bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A mixed-methods investigation of the factors affecting the use of facial recognition as a threatening AI application
Authors: Wu Xiaojun , Zhou Zhongyun , Chen Shouming
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Artificial intelligence (AI) applications pose a potential threat to users' data security and privacy due to their high data-dependence nature. This paper aims to investigate an understudied issue in the literature, namely, how users perceive the threat of and decide to use a threatening AI application. In particular, it examines the influencing factors and the mechanisms that affect an individual’s behavioral intention to use facial recognition, a threatening AI.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop a research model with trust as the key mediating variable by integrating technology threat avoidance theory, the theory of planned behavior and contextual factors related to facial recognition. Then, it is tested through a sequential mixed-methods investigation, including a qualitative study (for model development) of online comments from various platforms and a quantitative study (for model validation) using field survey data.

Findings

Perceived threat (triggered by perceived susceptibility and severity) and perceived avoidability (promoted by perceived effectiveness, perceived cost and self-efficacy) have negative and positive relationships, respectively, with an individual’s attitude toward facial recognition applications; these relationships are partially mediated by trust. In addition, perceived avoidability is positively related to perceived behavioral control, which along with attitude and subjective norm is positively related to individuals' intentions to use facial recognition applications.

Originality/value

This paper is among the first to examine the factors that affect the acceptance of threatening AI applications and how. The research findings extend the current literature by providing rich and novel insights into the important roles of perceived threat, perceived avoidability, and trust in affecting an individual’s attitude and intention regarding using threatening AI applications.
Behavior of Zn5Al hot-dip galvanized steel members under fire exposure
Authors: Pinger Thomas , Firan Mirabela , Mensinger Martin
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Based on the known positive effects of conventional hot-dip galvanizing under fire exposure and indicative results on zinc–aluminum coatings from smallscale tests, a series of tests were conducted on zinc-5% aluminum galvanized test specimens under fire loads to verify the previous positive findings under largescale boundary conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The emissivity of zinc-5% aluminum galvanized surfaces applied to steel specimens was determined experimentally under real fire loads and laboratory thermal loads in accordance with the normative specifications of the standard fire curve. Both large and smallscale specimens were used in this study. The steel grade and surface conditions of the specimens were varied for both test scenarios.

Findings

Largescale tests on specimens with typical steel construction dimensions under fire loads showed that the surface emissivity of zinc-5% aluminum galvanized steel was significantly lower than that of the conventionally galvanized steel. Only minor influences from the weathering of the specimens and steel chemistry were observed. These results agree well with those obtained from smallscale tests. The design values of zinc-5% aluminum melt (Zn5Al) required for the structural fire design were proposed based on the obtained results.

Originality/value

The novel tests presented in this study are the first ones to study the behavior of zinc-5% aluminum galvanized largescale steel construction components under the influence of real fire exposure and their positive effect on the emissivity of steel components galvanized by this method. The results provide valuable insights and information on the behavior in the case of fire and the associated savings potential for steel construction.
Digital transformation and corporate restructuring: does corporate governance matter?
Authors: Tran Ngoc Phu , Le Quan Thai-Thuong , Vo Anh The , Vo Duc Hong
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Adopting digital transformation is changing the methods through which companies' function, generating novel possibilities and difficulties that force firms to adjust to remain competitive in the digital era. It is critical for firms to embrace this change and utilize technology to develop a more flexible, proactive and effective approach as digital transformation continues to advance at an accelerating pace. Vietnam has been placed at the forefront of these changes in attracting investments and becoming a hub of international trade. As a result, Vietnamese firms have been implementing restructuring and adopting digital transformation to remain competitive with the flow of foreign investment. This paper aims to examine the effects of digital transformation on corporate restructuring in Vietnam. The authors then investigate the moderating role of corporate governance in the digital transformation – corporate restructuring nexus.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ content analysis to extract information from the annual reports of 747 Vietnamese listed companies, where the authors focus on specific phrases, such as “digitalization”, “big data”, “cloud computing”, “blockchain” and “information technology” over a period of 11 years, from 2011 to 2021. The frequency count of these keywords is calculated to represent the level of digital transformation for the Vietnamese listed firms. A final sample of 118 Vietnamese listed firms with sufficient data is selected for the analysis using the generalized method of moments (GMM) approach.

