bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Psychological aspects of caregiving after stroke: a systematic scoping review and thematic synthesis of theories
Authors: Harcourt Bethany J. , Brown Richard J. , Bowen Audrey 
Published: October 2024

AbstractInformal caregiving comprises a core part of stroke survivors’ rehabilitation. Providing informal care can encompass positive elements, yet adopting and sustaining this role can affect carers’ physical and mental health. Understanding carers’ experiences is important for clinical psychologists, to highlight their potential role in supporting carers’ unmet needs. Theories of stroke informal carers’ experiences exist, yet no previous attempt has been made to identify, organise and describe them, and synthesise their key themes. This PRISMA-ScR guided scoping review aimed to identify theories of stroke informal caregiving and generate new knowledge of the experience and psychological impact of caregiving, to guide stroke service improvements. Six databases were systematically searched, identifying relevant theoretical and empirical papers. Seventeen papers, presenting thirteen distinct theories, were included and the theories thematically synthesised. Two overarching themes were developed - ‘Systemic and Cultural factors’ and ‘A staged process’– containing three main themes – ‘Adjustment to aspects of post-stroke life’, ‘Emotional and psychological aspects of caregiving’, ‘Carer Needs’– and four subthemes constituting relevant stroke pathway stages. Substantial theoretical knowledge exists that was useful in generating key themes of the experiences and psychological impact of caregiving across the stroke pathway, to guide clinical psychology practice and future research directions.
Evaluation of Some Serum Minerals in Type 2 Diabetic Patients Attending Federal Medical Centre Owo
Authors: Ajao Fiyinfoluwa Olamide , Olusegun Timothy God-Giveth , Oyeromi Blessing Oluwatosinmile , Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi 
Published: October 2024

AbstractMinerals and trace elements play crucial roles in physiological processes, and alterations in their levels can have significant consequences for metabolic health. This study aimed to investigate serum mineral levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) compared to healthy controls and explore their potential implications for disease pathophysiology. A total of 50 T2DM patients and 30 healthy individuals were included in the study. Serum levels of iron, copper, calcium, magnesium, and zinc were analysed using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The results revealed significantly higher levels of iron and copper in T2DM patients compared to controls, while lower levels of calcium, magnesium, and zinc were observed in the T2DM group. These findings are consistent with previous research, highlighting the importance of mineral homeostasis in T2DM. Further analysis showed weak interrelationships among the studied minerals in T2DM patients, suggesting complex mechanisms underlying mineral metabolism in the disease. The discussion delved into potential mechanisms contributing to these alterations, including glycosuria-induced urinary loss of zinc and calciuresis due to hyperglycemia. Additionally, the study emphasised the importance of zinc and manganese in insulin production and release, as well as the contradictory findings regarding calcium levels in T2DM. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into serum mineral levels in T2DM and highlights the need for further research to elucidate their roles in disease progression and management.
APOE4impacts cortical neurodevelopment and alters network formation in human brain organoids
Authors: Meyer-Acosta Karina K. , Diaz-Guerra Eva , Varma Parul , Aruk Adyasha , Mirsadeghi Sara , Perez Aranis Muniz , Rafati Yousef , Hosseini Ali , Nieto-Estevez Vanesa , Giugliano Michele , Navara Christopher , Hsieh Jenny 
Published: October 2024

SummaryApolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) is the leading genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. While most studies examine the role ofAPOE4in aging, imaging, and cognitive assessments reveal thatAPOE4influences brain structure and function as early as infancy. Here, we examined human-relevant cellular phenotypes across neurodevelopment using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived cortical and ganglionic eminence organoids (COs and GEOs). In COs, we showed thatAPOE4decreased BRN2+ and SATB2+ cortical neurons, increased astrocytes and outer radial glia, and was associated with increased cell death and dysregulated GABA-related gene expression. In GEOs,APOE4accelerated maturation of neural progenitors and neurons. Multi-electrode array recordings in assembloids revealed thatAPOE4disrupted network formation and altered response to GABA, resulting in heightened excitability and synchronicity. Together, our data provides new insights into howAPOE4may influence cortical neurodevelopmental processes and network formation in the human brain.
The expanding truffle environment: a study of the microbial dynamics in old and newTuber magnatumPicco habitat
Authors: Rondolini M. , Zotti M. , Bragato G. , Baciarelli Falini L. , Reale L. , Donnini D. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractTruffles are valuable underground mushrooms with significant economic importance. In recent years, their cultivation has achieved satisfactory results, but not for all species. The harvesting of white truffles (Tuber magnatumPicco) is still dependent on natural production, which is at risk due to various issues, such as improper forest management. A useful practice to protect natural resources is to promote the expansion of productive forests. In this study, we investigate the dynamics of the microbiome in an old and new truffle forest using an amplicon sequencing approach of the fungal ITS region and the prokaryotic 16S rRNA gene. We will monitor the soil biological community’s development to compare differences and similarities between the primary productive forest and the expanding area over a two-year sampling period. In particular, we observed the colonization of vacant ecological niches by certain fungi, such as those belonging to the genusMortierella. Additionally, we examined the competitive interactions between saprotrophs and ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECM). In both study areas, the bacterial community was dominated by Pseudomonadota, Planctomycetota, and Actinomycetota. The behavior of theTubergenus differed significantly from other ECMs and displayed positive correlations with bacterial taxa such asKtedonobacter, Zavarzinella, andSphingomonas. The present work provides an initial overview of expanding white truffle habitats. Further, more specific research is needed to explore potential connections between individualtaxa.
Corporate political action and R&D investments: complementary effects and the role of communication in overcoming ex-post transaction costs
Authors: Westphal Fernando Kaname , Feldmann Paulo Roberto , Mrtvi Valdete de Oliveira 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the role of interfirm communication on the complementary effect between corporate political action (CPA) and research and development (R&D) investments under transaction costs.

Design/methodology/approach
A quasi-experiment study design was used, combining business game simulation and a public goods experiment with communication as a controlled variable. A fixed-effect regression analysis was performed on panel data collected from 72 students.

Findings
The findings indicate that collective CPA is positively and significantly associated with R&D investments, particularly when interfirm communication is present. Conversely, for non-communicating firms, the effect is limited to the relationship between individual CPA and R&D investment.

Research limitations/implications
Despite advancing the research on political ties and innovation, the study acknowledges limitations related to framing effects and institutional variability.

Practical implications
The complementary effects indicate that institutional arrangements (i.e. business associations) may foster interfirm communication and cooperation in CPA efforts, mitigating opportunistic behaviours and legitimising CPA strategy towards innovation.

Social implications
This study contributes to understanding how firms’ political and R&D decisions can positively impact innovation, despite the challenges of ex post transaction costs.

Originality/value
The positive effect of communication on political action and cooperation on firms’ innovation, even in weak institutional environments, is highlighted. An innovative methodological approach combining business games and economic experiments was used to examine participants’ decisions under transaction costs.
A comprehensive evaluation of factors influencing offsite construction and BIM integration in the construction industry
Authors: Kordestani Nazanin , Babaeian Jelodar Mostafa , Paes Daniel , Sutrisna Monty , Rahmani Diyako 
Published: October 2024

PurposeThe construction industry's transformation of prefabrication into large-scale offsite manufacturing continues to grow. While the Offsite Construction (OSC) transition has brought positive changes to the industry, it also presents various challenges. Literature suggests that to address the challenges, advanced technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) can be applied for effective mitigation. Nonetheless, the combined application of BIM and OSC is in its infancy and faces challenges in many countries. This study aims to investigate the factors influencing OSC and BIM integration, including challenges and strategies within the New Zealand construction industry.Design/methodology/approachThis study explores which specific factors impact integration positively or negatively through a comprehensive literature review and confirmatory survey. Factor Analysis (FA) was used as the data analysis method, resulting in eight groups of underlying factors. Next, three Structural Equation Models (SEM) were developed and tested to analyze the impact of latent and observed variables on OSC and BIM integration.FindingsSignificant underlying factors affecting OSC and BIM integration were identified, and recommendations to enhance integration were provided. Specifically, the findings demonstrated that three underlying factors for challenges, two for strategies and three for integration were identified through EFA and confirmed by CFA. This step was followed by SEM, which employed three different path analysis models for integration variables. It clarified that not all variables have similar impacts on integration; some exhibit significant positive or negative effects, while others are not significant at all.Originality/valueThe identified challenges and strategies for OSC and BIM integration and their impact on integration factors can contribute to developing standardized integration guidelines and frameworks to assist stakeholders in focusing on their specific integration goals.
Health service quality and patients’ satisfaction among hospitals: the cohesive care of human beings and accomplishment of human rights
Authors: Abdelwahed Nadia A. Abdelmegeed , Zehri Abdul Wahid 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
In this study, the researchers explored the influence of service quality-related constructs on patients’ satisfaction with Egyptian health-care centers.

