bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A graph-pair representation and linear programming embedded genetic algorithm for unequal-sized layout of cellular manufacturing systems
Authors: Javadi Babak , Yadegari Mahla
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to deal with intra and inter-cell layout problems in cellular manufacturing systems. The model is organized to minimize the total handling cost, i.e. intra and inter-cell handling costs in a continuous environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted by developing a mixed integer mathematical model. Due to the complexity and NP-hard nature of the cellular manufacturing layout problem, which mostly originated from binary variables, a “graph-pair” representation is used for every machine set and cells each of which manipulates the relative locations of the machines and cells both in left-right and below-up direction. This approach results in a linear model as the binary variables are eliminated and the relative locations of the machines and cells are determined. Moreover, a genetic algorithm as an efficient meta-heuristic algorithm is embedded in the resulting linear programming model after graph-pair construction.

Findings

Various numerical examples in both small and large sizes are implemented to verify the efficiency of the linear programming embedded genetic algorithm.

Originality/value

Considering the machine and cell layout problem simultaneously within the shop floor under a static environment enabled managers to use this concept to develop the models with high efficiency.
Assessing the relationship between AMO framework and talent retention: role of employee engagement and transformational leadership
Authors: Malik Pooja , Malik Parul , Meher Jamini Ranjan , Yadav Shatrughan
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper analyzes the impact of the perceived ability motivation opportunity (AMO) framework on talent retention via employee engagement, which act as a mediator. Moreover, the study also explores the moderating role of transformational leadership between employee engagement and talent retention.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey responses were gathered from 360 frontline employees of five-star hotels in the Indian hospitality industry. Structural equation modeling using SMART PLS-4 was used to test the measurement model, construct reliability and validity, and hypotheses were tested using partial-least square structural equation modeling.

Findings

The study results demonstrate that AMO-enhancing HR practices positively affect talent retention. Concerning the indirect effects, results indicate that employee engagement partially mediates the relationship between the perceived AMO framework and talent retention. The moderating effect of transformational leadership on the relationship between employee engagement and talent retention showed a significant interaction effect.

Practical implications

The study results suggest that hospitality organizations must focus on effectively designing and implementing HRM bundles catering to their employees’ abilities, motivation and desired opportunities. Also, industrial practitioners must focus on nurturing the transformational leadership style to ensure higher employee engagement and talent retention.

Originality/value

The paper offers significant implications for the hospitality industry struggling to retain talented professionals. Also, the study provides a comprehensive framework that suggests a positive influence of the AMO framework on talent retention among hospitality employees in the context of developing countries, in which there is minimal empirical research.
Cold case reviews: college students as a force multiplier
Authors: Oberweis Trish - , Keller Abigail , Lewis Michael
Published: July 2024

Purpose

In the absence of new funding dedicated to cold case investigation, innovation is required.

Design/methodology/approach

The number of unresolved homicides in the USA has surpassed a quarter million, and the figure grows by thousands every year. Homicides that do not yield a quick arrest are time and labor intensive. This creates a staffing and resource dilemma for law enforcement administrators, as allocating time for older cases comes at the expense of investigating current ones, and vice versa.

Findings

Universities offer the enthusiastic labor of college students to “defrost” cold cases. One such partnership has been in place for nearly three years in an unusual collaboration between a state police agency and a regional state university. Small groups of students systematically organize, review and present case files. They create investigative recommendations and prioritize cases by solvability. Investigators can then select a case that may be relatively close to an arrest, access the case details very quickly and have the investigative recommendations as a place to begin a renewed investigation. Additionally, cases that are appropriate for new forensic testing or new forensic tools are identified and advanced.

Originality/value

Partnerships such the one described here are rare but lucrative. We recommend new collaborations like ours to reduce the number of unresolved homicide cases.
Does Shein redefine fast fashion merchandising strategies? A product-level analysis in the US retail market
Authors: Lu Sheng , Mullen Noelle
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to explore Shein’s “ultra-fast fashion” merchandising strategies as opposed to Zara and H&M, two of the most representative conventional fast fashion retailers.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was based on a statistical analysis of the detailed product assortment and pricing information of 12,000 apparel items at the stock-keeping unit level sold by Shein, Zara and H&M in the US market between January 2022 and December 2023.

Findings

Results show that Shein’s merchandising strategies differ statistically from Zara and H&M. Such distinctions can be observed through Shein’s deliberate adoption of a narrower product assortment, substantial investments in trendy clothing over plain-style staple items, a significantly lower product replenishment rate and a more conservative discount rate.

Originality/value

The findings offer unique insights into Shein’s business secret and deepen our understanding of the evolving fast fashion business model.
‘We are all bringing, like a unique sort of perspective’: The core elements of a strengths‐based digital arts mentoring program for autistic adolescents from the perspective of their mentors
Authors: Lee Elinda Ai Lim , Milbourn Benjamin , Afsharnejad Bahareh , Chitty Ellena , Jannings Annie‐May , Kealy Roisin , McWhirter Tamara , Girdler Sonya
Published: July 2024

Introduction

While the adoption of strengths‐based approaches to supporting autistic adolescents is growing in popularity, the application of this approach to a digital arts mentoring program has yet to be explored. This study reports on the core elements contributing to the success of a community digital arts mentoring program for autistic adolescents from the mentors' perspective. This paper presents an in‐depth exploration of mentors' experiences, comprising a component of a broader line of research investigating a digital arts mentoring program for autistic adolescents emphasising positive youth development.

