bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The adoption of smart services: do privacy concerns, trust in benevolence and usage experience matter?
Authors: Viot Catherine , Lecuyer Charlotte , Bayart Caroline , Lancini Agnès
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to investigate the influence of service provider benevolence trust and privacy concerns on the intention to adopt smart services (SS), in line with the privacy paradox. It also seeks to analyze the role of smart connected product (SCP) usage, between current and potential users.

Design/methodology/approach

The study specifically focuses on one type of SS: smart-connected car insurance based on the “pay as you drive” and/or “pay how you drive” principle. Data were collected through an online survey of 362 French drivers. Hypotheses are tested using structural equation modeling and a multigroup confirmatory factor analysis.

Findings

The results show that trust in the benevolence of the service providers positively influences the intention to adopt SS, regardless of how familiar consumers are with SCP. Conversely, privacy concerns have a negative impact on such intention, but this effect only occurs among consumers who already own SCP.

Practical implications

From a managerial perspective, this research could help service providers to successfully develop and promote SS, by establishing a relationship based on benevolence and transparency regarding the use of personal information. In addition, managers should promote SS differently when addressing SCP users, seeking to reassure them or avoid addressing privacy concerns.

Originality/value

Our study adds to the privacy paradox theoretical framework by empirically analyzing drivers of SS adoption. It highlights the key but distinct roles of privacy concerns and benevolence trust.
Information science in the German Democratic Republic
Authors: Stock Wolfgang G.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The article aims to give an overview of the history and the achieved status of information science in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) with an emphasis on the organisation of information science and practice in the GDR and on the theoretical foundations of information science.

Design/methodology/approach

Primarily, this article is based upon critical literature studies, especially German-language books and journal articles, but the empirical basis also includes some unpublished sources (e.g. letters from information scientists from the GDR).

Findings

There are interesting results concerning the roots of information science in cybernetics, philosophy and the practical area of documentation. The naming of this knowledge field as “informatics”, “informatics of science” or “information and documentation science” is partly very distinct from Western conceptions. We found different theoretical foundations for information science including the approaches of Bonitz, Engelbert, Koblitz and Groß and Fuchs-Kittowski. In the GDR, information science and information practice were centralised, but through the information system science and technology, they were consistently accessible at all levels of professional work. With German reunification, information practice and its institutions, as well as GDR’s information science efforts, disappeared.

Research limitations/implications

The article gives hints on the importance on and the survival of some GDR approaches in contemporary information science, but those developments should be analysed in much more detail.

Originality/value

This is the first overview article on the state and entire development of information science in the GDR.
Unlocking retention: a prescriptive framework for retaining trained staff in critical care units
Authors: Singh Jagroop , Mohamed Sahar Gaffar Elhag Ahmed , Mishra Vinaytosh , Rana Sudhir
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Nurse turnover in critical care units (CCU) significantly affects patient outcomes and health systems worldwide. To safeguard patient care quality, hospitals must address the underlying reasons for turnover and strategize to retain their skilled nursing workforce. The study proposes a prescriptive framework to reduce nurse turnover in CCUs.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the integrated methodology of Delphi-AHP-Entropy was used for the comparative prioritization of factors and subfactors that influence nursing staff turnover in CCUs.

Findings

Study findings reveal that “Organizational factors” and “Individual factors” dictate critical care nurse attrition rate. At the subfactor level, staffing policy, chronic fatigue, and perceived career are the leading concerns for the decision of nurses whether to work or leave.

Research limitations/implications

This study is valuable for both researchers and healthcare professionals. It examines whether actions related to nurse retention align with existing theory and identifies areas requiring further theoretical or applied studies to enhance understanding in this area. This insight can bolster the field’s knowledge base and integrate theoretical and applied knowledge effectively. Additionally, for healthcare professionals, the study provides an overview of key factors conducive to retaining nursing staff in the CCU, offering valuable guidance for implementing effective strategies.

Originality/value

This study uniquely positions itself by presenting a comprehensive and prescriptive framework for critical care nurse retention in the UAE.
A nexus among high performance work systems, employee engagement, perspective-taking, trust in leader and organisational innovation: an insight from developing country
Authors: Jatoi Shazia Aman , Shah Sobia Shafaq , Shah Abdul Sattar , Channar Sajjad Hyder
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine the relationship between high- performance work systems (HPWS) and organisational innovation in hospital settings, examining the role of employee engagement as a mediator in this relationship. Additionally, the study aims to investigate the moderating role of perspective-taking between HPWS and employee engagement as well as the moderating effect of trust in leader on the connection between employee engagement and organisational innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative-deductive causal method, along with a cross-sectional approach, was utilized. Structural equation modelling was applied to analyse data from a sample of 530 doctors employed in hospitals, practicing human resources management in the public and private sectors of Sindh province, Pakistan.

