bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Introspecting the childhood intrinsic interests of the HR professionals: an intuitionistic fuzzy decision analysis framework
Authors: Chaki Mainak Ranjan , Biswas Sanjib , Guha Banhi , Pamucar Dragan , Bandyopadhyay Gautam
Published: January 2025

Purpose

“Know thyself” helps one to decide the career goal of his/her life and enables one to become self-concordant. In this context, the present work aims to discern the childhood interests (CI) of the HR professionals vis-à-vis their relevance.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study is grounded on two theoretical perspectives such as Socio-Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) and Holland Theory of Career Choice (HTCC). In this regard, a mixed methodology has been applied. The research has been carried out in two phases. In the first phase, a focused group of experienced HR professionals was interviewed to understand their CI and their relevance to the HR profession through a qualitative analysis method such as narrative analysis. In the second phase, an Intuitionistic Fuzzy Number-based Full Consistency Method (FUCOM) is applied to find out the dominant CI based on the ratings given by 423 Indian HR professionals.

Findings

All professionals agreed that their CI have helped them perform in their profession. The research identifies five themes or main attributes of personality: Creative (Aesthetic-Non Verbal/Cultural), Communicative (Verbal/ Expressive Activities), People friendliness (Social Contribution), Socially Inclusive (Sociological leadership interest) and Physical Activity (Kinesthetic interests) with 24 subattributes (i.e. childhood interests). It is found that intrinsic interests in societal contributions have been a dominant feature since the childhood days of HR professionals. In all cases, FUCOM shows a very small DFC value <0.00005.

Practical implications

The research provides an important direction to the decision-makers for policy making and aspiring professionals an essential impetus to career planning.

Originality/value

This study is a rare one to discern CI using a mixed methodology for Indian HR professionals.
Driving Industry 4.0 success: key antecedents in the automotive sector
Authors: Rana Jeetu , Daultani Yash , Kumar Sushil
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Recent years have witnessed a spike in Industry 4.0 initiatives among manufacturing organizations, particularly in the automotive sector. This acceleration aims to enhance competitiveness by addressing various aspects, from efficiency and workforce productivity to safety and insightful decision-making. However, merely adopting technological solutions in isolation may not suffice. Automotive companies need a holistic approach that integrates the antecedents of Industry 4.0 into their overall strategy. This study aims to identify and analyse key antecedents for Industry 4.0 adoption in the Indian automotive sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The study follows a structured six-stage methodology, which includes a systematic literature review, expert consultations and best–worst method (BWM) analysis. The research identifies, validates and systematically ranks 16 antecedents that are pivotal for Industry 4.0 adoption.

Findings

The study categorizes 16 antecedents into four dimensions: regulatory framework (RF), technology infrastructure (TI), operational optimization (OO) and performance dynamics (PD). The findings emphasize the significance of “Government policies to support smart factories”, “Support from top management”, “Financial performance” and “Technology readiness” as crucial antecedents for Industry 4.0 implementation in the Indian automotive sector.

Research limitations/implications

These findings provide valuable guidance for industry practitioners and policymakers in strategically planning the Industry 4.0 deployment in the automotive sector.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the limited body of research on the identification and analysis of key antecedents for Industry 4.0 adoption in the automotive sector, particularly in emerging economies such as India. By using the BWM, it offers a structured and efficient approach to determining the priority order of these antecedents.
Corporate ownership and firm performance. Evidence from an emerging market
Authors: Tran Nguyen Tram Anh , Vo Thi Thuy Anh , Nguyen Ho Phuong Thao
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationship between corporate ownership and firm performance, and the mechanisms through which ownership creates the firm value. Vietnam has been chosen as the research site because it is characterized by high ownership concentration, a high level of state ownership, strong incentives for foreign ownership and a weak external governance system.

Design/methodology/approach

We use data on the ownership structure of 527 listed firms in Vietnam during the 2010–2021 period. Corporate ownership includes concentrated, state and foreign ownership, while firm performance is measured by ROA and Tobin’s Q. In addition to Pooled OLS, system GMM and the propensity score matching are employed to mitigate the possibility of unreliable and biased results.

Findings

We find that firms with highly concentrated ownership tend to have better performance. Both state ownership and foreign ownership with their unique advantages contribute to enhancing firm performance. Further analyses delve into specific channels through how controlling shareholders, state and foreign owners facilitate firm value creation: the ease of access to capital, the lower cost of capital and the higher sales. Our results are robust to alternative proxies for ownership concentration and different methodological approaches.

Originality/value

Our study contributes to the ongoing debate about the ownership–performance relationship by providing novel insights into how corporate ownership influences firm performance.
Insights into the thermodynamic efficiency of mixed convective hybrid nanofluid flow over a vertical channel through a fractal fractional computation
Authors: Raza Ali , Khan Umair , Zaib Aurang , Ishak Anuar , Hussain Syed Modassir
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This article identifies hybrid nanofluids and industrial thermal engineering devices as significant sources of solar energy. In this study, various nanoparticles suspended in base fluids such as water (H2O) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), along with nanoparticles like graphene oxide (GO) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), are examined. The model also incorporates permeability and the effects of angled magnetic fields to provide a comprehensive analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

We have utilized the fractal fractional operator definition, the quickest and most advanced fractional approach, to address the problems with the hybrid nanofluid suspension. The integral transform scheme, i.e. the Laplace transform, converts the governing equations into a fractional form before various numerical methods are applied to solve the problem. Further, some numerical schemes to address the Laplace inverse are also utilized.