Methods

The digital arts mentoring program spanned 20 weeks across two Australian school terms and was attended by two groups of autistic adolescents (N = 18) aged between 11 and 17 years. A qualitative approach was utilised in exploring the perspective of their mentors (N = 6). Qualitative data were collected at the end of each school term for each group with the mentors using an interpretive phenomenological approach and Colaizzi's seven‐step analysis method. Thirteen individual interviews were conducted with six mentors.

Consumer and Community Involvement

This research was conducted with a disability arts provider to provide a digital arts mentoring program to autistic adolescents. The mentors employed have lived experience with disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety.

Results

Five primary themes emerged from the data: positive connections, mentor knowledge and experience, mentoring approaches, autism education, program organisation, resources and environment. Subthemes underpinned the primary themes related to positive connections (three subthemes), mentoring approaches (four subthemes) and program organisation, resources and environment (three subthemes).

Conclusion

The findings suggest that prior experience, sufficient training, a supportive environment and a flexible and adaptable approach were essential for success. Understanding the core elements of a strengths‐based digital arts program in occupational therapy provides a comprehensive framework for utilising clients' inherent strengths and creativity as therapeutic tool, creating an empowering environment, fostering meaningful outcomes for clients.
Strategizing emergency management strategies: A dynamic perspective
Authors: Ibrahim Nurain Hassan , Al‐Tabbaa Omar
Published: July 2024

The oil and gas extraction industry, with its inherent complexities and high‐risk environment, demands robust emergency management (EM) strategies to minimize losses of life and protect both tangible and intangible organizational assets. Despite the critical importance of these strategies, the evolution of EM processes within such a dynamic setting remains poorly understood. This paper seeks to address this gap by employing the Strategy‐as‐Practice (SAP) perspective, which offers valuable insights into noncompetitive strategizing. The SAP lens is particularly suited to examining EM's strategic role in safeguarding lives and assets. Through an in‐depth case study, we unravel the intricate complexities of the strategizing process, often considered a black box. Additionally, we introduce a novel framework that delineates the micro‐dynamics of interactions among the three core SAP elements—praxis, practitioners and practices. This framework provides a comprehensive understanding of how EM strategies evolve over time, emphasizing the pivotal role of emergency actors in such a multifaceted context.
Deciphering the dynamics of risk perception: Emotional and cognitive responses to new energy vehicle crises on social media
Authors: Xu Jia , Zhou Yuze , Lu Liangdong , Yang Shu
Published: July 2024

This study examines the impact of various stakeholders on the social amplification of risk perceptions regarding new energy vehicle technologies, focusing on Tesla‐related discussions on Weibo. By applying natural language processing and machine learning to extract topics and conducting econometric analysis, we explored the emotional and cognitive dimensions of public discourse. Granger causality and impulse response analyses revealed that commercial media and celebrities initially intensified public negative emotions, while government communications mitigated them. Conversely, information from peer firms and the government positively influenced public risk perceptions on the cognitive dimension. Variance decomposition highlighted the rapid spread of emotionally driven content versus the deeper engagement elicited by cognitively driven content. These findings suggest that crisis communication strategies should consider the distinct dynamics of emotional and cognitive transmission on social media, providing valuable insights for managing public risk perceptions in crises.
National rollout of a medication safety dashboard to improve testing for latent infections among biologic and targeted synthetic disease‐modifying agent users within the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Schmajuk Gabriela , Ware Anna , Li Jing , Tarasovsky Gary , Shiboski Stephen , Barton Jennifer L. , Miller Karla L. , Mitchell Holly A. , Dana Jo , Reiter Kimberly , Wahl Elizabeth , Rozenberg‐Ben‐Dror Karine , Hauser Ronald G. , Whooley Mary A.
Published: July 2024

Objective

To develop, deploy, and evaluate a national, electronic health record (EHR)‐based dashboard to support safe prescribing of biologic and targeted synthetic disease‐modifying agents (b/tsDMARDs) in the United States Veterans Affairs Healthcare System (VA).

Data Sources and Study Setting

We extracted and displayed hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and tuberculosis (TB) screening data from the EHR for users of b/tsDMARDs using PowerBI (Microsoft) and deployed the dashboard to VA facilities across the United States in 2022; we observed facilities for 44 weeks post‐deployment.

Study Design

We examined the association between dashboard engagement by healthcare personnel and the percentage of patients with all screenings complete (HBV, HCV, and TB) at the facility level using an interrupted time series. Based on frequency of sessions, facilities were grouped into high‐ and low/none‐engagement categories. We modeled changes in complete screening pre‐ and post‐deployment of the dashboard.