Findings

The results indicate that digital transformation and corporate governance negatively impact corporate restructuring when their effect on corporate restructuring is examined independently. However, corporate governance strengthens the effect of digital transformation on corporate restructuring.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first to investigate the moderating role of corporate governance on the effect of digital transformation on corporate restructuring in Vietnam. The findings inspire listed firms in Vietnam to implement digital transformation during their corporate restructuring to enhance performance.
Big data readiness in the public sector: an assessment model and insights from Indonesian local governments
Authors: Ariansyah Kasmad , Setiawan Ahmad Budi , Hikmaturokhman Alfin , Ardison Ardison , Walujo Djoko
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to establish an assessment model to measure big data readiness in the public sector, specifically targeting local governments at the provincial and city/regency levels. Additionally, the study aims to gain valuable insights into the readiness of selected local governments in Indonesia by using the established assessment model.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a mixed-method approach, using focus group discussions (FGDs), surveys and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to establish the assessment model. The FGDs involve gathering perspectives on readiness variables from experts in academia, government and practice, whereas the survey collects data from a sample of selected local governments using a questionnaire developed based on the variables obtained in FGDs. The EFA is used on survey data to condense the variables into a smaller set of dimensions or factors. Ultimately, the assessment model is applied to evaluate the level of big data readiness among the selected Indonesian local governments.

Findings

FGDs identify 32 essential variables for evaluating the readiness of local governments to adopt big data. Subsequently, EFA reduces this number by five and organizes the remaining variables into four factors: big data strategy, policy and collaboration, infrastructure and human resources and data collection and utilization. The application of the assessment model reveals that the overall readiness for big data in the selected local governments is primarily moderate, with those in the Java cluster displaying higher readiness. In addition, the data collection and utilization factor achieves the highest score among the four factors.

Originality/value

This study offers an assessment model for evaluating big data readiness within local governments by combining perspectives from big data experts in academia, government and practice.
Exploring relationships among servant leadership, role clarity and creative self-efficacy
Authors: Birgisdóttir Birna Dröfn , Gunnarsdóttir Sigrún , Candi Marina
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Leadership is an essential contributor to employee creative self-efficacy, and past research suggests a positive relationship between servant leadership and creative self-efficacy. However, the relationship is complex and contingent upon moderating variables, and this research examines the moderating effect of role clarity by drawing on social exchange theory and social cognitive theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collected from a survey among 116 emergency room employees is used to test the research model using moderated ordinary least squares regression.

Findings

The results confirm a positive relationship between servant leadership and creative self-efficacy and suggest a U-shaped relationship between role clarity and creative self-efficacy. Furthermore, role clarity positively moderates the relationship between servant leadership and creative self-efficacy.

Research limitations/implications

The sample used for this research mainly consisted of highly educated employees within a specific setting. Future research is needed to study if the relationships found in this research can be generalized to other organizational settings.

Practical implications

This research suggests that leaders can support employees' creative self-efficacy through servant leadership, particularly when coupled with high role clarity.

Originality/value

Rapidly changing work environments are characterized by decreased role clarity, so attention is needed to its moderating role on the relationship between servant leadership and creative self-efficacy.
Decarbonizing an energy-hungry world: the dilemma of investing in fossil fuels
Authors: Nikolaeva Ralitza , Field Sean , Tskhay Aliya
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The study examines the diversity of ethical motivations for investments in fossil fuels amid growing calls to decarbonize. Faced with the dilemma between energy needs and net-zero commitments, managers need to reconcile seemingly irreconcilable external pressures. The purpose is to provide insights into the ethics justifying their investment decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors draw on ethnographic research, participant observation and interviews with oil and gas executives, private equity partners, managing directors, bankers, lawyers, consultants and engineers in the US and the UK.

Findings

The findings show how managers in the oil and gas ecosystem motivate their actions in response to external pressures for decarbonization. The leitmotif is that they do the right thing even if they acknowledge that not all stakeholders agree. The findings provide insights into why net-zero pledges have failed to stem the flow of capital into fossil fuels.

Practical implications

The authors propose a nuanced engagement with stakeholders that goes beyond risk-return calculations on investments in hydrocarbons. Recognizing the diversity of ethical perspectives, money managers have the opportunity to engage institutional constituents as owners of the collective pools of capital rather than just as beneficiaries in making investment decisions.

Social implications

Money managers should be more engaged with stakeholders whose well-being depends on the funds' investments. They could facilitate the creation of partnerships with public and private organizations such as banks, national funds, city governments, pension funds, foundations, universities and religious organizations. It would be beneficial to all stakeholders to understand the nuanced and varied ethical frameworks that inform hydrocarbon investment and divestment decisions.

Originality/value

The article uses timely in-depth interview data on an issue of existential importance. The authors contribute a better understanding of how and why institutional investor capital is flowing into hydrocarbons at a time when calls to divest are louder than ever.
Effects of plum powder and apple pomace powder addition on the physico-chemical, sensory, and textural properties of buffalo meat emulsion
Authors: Kumar Surender , Yadav Sanjay , Rani Reetu , Pathera Ashok Kumar
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to study the effects of plum powder and apple pomace powder additions on the quality properties of buffalo meat emulsion.