Findings

The findings show positive effects of HPWS on employee engagement and organisational innovation. Additionally, employee’s engagement partially mediates the relationship between HPWS and organisational innovation, while the moderating role of perspective-taking significantly influences the link between HPWS and employee engagement.

Originality/value

While HPWS are recognized for enhancing organisational innovation, this study confirms their positive effects on individual and organisational outcomes, particularly within the healthcare sector in Pakistan. This study suggests that when HPWS are effectively perceived and implemented, these integrated practices can be beneficial for both employees and organizations, even in challenging situations.
Impact of knowledge management infrastructure and processes on automobile manufacturing firm innovative performance through the mediating role of agile project management practice
Authors: Idrees Hisham , Xu Jin , Haider Syed Arslan
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine knowledge management (KM) infrastructure and processes on automobile manufacturing firm innovative performance through the mediating role of agile project management (APM) practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The data collection involved purposive and convenience sampling techniques to gather information from 692 employees employed in various public and private automobile manufacturing firms operating in Pakistan. To test the hypothesis, data analysis was conducted using Smart PLS software version 4, using the partial least squares and structural equation modeling technique.

Findings

The result revealed that knowledge management infrastructure and processes has a positive and significant effect on firm innovative performance. Moreover, agile project management practices positively and significantly mediate the relationship between knowledge management infrastructure and processes and firm innovative performance.

Practical implications

The performance of high-tech automobile manufacturing firms can be enhanced by implementing agile project management practices, especially when stimulated by external factors such as innovation. In an increasingly dynamic environment, innovation acts as a favorable factor that amplifies the positive impact of agile methodologies on firm performance.

Originality/value

Researchers can use these findings to identify knowledge gaps that need to be addressed in future studies and understand how strategies relate to processes within the KM-APM framework. This study provides practitioners with insights on applying KM practices in an APM context to enhance knowledge performance. Practitioners can use the framework to plan KM activities that support corporate strategy across all organizational layers, ensuring the appropriate knowledge is conveyed at each level.
“I am afflicted with the evil eye!” How Islamic cultural beliefs influence college students’ perceptions of their academic experience
Authors: Alrashidi Alanoud , Alnufaishan Sara
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Islamic culture believes the evil eye can cause distress, mental illness, physical illness and even death through envious glances. However, the gap was highlighted about the influence of college students’ religious beliefs, particularly those of the evil eyes, on their academic failures. Based on this notion, this study aims to explore how evil eye beliefs affect students’ academic experiences with failures in a culturally diverse educational environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This study included 18 female Sunni-Muslim students from Kuwait University by using Heidegger’s phenomenological framework. The study conducted 18 face-to-face interviews over four weeks and analyzed the data using NVivo 14 with thematic analysis and phenomenological assumptions.

Findings

This in-depth study shows how the pervasive belief in the evil eye in academic settings challenges students. The study found how this cultural belief affects students’ mental health, academic performance and social interactions. The study also explored cultural sensitivity’s wider implications, how educational institutions face the psychological stress this belief causes, cultural effects on academic failure and student coping mechanisms.

Research limitations/implications

Because the study was qualitative and exploratory, the findings provide depth rather than breadth of understanding about students’ evil eye perceptions. The study does not consider the possibility that “evil eye” beliefs might be psychological delusions, complicating cultural beliefs and mental health symptoms. This oversight makes it challenging to select participants who have genuinely experienced evil eye effects. Teachers interviewed students who might withhold private information or alter their responses due to power dynamics or a desire to appear positive. This setting might bias data, reducing its authenticity and depth.

Practical implications

The study suggests that academic institutions should address cultural beliefs to support students’ education and academic performance rather than promoting hate, evil eye and oppression.

Originality/value

This study highlights the need for academic environments to address and mitigate the evil eye belief’s unique challenges, creating a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.
Comprehending roles of virtual service assistant’s warmth and competence for service co-creation versus service recovery
Authors: Dandotiya Gunjan , Gahlot Sarkar Juhi , Sarkar Abhigyan
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Based on the stereotype content model (SCM), this study aims to enrich comprehension of virtual service assistant (VSA)-enabled service delivery through two pivotal avenues. Firstly, it aims to conceptualize and test the fundamental mechanism underlying how businesses deploy services using VSAs. Secondly, this study explores whether the paradigms of service co-creation versus service recovery differentially impact customers’ perceptions of warmth and competence in VSA-enabled service delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a one-factorial (service paradigm: service co-creation vs service recovery) field experiment. Covariance-based structural equation modelling was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The results show that VSA service quality dimensions impact satisfaction for service co-creation and both trust and satisfaction for service recovery. The stronger link that mediates this effect is competence for service co-creation and warmth for service recovery.