Data Collection Methods

All VA facilities were eligible for inclusion; excluded facilities participated in design of the dashboard or had <20 patients receiving b/tsDMARDs. Session counts from facility personnel were captured using PowerBI audit log data. Outcomes were assessed weekly based on EHR data extracted via the dashboard itself.

Principal Findings

Totally 117 facilities (serving a total of 41,224 Veterans prescribed b/tsDMARDs) were included. Before dashboard deployment, across all facilities, 61.5% of patients had all screenings complete, which improved to 66.3% over the course of the study period. The largest improvement (15 percentage points, 60.3%–75.3%) occurred among facilities with high engagement (post‐intervention difference in outcome between high and low/none‐engagement groups was 0.17 percentage points (pp) per week, 95% confidence interval (0.04 pp, 0.30 pp); p = 0.01).

Conclusions

We observed significant improvements in screening for latent infections among facilities with high engagement with the dashboard, compared with those with fewer sessions.
When morality matters: impact of socially responsible human resource management on unethical behavior
Authors: Men Chenghao , Yan Mingyu , Lv Bo , Liu Bing
Published: July 2024

Unethical behavior may result in detrimental consequences for the organization. Therefore, scholars are proactively trying to explore its antecedents. Human resource management, as a crucial factor that controls employees' behavior for effective organizational functioning, has gained limited attention in previous studies. To complement this aspect, we argue that socially responsible human resource management with moral nature may affect employees' unethical behavior. Drawing on moral self‐regulation theory, our study constructs a theoretical model that socially responsible human resource management negatively affects employees' unethical behavior through the decrease of moral disengagement. We additionally contend that the effect becomes stronger as employees exhibit a higher level of moral attentiveness because contextual factors (i.e. socially responsible human resource management) and individual characteristics (i.e. moral attentiveness) could interactively influence employees' cognition of immoral conduct and their unethical behaviors. A survey consisted of 229 employees supports the proposed model and hypotheses. Our research contributes to the theoretical and practical implications for socially responsible human resource management and unethical behavior literatures, and we also discuss the limitations and future research directions.
Association of radiation‐induced epilation and interventional neuroradiology procedures
Authors: Carrick Deborah , do Nascimento Vinicius Carraro , de Villiers Laetitia , Rice Henry
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The aim of this study is to quantify the association of temporary epilation following interventional neuroradiology (INR) procedures and compare the peak skin dose (Dskin,max) threshold to published values.

Methods

Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH) is a major centre for INR with over 500 primarily interventional procedures performed every year. Dskin,max is calculated when the reference air kerma (Ka,r) exceeds 3 Gy. If the Dskin,max exceeds 3 Gy, the patient is followed up for any skin effects. An audit was undertaken of these results over a 2‐year period.

Results

From January 2020 to December 2021, 140 patients who underwent INR procedures had a Ka,r > 3 Gy, 66 resulted in a calculated Dskin,max >3 Gy, and 45 were successfully followed up. Twenty patients (44%) reported no skin effects and 25 (56%) reported skin effects, which were almost exclusively epilation. The mean (range) Dskin,max for patients with no reported skin effects and those with observed skin effects was 4.6 Gy (3.0–11.1 Gy) and 4.2 Gy (3.0–7.0 Gy), respectively.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that temporary epilation was observed in 56% of patients, in a cohort of 45 patients who underwent an INR procedure with calculated Dskin,max >3 Gy and successful follow‐up. The results support evidence in the literature that suggests the approximate threshold for temporary epilation reported by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) may be too high for incidence of this effect, specifically on the scalp, when Dskin,max is calculated from Ka,r (using commonly used corrections and assumptions in the calculation).
Rebooting the Community Reinvestment Act
Authors: Jones Lindsay Sain , Maynard Goldburn
Published: July 2024

The Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) was passed in 1977 as a response to redlining, the systemic discrimination against loan applicants who resided in predominantly Black neighborhoods. In enacting the CRA, Congress found that banks have a “continuing and affirmative obligation” to help meet the credit needs of the communities in which they are chartered. To that end, the CRA requires bank regulators to rate the record of each bank in fulfilling these obligations. While much has changed since 1977, some things have not. Financial services are now provided by a much broader set of entities including financial technology (fintech) firms, yet the CRA's mandates still just apply to banks. In addition, while the demographic compositions of neighborhoods have changed since 1977, Black applicants are still 2.5 times more likely than White applicants to be rejected for a home loan. On October 24, 2023, the banking agencies jointly issued final rules to “strengthen and modernize” the agencies' CRA regulations. While the updated rules do inject more objectivity in order to address persistent concerns about CRA ratings inflation, we contend that further amendments are needed to account for what has changed and what has not changed since its original enactment. In this article, we argue that the CRA continues to be a worthwhile endeavor, as it addresses gaps left by fair lending laws. To further its impact and address its many shortcomings though, we contend the CRA should be amended to also apply to nonbanks that provide financial services, to counter discrimination more directly, and to calculate CRA ratings more objectively.
Interventions to improve equity in emergency departments for Indigenous people: A scoping review
Authors: MacLean Davis , Curtin Kimberley D. , Barnabe Cheryl , Bill Lea , Healy Bonnie , Holroyd Brian R. , Khangura Jaspreet K. , McLane Patrick
Published: July 2024

Background

Disparities in health outcomes, including increased chronic disease prevalence and decreased life expectancy for Indigenous people, have been shown across settings affected by white settler colonialism including Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. Emergency departments (EDs) represent a unique setting in which urgent patient need and provider strain interact to amplify inequities within society. The aim of this scoping review was to map the ED‐based interventions aimed at improving equity in care for Indigenous patients in EDs.