Findings

The fractional effects on flow rate and heat transfer are evident at varying time intervals. Consequently, we conclude that as the fractal constraints increase, the momentum and heat profiles decelerate. Furthermore, all necessary conditions are satisfied, resulting in the momentum and temperature fields decreasing near the plate and increasing over time. Additionally, the water-based (H2O + Go + MoS2) solution exhibits a more pronounced impact compared to the CMC-based (CMC + Go + MoS2) hybrid suspension.

Practical implications

The findings could be very useful in enhancing the efficiency of thermal systems. These findings align more accurately with conventional solutions and can be used to build and optimize various heat management strategies.

Originality/value

The primary goals of this research are to examine the thermal and flow properties of hybrid nanofluids for manufacturing purposes of thermal engineering equipment utilizing fractal fractional definition. Further, to improve thermal system productivity by applying sophisticated fractional techniques to better and maximize heat and momentum transmission in these hybrid nanofluid solutions
Archaeology, Epigraphy and Skyscape: Keys to Understanding Dadanite and Lihyanite Conception of Time
Authors: Rodríguez‐Antón Andrea , González‐García A. César , AlMushawh Munirah A. , Belmonte Juan Antonio
Published: January 2025

Dadan, the capital of the kingdom of Dadan and, later on, of Lihyan, was an important trading hub and place of worship in North‐West Arabia during the first millennium BCE. Located in the AlUla valley (Saudi Arabia), with naturally available fresh water, fertile soil and relative ease of travel through it, people gathered there for trade, religious ceremonies and cultural exchange, as attested by the sanctuaries, artefacts and inscriptions in the area around Dadan. In this work, the connection of the main sacred and funerary monuments of ancient Dadan and associated neighbouring sites with the surrounding landscape and skyscape was explored from an archaeoastronomical perspective. The results suggest that the observation of particular astronomical phenomena was considered for the location and orientation of the sacred spaces included in the sample. Together with epigraphic and archaeological sources, these results offer new clues about different aspects of social and religious life.
Neutralizing Deviance at State‐owned Enterprises: The Case of South African Airways
Authors: De Widt Dennis , Maroun Warren , Atkins Jill
Published: January 2025

This article investigates how boards of directors and auditors retrospectively reflect on and justify their role in the breakdown of governance systems. We focus on state capture in South Africa where major corruption scandals have crippled the public sector. These scandals have been investigated by a special commission of inquiry, the ‘Zondo Commission', which offers a rich set of data for uncovering how individuals attempt to justify their ‘deviant’ behaviour. Our focus is on the crisis at South African Airways (SAA), where the Zondo Commission concluded that the airline had repeatedly disregarded relevant laws and experienced a steep governance decline. Despite this malpractice, SAA's former auditors, PwC and joint audit partner Nkonki Incorporated, consistently gave SAA unqualified audit opinions. Only after intervention by the South African Auditor General were deficiencies exposed in SAA's financial and governance structures. Our analysis identifies various neutralization techniques used by implicated individuals to cast doubt on responsibility for wrongdoing and garner sympathy where deflection was not feasible. The method involves documentary analysis, focusing on witness transcripts and other evidence published by the Zondo Commission, SAA's integrated reports, and select media articles. In addition to dealing with a novel set of data, this paper adds to the limited body of work dealing with governance in state‐owned enterprises, particularly in developing economies. The research also provides an account of how deviance theory is operationalized in the context of governance and audit, something which has not yet been explored in detail.
Hazardous alcohol use and cardiometabolic risk among firefighters
Authors: Levitt Danielle E. , Wohlgemuth Kealey J. , Burnham Emilie F. , Conner Michael J. , Collier J. Jason , Mota Jacob A.
Published: January 2025

Background

Alcohol misuse is prevalent among firefighters, and associated adverse cardiometabolic health consequences could negatively impact readiness for duty. Mental health conditions may confer additional risk. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether alcohol misuse increases cardiometabolic risk among firefighters and whether mental health conditions modify these relationships.

Methods

Deidentified data from firefighters (N = 2405; 95.8% males, 38 ± 9 years, 29.6 ± 4.6 kg/m2) included demographics, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and AUDIT‐C scores, mental health screening scores, anthropometrics, metabolic panel, and cardiorespiratory testing results. Differences in cardiometabolic parameters between firefighters with low AUDIT‐C (<3 [females] or <4 [males]; no or low‐risk alcohol use) or high AUDIT‐C (≥3 [females] or ≥4 [males]; hazardous alcohol use) were determined and odds ratios for clinical risk factors were calculated. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), insomnia, depression, and anxiety were assessed as moderators.

