences of parental death, revealing how these were shaped by an interplay between the past, present and future. More specifically, the research, which brings together literature concerning youth, informality and family relations, explores how parental death can (re)configure a young person's household roles, responsibilities and relations in response to sudden precarity in the present, reshaping priorities and plans towards achieving goals over different timeframes. Given persistent levels of informality and uncertainty across employment in sub‐Saharan Africa and beyond, this article provides a timely contribution by highlighting the need for more studies to investigate how parental death creates and exacerbates the challenges youth vendors experience, constraining their abilities to grow and sustain their lives and livelihoods within the informal sector.
Exploring the role of viscosity–vaso‐occlusion and haemolysis–endothelial dysfunction in pain sensitization among Jamaicans with sickle cell disease
Authors: Ramsay Zachary , Ali Amza , Grant Justin , Asnani Monika
Published: July 2024

Viscosity–vaso‐occlusion (VVO) and haemolysis–endothelial dysfunction (HED) are pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical subphenotypes of sickle cell disease (SCD). Recurrent vaso‐occlusive crises (VOC) may lead to neuroplastic changes and pain sensitization. Among 257 SCD participants, we assessed the relationship of subphenotypes with pain sensitivity using quantitative sensory testing to identify heat pain thresholds (HPT) and pressure pain thresholds (PPT). VOC history and sleep, social and emotional functioning were assessed using the Adult Sickle Cell Quality of Life Measurement Information System. The ‘elbow method’ determined the optimal number of clusters as three. Clustering was performed using K‐prototypes. Among clusters 2 and 3, VOC frequency and severity were higher. Clusters 1 and 3 had lower haemoglobin, higher reticulocytes and lactate dehydrogenase and more leg ulcers. In multivariate regression, cluster 3 was associated with approximately 13.6% lower PPT compared to cluster 1, and female sex was associated with decreases in PPT and HPT at the hands and feet (p < 0.001). Hydroxyurea use and unit increases in sleep functioning and age were associated with approximately 20.1% higher foot‐PPT, 6.8% higher hand‐PPT and 2.5% higher hand‐HPT and foot‐HPT respectively. Findings suggest that a third subphenotype with mixed VVO and HED features and worse pain sensitization may exist.
MGMT protein expression is a reliable predictive biomarker for temozolomide‐containing chemotherapy in osteosarcoma
Authors: Uchihara Yoshinori , Umeda Katsutsugu , Yamada Yosuke , Ito Hiroaki , Tasaka Keiji , Isobe Kiyotaka , Akazawa Ryo , Kawabata Naoko , Saida Satoshi , Kato Itaru , Hiramatsu Hidefumi , Noguchi Takashi , Sakamoto Akio , Arakawa Yoshiki , Arakawa Ayumu , Yamamoto Nobuyuki , Hosoya Yosuke , Uemura Suguru , Watanabe Ken‐ichiro , Sano Hideki , Taga Takashi , Takita Junko
Published: July 2024

The prognosis of patients with osteosarcoma who experience recurrence or progression (R/P) is extremely poor, and more effective and less toxic therapies are needed. In the current study, the clinical data of osteosarcoma patients who experienced R/P were retrospectively analyzed to verify the reliability of O‐6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) protein expression or MGMT promoter methylation for predicting the response to off‐label temozolomide (TMZ)‐containing chemotherapy. Of the 30 evaluable patients, 9 (30%) showed no/low MGMT protein expression, whereas all 16 evaluable patients had unmethylated MGMT promoter irrespective of MGMT protein expression levels. Twenty‐three patients received TMZ‐containing chemotherapy for measurable lesions (n = 14) or as adjuvant therapy following resection of recurrent lesions (n = 9). Among 14 patients with radiologically measurable lesions, the objective response rate was higher in the MGMT no/low‐expression group (50.0%) than in the MGMT intermediate/high‐expression group with borderline significance (0%, p = 0.066). The 6‐month progression‐free survival (PFS) rate in patients with radiologically measurable lesions was significantly higher in the MGMT no/low‐expression group (50.0%) than in the MGMT intermediate/high‐expression group (0%, p = 0.036). In the multivariate analysis of the 23 patients receiving TMZ‐containing chemotherapy, MGMT expression and disease status before TMZ‐containing chemotherapy were significantly associated with PFS. No severe adverse effects were observed during TMZ‐containing chemotherapy. MGMT protein expression, but not MGMT promoter methylation, could predict a favorable outcome in patients receiving TMZ‐containing chemotherapy.
Multiplex plasma protein assays as a diagnostic tool for lung cancer
Authors: Ahamed Mohammad Tanvir , Forshed Jenny , Levitsky Adrian , Lehtiö Janne , Bajalan Amanj , Pernemalm Maria , Eriksson Lars E. , Andersson Björn
Published: July 2024