Methods

This scoping review was conducted using the procedures outlined by Arksey and O'Malley and guidance on conducting scoping reviews from the Joanna Briggs Institute. A systematic search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and EMBASE was conducted.

Results

A total of 3636 articles were screened by title and abstract, of which 32 were screened in full‐text review and nine articles describing seven interventions were included in this review. Three intervention approaches were identified: the introduction of novel clinical roles, implementation of chronic disease screening programs in EDs, and systems/organizational‐level interventions.

Conclusions

Relatively few interventions for improving equity in care were identified. We found that a minority of interventions are aimed at creating organizational‐level change and suggest that future interventions could benefit from targeting system‐level changes as opposed to or in addition to incorporating new roles in EDs.
Spatiotemporal regulation of dental pulpal innervation in the rat
Authors: Yang Dong‐Wook , Shim Hye‐Min , Kim Min‐Seok , Kim Sun‐Hun
Published: July 2024

The dental pulp is a highly innervated tissue transmitting pain‐related sensations in the tooth. Consequently, understanding the intricacies of its innervation mechanism in odontogenesis is crucial for gaining insights into dental pain and developing dental pain‐modulating agents. This study examined neuroregulatory molecules such as neurotrophic factors (nerve growth factor [NGF], brain‐derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF], neurotrophin‐4 [NTF‐4], and neurturin [NRTN]) and neuroinhibitory factors (slit2, ephrin isoforms and netrin‐1) in developing rat teeth with follicles. NGF, BDNF and NRTN transcriptions showed time‐dependent upregulation, particularly during the root formation stage. In contrast, NTF‐4 mRNA was highly expressed at the cap stage, but became downregulated over time. Slit2 and ephrin‐B2 expression was distinct at the cap stage and then downregulated in a time‐dependent manner. Ephrin‐A5 and netrin‐1 expression did not significantly change. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed a robust expression of both ephrin‐B2 and slit2 in the outer and inner dental epithelia of the enamel organ, a non‐neurogenic tissue, during the cap stage of 3rd molar germs. In contrast, BDNF was predominantly localized in dental papilla cells and odontoblasts during the root formation stage. These results suggest that neuroregulatory molecules, such as BDNF, slit2 and ephrin‐B2, may be important in identifying therapeutic targets for modulating dental pulp pain.
P7C3 suppresses astrocytic senescence to protect dopaminergic neurons: Implication in the mouse model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Chen Yajing , Zhu Zengyan , Yan Yinghui , Sun Hongyang , Wang Guanghui , Du Xiaohuan , Li Fang , Yuan Shuwei , Wang Wenjing , Wang Mei , Gu Chao
Published: July 2024

Aims

Astrocytic senescence is inextricably linked to aging and neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD). P7C3 is a small, neuroprotective aminopropyl carbazole compound that exhibits anti‐inflammatory properties. However, the effects of P7C3 on astrocytic senescence in PD remain to be elucidated.

Methods

An in vitro, long culture‐induced, replicative senescence cell model and a 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium (MPP+)/rotenone‐induced premature senescence cell model were used to investigate the effects of P7C3 on astrocytic senescence. An in vivo, 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)‐induced mouse PD model was used to study the role of P7C3 in astrocytic senescence. Immunoblotting, real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR (qPCR), immunofluorescence, subcellular fractionation assays, and immunohistochemistry were utilized to confirm the effects of P7C3 on astrocytic senescence and elucidate its underlying mechanisms.

Results

This study determined that P7C3 suppressed the senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP) in both cell models, as demonstrated by the reduction in the critical senescence marker p16 and proinflammatory factors (IL‐6, IL‐1β, CXCL10, and MMP9) and increased laminB1 levels, implying that P7C3 inhibited replicative astrocytic senescence and MPP+/rotenone‐induced premature astrocytic senescence, Most importantly, we demonstrated that P7C3 prevented the death of dopamine (DA) neurons and reduced the behavioral deficits in the MPTP‐induced mouse model of PD, which is accompanied by a decrease in senescent astrocytes in the substantia nigra compacta (SNc). Mechanistically, P7C3 promoted Nrf2/Sirt3‐mediated mitophagy and reduced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mitoROS) generation, which contributed to the suppression of astrocytic senescence. Furthermore, Sirt3 deficiency obviously abolished the inhibitory effects of P7C3 on astrocytic senescence.