Design/methodology/approach

Buffalo meat emulsions were prepared using different levels (2%, 4% and 6%) of plum powder and apple pomace powder, respectively. The meat emulsions were analysed for the physico-chemical, sensory and textural properties of the meat emulsion.

Findings

The pH of meat emulsions decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with an increased level of plum powder and apple pomace powder. Water-holding capacity (43.1%–48.1%), emulsion stability (80.2%–92.2%) and cooking yield (85.4%–91.0%) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in plum powder and apple pomace powder added than the water-holding capacity (42.1%), emulsion stability (79.7%) and cooking yield (85.0%) of control emulsion. The moisture content was decreased significantly (p < 0.05), and crude fibre content was increased significantly (p < 0.05) with the increase in plum powder and apple pomace powder additions in meat emulsions. The total phenolic content and colour values (a* and b*) were significantly higher in plum powder and apple pomace powder added to meat emulsions. The sensory scores of meat emulsions were affected by the addition of plum powder and apple pomace powder. The meat emulsion added with 6% plum powder and 6% apple pomace powder showed significantly lower values of sensory overall acceptability. The hardness of meat emulsions increased with the addition of plum powder and apple pomace powder.

Originality/value

The results indicated that meat emulsions with a good cooking yield, fibre content, sensory acceptability and textural properties can be prepared by using plum powder and apple pomace powder.
Perceived risk factors assessment: during pandemic via digital buying
Authors: Nagesh P. , Bharath Sindu , Nanjundeswaraswamy T.S. , Tejus S.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The present study is intended to assess the risk factors associated with digital buying. Also aims to design and develop an instrument to assess the digital buyers risk factor score (DBRFS) in light of pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Present investigation uses a quantitative approach to achieve the stated objectives. The survey instrument for the purpose of assessing risk factors associated with digital buying was developed in two phases. The present study adopts theory of planned behaviour (TPB), built based on the theory of reasoned action (TRA). The data were collected and analysed considering 500 valid responses, sampling unit being digital buyers using social media platforms in tyre-II city of India. The data collection was undertaken between June 2021 and August 2021. The instrument is designed and validated using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) followed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

Findings

The present research identified six perceived risk factors that are associated with digital buying; contractual risk, social risk, psychological risk, perceived quality risk, financial risk and time risk. The DBRFS of male is 3.7585, while female is 3.7137. Thus, risk taking by the male and female is at par. For the age group 15–30, DBRFS is 3.6761, while age group 31–45 noted as 3.7889 and for the 46–50 age groups it is measured as 3.9649.

Practical implications

The marketers are expected to have the knowledge about how people responds to the pandemic. The outcome of the research helps to understand consumer behaviour but disentangling consumer’s “black box” is challenging especially during global distress. The present study outcome helps the digital shopkeepers to respond positively to meet the needs of digital buying.

Originality/value

The scale development and to quantify the DBRFS. A deeper understanding of about digital consumers during pandemics will help digital shopkeepers to connect issues related digital buying.
Being l'Autre: French-Canadian immigrants in contemporary children's literature
Authors: Sachdeva Danielle E.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Immigration-themed children’s literature can be an important resource in the classroom, especially because some U.S. immigrant groups, including French-Canadians, have received limited curricular representation. Using the qualitative method of critical content analysis, this study aims to examine depictions of French-Canadian immigrants to the United States in contemporary children’s books.

Design/methodology/approach

Postcolonialism is employed as an analytical lens with special attention given to the ways immigrant characters are constructed as different from the dominant group (i.e., othering), how dominant group values are imposed on immigrant characters, and how immigrant characters resist othering and domination. Three books comprise the sample: “Charlotte Bakeman Has Her Say” by Mary Finger and illustrated by Kimberly Batti, “Other Bells for Us to Ring” by Robert Cormier, and “Red River Girl” by Norma Sommerdorf.

Findings

The findings reveal multiple instances in which French-Canadian immigrants are constructed as Other and few instances in which these characters resist this positioning, and these books reflect the real ways French-Canadians were perceived as subalterns during the mass migration from Québec to the United States between the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Originality/value

This study is significant because it examines portrayals of a substantial immigrant group that has been overlooked in the immigration history curriculum. This sample of children’s books may be used to teach children the complexities of immigration history and provide a more nuanced understanding of immigration during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Successful treatment of onychomatricoma with minimally invasive surgical procedures based on its pathogenesis: A case report
Authors: Miyamoto Julia , Kawashima Yuhei , Hayakawa Michitaro , Fusumae Takayuki , Yoshida Tetsuya , Saito Masataka
Published: January 2024