Lack of the established noninvasive diagnostic biomarkers causes delay in diagnosis of lung cancer (LC). The aim of this study was to explore the association between inflammatory and cancer‐associated plasma proteins and LC and thereby discover potential biomarkers. Patients referred for suspected LC and later diagnosed with primary LC, other cancers, or no cancer (NC) were included in this study. Demographic information and plasma samples were collected, and diagnostic information was later retrieved from medical records. Relative quantification of 92 plasma proteins was carried out using the Olink Immuno‐Onc‐I panel. Association between expression levels of panel of proteins with different diagnoses was assessed using generalized linear model (GLM) with the binomial family and a logit‐link function, considering confounder effects of age, gender, smoking, and pulmonary diseases. The analysis showed that the combination of five plasma proteins (CD83, GZMA, GZMB, CD8A, and MMP12) has higher diagnostic performance for primary LC in both early and advanced stages compared with NC. This panel demonstrated lower diagnostic performance for other cancer types. Moreover, inclusion of four proteins (GAL9, PDCD1, CD4, and HO1) to the aforementioned panel significantly increased the diagnostic performance for primary LC in advanced stage as well as for other cancers. Consequently, the collective expression profiles of select plasma proteins, especially when analyzed in conjunction, might have the potential to distinguish individuals with LC from NC. This suggests their utility as predictive biomarkers for identification of LC patients. The synergistic application of these proteins as biomarkers could pave the way for the development of diagnostic tools for early‐stage LC detection.
A safety signal for congenital strabismus associated with valproic acid: A pharmacovigilance analysis utilizing the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System database
Authors: Uwai Yuichi , Nabekura Tomohiro
Published: July 2024

This pharmacovigilance study investigated the relationship between antiepileptic drugs and congenital strabismus, utilizing the FDA Adverse Event Report System database between 2014 and 2023. Out of 28 347 889 reports of adverse events in 10 937 764 cases, we identified 1104 reports of strabismus and 67 of congenital strabismus. Valproic acid was the most frequently implicated primary suspect drug (95 and 14 cases, respectively). Ninety‐five reports involved transplacental valproic acid exposure, yielding an information component (IC) of 7.06 (IC‐2 × standard deviation: 5.50). A multivariate analysis showed that transplacental exposure to valproic acid correlated with strabismus (adjusted odds ratio: 8.47, 95% CI: 6.74–10.65). We revealed a robust safety signal linking valproic acid to congenital strabismus.
Construction of a mouse model for sensitive skin research
Authors: Huang Bingli , Wang Xueer , Bu Lingwei , Zhang Yarui , Liu Xiaoran , Liang Fengting , Zhang Xinyue , Tang Xueting , Wu Shenhua , Huang Jianyuan , Zhang Lin , Zhang Min
Published: July 2024

Background

Current animal models of sensitive skin do not adequately reflect the objective symptoms or physiological manifestations observed in human sensitive skin.

Objective

To construct and validate a sensitive skin model in mice.

Methods

Tape stripping (TS) was used to induce partial mechanical disruption of the lipid film and stratum corneum. Subsequently, propylene glycol (PG) was applied to disrupt the lipid structure in the skin barrier, and capsaicin (CS) activate transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptors of keratinocytes to simulate the formation of sensitive skin. Evident itching and tingling sensations, scaly skin, vasodilation, local congestion, increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), elevated TRPV1 expression, and inflammatory symptoms were subsequently evaluated.

Results

TS combined with PG and CS application resulted in skin flakes; skin barrier disruption; vascular dilation; increased itching, stinging, and inflammation; TRPV1 upregulation in the epidermis; and a significant increase in lactic acid‐induced itching and stinging.