Originality/value

This research extends the understanding of SCM to VSA-enabled services and shows the asymmetries of mediation between the paradigms of service co-creation versus service recovery to suggest the most effective approach for VSAs to successfully meet customer requirements for establishing trust and satisfaction.
Research on the motivation for viewer addiction to live streaming: a cross-cultural investigation of China and the USA
Authors: Wang David , Wang Li
Published: August 2024

Purpose

With the increasing popularity of live streaming, the exploration of online behaviors on live streaming platforms has become a research hot spot in academia. However, the literature lacks cross-cultural investigations into live streaming addictive (LSA) behaviors among viewers. To address this gap, based on stimulus-organism-response (SOR) theory and motivation theory, this study investigates how information seeking, sensation seeking and community commitment (stimulus) affect hedonic and utilitarian motivation (organism), which in turn influence viewers’ LSA behaviors (response). This study also compares American and Chinese viewers to understand how LSA behaviors differ across national cultures.

Design/methodology/approach

We surveyed live stream viewers in both nations, collecting 758 valid samples including 377 Chinese respondents and 381 American respondents for use with the research model. A partial least squares (PLS) approach is employed for data analysis.

Findings

The results show that information seeking increases utilitarian motivation, sensation seeking increases hedonic motivation, and community commitment strengthens both hedonic and utilitarian motivation. Both hedonic motivation and utilitarian motivation positively affect LSA behaviors. In addition, based on cross-cultural analysis, we found that there was a significant mediating path common to the respondents in China and the USA (i.e. sensation seeking ? Hedonic motivation ? LSA).

Originality/value

The findings of this study make theoretical contributions to live streaming research and offer practical guidance for live streaming firms to formulate proper marketing strategies. Last, this study outlines several limitations and possible directions for future research.
It is time for HR business partner 2.0
Authors: Enderes Kathi
Published: August 2024

Purpose

In the rapidly evolving landscape of HR, the role of the HR business partner (HRBP) has significantly changed. This paper shares some of the latest research on how it is changing for the worse, and how it now sorely needs to evolve further.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper includes reference to two studies, an analysis of 55,000 comments from HR professionals and a self-assessment of 7,100 HR professionals across 96 different HR capabilities and five capability levels. Otherwise, the paper includes insight and expertise from across the Josh Bersin Company.

Findings

This paper and report it references highlights the emergence of the role in the 90s, and how it is expectations have changed to the present day: with the rise of digital technology, globalization and changing workforce expectations, HRBPs have had to acquire a broader skill set, focusing not on personnel management but on strategic initiatives, such as people analytics, employee experience and organization design. However, far too many HRBPs have ended up in admin or tactical roles, rather than being used to their full potential with the above. This paper includes actionable guidance for how companies can develop the role to get them back on track, including case study examples from Mastercard and LEGO.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this report is unique, novel and the latest research from the Josh Bersin Company.
How does organisational culture affect agile projects? A competing values framework perspective
Authors: Rizi Minoo Salimian , Andargoli Amir Eslami , Malik Mohsin , Shahzad Asjad
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The literature has not yet delved sufficiently deeper into the holistic relationship between organisational culture and agile project management. This paper aims to address this literature gap by delineating the specifics of why and how organisational culture affects agile project management.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper addresses this literature gap by conducting a systematic literature review of empirical research investigating how organisational culture affects agile project management. This paper draws on the competing values framework to explain how various dimensions of organisational culture influence the technical and social streams of agile project management.

Findings

The findings underscored the detrimental effects of hierarchical culture, characterised by rigid organisational structures, formal communication with management and resistance to change acceptance, on both the technical and social aspects of agile projects. In contrast, the positive impact of group culture on the social aspect was evident through employee empowerment and teamwork. Moreover, the rational culture dimension demonstrated favourable effects on both streams, emphasising market knowledge, financial development and business opportunities. Finally, the developmental culture dimension supported customer collaboration, knowledge sharing and innovation.

Originality/value

The focus on the “mutability” of organisational culture has led to four research propositions delineating specific ways of cultivating organisational culture to be more conducive to agile projects, marking a first in the academic literature.
Factors influencing intention to continue use of e-wallet: mediating role of perceived usefulness
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Haldar Piali , Chaturvedi Sharad
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The extensive use of digital payment methods has made financial ecosystems more open and effective. As technology develops, the future of commerce is significantly shaped by digital payments and e-wallets. This study aimed to examine the influencing factors on the intention to continue use (ICU) of e-wallets.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 246 respondents was employed in the data analysis using Smart-PLS 4. Data were collected from e-wallet users using convenience sampling from India. Online survey was conducted for data collection.

Findings

This study found that consumers’ intention to continue use of e-wallets is positively influenced by perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and rewards. Also, perceived usefulness (PU) shows a significant partial mediating role between perceived ease of use (PEOU), rewards (RW) and ICU. However, it shows a fully mediating role between perceived enjoyment (PEJ) and intention to continue use (ICU).