Results

Firefighters with high AUDIT‐C had significantly (p < 0.05) higher total cholesterol (TC), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL‐C), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and lower hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) than those with low AUDIT‐C. In unadjusted and/or adjusted analyses, those with high AUDIT‐C had increased risk for overweight/obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and prehypertension/hypertension, and decreased risk for low HDL and elevated HbA1c. There were inverse moderation effects by posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety on relationships between AUDIT‐C score and BP. Insomnia (directly) and anxiety (inversely) moderated relationships between AUDIT‐C score and circulating lipids.

Conclusions

Firefighters with high AUDIT‐C have differential cardiometabolic risk, with specific relationships altered by mental health status. Whether higher HDL and lower HbA1c with high AUDIT‐C in firefighters is protective long‐term remains to be explored. Overall, these results underscore the need for alcohol screening and intervention to maintain cardiometabolic health and long‐term occupational readiness among firefighters.
The Role of WNT5a and TGF‐β1 in Airway Remodelling and Severe Asthma
Authors: Daud Tariq , Roberts Sheree , Zounemat Kermani Nazanin , Richardson Matthew , Heaney Liam G. , Adcock Ian M. , Amrani Yassine , Bradding Peter , Siddiqui Salman
Published: January 2025

Background

Airway remodelling is a feature of severe asthma with airway epithelial damage observed frequently. We evaluated the role of WNT5a and TGF‐β1 in asthmatic airway biopsies and in sputum and bronchial brushings assessed their role in remodelling.

Methods

WNT5a and TGF‐β1 protein expression were assessed in the lamina propria epithelium of people with asthma (GINA 1–3, n‐8 and GINA 4–5, n‐14) and healthy subjects (n‐9), alongside relevant remodelling markers. The effects of WNT5a and TGF‐β1 on BEAS‐2B epithelial cell wound healing and differentiation were assessed in vitro. Replication was performed in the Unbiased Biomarkers for the Prediction of Respiratory Disease Outcomes (U‐BIOPRED) study in sputum (n = 120) and bronchial brushes (n = 147).

Results

WNT5a and TGF‐β1 protein expression were significantly increased in the airway epithelium and lamina propria in asthma patients with concurrent airflow limitation or severe disease. Furthermore, WNT5a protein expression in the lamina propria correlated with tissue eosinophils and vascular remodelling. Airway epithelial WNT5a was co‐localised predominantly to airway basal cells and correlated with Th17 gene expression (r = 0.40, p = 0.025) and both the % intact (rs = 0.54, p = 0.001) and % denuded epithelium (rs = −0.39, p = 0.003). Experiments in BEAS‐2B cells confirmed that WNT5a at maximal physiological concentrations (1 μg/mL), promoted epithelial wound healing, independently of TGF‐β1, as well as induction of EMT‐like morphology. WNT5a mRNA was associated with severe asthma, airflow limitation, sputum eosinophilia and Th2, and Th17 and neutrophil activation transcriptomes in sputum in U‐BIOPRED.

Conclusion

WNT5a is associated with both airway remodelling and severe asthma.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01982162
Role of GPR55 receptor in bovine sperm capacitation
Authors: Lottero‐Leconte Raquel , Lara Angela , Plaza Jessica , Arroyo‐Salvo Camila , Bogetti María Eugenia , Rivolta Amada Eugenia Ynsaurralde , Dellavalle Franco , Sengiali Fiamma , Cetica Pablo , Rio Sofía , Zalazar Lucia , Cesari Andreína , Miragaya Marcelo , Morado Sergio , Perez‐Martinez Silvina
Published: January 2025

Background

Endocannabinoids like anandamide (AEA), among other lipids, are recognized signaling molecules that participate in reproductive events.

Objectives

Our aims were to characterize orphan G protein‐coupled receptor (GPR55) presence; investigate GPR55 activation by AEA and determine GPR55 role in the bovine sperm function.

Materials and methods

GPR55 presence was assessed by immunocytochemistry. Protein kinase A (pPKA) and PKC (pPKC) substrates, pERK1/2, G/F‐actin were determined by Western blotting, activation of RAC‐1 by pull‐down assay, F‐actin and acrosomal exocytosis by fluorescence microscopy, sperm motility by optic microscopy and computer‐aided sperm analysis and fertilizing ability by in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Results

We detected GPR55 in spermatozoa at T0, after incubation in non‐capacitating and capacitating (presence of AEA) conditions and upon release from oviductal epithelia. AEA induced an increase in pPKA and pPKC, while CID16020046 (CID), selective GPR55 antagonist, prevented this effect. Incubation with H89, PKA inhibitor, significantly decreased pPKC, while Gö6983, a PKC inhibitor, partially reduced pPKA. pPKA remained elevated at 15‐ and 45‐min incubation, while pPKC decreased at 15 and increased at 45 min. CID prevented pPKC increase at 5 and 45 min and decreased pPKA at 45 min. RAC‐1 and F‐actin increase induced by AEA was prevented by CID. Variations in two progressive motility kinematic parameters were observed with AEA and/or CID. Sperm pretreatment with AEA increased the rate of cleaved embryos and CID prevented this effect.