Conclusion

Using a combination of TS and PG, and CS application, a mouse model of sensitive skin was successfully established involving various skin phenotypes and physiological manifestations, including skin flakes, vasodilation, increased blood flow and TEWL, itching and stinging sensations, inflammation, and elevated TRPV1 expression.
Pit builders are assisted by walls to find suitable sites for pit construction but are slowed down by obstacles and their initial distance from the destination
Authors: Michaeli Noah , Nadu Yoav , Subach Aziz , Scharf Inon
Published: July 2024

Habitat selection plays a critical role in the survival and reproduction of animals, with implications for all important behaviours. Animals are often limited in their familiarity with their habitat and rely on their senses and the habitat structure to detect suitable sites to settle in.

We focus here on a trap‐building predator, the wormlion, which constructs pitfall traps in loose soil, and examine how the distance from suitable microhabitats and the presence of obstacles affect its habitat selection.

We conducted four experiments. Experiment 1 assessed the impact of distance on the probability of wormlions reaching a suitable microhabitat. Experiment 2 examined the interaction between distance and obstacles. Experiment 3 investigated the influence of walls on the probability of reaching destinations. Experiment 4 evaluated walls as either leading paths or barriers.

Our results showed that increasing distance from the destination negatively affected the probability of wormlions reaching it, with larger individuals more likely to cover greater distances. Obstacles interacted with distance, generally decreasing movement when present. Walls positively influenced orientation, aiding wormlions in reaching suitable sites, either by following the wall or locating the destination along the wall. The function of walls varied, sometimes facilitating movement and sometimes decreasing it, depending on their orientation and context.

These findings suggest that walls may serve as navigational aids for wormlions in urban environments, assisting them in locating suitable microhabitats. This has implications for understanding habitat selection in urban ecosystems. Future research should explore the long‐term effects of walls on wormlion survival and habitat quality in more natural settings.
Young people's participation in their own mental health care: Session‐by‐session feedback in youth mental health services (headspace)
Authors: Rickwood Debra , Albrecht Sabina , Telford Nic
Published: July 2024

Aim

Young people's participation in their own mental healthcare requires ways for them to provide feedback to their clinicians on how they are experiencing their treatment. Key dimensions of session experience are willingness to attend, feeling listened to and understood, working on issues important to them, feeling hopeful for the future and feeling that things are improving in their lives. This study reports on young people's session experiences over time and by key demographics for headspace youth mental health services.

Methods

The sample comprised 16 484 young people aged 12–25 years who commenced an episode of care at one of the 150 headspace centres between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2022 and who had attended at least two services. Data were collected via the routinely collected headspace minimum data set.

Results

Overall, young people reported very positive session experiences over all the session dimensions. Few demographic differences were found: session ratings were more positive for young adults (18+ years) compared with adolescents (under 18 years). Scores on all five dimensions improved with more visits, and willingness to attend and working on issues important to the young person were strong predictors of service engagement. Better session experience scores were associated with more positive ratings of quality of life.

Conclusions

Young people experience their headspace sessions very positively, and more positive experiences are associated with better service engagement and quality of life. Routinely collecting session feedback gives young people a valuable way to participate in and inform their own care.
Why an EU country under the surveillance procedure (Article 7.1 TEU) should not chair the Council Presidency
Authors: De Capitani Emilio , Dastoli Virgilio
Published: July 2024

Mutual trust that is the bedrock of intra‐EU cooperation should not be equated to ‘blind trust’ when a Member State is under the ‘surveillance’ procedure foreseen by Article 7(1) of the Treaty on European Union. In this perspective it would be risky for the European Council to recognise a key coordinating role, as is the case when holding the Council Presidency, to a Member State under Article 7.1 TUE. It would then be sensible for the Council to modify its 2016 Decision, and delay the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union to such a time when the Article 7(1) TEU surveillance procedure will have been successfully concluded.
Therapeutic targeting ofTGF‐β in lung cancer
Authors: Aftabi Sajjad , Barzegar Behrooz Amir , Cordani Marco , Rahiman Niloufar , Sadeghdoust Mohammadamin , Aligolighasemabadi Farnaz , Pistorius Stephen , Alavizadeh Seyedeh Hoda , Taefehshokr Nima , Ghavami Saeid
Published: July 2024

Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) plays a complex role in lung cancer pathophysiology, initially acting as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting early‐stage tumor growth. However, its role evolves in the advanced stages of the disease, where it contributes to tumor progression not by directly promoting cell proliferation but by enhancing epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and creating a conducive tumor microenvironment. While EMT is typically associated with enhanced migratory and invasive capabilities rather than proliferationper se, TGF‐β's influence on this process facilitates the complex dynamics of tumor metastasis. Additionally, TGF‐β impacts the tumor microenvironment by interacting with immune cells, a process influenced by genetic and epigenetic changes within tumor cells. This interaction highlights its role in immune evasion and chemoresistance, further complicating lung cancer therapy. This review provides a critical overview of recent findings on TGF‐β's involvement in lung cancer, its contribution to chemoresistance, and its modulation of the immune response. Despite the considerable challenges encountered in clinical trials and the development of new treatments targeting the TGF‐β pathway, this review highlights the necessity for continued, in‐depth investigation into the roles of TGF‐β. A deeper comprehension of these roles may lead to novel, targeted therapies for lung cancer. Despite the intricate behavior of TGF‐β signaling in tumors and previous challenges, further research could yield innovative treatment strategies.
Last year of life care transitions between long‐term care insurance services in Japan: Analysis of long‐term care insurance claims data
Authors: Kashiwagi Masayo , Kashiwagi Kimikazu , Morioka Noriko , Abe Kazuhiro
Published: July 2024

Aim

We determined the number of care transitions in the year before death among older adults requiring long‐term care (LTC) and those receiving public LTC insurance (LTCI) services in Japan, along with care transition pathways and factors associated with the number of care transitions.

Methods

This study used data from the Japanese LTCI claims, which store national information on certification of needed LTC and LTCI claims data. Services received in the year before death were classified as in‐home, facility, mixture of in‐home and facility, and not using LTCI services. The transition count is presented, and Sankey diagrams are produced to visualize care transition pathways. We used a multivariable analysis to identify factors associated with the number of care transitions.

Results

Of the participants, 276 896 (65.2%) experienced at least one transition in LTCI care settings in the year before death. Further, 72.0% of those requiring mild LTC underwent one or more transitions. Participants who were 75–84 years old (vs. 65–74 years old), male, without medical care needs, with symptoms of dementia, and with changes in LTC needs in the year before death were more likely to require care transitions. Moreover, participants with higher baseline LTC needs were less likely to require transitions.

Conclusion

Over half the participants requiring LTC underwent one or more care transitions in the year before death. Policy deliberations regarding enhancing care under the LTCI system at the end of life and optimizing care transitions are necessary. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 883–890.
Emotional labour in comforting strangers on social media
Authors: Ren Wei , Li Yufei
Published: July 2024

Emotional support on social media has become a popular way for people to seek comfort when facing failures and frustrations. This paper investigates the social practice of comforting strangers on the Chinese social media platform Douban. The emotional labour framework was adopted to examine the ways in which the comforting practice managed the emotions of both the comfortee and the comforter. A dataset of 400 replies was collected from Douban to analyse the use of comforting strategies and whether the conversation topic influenced their use. The study showed that comforters employed various strategies to manage distressed others’ emotions and their own emotions. The results showed a dichotomy between explicit and implicit comfort in managing comfortee emotions. Three types of replies for managing the comforter's emotions were observed, namely, a concealed reply, a projective reply, and a comparative reply. The study also revealed a correlation between conversation topics and the use of these replies.
Evaluation of the information provided in the instruction manuals of dental light‐curing units
Authors: Al‐Zain Afnan O. , Ismail Eman H. , Balhaddad Abdulrahman A. , Toras Osamah , Alharthy Yousif , Alsultan Rafa , Alrossais Abeer , Price Richard B.
Published: July 2024

Objective

This study evaluated the completeness and accuracy of information in LCU instruction manuals from 40 manufacturers.

Materials and Methods

Instruction manuals from 40 LCUs (20 from leading manufacturers and 20 budget units) were reviewed. Twenty‐eight parameters across five categories were assessed using a binary scale (0=incorrect/missing, 1=correct). The categories and their respective evaluation scores were: LCU characteristics (43%), instructions for use (7%), safety precautions (14%), maintenance recommendations (29%), and regulatory certification (7%). These scores were combined to produce a final score.