Originality/value

E-wallet providers should emphasize to provide easy to use e-wallet applications but with rewards. This study added knowledge to the existing literature focusing on the influence of perceived ease of use and rewards on intention to continue use of e-wallets through perceived usefulness, which was not previously tested empirically.
Coincidence of acral peeling skin syndrome and Nagashima‐type palmoplantar keratosis in a Japanese pedigree with acral skin peeling
Authors: Higashino Toshihide , Konomi Mayu , Kubo Akiharu , Horinosono Hiroshi , Miura Yoshinori
Published: August 2024

Acral peeling skin syndrome (APSS; MIM 609796) is a rare genodermatosis characterized by painless focal cutaneous exfoliation of the dorsal hands and feet, typically displaying autosomal recessive inheritance. While cases associated with a founder mutation in TGM5 are relatively common in European Caucasian populations, no APSS cases have been reported from Japan or other East Asian countries. In contrast, Nagashima‐type palmoplantar keratosis (NPPK; MIM 615598), caused by variants in SERPINB7, is relatively common in East Asia due to founder mutations. We describe a 27‐year‐old Japanese woman with spontaneous focal cutaneous exfoliation of the dorsal hand following prolonged glove use, indicative of APSS. Histopathological examination revealed a cleft between the stratum corneum and stratum granulosum and within the horny layer of the epidermis, supporting this diagnosis. However, her mother and maternal uncle exhibited similar symptoms, and there was no reported consanguinity in the patient's parents or grandparents, prompting suspicion of an autosomal dominant genodermatosis. Whole‐genome sequencing (WGS) revealed compound heterozygous variants in TGM5 (c.1037G>A and c.684 + 1G>A) as suspected causative variants in the patient, leading to an APSS diagnosis, the first reported in East Asia. On the other hand, her mother and maternal uncle were diagnosed with NPPK due to compound heterozygous pathogenic variants in SERPINB7 (c.796C>T and c.455‐1G>A). This case highlights the complexity of diagnosing skin disorders when multiple genodermatoses with similar phenotypes exist within a pedigree. Comprehensive genetic analyses, such as whole‐exome sequencing and WGS, are invaluable for identifying causative variants in such complex cases.
Cattle and nurse trees shape subtropical forest–grassland ecotones
Authors: Holmgren Milena , Bargeman Edwin , Bernardi Rafael , Blok Alice , Buijs Jasper , Hernández‐Salmerón Ivan Raniero , Martínez‐Cillero Rocío , Mazzeo Nestor , Verdijck Bart
Published: August 2024

South American subtropical landscapes are dominated by open grasslands and mosaics of forest–grassland formations. Forests are often restricted to riverine margins with sharp forest–grassland ecotones. Understanding the mechanisms maintaining forest–grassland ecotones is important to anticipate the effects of changing climate and disturbance regimes on the extent of these biomes and the ecosystem services they provide.

We used a combination of field surveys and long‐term field experiments to explore the mechanisms that explain tree cover expansion at the ecotone of riverine forests and grasslands in central Uruguay, within the South American Campos. We assessed the role of tree seed dispersal and seedling establishment limitations, and experimentally tested for the effects of cattle, nurse tree cover and grasses on the recruitment of forest and grassland tree species at the forest–grassland ecotone.

We found that forest expansion depends on the interplay between cattle and nurse trees. Vachellia caven trees colonize the grassland successfully and facilitate the formation of forest patches by enhancing seed accumulation and seedling establishment of forest tree species. Surprisingly, grass cover had mostly positive effects on early seedling survival of forest tree seedlings. However, cattle limits tree seedling growth and survival, especially of forest tree species. This results in a nucleated vegetation pattern of tree patches that ultimately limits forest expansion.

Synthesis and applications. Tree cover can potentially expand on the subtropical South American grasslands. Reductions in cattle densities and increases in rainfall levels associated with climate change could facilitate forest expansion in this region.
Spatial heterogeneity of fire and flooding patterns can support higher diversity of floral functional traits in an indigenous‐managed landscape
Authors: dos Santos Ferreira Bruno Henrique , da Rosa Oliveira Maxwell , de Souza Evaldo Benedito , Souza Camila Silveira , Sigrist Maria Rosângela , Pott Arnildo , Damasceno Junior Geraldo Alves , Ribeiro Danilo Bandini , Garcia Letícia Couto
Published: August 2024