Conclusion

This study revealed that P7C3 inhibited astrocytic senescence via increased Nrf2/Sirt3‐mediated mitophagy and suppression of mitoROS, which further protected against DA neuronal loss. These observations provide a prospective theoretical basis for P7C3 in the treatment of age‐associated neurodegenerative diseases, such as PD.
Exploring brain asymmetry in early‐stage Parkinson's disease through functional and structural MRI
Authors: Liu Yujing , Yuan Jiaying , Tan Changlian , Wang Min , Zhou Fan , Song Chendie , Tang Yuqing , Li Xv , Liu Qinru , Shen Qin , Congli Huang , Liu Jun , Cai Sainan , Liao Haiyan
Published: July 2024

Objective

This study explores the correlation between asymmetrical brain functional activity, gray matter asymmetry, and the severity of early‐stage Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods

Ninety‐three early‐stage PD patients (ePD, H‐Y stages 1–2.5) were recruited, divided into 47 mild (ePD‐mild, H‐Y stages 1–1.5) and 46 moderate (ePD‐moderate, H‐Y stages 2–2.5) cases, alongside 43 matched healthy controls (HCs). The study employed the Hoehn and Yahr (H‐Y) staging system for disease severity assessment and utilized voxel‐mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC) for analyzing brain functional activity asymmetry. Asymmetry voxel‐based morphometry analysis (VBM) was applied to evaluate gray matter asymmetry.

Results

The study found that, relative to HCs, both PD subgroups demonstrated reduced VMHC values in regions including the amygdala, putamen, inferior and middle temporal gyrus, and cerebellum Crus I. The ePD‐moderate group also showed decreased VMHC in additional regions such as the postcentral gyrus, lingual gyrus, and superior frontal gyrus, with notably lower VMHC in the superior frontal gyrus compared to the ePD‐mild group. A negative correlation was observed between the mean VMHC values in the superior frontal gyrus and H‐Y stages, UPDRS, and UPDRS‐III scores. No significant asymmetry in gray matter was detected.

Conclusions

Asymmetrical brain functional activity is a significant characteristic of PD, which exacerbates as the disease severity increases, resembling the dissemination of Lewy bodies across the PD neurological framework. VMHC emerges as a potent tool for characterizing disease severity in early‐stage PD.
Computational approaches improve evidence synthesis and inform broad fisheries trends
Authors: Stokes Gretchen L. , Lynch Abigail J. , Flores John V. , Wong Jesse P. , Morang Connor A. , Romulo Chelsie , Funge‐Smith Simon , Valbo‐Jørgensen John , Smidt Samuel J.
Published: July 2024

Addressing ecological impacts with effective conservation actions requires information on the links between human pressures and localized responses. Understanding links is a priority for many conservation contexts, including the world's fresh waters, which face intensifying threats to disproportionately high species diversity, including more than half of the world's fish species. Literature synthesis can uncover links and highlight potential research gaps, yet can be very cumbersome and time consuming. Emerging tools like text mining can improve efficiency in extracting relevant information from vast scientific outputs. This study synthesizes evidence of direct anthropogenic threats to major inland fisheries and examines driver‐impact‐response patterns using coupled automated and manual text classification methods. We screened 9336 abstracts from 45 river basins of high importance to inland fish production; 1152 abstracts contained evidence of direct threats to fish. The most common documented drivers were pollution, dams, and fishing pressure, which were most strongly linked to decreased fitness, altered reproduction, and mortality, respectively. Strong impact‐response links to pollution signal potential bias toward documenting acute threats that generate more visible and immediate impacts. The use of machine learning‐based text classification performed best in classifying extraneous information. Results can inform the development of inland fisheries indicators and threat‐based metrics, highlight possible evidence gaps in linking global drivers to fishery‐level responses, and illustrate the application of a coupled synthesis approach for improved efficiency and extraction of information relevant to conservation outcomes. The associated user and interpretation guides address accessibility and technical barriers faced by conservation scientists to improve efficiency in evidence synthesis.
Food insecurity and adolescent impulsivity: The mediating role of functional connectivity in the context of family flexibility
Authors: Reck Ava , Sweet Lawrence H. , Geier Charles , Kogan Steven M. , Cui Zehua , Oshri Assaf
Published: July 2024

Adolescent food insecurity is a salient adversity hypothesized to affect neural systems associated with increased impulsive behavior. Family environments shape how adverse experiences influence development. In this study, hypotheses were tested regarding the conjoint effects of food insecurity and family flexibility on impulsivity via alterations in connectivity between regions within the salience and central executive networks. Such alterations are reflected in resting‐state functional connectivity (rsFC) metrics between the anterior insula (AI) and the middle frontal gyrus (MFG). Hypotheses were tested in a longitudinal moderated mediation model with two waves of data from 142 adolescents (Time 1 [T1] Mage = 12.89, SD = 0.85; Time 2 [T2] Mage = 15.01, SD = 1.07). Data on past‐year household food insecurity, family flexibility, and rsFC were obtained at T1. Impulsivity was self‐reported by the adolescent at T1 and T2. Findings revealed that high T1 left‐to‐left rsFC between the AI and MFG was associated with increased impulsivity at T2. The interaction of family flexibility and food insecurity was associated with AI and MFG rsFC. In the context of low family flexibility, food insecurity was linked to high levels of AI and MFG rsFC. Conversely, in the context of optimal family flexibility, food insecurity was associated with low levels of AI and MFG rsFC. Conditional indirect analysis suggests that the links among food insecurity, rsFC, and impulsive behavior depend on family flexibility.