Discussion

We demonstrated that GPR55 activation by AEA induces time‐dependent signaling pathways involving pPKA and pPKC during bovine sperm capacitation. AEA regulates actin polymerization through GPR55 activation, suggesting the receptor participates in cytoskeleton remodeling, and yielded higher IVF rates. Also, sperm pre‐incubation with molecules like AEA involved in capacitation could improve the embryo development.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated GPR55 presence in bovine spermatozoa. The regulation of PKA and PKC and of molecules associated with cytoskeletal dynamics, such as RAC‐1 and actin, by GPR55 is closely related to sperm motility and acrosomal exocytosis.
Infants admitted to Danish neonatal units demonstrate satisfactory growth independent of feeding type at discharge
Authors: Honoré Karina Dyrvig , Jespersen Jonas Sveen , Zachariassen Gitte
Published: January 2025

Aim

The aim was to investigate feeding type at discharge; exclusively breastfeeding (EBF), mixed breastfeeding (MBF), and formula milk feeding (FMF), factors associated with feeding type, and changes in weight‐for‐age z‐score (ΔWAZ) in infants admitted to Danish neonatal units.

Methods

Using data from the Danish National Quality Database for Births and the Danish Newborn Quality Database, we included 8639 mother‐infant dyads admitted ≥5 days between February 2019 and December 2021. We used logistic regression to investigate associations between maternal and infant factors and feeding type, and descriptive statistics to describe ΔWAZ and feeding type at discharge.

Results

Of all infants 59.1% were EBF, 16.9% MBF and 24.0% FMF at discharge. Gestational age <37 weeks, caesarean section, multiple births, small for gestational age, weeks at hospital, ≥6 h before skin‐to‐skin contact, and few weeks at hospital were associated with failure to EBF at discharge. Median (min–max) ΔWAZ in EBF, MBF and FMF infants was −0.44 (−4.78 to 4.88), −0.43 (−3.47 to 4.42) and −0.39 (−3.54 to 4.03), respectively. ΔWAZ was higher in EBF compared to FMF infants, p‐value 0.01, but no significant difference in ΔWAZ between MBF and FMF infants, p‐value 0.06.

Conclusion

Danish newborn infants demonstrated satisfactory growth during admission to the neonatal unit, independent of feeding type at discharge. Rates of exclusively breastfeeding need improvement.
Families’ experiences of housing and housing supports within the context of parental incarceration
Authors: Fanning Kerrie , Kerr Margaret , Charles Pajarita , Poehlmann Julie
Published: January 2025

Rates of parental incarceration and family homelessness continue to rise in the United States, and many families experience both of these risks concurrently. Both parental incarceration and homelessness independently relate to negative outcomes for children and families, with numerous studies documenting families’ experiences of each risk independently. Despite families’ increased risk for experiencing co‐occurring parental incarceration and housing instability, little is known about families’ experiences within this complex context of risk. This qualitative study explores currently incarcerated parents’ and their children's at‐home caregivers’ perceptions of their experiences of homelessness and housing instability during the year prior to the parent's current incarceration. Through semi‐structured interviews with 16 jailed parents and caregivers, families describe their perception of their experience for themselves and for their children and identify challenges and support they encountered. Using multiperspectival interpretative phenomenological analysis, emerging group experiential themes clustered within four overarching constructs: jailed parent/caregiver‐focused, child‐focused, family‐level, and exosystem‐level experiences. Overall, families’ descriptions capture the complexity of their cascading risk experiences, with impacts permeating through the family system. Implications for programming and policies addressing parental incarceration and homelessness are addressed.
Articulating populism in the Philippines: The rhetorical strategies of Joseph Estrada and Rodrigo Duterte
Authors: Talamayan Fernan
Published: January 2025

The article compares the rhetorical strategies of two of the most popular post‐martial law presidents in the Philippines, Joseph Estrada (1998–2001) and Rodrigo Duterte (2016–2022). Adopting Laclau's definition of populism and localizing De Cleen and Stavrakakis's analysis of socio‐spatial dichotomies, I examine the political logic that guided the consolidation of the people and the formation of antagonistic frontiers during the Estrada and Duterte presidencies. I identify the nodal points in their articulation of sympathy, compassion, elite opposition, political will, and belongingness, and plot them on a down/up and in/out axes. In uncovering the operation of populist logic in their political speeches, the article finds that leveraging people's frustrations and unsatisfied demands reinforced Estrada's and Duterte's ability to mobilize support and project themselves as the people's protector and champion. Through an in‐depth interrogation of their populist articulation, the article contributes to a more nuanced understanding of populism's durability and enduring appeal.
Same story, different endings: clinical course and outcomes of two dogs treated differently for delayed fulminant pulmonary haemorrhage 20 h after eastern brown snake (Pseudonaja textilis) envenomation
Authors: Mak HY , Hardjo S
Published: January 2025