Onychomatricoma is a rare, fibroepithelial tumor of the nail. Although it is benign, unnecessary and excessive treatment, such as extensive or total removal of the nail matrix, has been reported in the past. Recently, it was speculated that onychomatricoma is derived from onychomatricodermis, the dermal stroma of the nail matrix. Excision of the stromal rather than the epithelial component of the tumor is important. However, since the boundary between the normal and diseased stroma is usually unclear, minimal excision at the base of the tumor projection should be sufficient. We report a case of onychomatricoma and suggest a method of surgical treatment that would minimize postoperative deformity of the nail plate.
Treatment patterns and drug survival for generalized pustular psoriasis: A patient journey study using a Japanese claims database
Authors: Tada Yayoi , Guan Jia , Iwasaki Ryoko , Morita Akimichi
Published: January 2024

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a potentially life‐threatening skin disease. Although several medications are approved for treating GPP in Japan, there are limited data on real‐world treatment patterns or drug survival (the number of prescribed days of treatment). This retrospective cohort study describes drug survival and treatment patterns of patients with newly diagnosed GPP (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision code L40.1), and ≥1 year of follow‐up, using de‐identified claims data (Medical Data Vision Co., Ltd.) from January 2016 to August 2021. Most (97.0%) of the 434 Japanese patients received first‐line therapy of etretinate (26.4%), topical medications (14.7%), or cyclosporin (14.3%); 80.0% and 60.1% of patients received a second and third line of therapy (LOT), respectively. Use of etretinate (12.6%) and cyclosporin (5.9%) decreased in second‐line therapies, whereas use of biologics (interleukin [IL]‐17, 14.3%; IL‐23 inhibitors, 7.6%) and topical medications (22.1%) increased or remained consistent. Approximately 50% of biologics were prescribed in combination with systemic medications or systemic corticosteroids. Median (range) time to next therapy (TTNT) was 2.8 (0.03–48.07) months for first‐line therapy and 3.3 (0.03–52.97) months for all other LOTs. TTNT was longer for combination therapies (up to 16.5 months) compared with monotherapies (up to 7.5 months). Biologics exhibited longer drug survival with fewer treatment episodes compared with non‐biologic systemic medications. Among frequently used therapies, the median (95% confidence interval) drug survival was 8.8 (5.8–11.8) months for etretinate, 4.3 (2.2–6.9) months for systemic corticosteroids, and 19.6 (16.1–26.7) months for secukinumab. Treatment patterns varied considerably, highlighting the need for treatment algorithms and effective, well‐tolerated medications to support patients to help them remain on long‐term therapy.
Pediatric drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms: A 12‐year retrospective study in a tertiary center
Authors: Chatproedprai Susheera , Tiasiri Nisha , Chantawarangkul Karaked , Wananukul Siriwan
Published: January 2024

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a rare and severe adverse drug reaction involving multiple organs. Data on DRESS syndrome among children are currently limited. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical features, causative drugs, systemic organ involvement, laboratory findings, disease severity score, and treatment outcomes in pediatric DRESS patients. The medical records of all pediatric DRESS patients, based on the RegiSCAR diagnostic criteria and admitted to King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand from January 2010 to December 2021, were reviewed. Twenty‐two cases were identified (males 54.5%) with a median age of 9.5 years. Anticonvulsants (54.5%) and antibiotics (27.3%) were the leading culprit drugs. Skin rash was reported in all cases, followed closely by liver involvement (95.5%). Eosinophilia and atypical lymphocytosis were identified in 54.5% and 31.8% of cases, respectively. The median latency period was 17.5 days. Liver enzyme elevation was detected at an average onset of 20.0 days and hepatocellular type was the most common pattern of liver injury. Nineteen patients (86.4%) were treated with systemic corticosteroids with prednisolone being the most prescribed medication. One case developed Graves' disease after DRESS and multiple relapses of DRESS. One case (4.5%) died due to refractory status epilepticus that was unrelated to DRESS. Anticonvulsants were the major cause of DRESS in pediatric patients. High suspicion for DRESS is crucial in patients receiving these drugs and presenting with fever, rash, and internal organ involvement.
A model‐based hypothesis framework to define and estimate the diel niche via the ‘Diel.Niche’ R package
Authors: Gerber Brian D. , Devarajan Kadambari , Farris Zach J. , Fidino Mason
Published: January 2024

How animals use the diel period (24‐h light–dark cycle) is of fundamental importance to understand their niche. While ecological and evolutionary literature abound with discussion of diel phenotypes (e.g. diurnal, nocturnal, crepuscular, cathemeral), they lack clear and explicit quantitative definitions. As such, inference can be confounded when evaluating hypotheses of animal diel niche switching or plasticity across studies because researchers may be operating under different definitions of diel phenotypes.