In tropical wetlands, in addition to flooding, fire also contributes to the structure of biodiversity across environmental gradients. In fire‐prone ecosystems, flower‐rich fire refuges can be maintained by a seasonal patch‐burning mosaic. Here, we evaluate how a set of floral traits that influence and are related to the pollination systems of tree and non‐tree species varies in response to spatial patterns of fire frequency in a landscape with floodable and flood‐free areas. We classified the sampled species according to flower size, color, shape, symmetry, floral resource, type of pollination units, flowering duration, and anthesis time and compared them between floodable and flood‐free areas with high, moderate, or low fire frequency. We analyzed the functional richness in response to landscape metrics related to spatial patterns of fire frequency. The composition of floral traits of non‐tree species was stable, while tree species differed among fire frequency classes, especially in floodable areas. Many floral traits of tree species are ecological indicators, especially in floodable areas with high fire frequency. In contrast, among non‐tree species, only floral tissues as resources for pollinator were related to flood‐free areas with moderate/high fire frequency. The floral functional richness of the tree species positively linked with the modified Simpson diversity index, and for both trees and non‐trees, it negatively associated with the homogenization of the fire frequency (e.g., connectance based on probability that two adjacent sites belong to the same fire frequency class was negatively related to the functional richness of floral traits). These results demonstrate that homogenization of fire frequency in the landscape decreases the functional richness. Patches with different combinations of fire frequency and flood regime can support a shared set of floral traits besides those specifically related to a particular regime. The spatial heterogeneity of fire and flood patterns in wetlands needs to be preserved to support a higher diversity of pollination systems mediated by functional complementarity between the flowers of the tree and non‐tree species.
Collaborating in future states—Contextual instability, paradigmatic remaking, and public policy
Authors: Sullivan Helen
Published: August 2024

Collaboration is ubiquitous in public policy life, with its presence and profile determined by prevailing governance conditions. Commitments to globalisation and marketisation in the latter part of the 20th century marked the onset of an era defined by collaboration, between and across tiers and spheres of government, with non‐state actors, and through market and network instruments. Current contextual instability poses questions for dominant public policy paradigms and the existing collaborative settlement. This article explores the challenges presented in the current moment and how policymakers and scholars might navigate them. It focuses on how ideas about economics and security shape public policy, illustrating the paradigm‐shifting impact of economism and securitisation. It argues for the replacement of economism and securitisation by sustainability, sovereignty, and justice and demonstrates the latter's engagement with economics and security and their accounting for what have hitherto been ‘subaltern voices’ in public policy. It discusses the implications for collaboration in relation to future collective action problems, more diverse and disconnected ‘publics’, and a more congested and lower trust policy environment. It highlights the need for collaborative plasticity and pluralistic agency.

Points for practitioners

Public policymaking is shaped by dominant ideas about economics and security; ideas that become ‘taken for granted’ in policy practice. The prevailing ideas of economism and securitisation are being challenged by contextual changes, globally, regionally, and nationally. This creates space for new ideas to shape future public policy.

Ideas of sustainability, sovereignty, and justice offer an alternative framework for public policymaking. These ideas can engage productively with economics and security, and they are also inclusive of a wider variety of ‘voices’ particularly those previously marginalised.

Collaboration will remain integral to the success of public policy. However, it will need to adapt to new circumstances. This will include defining new purposes, reassessing its appropriateness, reshaping collaborative scope, scale, and form, and refining collaborative activities.

A paradigmatic shift in public policy that highlights sustainability, sovereignty, and justice will require the active involvement of a plurality of actors enabled to contribute new knowledge and contest the status quo.
R&D Alliance and Innovation: The Interaction of Network Structure and the Quality of the Relationship
Authors: Wang Tao
Published: August 2024

Much research has taken a structural perspective to examine how the R&D alliance network affects innovation. However, little is known about how the quality of the relationship affects firms’ innovation. In this study, I examine the interaction of network structure and the quality of the relationship and explore the impact on innovation. Using a combination of propensity score weighting and difference‐in‐difference estimation strategies to address endogeneity, I find that the quality of the relationship moderates the inverted U‐shaped relationship between network structure and innovation performance. In addition, I present evidence consistent with possible underlying mechanisms: both network structure and the quality of the relationship affect firms’ access to novel information and firms’ recombination capacity to influence innovation performance.
Magnetic resonance imaging and clinical features of Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser syndrome: A 10‐year review from a dedicated specialist centre
Authors: Cooper Nina , Al‐Memar Maya , Linton‐Reid Kristofer , Edmonds Keith , Rose Gillian , Dixon Nuala , McNamara Cillian , Fotopoulou Christina , Ree Katherine Van , Bharwani Nishat
Published: August 2024

Objective

To correlate the clinical history with imaging findings of women with Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser (MRKH) syndrome.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

A UK IOTA and ESGO‐certified tertiary referral centre for disorders of reproductive development.

Population

All patients with a diagnosis of MRKH and who had undergone an MRI pelvis between 1 January 2011 and 31 April 2021 were included.

Methods

MRI images were analysed by specialist gynaecological radiologists. Clinical data was extracted from an electronic patient record system. Statistical analysis was computed in R (version 4.1.2), R base stats package and ggstatsplot (v0.5.0).