Research Highlights

Adolescent food insecurity was associated with anterior insula and middle frontal gyrus connectivity only at certain levels of family flexibility.

High family flexibility attenuated the link between food insecurity and neural connectivity, while low levels of family flexibility increased this risk.

High left anterior insula and left middle frontal gyrus connectivity was associated with increased impulsivity 1 year later.
Long‐term efficacy and safety of enavogliflozin in Korean people with type 2 diabetes: A 52‐week extension of a Phase 3 randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kwak Soo Heon , Han Kyung Ah , Kim Eun Sook , Choi Sung Hee , Won Jong Chul , Yu Jae Myung , Oh Seungjoon , Yoo Hye Jin , Kim Chong Hwa , Kim Kyung‐Soo , Chun SungWan , Kim Yong Hyun , Cho Seung Ah , Kim Da Hye , Park Kyong Soo
Published: July 2024

Aims

To evaluate the long‐term safety and efficacy of enavogliflozin monotherapy (0.3 mg/day) in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Materials and Methods

Following a 24‐week randomized, double‐blind treatment period with enavogliflozin 0.3 mg/day (n = 77) or placebo (n = 69), consenting participants received enavogliflozin 0.3 mg/day for an additional 28 weeks during an open‐label extension (OLE) period. The safety and efficacy of enavogliflozin were assessed at Week 52.

Results

A total of 37 participants continued enavogliflozin (maintenance group), and 26 participants switched from placebo to enavogliflozin (switch group). No additional adverse drug reactions related to enavogliflozin were observed during the OLE period. At Week 52, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose were significantly lower than at the baseline, by 0.9% and 24.9 mg/dL, respectively, in the maintenance group (p < 0.0001 for both), and by 0.7% and 18.0 mg/dL, respectively, in the switch group (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.002). The proportions of participants reaching HbA1c 7.0% (53 mmol/mol) at Week 52 were 69.4% in the maintenance group and 65.4% in the switch group. A significant increase in urine glucose‐to‐creatinine ratio was observed at Week 52, by 84.9 g/g and 67.1 g/g in the maintenance and switch groups, respectively (p < 0.0001 for both). Body weight in both groups decreased significantly (p < 0.0001) from baseline to Week 52, by 3.5 kg and 3.8 kg in the maintenance and switch groups, respectively.

Conclusions

Enavogliflozin 0.3 mg monotherapy provides long‐term glycaemic control in T2DM and is safe and well tolerated during a 52‐week treatment period.
Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists and sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in liver transplant recipients
Authors: Zheng Katina , Azhie Amirhossein , You Xiaoting , Naghibzadeh Maryam , Tan Eunice , Naimimohasses Sara , Sridhar Vikas S. , Gupta Sarang , Chen Shiyi , Dash Satya , Tsien Cynthia , Selzner Nazia , Lilly Leslie , Jaeckel Elmar , Woo Minna , Singh Sunita , Cherney David , Bhat Mamatha
Published: July 2024

Aim

To investigate the efficacy and safety of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) and sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in liver transplant (LT) recipients with diabetes.

Methods

A single‐centre, retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from an LT recipient database (1990–2023) was conducted. We included adults with pre‐existing diabetes and post‐transplant diabetes, newly started on GLP‐1RAs and/or SGLT2 inhibitors after LT. Metabolic and biochemical parameters and outcomes were collected for up to 12 months after starting medications and were compared to those in patients receiving dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and linear mixed models.

Results

We included participants on GLP‐1RAs (n = 46), SGLT2 inhibitors (n = 87), combination therapy (n = 12), and a DPP‐4 inhibitor comparator (n = 217). Both GLP‐1RAs and combination therapy decreased mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, and combination therapy remained significant when adjusted for DPP‐4 inhibitor treatment (−3.5%, 95% CI [−6.1, −0.95]; p = 0.0089) at 12 months. All three groups had significant decreases in mean weight and body mass index, but these remained significant in the GLP‐1RA (−5.2 kg, 95% CI [−8.7, −1.7], p = 0.0039 and 1.99 kg/m2, 95% CI [−3.4, −0.6], p = 0.0048) and combination therapy groups (−5.4 kg, 95% CI [−10.5, −0.36], p = 0.04 and −3.4 kg/m2, 95% CI [−5.5, −1.3], p = 0.0015) when adjusted for DPP‐4 inhibitor treatment at 12 months. Alanine aminotransferase levels decreased with GLP‐1RA and combination therapy. There were two (1.4%) cases of graft rejection.