We propose quantitative definitions of diel phenotypes using four alternative hypothesis sets (maximizing, traditional, general and selection) aimed at achieving different objectives. Each hypothesis set is composed of mutually exclusive hypotheses defined based on the activity probabilities in the three fundamental periods of light availability (twilight, daytime and night‐time).

We develop a Bayesian modelling framework that compares diel phenotype hypotheses using Bayes factors and estimates model parameters using a multinomial model with linear inequality constraints. Model comparison, parameter estimation and visualizing results can be done in the Diel.Niche R package. A simplified R Shiny web application is also available.

We provide extensive simulation results to guide researchers on the power to discriminate among hypotheses for a range of sample sizes (10–1280). We also work through several examples of using data to make inferences on diel activity, and include online vignettes on how to use the Diel.Niche package. We demonstrate how our modelling framework complements other analyses, such as circular kernel density estimators and animal movement modelling.

Our aim is to encourage standardization of the language of diel activity and bridge conceptual frameworks and hypotheses in diel research with data and models. Lastly, we hope more research focuses on the ecological and conservation importance of understanding how animals use diel time.
The Australian Economy in 2023–24: Navigating a Narrow Path
Authors: Nguyen Viet , Robinson Tim , Tsiaplias Sarantis
Published: January 2024

The economy grew at a moderate pace in 2022–23 as Australians adjusted to rising costs of living. The aggressive tightening of monetary policy has eased inflationary pressure, but inflation remains high. Strong labour market performance has been the brightest note in the current Australian macroeconomic landscape, although labour productivity growth was disappointing. The ongoing geopolitical conflict in Europe with its ensuing geoeconomic fragmentation, and the recent conflict in the Middle East increased global uncertainty and volatility in food and energy prices. This, together with the slowdown in China, added further downside risks to the outlook for the economy in 2023–24.
A ‘fair go’ values framework for public policy
Authors: Howard Cosmo , Petter Pandanus , Pietsch Juliet
Published: January 2024

There is a growing interest in how policy processes can better incorporate the values of the communities they serve, yet policymakers face numerous challenges when they seek to embed values into policies. This paper builds on existing values research to develop a bespoke policy values framework for Australia, based on the popular notion of a ‘fair go’. While the fair go is often associated with a narrow set of equality and procedural justice values, we show that it has a much wider range of historical and contemporary meanings, which taken together provide a useful starting point for understanding policy values important to Australians. We apply our framework to two policy domains—housing and immigration—to show that it offers an effective heuristic to help policymakers understand key value priorities and conflicts in these policy areas. The paper provides theoretical insights regarding the role of values in policymaking and offers a practical tool for use when designing, implementing, and evaluating policies.

Points for practitioners

Community values should inform public policy decision‐making in a democracy. However, incorporating values into policy is difficult because of the wide range of different values to consider, the need to manage tensions and conflicts between values, and the time pressures often faced by policymakers.

The popular and enduring notion of the ‘fair go’ embodies multiple value positions, which cover a range of different values that matter to Australians, making it a good basis for an Australian policy values framework.

Our fair go values framework is designed to serve as a heuristic for policymakers when designing and evaluating public policies. It is not intended as a comprehensive guide to value debates in all policy areas, but offers a starting point for quickly appreciating the key value priorities and conflicts in relation to a policy issue. Policymakers should wherever possible follow up with detailed research to understand the complex value debates of different policy issue areas.
Assessing COVID‐19 crisis communication and health outcomes based on the Intervention Ladder
Authors: Fifolt Matthew , Corvey Kathryn J. , Crosby J. Cameron , Lee Rachael A. , Burkholder Greer A. , Nafziger Sarah
Published: January 2024

Effective health communication is critically important in times of emergency. From the outset of the COVID‐19 pandemic, officials at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) delivered health announcements that were timely, transparent, trustworthy and proportional to the crisis. Moreover, each announcement contained one or more messages with guidance corresponding to varying levels of the Intervention Ladder. Our team analysed messages based on the eight levels of the Intervention Ladder and compared health outcomes between UAB employees and residents of Alabama, USA. Results suggested that announcements played an essential role in raising situational awareness about the severity of the pandemic and may have led to greater compliance by the UAB community, as demonstrated through comparative rates of hospitalisation, vaccination and mortality.
The impact of age and parity on the experience of relief and regret in women who have undergone hysterectomy for benign disease: A cross sectional survey
Authors: Reddington Charlotte , Dior Uri P. , Stafford Lesley , McNamara Helen C. , Rasaratnam Prakashini , Karri Roshan , Karahalios Amalia , Healey Martin , Cheng Claudia
Published: January 2024

Objective

To investigate the impact of age and parity on the experience on relief and regret following elective hysterectomy for benign disease, and to explore the factors that impact relief and regret.

Design

Retrospective cross‐sectional survey of a cohort.

Setting

Single‐centre tertiary hospital in Melbourne, Australia.