Results

Scores from leading manufacturers ranged between 46‐86%, while the budget category ranged from 18‐68%. All manuals provided information about the wavelength/spectrum of the LCU. Only Valo X and Valo Cordless reported power values and used the term “irradiance” instead of “intensity.” Details such as LED type and active tip emission area were often missing. Instructions on how to use the LCU to photo‐cure resins were frequently limited. Although most manuals addressed safety precautions, several lacked details on heat issues and general health precautions. All manuals included maintenance instructions, though information on replacement parts was often missing. Among the LCUs, 85% stated they were CE certified, 32% held both FDA and CE certification, and 63% claimed compliance with ISO and/or IEC standards.

Conclusions

There were notable differences in the completeness and accuracy of the instruction manuals. Manuals from major manufacturers generally provided more comprehensive information than their budget counterparts.

Clinical Significance

Instruction manuals should contain accurate information to help clinicians deliver the highest standard of care. The lack of important information about the LCUs in the manuals is concerning.
Genomics and phylogenetic relationships of microsporidia and their relatives
Authors: South Lilith R. , Hurdeal Vedprakash G. , Fast Naomi M.
Published: July 2024

Microsporidia are intracellular parasites that all possess a unique infection apparatus involving a polar tube. Upon contact with a host cell, this tube forms the conduit through which the parasite enters the host. Infecting mostly animals, microsporidian species can be transmitted vertically or horizontally, and exert various effects on their hosts: infections range from being relatively benign to lethal. Microsporidian genomes possess highly divergent sequences and are often substantially reduced in size. Their divergent sequences and unique morphology created early challenges to our understanding of their phylogenetic position within the tree of eukaryotes. Over the last couple of decades, advances in both sequencing technology and phylogenetic methodology supported a clear relationship between microsporidia and fungi. However, the specifics of this relationship were muddied by the lack of known microsporidian relatives. With increased taxon discovery and the morphological and molecular characterization of microsporidia‐like taxa, rozellids and aphelids, a better resolved picture is emerging. Here we review the history of microsporidian taxonomy and current status of genomics of microsporidia and their nearest relatives, with an aim to understand their morphological and metabolic differences, along with their evolutionary relationships.
Caregiver‐specific quality measures for home‐ and community‐based services: Environmental scan and stakeholder priorities
Authors: Noël Polly Hitchcock , Penney Lauren S. , Finley Erin P. , Parish Julie , Pugh Jacqueline A. , Delgado Roxana E. , Peacock Kimberly S. , Dang Stuti , Trivedi Ranak , Bouldin Erin D. , Pugh Mary J. , Rupper Randall W. , Kalvesmaki Andrea , Leykum Luci K. ,   the Elizabeth Dole Center of Excellence for Veteran and Caregiver Research Team
Published: July 2024

Although family caregivers are increasingly recognized for their essential role in helping vulnerable adults live in the community for as long as possible, their priorities and perspectives have not been well‐integrated into quality assessments of home‐ and community‐based services (HCBS). Our overall goal was to identify measurement gaps to guide monitoring and improve HCBS. Caregiver‐specific measurement priorities were identified during a multi‐level stakeholder engagement process that included 34 Veterans, 24 caregivers, and 39 facility leaders, clinicians, and staff across four VA healthcare systems. We mapped items from national quality measure sets for HCBS identified during an environmental scan onto the stakeholder‐identified measurement priorities. Only 5 of 11 non‐VA measure sets and three of four VA measure sets explicitly included caregiver‐specific items that were aligned with or relevant to stakeholders' measurement priorities. Six of 14 stakeholder‐identified priorities were not reflected in any measure sets, such as those that explicitly assess caregiver‐reported experience with services that directly or indirectly support their role as caregivers within HCBS. Although family caregivers fulfill a critical role in helping adults with complex medical needs live independently for as long as possible, their priorities and perspectives have not been well‐integrated into quality assessments of HCBS. Measures that acknowledge caregivers' roles and incorporate their priorities can help healthcare systems to better monitor and improve HCBS quality, thereby enabling Veterans to remain in the community as long as possible.
Ingredients of successful therapeutic relationships with foster youth according to key stakeholders in child welfare: A grounded theory analysis
Authors: Linville Deanna , Ruff Saralyn , Morgan Kaycee , Zilberstein Karen
Published: July 2024