Main Outcome Measures

Clinical history and predefined imaging features.

Results

One hundred and thirty‐four patients were included. Median age at MRI was 18 years (10–64 years). Half (48.2%) of women presenting had a history of pain, most often abdominal (84.6%) or vaginal (9.2%). Remnants were identified in 91.8% of women (n = 123). 4.5% of women had imaging features of endometriosis (n = 6). Women with a functional remnants were significantly more likely to experience pain (p < 0.001). Pain history was not strongly associated with ectopic ovarian position. Common gynaecological pathology such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts and fibroids were also identified.

Conclusions

We identify that majority of women with MRKH will have uterine remnants with a connecting fibrous band, and an ectopic ovarian position 44.0% of cases. Abdominal pain was significantly associated with functional remnants on MRI. Further work is required to identify how other gynaecological pathology impacts women with MRKH.
Reliability and benefit of estimated continuous cardiac output measurement using shunt‐side SpO2 monitor in hemodialysis
Authors: Nakai Koji , Hirate Yuichi , Nakajima Takashi , Doi Atsushi , Hiramatsu Takeyuki , Higaki Toshie , Nakai Aiko
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Estimated continuous cardiac output (esCCO) is a novel technology that enables non‐invasive and continuous monitoring of cardiac output. We compared the concordance in accuracies among esCCO measurements in the shunt limb and non‐shunt limb.

Methods

In this single‐center prospective observational study, we include Japanese patients who underwent dialysis at our center between April 27, 2021, and February 28, 2023. Clinical accuracy of esCCO was evaluated in the shunted and non‐shunted bilateral digits. Agreement between the measurements was analyzed using Lin's congruent correlation and Bland–Altman analysis.

Results

For 43 individuals, Lin's concordance correlation coefficient was 0.9887 (95% confidence interval of 0.9886–0.9887) indicating good agreement. The values of esCCO measured in the shunt and non‐shunt limbs were compatible. The percentage errors for the 43 patients with arterio‐venous fistula (AVF) or arterio‐venous graft (AVG), 32 with AVF, and 11 with AVG were 9.3%, 9.3%, and 8.9%, respectively.

Conclusion

esCCO could be used in shunt as well as non‐shunt limbs during dialysis, allowing continuous and non‐invasive hemodynamic monitoring.
Assessing the resistance status of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes to conventional insecticides in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al‐Solami Habeeb M.
Published: August 2024

Dengue fever disease is an important health issue in the city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Chemical pesticides play a vital role in dengue control, through combating the mosquito vector Aedes aegypti L. Standard methods recommended by the World Health Organization were applied in the current work to conduct resistance experiments in both adult and larval stages of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes against eight types of pyrethroid and organophosphorus pesticides used in control programs in Jeddah. The results prove that Ae. aegypti is resistant against the pesticides deltamethrin 0.05%, α‐cypermethrin 0.05%, fenitrothion 1% and temephos, is tolerant with some degree of resistance against cyfluthrin 0.15% and λ‐cyhalothrin 0.5%, as well as tolerant against malathion 5% and pirimiphos‐methyl 0.25%. On the other hand, the bacterial insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. israelensis (Bti) demonstrated high activity against the field strain of Aedes aegypti larvae, with a resistance ratio (RR) of 1.25. In general, we conclude from these findings that the continuous and frequent application of synthetic pesticides induces resistance in mosquitoes against pesticides. This, of course, forces us to reconsider the pesticides currently used in control programs and do our best towards finding alternative means to combat mosquitoes and the diseases that they can transmit.
Contiguous United States hydrologic modeling using the Hillslope Link Model TETIS
Authors: Michalek Alexander T. , Quintero Felipe , Villarini Gabriele
Published: August 2024

Large‐scale hydrologic modeling is important for understanding changes in water resources and flood hazard across a broad range of climatic and hydrologic conditions. Parsimonious models, although simple, allow for an efficient way to model river systems across multiple decades to even centuries. Therefore, this study aims to assess the ability of the distributed Hillslope Link Model (HLM) TETIS to simulate streamflow observations across the contiguous United States (CONUS) from 1981 to 2020. To obtain model parameters across this domain, we partition the study area into 234 HydroSHEDS level 5 basins and calibrate the model to a single representative location near the outlet of each basin using dynamical dimension search for 100 realizations. Performance is then assessed at 5046 US Geological Survey streamgages with respect to the Kling Gupta Efficiency (KGE) and bias. Our simulations result in a median KGE of 0.43, with 89% of the sites having a value above the reference of 1 − √2 (~ ‐0.41). Furthermore, there is a dependence of the model performance on climate regions, with the model performing better in basins in cold and temperate regions than in arid ones. While the parameters are estimated based on daily precipitation inputs, it is shown that the model performs well even when forced with hourly precipitation, highlighting the robustness of the selected parameters to different inputs. Finally, the soil related parameters show dependence on soil properties, providing a basis for future model improvement. Overall, this study highlights the model's flexibility in performing across a vast domain with different runoff generation mechanisms.
ESG‐oriented analysts and corporate green innovation
Authors: Gao Haoyu , Wang Hui , Wang Xinyu , Wen Huiyu
Published: August 2024