Population

Patients who underwent elective hysterectomy for benign indications from 01 January 2008 – 31 July 2015 (inclusive) with age <51 years at time of admission.

Methods

Eligible participants completed a retrospective survey regarding their experience of relief and regret following hysterectomy.

Main outcome measures

Regret was defined as a positive response to “Do you regret the decision to have a hysterectomy?”. Relief was defined as responding “agree/strongly agree” to “I feel relieved I had a hysterectomy”.

Results

268 of 1285 (21%) eligible participants completed the study questionnaire. Of these, 29 were aged <36 years at the time of hysterectomy. Seven percent (n=18/262) reported regretting having a hysterectomy and 88% (n=230/262) reported experiencing relief. We did not observe associations between age at hysterectomy and regret (aOR 0.93; 95% CI 0.85, 1.03), age at hysterectomy and relief (aOR 1.01; 95% CI 0.93, 1.09), nulliparity and regret (aOR 0.32; 95% CI 0.06, 1.59) or nulliparity and relief (aOR 2.37; 95% CI 0.75, 7.51). Desire for future pregnancy at the time of hysterectomy was more frequently reported in those who experienced regret vs no regret (46.7% vs 12.1%, OR: 6.33; 95% CI: 2.12, 18.90; p=0.001).

Conclusions

Age and parity are not associated with relief nor regret following elective hysterectomy for benign disease.
Irrigation response to drought in the Western United States, 1987–2021
Authors: Ketchum David , Hoylman Zachary H. , Brinkerhoff Douglas , Huntington Justin , Maneta Marco P. , Kimball John , Jencso Kelsey
Published: January 2024

The Western United States (U.S.) relies heavily on scarce water resources for both ecological services and irrigation. However, the response of irrigation water use during drought is not well documented. Irrigation decision‐making is complex and influenced by human and environmental factors such as water deliveries, crop yields, equipment, labor, crop prices, and climate variability. While few irrigation districts have plans to curtail water deliveries during droughts, water rights, fallowing patterns, crop rotations, and profit expectations also influence irrigation management at the farm scale. This study uses high‐resolution satellite data to examine the response of irrigators to drought by using a novel measure of irrigation management, the Standardized Irrigation Management Index. We assess the state of drought at the field and basin scales in terms of climate and streamflow and analyze the importance of variations in crop price and drought status on decision‐making and water use. We show significant variability in field‐scale response to drought and that crop type, irrigation type, and federal management explain regional and field‐scale differences. The relative influence of climate and prices on crop transitions indicate prices more strongly drive crop planting decisions. The study provides insights into irrigation management during drought, which is crucial for sustainable water supply in the face of the ongoing water supply crisis in the U.S. Southwest.
A study protocol for an open‐label, single‐arm, single‐center phase I clinical study on tolerability, safety, and efficacy of dalpiciclib combined with apatinib in the treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic sarcoma
Authors: Huang Huiying , Zhang Hua , Cao Baoshan
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The prognosis of patients with advanced or metastatic sarcoma is very poor, and a new strategy for patients who fail systemic treatment is urgently required. Apatinib is a small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor of VEGFR‐2, which can exert an antitumor effect by blocking downstream PI3K/AKT and VEGFR2/STAT3 signaling pathways of sarcoma. Dysregulation of the cyclin D (CCND)‐cyclin‐dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6)‐retinoblastoma 1 (Rb) pathway is highly prevalent in sarcoma. Thus, blocking VEGFR2 and CDK4/6 may exert a synergistic effect. We hypothesize that a combination of apatinib and dalpiciclib, an oral, highly effective, and selective small molecule CDK4/6 inhibitor, may result in higher antitumor efficacy in patients with refractory sarcoma.

Methods

In this open‐label, single‐arm, single‐center phase I trial, participants diagnosed with sarcoma who failed standard systemic treatment will be enrolled. Dose escalation will be conducted into three groups according to traditional 3 + 3 principle: dose 1, dalpiciclib 100 mg once daily oral d1‐21+ apatinib 250 mg once daily oral d1‐28, every 28 days as one cycle; dose 2, dalpiciclib 100 mg d1‐21+ apatinib 500 mg d1–28; dose 3, dalpiciclib 150 mg d–21+ apatinib 500 mg d1–28. The primary endpoint is the safety and tolerability of combined treatment. The secondary endpoint is to evaluate the initial efficacy, including objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), duration of response (DoR), and progression‐free survival (PFS).

Discussion

This trial will provide evidence of the tolerability, safety, and efficacy of dalpiciclib in combination with apatinib in metastatic sarcoma patients who have failed first‐line systemic treatment.
Causal effects of gut microbiota in the development of lung cancer and its histological subtypes: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Ma Yunlei , Deng Yuqing , Shao Tingting , Cui Yong , Shen Yefeng
Published: January 2024

Background

Numerous studies have characterized the gut microbiome (GM) in lung cancer (LC). Yet, the causality between GM and LC and its subtypes remain uncharacterized.