This report presents the clinical course and outcomes of two dogs that were treated differently upon recognition of respiratory distress due to delayed fulminant pulmonary haemorrhage (DFPH) 20 h after eastern brown snake envenomation. Two dogs from the same household were likely envenomated at the same time. Pulmonary haemorrhage was diagnosed based on pleural and lung ultrasound, decreasing packed cell volume and haemoptysis. Case 1 received a total of 7000 units of brown snake antivenom within the first 10 h after envenomation. The dog developed severe respiratory distress and anaemia approximately 20 h after envenomation. A decision to administer fresh whole blood was made, however, a marked deterioration in clinical signs occurred during the acquisition of blood. The dog was euthanased due to hypoxemic and hypercapnic respiratory failure. Case 2 received similar treatment to case 1 before DFPH. Case 2 developed moderate pleural effusion along with pulmonary haemorrhage after hospital admission. The dog was noticed to have respiratory distress approximately 1 h after case 1. Fresh frozen plasma was administered within 30 min, followed by packed red blood cells and autotransfusion, and the dog survived. These two cases are used as a foundation to discuss the pathophysiology of DFPH and its relation to the clinical signs. Furthermore, retrospective analysis of diagnostics and alternative approaches proposed, may assist clinicians in early recognition and optimal treatment of DFPH.
Evaluation of Heat Shock Effects on Seedling Emergence and Seed Bank Viability in 18 Colombian Dry Forest Species
Authors: Barras Rodriguez José David , Zuñiga Cespedes Bladimir , Castellanos Barliza Jeiner de Jesus
Published: January 2025

Aim

High temperatures during forest fires can cause significant damage to tropical dry forest areas and alter their ecological stability, particularly by affecting seed viability and seedling emergence. This study evaluates the seedling emergence response of 18 dry forest species to fire‐simulated temperatures, aiming to assess their potential for restoration in fire‐prone Colombian ecosystems.

Location

The seeds used in this study were obtained from three tropical dry forests in Colombia.

Methods

A total of 9832 seeds from 18 dry forest species were collected directly from the soil seed bank in three tropical dry forests in Colombia. These seeds were then exposed to simulated forest fire temperatures (100°C, 150°C, and 200°C) for 10 min. Seed viability was analyzed using the 2,3,5‐triphenyl tetrazolium chloride reagent (tetrazolium test) and assessed using a generalized linear model. Seedling emergence and mean emergence time were evaluated using one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with temperature treatments as factors.

Results

The study revealed that seedling emergence significantly decreased with higher heat shock temperatures. Notably, Hura crepitans and Parkinsonia aculeata tolerated temperatures up to 100°C, while Caesalpinia pulcherrima and Enterolobium cyclocarpum showed increased emergence at that temperature. Based on their emergence responses, species were classified as stimulated, tolerant, sensitive, or vulnerable. Seed viability declined with rising temperatures, and the mean emergence time increased in species like Cordia alba, Crescentia cujete, and Lonchocarpus violaceus.

Conclusions

This study shows that heat shocks at 150°C and 200°C significantly reduced seed bank viability for most Colombian dry forest species. However, Caesalpinia pulcherrima and Enterolobium cyclocarpum were stimulated by 100°C heat shocks, while Hura crepitans and Parkinsonia aculeata showed no adverse effects. Vulnerable species like Coccoloba acuminata and Pithecellobium dulce exhibited no viable seeds at higher temperatures, suggesting potential local extinctions. These results emphasize the need to focus on heat‐tolerant species for restoration efforts in fire‐prone ecosystems.
Intra‐articular corticosteroids: Systematic review of effects on osteoarthritis and joint health
Authors: Tokawa P. K. A. , Baccarin R. Y. A. , Zanotto G. M.
Published: January 2025

Background

The importance of intra‐articular corticosteroid treatment for osteoarthritis, with its possible adverse effects, requires a comprehensive review.

Objectives

This review answers the following questions: (1) What evidence is available regarding the symptom‐modifying and disease‐modifying changes related to a single intra‐articular corticosteroid injection for treating osteoarthritis in horses and humans? (2) What evidence suggests corticosteroids are detrimental to equine joint health?

Study design

Systematic review.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in June 2022 in PubMed, CAB and the Web of Science. Inclusion criteria were applied to titles and abstracts. For each question, further criteria were applied. The risk of bias was assessed according to the study design.

Results

Searches generated 6417 titles. Twenty‐three articles fit all inclusion criteria for single‐injection corticosteroid treatments and 21 were included for their relevance to corticosteroid effects on joint health. Single‐injection protocols lead to short‐term symptom‐modifying osteoarthritic changes with conflicting results regarding disease‐modifying osteoarthritis effects. Healthy joints demonstrated disturbances in metabolism and tissue changes both in vivo and in vitro after corticosteroid. A dose‐dependent effect was found in vitro.

Main limitations

There is a lack of studies regarding the questions, primarily for equine species. Furthermore, the majority of studies were rated as ‘unclear risk of bias’.