Foster youth reportedly have a significant need for mental health services and the quality of the therapeutic relationship can influence service engagement. We employed grounded theory methods to conduct interviews and focus groups with 48 key stakeholders in child welfare to deepen our theoretical understanding of therapeutic relationships with foster youth. The central theory that emerged was that a successful therapeutic relationship is an essential ingredient of the healing process for current and former foster youth. Participants identified hindrances to a successful therapeutic relationship, such as when therapist mishandles countertransference or inappropriately uses self‐disclosure, as well as what therapists can do to build a successful therapeutic relationship, such as when a therapist fosters a secure attachment and promotes client agency. The findings offer insight into some of the important facets of building and maintaining a trusting and successful therapeutic relationship with current and former foster youth.
From mandala to flowchart: Managerial governmentality and the evidentiary technologies of Indonesia's Reformasi
Authors: Donzelli Aurora
Published: July 2024

With the dissolution of an authoritarian regime, novel semiotic technologies are mobilized in the service of producing new political imaginaries. Through what visual and discursive practices can “democracy” be made visible? How can “good governance” be convincingly attested? This paper explores the evidentiary infrastructures of Indonesia's s‐driven democratic transition to introduce a broader reflection on the role of graphic artifacts in disseminating neoliberal ideologies of transparency and managerial notions of “good governance.” Since the end of Suharto's authoritarian regime, a new genre of graphic artifacts has proliferated within Indonesian government offices: colorful vinyl banners with flowcharts and diagrams illustrating institutional mission statements, bureaucratic procedures, and administrative structures. Marking a clear departure from the traditional iconography of the mandala‐like pre‐democratic state, these flowcharts are only partially successful. Their aspiration to be iconic materializations of an efficient new mode of governance betrays widespread anxieties that the Reform Era has fallen short of its reformist promise.
Anaemia among school‐going adolescents in Burkina Faso: Prevalence and associated factors
Authors: Millogo Ourohiré , Cliffer Ilana R. , Barry Yllassa , Kouanda Idrissa , Compaore Guillaume , Wang Dongqing , Sie Ali , Fawzi Wafaie
Published: July 2024

Adolescence, a stage of growth between 10 and 19 years, is a transitional period of intense cognitive, emotional and physical development. Though iron deficiency is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among this age group, nutritional interventions targeting adolescents are rare. To inform policy and practice aimed at adolescent health, we established the burden of anaemia among school‐going adolescents in Center West Burkina Faso and investigated the potential explanatory factors. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted between January and March 2021. Blood samples, socio‐demographic, socioeconomic, anthropometric, dietary and water, sanitation and hygiene data from 2947 students aged 10–18 years were collected. Anaemia was determined by the World Health Organization's sex‐ and age‐specific haemoglobin concentrations. χ2 tests and logistic regressions were used to identify factors associated with anaemia. The prevalence of anaemia among adolescents in the sample was 36.2%, including 24.2% mild, 11.6% moderate and 0.4% severe anaemia. Compared to males, females were 19% less likely to have mild anaemia (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] = 0.81; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.689, 0.955) but 42% more likely to be moderately or severely anaemic (aOR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.102, 1.831). Among iron‐rich foods, tamarind (aOR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.610, 0.929) and pumpkin leaves (aOR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.605, 0.974) were associated with lower odds of anaemia. Several water, sanitation and hygiene factors were associated with higher haemoglobin, including handwashing after toilet use (β = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.031, 0.966) and tooth brushing twice daily (β = 0.19; 95% CI: 0.030, 0.354). Anaemia among adolescents in Burkina Faso should be addressed with interventions targeting diet, sanitation and hygiene.
Being the supervisor: A duo‐ethnographic exploration of social justice in postgraduate health professions education
Authors: Frambach Janneke , van Schalkwyk Susan
Published: July 2024

Background

There is growing global awareness of the importance of matters of equity and social justice. In health professions education (HPE), research has focused at undergraduate level and on health sciences curricula. Increasingly, health care professionals engage in HPE Master's and doctoral studies, where they are educated as curriculum designers and ‘producers’ of knowledge through their research. Considering their role in shaping what (and how it) is taught in health sciences curricula, questions can be asked about the extent to which postgraduate pedagogies are mindful of matters of social justice. As supervisors of postgraduate HPE students and as directors of such programmes, we interrogated and juxtaposed our perspectives on social justice and how these perspectives influence our postgraduate HPE supervisory and directing practices in our respective contexts.