Methods

Two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was designed to investigate the causal relationship between the GM and LC and its subtypes, using publicly available summary data of genome‐wide association studies. The researchers ran two groups of MR analyses, including the genome‐wide statistical significance threshold (5 × 10−8) and the locus‐wide significance level (1 × 10−5).

Results

Using MR analysis, we ascertained 42 groups of GM that are intimately linked to LC and its subtypes at the locus‐wide significance level. Of the 42 groups, 12 were in LC, nine in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), six in small cell lung cancer (SCLC), two in lung adenocarcinomas, and 13 in lung squamous carcinomas. After false discovery rate correction, we still found a remarkable causal interaction between the Eubacterium ruminantium group and SCLC. Moreover, five groups of GM closely linked to LC and its subtypes were recognised at the genome‐wide statistical significance threshold. This finding included one group each in LC, NSCLC and SCLC, two groups in lung adenocarcinoma and none in lung squamous carcinoma. None of the foregoing findings were heterogeneous or horizontal pleiotropy. Reverse MR revealed that genetic susceptibility to LC and its subtypes caused significant changes in three groups of GM.

Conclusion

Our findings substantiate the causality between GM and LC and its subtypes. This study offers fresh insights into the function of GM in mediating the progression of LC.
Revealing new insights into Red‐bellied Macaw foraging ecology through citizen photography
Authors: Silva Paulo Antonio , da Silva Júnior Gilberto Nogueira , Santos Lucas Sobral , Brito Lucilene
Published: January 2024

Social media platforms focused on wildlife photography have become valuable ecological data sources through citizen science. In this study, we utilized photos shared by citizens on iNaturalist and WikiAves to analyse the interactions of the Red‐bellied Macaw (Orthopsittaca manilatus Boddaert, 1783) with its food plants. Despite being recognized as specialists in Mauritia flexuosa L.f. palm fruits, our findings suggest some flexibility in the foraging behaviour of the macaws. The photos indicate that palm fruits are an essential food source (20 taxa; highlight the native species M. flexuosa, Euterpe spp., Elaeis oleifera, and Syagrus spp.) in the Cerrado and Amazon biomes. It also confirms the predominance of M. flexuosa ripe pulp fruits in their diet, encompassing 45.2% of the 414 analysed photographs. The results highlight the potential role of the Red‐bellied Macaw in seed dispersal (stomatochory) for various palm species and reveal the consumption of new food sources such as flowers (present in 8% of photos) and alien plants, including the fruits of cultivated Livistona chinensis (Jacq.) R. Br. Ex Mart. palm (10.9%). Our photo analysis provided a comprehensive overview of Red‐bellied Macaws feeding in diverse localities (141 municipalities in 15 Brazilian states) and at different times. As a result, there is a consistent seasonal variation in foraging in the strongly seasonal Cerrado biome, for example, feeding on alien‐cultivated palm fruits in urban areas during the driest period, particularly L. chinensis. Through this photographic approach, we expanded knowledge of the macaw's food plants by 85.7%, now encompassing 26 species compared to the initial 14 documented species. This study underscores the relevance of citizen science in obtaining novel dietary data and deepening our understanding of ecological patterns in specialized species, emphasizing the significance of considerate plant‐bird relationships to support conservation efforts.
Factors influencing the outcome of nonsurgical root canal treatment and retreatment: A retrospective study
Authors: Vieira Adalberto R. , Pacheco‐Yanes Juan , Gazzaneo Isbelia D. , Neves Mônica A. S. , Siqueira José F. , Gonçalves Lucio S.
Published: January 2024

This study assessed the influence of diverse variables on the outcome of nonsurgical root canal treatment/retreatment. In general, 304 teeth from 218 patients were treated/retreated and the outcome evaluated by the periapical index (PAI). Teeth with apical periodontitis lesions that have not completely healed were classified as success or failure based on lenient and rigid criteria, respectively. Findings were evaluated using a logistic regression analysis. The overall success rates were 74% and 82% using the PAI‐rigid and lenient success criteria, respectively. Specifically for treatment, the success rates were 73% (rigid) and 82% (lenient), while for retreatment they were 78% (rigid) and 83% (lenient). The treatment outcome was negatively affected by overextension, presence of preoperative lesion, lesion size >10 mm, and higher number of treatment visits (with no intracanal medication). Regarding retreatment, the chance of success was greater for teeth with adequate coronal restorations.
Home‐based video assessment of children's autism‐related behaviours: Psychometric analysis and linkages with parental responsiveness and context
Authors: Wood Jeffrey J. , Danial John , Wolpe Samara
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Assessment of autism‐related behaviours (ARBs) in children has generally been limited to direct observations in clinical settings or informant‐based reports. The widespread availability of video‐streaming devices has made home observations of children's ARBs feasible. This approach could enable assessment of the generalization and durability of interventions and may be able to overcome methodological limitations of predominant current assessment approaches (response biases, limited sensitivity to treatment).