Conclusions

Symptom‐modifying osteoarthritic changes after a single injection are short‐term, and a consistent disease‐modifying effect on osteoarthritis has yet to be established. Joint health is disturbed by corticosteroids as their effects on normal joints show adverse changes in tissues and metabolism.
Quality of caring interactions between nurses and patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A cross‐sectional survey with nurses and patients in acute and community care
Authors: Ernst Jutta , Petry Heidi , Naef Rahel
Published: January 2025

Aims

To describe the characteristics and quality of caring interactions between nurses and patients during the earlier phases of the COVID‐19 pandemic in acute and home care settings.

Background

Nurse–patient interaction (NPI) plays an important role in effective, person‐centered care delivery and has been impacted by the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

The survey was part of a multimethod study and used a cross‐sectional design. It included both nurses and patients receiving care during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic (March–June 2020) at a university‐affiliated tertiary care hospital and two large public home care agencies. Data were collected from July to October 2020, using the Individualized Care Scale (ICS), patient and nurse versions. The ICS is a 5‐point Likert‐type scale divided into two dimensions: ICS‐A and ICS‐B with 17 items each. The ICS‐A subscale assesses patients’ or nurses’ perceptions of patient individuality as supported by specific nursing activities. The aim of the ICS‐B subscale, conversely, is to assess perceptions of how individuality is maintained in the care either provided or received. Inferential statistics were used for comparisons between settings and populations. The study followed the STROBE checklist for cross‐sectional studies.

Results

The survey was completed by 443 nurses and 295 patients. Patients’ perception of “nurses support their individuality” was moderate (ICS‐A 3.42, range 1–5), as was their perception of “nurses provide individual care to patients” (ICS‐B 3.89, range 1–5). Nurses’ own perception of supporting individuality was found to be high (ICS‐A 4.30, range 1–5), as was the mean score of their actual provision of individual care (ICS‐B 4.21, range 1–5), which was statistically significantly higher than the ratings of patients. Nurses working in home care rated individuality and individual care statistically significantly higher than those working in acute care.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that during the earlier phases of the pandemic, Swiss nurses perceived their support of patient individuality and individual care to be higher than their European peers had prior to the pandemic and higher than patients did. However, those engaged in the provision of care within a hospital setting perceived the level of individuality and individual care to be lower than those engaged in the provision of care within a home care setting.

Implications for nursing and health policy

It is evident that nurses’ efforts and contributions to the quality of care require organizational recognition and support. Their commitment should be recognized and supported by leadership and policymakers.
Quantifying nano‐domain size and orientation in relaxor ferroelectrics using transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Brichta Nathan M. , Tegg Levi , Giles Luke W. , Daniels John E. , Cairney Julie M.
Published: January 2025

Ferroelectric materials contain regions of uniform electrical polarization, known as domains. In Pb‐based relaxor‐ferroelectric perovskite oxides, these domains can be as small as a few nanometers, making standardized analysis of domain sizes challenging. Here, we present two methods for the quantitative analysis of domain sizes from transmission electron micrographs. One method uses statistical analysis of multiple line profiles, and the other analyses the intensity of streaks in the Fourier transform of the image. The techniques provide equivalent results for bright‐field images free of other microstructure or aberrations, while the Fourier method is much simpler to apply.
A Cross Section Study on the Relationship Between Nurse‐Reported Missed Care, Emotional Labour, and Compassion Fatigue in Intensive Care Units
Authors: Jia Wanshun , Zhang Zeyi , Zhang Qi , Chen Xue , Fang Jinxia , Cao Heng
Published: January 2025

Aim(s)

To investigate the correlation between compassion Fatigue, emotional labour and missed nursing care among intensive care unit nurses.

Design

A cross‐sectional design.

Methods

Data were collected from two hospitals in Shandong Province, China, from July to August 2024. A total of 226 intensive care unit nurses completed the questionnaires. The completion rate for the surveys was 98%. The Demographic Characteristic Questionnaire, Chinese version of Compassion Fatigue‐Short Scale, Chinese version of Emotional Labor Scale and Chinese version of Missed Nursing Care Questionnaire were used for investigation. Descriptive statistics, Multiple‐linear regression and Spearman correlation analyses were used for data analysis.

Results

The mean (SD) scores of compassion fatigue, emotional labour and missed nursing care were 51.17 (24.64), 2.98 (0.51) and 37.71(14.11), respectively. Spearman correlation showed that compassion fatigue was positively associated with emotional labour (p < 0.05), and missed nursing care (p < 0.01). Furthermore, deep acting, a form of emotional labour, had a significant negative relationship with missed nursing care (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The nursing care was rarely missed among intensive care unit nurses, while compassion fatigue and emotional labour were positively associated with missed nursing care. Therefore, focusing on developing interventions for alleviating compassion fatigue and emotional labour may contribute to decrease the incidence of missed nursing care.

Impact

The emotional state of intensive care unit nurses can have a significant impact on the quality of nursing care. It is recommended that nursing managers should promote relevant training in deep acting and instruct nurses to manage emotions during patient interactions, to decrease missed nursing care.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Targeted Digital Health Intervention in End‐of‐Life and Hospice Care: A Scoping Review
Authors: Jeon Misun , Jeon Heejung , Kim Sanghee
Published: January 2025

Aim

Digital health interventions, including health analytics, telehealth, mHealth and digitised healthcare systems, are rapidly advancing and demonstrate effectiveness in palliative care. Although end‐of‐life (EOL) and hospice care are within palliative care, they differ in outcomes, target populations and delivery systems. This review examines research trends to guide digital health strategies for EOL and hospice care.