Conclusion

We found that GLP‐1RAs, SGLT2 inhibitors, and their combination, led to significant weight loss in LT recipients with diabetes. Combination therapy, in particular, lowered HbA1c and alanine aminotransferase levels compared to DPP‐4 inhibitors. Further studies are needed to assess long‐term safety and efficacy.
Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist semaglutide reduces atrial fibrillation incidence: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Saglietto Andrea , Falasconi Giulio , Penela Diego , Francia Pietro , Sau Arunashis , Ng Fu Siong , Dusi Veronica , Castagno Davide , Gaita Fiorenzo , Berruezo Antonio , De Ferrari Gaetano Maria , Anselmino Matteo
Published: July 2024

Background

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1 RAs) are new anti‐hyperglycaemic drugs with proven cardiovascular (CV) benefit in diabetic and non‐diabetic patients at high CV risk. Despite a neutral class effect on arrhythmia risk, data on semaglutide suggest a possible drug‐specific benefit in reducing atrial fibrillation (AF) occurrence.

Objective

To perform a meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to assess the risk of incident AF in patients treated with semaglutide compared to placebo.

Methods and Results

Ten RCTs were included in the analysis. Study population encompassed 12,651 patients (7285 in semaglutide and 5366 in placebo arms), with median follow‐up of 68 months. A random effect meta‐analytic model was adopted to pool relative risk (RR) of incident AF. Semaglutide reduces the risk of AF by 42% (RR .58, 95% CI .40–.85), with low heterogeneity across the studies (I2 0%). At subgroup analysis, no differences emerged between oral and subcutaneous administration (oral: RR .53, 95% CI .23–1.24, I2 0%; subcutaneous: RR .59, 95% CI .39–.91, I2 0%; p‐value .83). In addition, meta‐regression analyses did not show any potential influence of baseline study covariates, in particular the proportion of diabetic patients (p‐value .14) and body mass index (BMI) (p‐value .60).

Conclusions

Semaglutide significantly reduces the occurrence of incident AF by 42% as compared to placebo in individuals at high CV risk, mainly affected by type 2 diabetes mellitus. This effect appears to be consistent independently of the route of administration of the drug (oral or subcutaneous), the presence of underlying diabetes and BMI.
Implications of altered pyramidal cell morphology on clinical symptoms of neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Asad Zummar , Fakheir Yara , Abukhaled Yara , Khalil Reem
Published: July 2024

The prevalence of pyramidal cells (PCs) in the mammalian cerebral cortex underscore their value as they play a crucial role in various brain functions, ranging from cognition, sensory processing, to motor output. PC morphology significantly influences brain connectivity and plays a critical role in maintaining normal brain function. Pathological alterations to PC morphology are thought to contribute to the aetiology of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia. This review explores the relationship between abnormalities in PC morphology in key cortical areas and the clinical manifestations in schizophrenia and ASD. We focus largely on human postmortem studies and provide evidence that dendritic segment length, complexity and spine density are differentially affected in these disorders. These morphological alterations can lead to disruptions in cortical connectivity, potentially contributing to the cognitive and behavioural deficits observed in these disorders. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of investigating the functional and structural characteristics of PCs in these disorders to illuminate the underlying pathogenesis and stimulate further research in this area.
Fatigue performance of bonding‐assisted fillet weld roots by inserting adhesive material
Authors: Jiahao Mao , Mikihito Hirohata , Yifei Xu , Kyong‐Ho Chang
Published: July 2024

This study proposes a novel method to prevent fatigue cracks at the root of fillet welds in steel bridge supports by inserting epoxy resin as an adhesive material. A total of 36 specimens, categorized into welded‐only and bonding‐assisted types, were subjected to a series of four‐point bending fatigue tests to simulate cyclic tensile stress conditions. Additionally, finite element analysis was employed to investigate the impact of epoxy insertion on stress distribution near the weld root. The results demonstrated that bonding‐assisted specimens exhibited significantly improved fatigue life compared to welded‐only specimens, with a notable reduction in tensile stress at the weld root. Furthermore, a displacement‐based method was employed to evaluate weld root fatigue performance, yielding consistent results. These findings highlight the potential of integrating adhesive bonding in fillet welds to improve the durability and service life of steel bridge structures by effectively mitigating fatigue‐related issues.
Political tax cycles in the US states: Opportunism versus ideological sincerity in governors' revenue proposals
Authors: Douglas James W. , Szmer John , Raudla Ringa
Published: July 2024

Do politicians behave opportunistically regarding their tax proposals during the election cycle, or do they maintain ideological sincerity? We examine U.S. governors' revenue proposals between the years of 1989 and 2018 to assess gubernatorial behavior during election years. We find that governors, in general, do indeed follow a political budget cycle where they request lower revenues during election years. However, this finding is largely driven by Democratic governors asking for significantly lower revenues during election years when compared to non‐election years. Republican governors are more ideologically sincere, maintaining behaviors that are consistent across the election cycle.
Political corruption, political responsiveness and public trust: Testing the implicit exchange hypothesis
Authors: Potipiroon Wisanupong
Published: July 2024