Design and Methods

Forty‐four autistic children and their families participated in a repeated‐measures study with a correlational design. Approximately 10 hr of unprompted behaviour at home were videorecorded over the course of a week (2 hr per day) for each participant. Gold standard measures of ARBs were also administered (ADOS‐2 and ADI‐R). Two home‐based observational measures of ARBs utilizing streaming video were developed and evaluated: the ARCHER and the CHEERS. Trained independent evaluators made ratings on the ARCHER, CHEERS and an observational measure of parental responsiveness.

Results

Correlations with the ADOS‐2 and ADI‐R were .47 and .34 for ARCHER scores and .51 and .48 for CHEERS scores, respectively. In linear mixed models, more responsive parenting was associated with fewer ARBs on a daily basis. Children spent their afternoons engaged in many typical activities including electronics, homework and games with family members, and ARBs were more prominent in some of these contexts (e.g., electronics) than others (e.g., family games).

Conclusions

Home‐based observational assessment of ARBs may be useful for clinical and descriptive research.
Social influence and social identity: A diffusion model analysis
Authors: Duderstadt Vinzenz H. , Mojzisch Andreas , Germar Markus
Published: January 2024

Building on the seminal studies of Solomon Asch and Muzafer Sherif, recent research has advanced our understanding of the mechanisms underlying social influence by applying a diffusion model analysis. Here, we combined the social identity approach to social influence with a diffusion model analysis to unravel the mechanisms underlying social influence. In particular, we aimed to disentangle whether the difference between in‐group and out‐group influence on perceptual decision‐making is driven by a judgmental bias (i.e., changes in decision criteria) or a perceptual bias (i.e., changes in the uptake of sensory information). Preregistered analyses indicated that in‐groups exerted stronger social influence than out‐groups because in‐groups induced a stronger perceptual bias than out‐groups. This finding is in line with the single process assumption of the social identity approach because it implicates that the single process driving social influence (i.e., self‐categorisation) translates into a change in a single subprocess of decision‐making (i.e., biased information uptake). In conclusion, our results highlight that our theoretical understanding of social influence can be expanded by integrating the social identity approach with a diffusion model analysis.
Indirect intervention with staff to support a male with mild learning disability navigate the community setting: A clinical case study
Authors: Katsampa Dafni , Rhodes Louisa
Published: January 2024

Background

People with learning disabilities following a long‐term stay in forensic settings may experience difficulties reintegrating in the wider community. Indirect interventions can be helpful for care providers and family members to reflect on their practices and improve the quality of life of people with learning disabilities. Although indirect interventions are being implemented in learning disability settings, research is limited.

Methods

This clinical case study recounts an indirect intervention with care providers of a male with mild learning disability.

Findings

We recount the referral and assessment processes, the initial hypotheses and formulation of the service users' presenting difficulties. We demonstrate how a systemically informed indirect intervention with staff can be used to improve the living conditions of a man with mild learning disability and provide reflections on working with multiple interdependent systems surrounding vulnerable individuals in a specialist learning disability setting.

Conclusion

Indirect interventions with the care networks supporting an individual with a learning disability can be a useful way to conceptualise the barriers and facilitators for community integration. Indirect interventions can also offer a reflective space for staff to share their own difficulties and prevent burnout.
Phenotype parallels protein seeding capacity in neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Martinez‐Valbuena Ivan
Published: January 2024

With the new era of disease‐modifying therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, a novel approach for the molecular classification of neurodegenerative diseases is needed. In this research letter, there is a summary of the advances made in Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body disorders, and progressive supranuclear palsy toward this classification.
Pregnancy and the eye: What do we need to watch out for? A review
Authors: Madike Reema , Cugati Sudha , Qin Queena , Chen Celia
Published: January 2024

Pregnancy causes changes in all body systems, including the eye. The eye can undergo physiological and pathological changes in pregnancy. Some changes exacerbate pre‐existing eye conditions while other conditions manifest for the first‐time during pregnancy. Early recognition and management are essential to prevent sight threatening complications. In addition, some obstetric complications can be associated with ophthalmic signs. Prompt recognition of these eye findings may be life saving for both the mother and the foetus. The aim of this article is to present potential ocular complications in pregnancy and outline the appropriate management to preserve sight and maintain maternal and foetal safety. The safety of the use of common ophthalmological medications will also be discussed.