Design

Scoping review.

Data Sources

Systematic searches in CINAHL, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, EMBASE, Cochrane and Web of Science identified studies from 2019 to 2023 using keywords ‘end of life’, ‘hospice’ and ‘digital health’.

Methods

Following the Joanna Briggs Institute framework, two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data and categorised health challenges and digital health types per World Health Organization and Deloitte classifications.

Results

Among 4342 studies, 38 met the inclusion criteria. Most were retrospective (36.8%) without control groups (68.3%). Key targets included healthcare systems (44.2%) and patients (25.6%), focusing on health analytics (44.7%) and mHealth (23.7%) for EOL transitions and symptom management. Main challenges included utilisation (34.9%), efficiency (32.6%) and quality (30.2%).

Conclusion

Digital health interventions hold potential for enhancing EOL and hospice care but face challenges such as study design limitations, appropriate modality selection, rapport‐building and risks of exacerbating health inequalities. Future interventions should emphasise human‐centred digital capabilities for healthcare providers and user‐centred designs.

Impact

This review highlights opportunities for digital health to improve quality of life for EOL and hospice patients and caregivers. The insights provide guidance for applying digital health interventions in different settings and highlight the importance of equipping healthcare providers with human‐centred digital competencies.

Reporting Method

The reporting was guided by the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA‐ScR).

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Growth and mechanical correlations of calcified cartilage in Batoidea: A histomorphological study using the Raja asterias model
Authors: Pazzaglia Ugo E. , Reguzzoni Marcella , Terova Genciana , Serena Fabrizio , Mancusi Cecilia , Zarattini Guido , Zecca Piero A.
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the growth and calcification of the appendicular skeleton in Raja asterias (Delaroche, 1809), a member of the Batoidea, to explore the relationship between histomorphology and the mechanics of batoid locomotion within the water column. Although much prior research has focused on the “tessellated pattern” in these fishes, the variable structure of the appendicular skeleton provides fresh insights into the understudied interplay between skeletal histomorphology and the mechanical functions of Batoidea fins. The shape and initial growth of fin cartilage are influenced by the orientation of chondrocyte mitoses prior to mineral deposition, with subsequent calcification playing a pivotal role in shaping skeletal architecture. This study documents two distinct growth patterns: “crustal” and “catenated.” The crustal pattern is predominantly observed in larger skeletal elements, such as the central body structures (skull, rostrum, and jaws), girdles, pterygia, and compound radials, whereas fin radials follow the catenated growth pattern. Notably, early‐stage chondrichthyan cartilage shares similarities with mammalian metaphyseal growth plate cartilage, though in chondrichthyans, the calcified matrix is not resorbed or replaced by bone. Additionally, a previously unrecognized calcification pattern is identified in the pelvic‐fin radials of R. asterias, indicating that the mechanical demands of locomotion in the water column may have driven the evolution of variable fin flexibility in Batoidea. This flexibility is achieved through joint mobility (diarthroses and amphiarthroses), specialized fin structures, and the distinct calcification patterns of the pectoral and pelvic fins.
Genetically confirmed first records of an egg and a juvenile roundscale spearfish, Tetrapturus georgii
Authors: Freese Marko , Blancke Tina , Marohn Lasse , Pohlmann Jan‐Dag , Sundin Josefin , Wysujack Klaus , Hanel Reinhold
Published: January 2025

The roundscale spearfish (Tetrapturus georgii) is a poorly studied species with limited information available on its biology, ecology, and population status. Although the adult life stage of the species is morphologically distinguishable from closely related species such as the overexploited white marlin (Kajikia albida), misidentification is common, adding to the uncertainties connected with population assessments of these pelagic highly migratory species. Although genetic studies have recently confirmed its distinction from congeneric species, much of the reproductive biology and population dynamics of T. georgii remain unknown, underscoring the need for further research to guide conservation and management strategies. This study reports the first documented records of an egg and a juvenile T. georgii. Here, we provide photographs, morphological descriptions, and collection site data for genetically confirmed egg and juvenile specimens obtained during two multipurpose research surveys in the Sargasso Sea Subtropical Convergence Zone. These findings contribute new insights into the reproductive biology, early life stages, and ecology of this elusive species.
Systematic Review: Integrated Models of Care for Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Warner Molly M. , Soliman Olivia Marie , Crichton Megan , Marshall Skye , Staudacher Heidi M. , Kelly Jaimon T.
Published: January 2025

Background

Multidisciplinary integrated models of care show promise for improving symptoms and quality of life (QoL) in adults with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Aims

To describe and evaluate the characteristics of integrated models of care for IBS and identify how digital health is being used in these models of care.