This paper investigates whether and how analysts' ESG orientation affects corporate green innovation in China. We find that ESG‐oriented analysts in brokerage firms with strong ESG performance significantly stimulate the target firms' green innovation. Mechanism analyses suggest that ESG‐oriented analysts enhance the anticipated benefits of corporate environmental risk management, and reduces the costs associated with managerial myopia and financial frictions. The effect could not be fully explained by analysts' competence. Our findings are robust to propensity score matching and difference‐in‐differences analyses. We provide valuable insights into the crucial role of analysts' ESG values in driving innovation‐oriented corporate sustainability.
Buckwheat as a companion plant in soybean fields: Implications for management of major pests
Authors: Park Young‐gyun , Sarker Souvic , Baek Jong Hwi , Jang Laeun , Kwon Minhyeok , Lim Un Taek
Published: August 2024

Many studies have explored the potential of companion plants to manage pests through top–down or bottom–up effects in agricultural fields. Buckwheat is known as a good candidate for companion planting with various crops to enhance pest management, but rarely in soybeans.

We investigated the impact of planting buckwheat as a new companion plant on the population dynamics of major soybean pests and their natural enemies in soybean fields in Andong, Republic of Korea. We recorded numbers of pests and natural enemies at 9–10‐day intervals from 20 soybean plants each in eight small experimental fields throughout the cropping season.

Significant reduction in pests, such as Riptortus pedestris (F.) (Hemiptera: Alydidae) adults, and a significant increase in natural enemies, such as Orius species (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) and crab spiders (Araneae: Thomisidae), were observed in the buckwheat treatment plots. However, there were significant increases in other pests, such as leafminers and leafhoppers, in the buckwheat treatment plots. While we observed effects on R. pedestris adult density, we did not find significant effects on other developmental stages of this pest or its parasitoids.

Although there were some concerns in the buckwheat treatment plots, the positive effects of buckwheat in soybean fields appear to outweigh the drawbacks. Buckwheat is likely a suitable companion plant for use in soybeans to manage pests.
Sperm chromatin dispersion assay reliability and assisted reproductive technology outcomes: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kaiyal Raneen Sawaid , Karna Keshab Kumar , Kuroda Shinnosuke , Sgayer Inshirah , Shlush Ekaterina , Vij Sarah C. , Lundy Scott D. , Cannarella Rossella
Published: August 2024

Objective

Elevated sperm DNA fragmentation has potential implications for semen quality and fertility. The commonly used sperm chromatin dispersion test offers an indirect estimation but has limitations in terms of bias and variability. This study aimed to assess the reliability of the sperm chromatin dispersion assay for predicting assisted reproductive technology outcomes.

Materials and methods

This systematic review included studies published until December 2023 that adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched. Various assisted reproductive technology outcomes in patients with high (≥ 30%) versus low (< 30%) sperm DNA fragmentation were compared using a sperm chromatin dispersion assay and including a sub‐analysis of intracytoplasmic sperm injection versus in vitro fertilization. A comprehensive meta‐analysis software facilitated quantitative analysis with statistical comparisons between cases and controls. Interstudy heterogeneity was assessed, and sensitivity and publication bias tests were performed.

Results

Of the 199 abstracts assessed, 64 full‐text articles were screened, and 44 articles were qualitatively synthesized. Fourteen articles representing 5346 participants were quantitatively analyzed. Using the sperm chromatin dispersion assay, elevated sperm DNA fragmentation was associated with lower fertilization and embryo cleavage rates. Notably, high sperm DNA fragmentation levels did not affect the clinical pregnancy, implantation, miscarriage, or live birth outcomes. Sub‐analysis revealed lower fertilization, embryo cleavage, clinical pregnancy, live birth rates, and higher miscarriage rates in the intracytoplasmic sperm injection subgroup only.