Methodology

Utilising a duo‐ethnographic approach, in which we each represented a site of enquiry, we generated data through written reflections and dialogic engagement framed around research questions about (1) our understanding of social justice, (2) how this influenced our practices as postgraduate supervisors and (3) how this influenced our practices and policies as directors of postgraduate studies. We recorded and transcribed our data generation meetings. Based on open coding of the transcriptions and written reflections, we constructed a conversation around our research questions. We integrated our reflexive journals in the conversation.

Findings and Discussion

Our conversations were characterised by three sets of ideas involving the terminology around social justice, the complex nature of social justice, and the individual and social justice. These played out differently in our contexts, but they caution both of us against assumptions and encourage us to create time for conversations with our students, to consider what we ‘teach’ them, how we guide them and how we avoid gatekeeping their entry into the disciplinary space.
Evaluating the Practice of Lawfare Against Pro‐Palestinian Groups
Authors: Haugen Hans Morten
Published: July 2024

For nearly 20 years, nongovernmental organizations backing the Palestinian cause have promoted both “differentiation” and the better‐known strategy of boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS). Differentiation is the practice of distinguishing between Israel and the occupied territories, terminating contracts with actors—irrespective of nationality—that contribute to and benefit from occupation‐related activities, and seeking to promote Palestinian investments and exports. This strategy is fundamentally different from BDS, which targets not just the occupation but the Israeli state and its national entities. However, this article finds that laws and proposed legislation in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Israel do not delineate between Israel and Israeli‐controlled territory, blurring the line between differentiation and BDS as tools to support Palestine. The evidence shows that courts have mostly ruled against differentiation practices, thus allowing harsh campaigns that impose heavy burdens on NGOs. These costs are both direct, through legal proceedings, and indirect in that they restrict the space for humanitarian action and delegitimize groups that employ differentiation. The study considers whether this constitutes lawfare, defined by experts as the exploitation “of the law of armed conflict to achieve tactical and strategic goals.”
Symbolic value and the limits of good‐for theory
Authors: Abma Aaron
Published: July 2024

Good‐for theorists claim that to be valuable is to be good for someone, in the sense of being beneficial for them. Their opponents deny this, arguing that some things are good‐simpliciter: good independently of being good for anyone. In this article I argue in favor of good‐simpliciter. I appeal to the category of symbolically valuable acts, acts which seem valuable even when they do not benefit anyone and even when they are costly to the agent. I explore various strategies a good‐for theorist might pursue to address these apparently valuable acts, for example by appealing to the acts’ connection to beneficial character traits or practices, and I argue that none of these strategies succeed. Instead, I propose that the best way to understand the value of these acts involves seeing them as appropriate responses to what is good‐simpliciter, and more specifically, as ways of loving what is worthy of love.
Crepuscular and small but not evolutionary unique species are the reptiles less affected by roadkill in Europe
Authors: Morelli Federico , Benedetti Yanina , Arslan Dilara , Delgado Juan
Published: July 2024

We extensively reviewed scientific literature and extracted a large dataset with roadkill events for reptile species. We examined 300 articles from 33 European countries, gathering 1688 records of reptiles killed by vehicle traffic. A total of 125 taxa were found documented as roadkill (100 native and 25 exotic species). We calculated each species' occurrence frequency within the database (henceforth ‘relative roadkill frequency'). The relative roadkill of species was strongly and significantly correlated when comparing the whole dataset and the subset of systematic studies. We modelled the inter‐specific variation in relative roadkill frequency across the European reptilian phylogeny concerning species traits, evolutionary uniqueness, and distribution range using a phylogenetic generalized least squares (PGLS) model. Overall, reptile casualties are more pronounced for more closely related species. However, the relative roadkill frequency was unrelated to the level of evolutionary distinctiveness of European reptiles. Additionally, relative roadkill frequency was not correlated to the distribution range but was positively correlated with the species' body mass. The reptiles more frequently cited as road casualties were overall relatively large species: Montpellier snake Malpolon monspessulanus, European grass snake Natrix natrix, and Caspian whipsnake Dolichophis caspius. Additionally, more active species during the crepuscular hours were less affected by roadkill. From a conservation point of view, our results suggest that roadkill frequency is not more significant for evolutionary, more unique reptiles than for other species in Europe, while at the same time, widely distributed species are not the main target of roadkill events. Then, the main causes of roadkill in reptiles must be associated with other factors, such as behavioural traits or density of populations, rather than simply the size of their distribution range.

Keywords: evolutionary uniqueness, phylogenetic signal, reptile species, roadkill incidence, wildlife conservation