Methods

Four databases were searched to March 2024 for studies that included adults with IBS who participated in multidisciplinary integrated models of care that delivered non‐pharmacological therapies. The template for intervention description and replication (TIDieR) checklist was used to appraise study quality and extract model of care characteristics, which were mapped against the Project INTEGRATE framework to establish topics.

Results

Sixteen studies (6 randomized controlled trials, 2 quasi‐experimental, 8 cohort studies) reported 14 integrated models of care including 2165 patients of which 918 were IBS patients. Integrated models of care led to improved IBS symptoms (n = 11/13 models of care) and QoL (n = 6/9 models of care). Studies showed moderate compliance with the TIDieR checklist. Five topics were established: clinicians involved, therapies provided, location and mode of delivery, coordinating clinical partnerships, and sharing visions and values of integrated care. Most commonly, a gastroenterologist coordinated care with a psychologist, dietitian, and/or nurse in tertiary care. Psychological, dietary, and physical therapies were provided by n = 11, n = 8, and n = 3 integrated models of care, respectively. Six models of care provided joint consultations or group sessions. Four models of care used digital health such as telephone coaching or online modules.

Conclusions

Integrated models of care for IBS exhibited diverse characteristics including the clinicians involved, the therapies provided and the mode of delivery of each therapy. There is a need to evaluate the use of digital health and the delivery of integrated models of care in primary care settings.
The genomic secrets of invasive plants
Authors: Hodgins Kathryn A. , Battlay Paul , Bock Dan G.
Published: January 2025

Genomics has revolutionised the study of invasive species, allowing evolutionary biologists to dissect mechanisms of invasion in unprecedented detail. Botanical research has played an important role in these advances, driving much of what we currently know about key determinants of invasion success (e.g. hybridisation, whole‐genome duplication). Despite this, a comprehensive review of plant invasion genomics has been lacking. Here, we aim to address this gap, highlighting recent discoveries that have helped progress the field. For example, by leveraging genomics in natural and experimental populations, botanical research has confirmed the importance of large‐effect standing variation during adaptation in invasive species. Further, genomic investigations of plants are increasingly revealing that large structural variants, as well as genetic changes induced by whole‐genome duplication such as genomic redundancy or the breakdown of dosage‐sensitive reproductive barriers, can play an important role during adaptive evolution of invaders. However, numerous questions remain, including when chromosomal inversions might help or hinder invasions, whether adaptive gene reuse is common during invasions, and whether epigenetically induced mutations can underpin the adaptive evolution of plasticity in invasive populations. We conclude by highlighting these and other outstanding questions that genomic studies of invasive plants are poised to help answer.
Redistributive Impacts of Civil War: The Case of Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Hlasny Vladimir
Published: January 2025

Many least developed countries (LDCs) are plagued by recurring conflict. Conflict impedes sustainable development through various channels, creating conditions fomenting further conflict. Conflict has redistributive impacts, particularly when it erupts in resource‐rich countries. Between 2002 and 2011, Côte d'Ivoire faced off two spells of civil war (2002–2007 and 2010–2011) along geographic, religious and ethnic lines. We investigate how the civil war and the associated changes in the political balance impinged on economic outcomes of the affected groups at various income quantiles. Growth incidence curves before–after conflict illustrate the income changes of the respective socioeconomic groups. Accounting for distortions due to individual selection and general‐equilibrium spillovers, unconditional quantile regressions fitted by the means of recentered influence functions are used to isolate between‐group income gaps attributable to conflict. The results on microdata from 2002 to 2018 Household Living Standards Surveys confirm that as the political tide shifted, the economic fortunes of the affected groups turned. Previously marginalized communities—the northern, Gour and Mandé ethnic, and non‐Christian groups—have bridged some of their disadvantage related to their endowments and the market returns on them. These effects are clearest in the upper half of the income spectrum, leading to important changes in social order.
Development and Validation of the Invisibility Scale
Authors: Ebbrecht Christopher Kehlet , Bertelsen Preben
Published: January 2025

The concept of social invisibility describes the devaluation of the perceived social and personal worth of an individual. This paper presents the theoretical foundation for this construct, and the development and validation of the “Invisibility Scale” capturing experiences of and needs for social (in)visibility within (i) intimate, (ii) legal, and (iii) communal relations. We developed and validated the Invisibility Scale in two studies. In Study I (n = 944), we formulated 80 items and tested their underlying factor structure using Exploratory Factor Analyses (EFA). In Study II (n = 846), we aimed to replicate the factor structure identified in Study I on a novel sample using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and establish criterion‐related validity and construct validity using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Our results supported the development of two separate scales for measuring experiences of social invisibility (“Invisibility ScaleEXP”) and needs for social visibility (“Invisibility ScaleNEED”) Each scale consisted of 12 items (four items for each subfactor of intimate, legal, and communal relations). Evidence for construct validity between the Invisibility Scales and relevant constructs like Moral Disengagement, Sense of Coherence, and Violent Extremist Attitudes was mixed. Based on our findings, we present the two Invisibility Scales as preliminary validated measures of social invisibility. We encourage future research to replicate our findings, as well as looking more into other potentially mediating and moderating factors between social invisibility and its emotional, cognitive, and behavioral correlates.