The question of why electoral punishment of corrupt politicians fails to materialize continues to captivate scholars and practitioners. In this research, I draw upon implicit exchange theory to demonstrate that corrupt politicians may retain public trust if they are seen as responsive to the constituency. Analyses of survey data from 590 local business owners in two municipalities in Thailand reveal that political corruption negatively affected public trust, while political responsiveness had a positive effect. Furthermore, as expected, political responsiveness neutralized the trust‐eroding effect of political corruption. Specifically, citizens showed higher levels of trust for politicians perceived as “corrupt but responsive” than for those considered “less corrupt but less responsive.” The results were observed after considering the influence of politician competence and local government performance. These findings paint a rather somber view, suggesting that political corruption in the presence of political responsiveness may create a “façade” of politicians' trustworthiness.
Equitable Care for Children With a Tracheostomy: Addressing Challenges and Seeking Systemic Solutions
Authors: Sherman Jules , Zalzal Habib , Bower Kyle
Published: July 2024

Background

Children with medical complexity (CMC) often face significant barriers to accessing care, obtaining appropriate insurance coverage for medical devices, technology, supplies, home nursing and social services. These challenges, when viewed through the lens of social determinants of health, highlight concerns about healthcare inequity. These inequities can impact CMC by limiting access to follow‐up appointments, leading to disproportionate use of emergency department services, restricting support services, reducing the quality of medical products and increasing the likelihood of adverse events. Addressing these concerns requires comprehensive policy changes at both state and federal levels. Achieving successful collaborations between states and federal agencies is particularly challenging and may take months or even years to accomplish.

Objectives

Through an exploratory qualitative approach, this study facilitates a nuanced inquiry into the experiences and systemic challenges encountered by medical professionals and primary caregivers managing CMC who require a paediatric tracheostomy.

Methods

Qualitative interviews were conducted with 17 health professionals and primary caregivers residing in the United States. A thematic analysis was used to analyse the transcribed interview data.

Results

Using exploratory thematic analysis, we identified challenges and opportunities for improvement regarding (a) access to health insurance, (b) procurement of essential medical supplies, (c) logistical constraints and (d) identifying interim solutions.

Conclusion

Building on our findings, we discuss how socioecological factors impact health and quality of life of CMC and families. Additionally, we address the growing gap in quality of care through a comprehensive approach that considers patient needs, regulatory frameworks and affordability.

Patient or Public Contribution

Medical practitioners and healthcare professionals were actively involved in the development, production and implementation of the research project. These individuals were given the opportunity to review their statements and review the manuscript before publishing. While caregivers did not engage in member checking, each provided their consent before data collection.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis on prevalence and anamnestic risk factors for erosive tooth wear in the primary dentition
Authors: Marschner Felix , Kanzow Philipp , Wiegand Annette
Published: July 2024

Background

Erosive tooth wear is a multifactorial and common condition in children.

Aim

This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to determine the prevalence and key risk factors for erosive tooth wear in the primary dentition of children up to 7 years of age.

Design

Electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched in February 2023 for observational studies reporting prevalence and anamnestic risk factors. Additionally, a manual hand search was performed. Meta‐analyses were conducted for the prevalence and odds ratios of identified risk factors. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale modified for cross‐sectional studies.

Results

A total of 26 sources, reporting on 23 studies, were included in the systematic review. The overall estimated prevalence of children with erosive tooth wear in the primary dentition amounted to 35.6% (95% CI: 24.8–48.1). Anamnestic factors were structured into domains. Meta‐analyses revealed gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD; padj. = .008; OR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.37–2.87), consumption of acidic food (padj. < .001; OR = 5.14, 95% CI: 3.56–7.42) and acidic drinks (padj. < .001; OR = 6.90, 95% CI: 4.64–10.25), holding beverages in the mouth while drinking (padj. = .035; OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.26–2.63), and snacking regularly (padj. = .041; OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.18–2.10) to be significantly associated with erosive tooth wear.

Conclusion

Future research should use standardized questionnaires to assess erosive tooth wear and its underlying risk factors (PROSPERO: CRD4202339776).
Optimizing microwave dielectric properties of low‐temperature sintered Sr/Zn‐substituted BaMg2V2O8 by mixing with TiO2
Authors: Ullah Burhan , Appiah Millicent , Xiao Yuting , Yang Yixing , Tan Daniel Q.
Published: July 2024

Ba1 − xSrxMg2 − yZnyV2O8 compounds, abbreviated as BSMZVO@xy (x = 0.0–0.2 and y = 0.02), were synthesized with tetragonal structures. The microstructure, molecular structure, and polarization mechanism were investigated using X‐ray diffraction, electronic microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and vector network analyzer. The sintering temperatures (<900°C) and microwave dielectric properties of BSMZVO are significantly impacted by (Sr/Zn)2+ substitution and TiO2 mixing. The BSMZVO@xy (x = 0.15 and y = 0.02) exhibited encouraging εr (12.4–12.7), Q × f (40 054–40 973 GHz), and temperature coefficient of resonance frequency (τf ∼ −5.2 to 0.0 ppm/°C) after sintering at 860°C/4 h and 800°C/4 h. For the first time, TiO2 was added to enhance the density and Q × f value without degrading τf. The 0.25 wt.% TiO2 resulted in optimum εr of 13.4, Q × f of 43 636 GHz, and τf of +1.8 ppm/°C after sintering at 760°C/4 h. The improved quality factor (Q × f) is linked to the Raman A1g mode and relative density.