Conclusions

The sperm chromatin dispersion assay did not show significant differences in pregnancy or live birth rates between the high‐ and low‐sperm DNA fragmentation groups. Noteworthy, high sperm DNA fragmentation was associated with worse assisted reproductive technology outcomes in the intracytoplasmic sperm injection group. Given the current quality of the evidence, affected by the experimental design and the absence of correction for female factors of infertility, clinicians should be wary of the assay's limited predictive power for pregnancy and live birth outcomes.
Optimal modalities and doses of mind–body exercise for depressive symptoms in adults: A systematic review of paired analyses, network analyses and dose–response meta‐analyses
Authors: Tian Shudong , Liang Zhide , Qiu Fanghui , Yu Yingdanni , Mou Hong , Zhang Gang , Zhang Hongzhen
Published: August 2024

The relative efficacy of various mind–body exercises in the treatment of depressive symptoms remains uncertain. We examined the optimal modalities (Tai Chi, qigong, yoga) and dose of mind–body exercise to improve depressive symptoms in adults. A systematic search of six electronic databases for randomized controlled trials on the relationship between exercise and depression was carried out, encompassing data from their inception up to November 2023. Pairwise analyses, network analyses and dose–response meta‐analyses using random‐effects models were performed to analyse the effect of exercise on depression. Forty studies were included. Results showed that Yoga [standardised mean difference (SMD) = −0.55; 95% confidence interval (CI): (−0.76, −0.35)] was the most effective form of exercise for improving depressive symptoms, followed by Qigong (SMD = −0.52; 95%CI: −0.92, −0.11) and Tai Chi exercise (SMD = −0.42; 95%CI: −0.71, −0.13). In addition, a non‐linear dose–response relationship was found between overall mind–body exercise dose and depression levels and a significant response was observed after 260 METs‐min. Our study examined the effectiveness of different types of mind–body exercise in improving depression and found that yoga may be the most effective adjunctive intervention. There was a non‐linear dose–response relationship between total exercise and depression levels. However, caution should be exercised in interpreting and applying these results.
Central nervous system prophylaxis in large B‐cell lymphoma: A British Society for Haematology Good Practice Paper
Authors: Wilson Matthew R. , Cwynarski Kate , Eyre Toby A. , Smith Jeffery , Chaganti Sridhar , Fox Christopher P. , McKay Pamela
Published: August 2024

This Good Practice Paper provides recommendations for the baseline investigation, risk stratification and use of prophylactic interventions for patients with large B‐cell lymphoma at risk of central nervous system relapse. Recent evidence which has questioned the role of high‐dose methotrexate in this clinical scenario is discussed in detail.
Foley catheter after ureteroscopy and JJ stent placement: a randomised prospective European Association of Urology Section of Urolithiasis‐Young Academic Urologists (EULIS‐YAU) endourology study
Authors: Sener Tarik Emre , Ozgur Gunal , Cetin Mehmet , Pietropaolo Amelia , Tzelves Lazaros , Esperto Francesco , Somani Bhaskar , Tanidir Yiloren
Published: August 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the effects of inserting a Foley catheter after ureteroscopy (URS) and JJ stent placement on pain scores, voiding patterns, biochemical parameters and postoperative complications.

Patients and Methods

A randomised clinical trial (1:1) with adult patients following unilateral URS + JJ stent placement was planned. In Group A, no Foley catheter was placed, in Group B, a Foley catheter was placed following URS + JJ stent placement. The primary objective was to evaluate effect of placing a Foley catheter on International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Ureteric Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ) score and postoperative biochemical parameters. The secondary objective was to evaluate postoperative complications.

Results

A total of 112 patients were included (56/group). A ureteric access sheath was used in each patient. Patients had similar demographic and surgical parameters. The pre‐ and postoperative biochemical analyses including white blood cell count, C‐reactive protein, procalcitonin and creatinine levels were similar between the two groups. The IPSS were similar between the two groups. All the subdomains of the USSQ were similar between two groups except Total Body Pain score, which was lower in Group B. The visual analogue scale scores were similar. Complications were all Clavien–Dindo Grade I and II, and the complication rate was 5.4% and 8.9% in Group A and B, respectively.

Conclusion

Placing a Foley catheter following URS + JJ stent placement did not show significant effects on postoperative biochemical parameters and voiding symptoms. However, a Foley catheter lowered the Total Body Pain score on the USSQ without having significant effects on VAS scores. The practice of placing a Foley catheter following URS and JJ stent placement should be based on surgeon's preference keeping in mind the potential positive effect on pain scores.
Interactions of gender inequality and parental discipline predicting child aggression in low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Ward Kaitlin P. , Grogan‐Kaylor Andrew C. , Ma Julie , Pace Garrett T. , Lee Shawna J. , Davis‐Kean Pamela E.
Published: August 2024

Children in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) are disproportionately at risk of not meeting their developmental potential. Parental discipline can promote and hinder child outcomes; however, little research examines how discipline interacts with contextual factors to predict child outcomes in LMICs. Using data from 208,156 households with children between 36 and 59 months (50.5% male) across 63 countries, this study examined whether interactions between gender inequality and discipline (shouting, spanking, beating, and verbal reasoning) predicted child aggression. Results showed aggression was higher in countries with high gender inequality, and associations between discipline and child aggression were weaker in countries where gender inequality was higher. Improvements in country‐level gender parity, in addition to parenting, will be necessary to promote positive child outcomes in LMICs.