Design/methodology/approach
In this study, the researchers used a quantitative approach and concluded the study based on 316 valid cases collected from patients of Egyptian health-care centers.

Findings
Using path analysis with analysis of moment structures (AMOS), this study's results demonstrate that reliability and responsiveness, empathy, nursing care and medical care positively affect patients' satisfaction. On the other hand, the tangibles have a negative effect on patient satisfaction.

Practical implications
This study’s findings benefit policymakers by shaping evidence-based policies. Health-care managers can implement strategies that prioritize the identified factors and can foster a more patient-centric and effective health-care system. Also, this study’s findings guide health-care institutes to maintain human rights by serving poor and needy patients. More generally, this study's outcomes enrich the depth of the domain literature.

Originality/value
This study’s findings add to the existing knowledge and fill contextual gaps by confirming patients’ satisfaction with the service quality of Egyptian health-care centers.
Spatio-temporal behaviour of cruise passengers at the destination: a big data approach using mobile location events
Authors: Reif Julian , Gross Sven 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a deeper understanding of the spatio-temporal behaviour of cruise passengers at a given destination using the city of Hamburg as a use case.

Design/methodology/approach
Big data in the form of passive location events from smartphones were analysed to determine the spatio-temporal behaviour of cruise tourists. The data were filtered using a definition created specifically for determining the signals of cruise passengers and were analysed using spatial statistics and network analysis methods.

Findings
In Hamburg, cruise passengers have a relatively small area of activity that is concentrated in the city's core tourist area. Foreign cruise passengers are less spatially concentrated than German passengers. Foreign passengers generate most of their visits at the airport and in the city's shopping areas, while German passengers are most frequently seen at the railway station and at the city's maritime experience locations.

Originality/value
Although numerous publications have examined the spatio-temporal behaviour of cruise passengers at the destination, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no studies have used big data sources for this purpose. This paper uses passive location events from smartphones to determine the routes taken by cruise tourists in Hamburg, shows the strengths and weaknesses of this data source and suggests how cruise tourists can be defined from the data.
Quantifying drivers of virtual reality acceptance in tourism planning using a grey system theory-based approach
Authors: Javanmardi Sadaf , Javanmardi Ehsan , Bucci Alessandra 
Published: October 2024

PurposeThis study examines the role of Virtual Reality (VR) in tourism marketing, analyzing its psychological effects, demographic differences and factors influencing adoption. It seeks to identify and measure the main drivers and obstacles to VR acceptance, improving predictions of adoption trends in tourism planning and experiences across various demographics.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a quantitative method, blending statistical analysis with Grey System Theory. It analyzes data from VR-experienced participants using ANOVA, regression models and dynamic grey relational analysis to produce actionable insights. Data were collected from July to September 2023 from participants experienced with VR in tourism.FindingsUser engagement, positive word-of-mouth and a desire for immersive experiences drive VR acceptance, especially among frequent travelers and tech enthusiasts. While VR can enhance trip enjoyment, its long-term impact varies. To increase VR adoption in tourism, strategies include targeting frequent travelers and online users, creating accessible and engaging content, leveraging positive feedback and partnering with influencers to develop interactive VR experiences that mitigate travel planning uncertainties and attract specific user groups.Practical implicationsThe study demonstrates how VR can expand access to tourism for those unable to travel, enhance engagement and streamline planning. By leveraging VR in marketing, providers can create immersive, targeted content, reduce uncertainties, attract tech-savvy travelers and boost appeal through influencer partnerships.Originality/valueThis study pioneers the integration of Grey System Theory with traditional statistical methods to elucidate the dynamics of VR adoption in tourism. By uniquely combining ANOVA, regression models and dynamic grey relational analysis, it offers a precise model to interpret complex data, highlighting the nuanced effects of demographic factors on technology acceptance. This approach not only advances the analytical frameworks in tourism marketing but also provides critical insights into the demographic and psychological drivers of VR adoption.
Preservation of cultural heritage, digital technology and cyberspaces: women’s active involvement, opportunity and empowerment
Authors: Rachman Yeni Budi 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to highlight the involvement and empowerment of women in cultural heritage preservation, in particular their use of digital technology applications and online platforms.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper reviews the relevant literature and discusses specific examples of women using digital technology and cyberspaces for cultural heritage preservation.

Findings
Cyberspaces and digital technology present opportunities for women to be actively involved and empowered in cultural heritage preservation. Examples of this involvement are digitization activities and projects, using digital spaces to discuss issues related to cultural heritage preservation, and transmitting information related to cultural heritage preservation via online platforms and channels. But digital skills and competency training are needed to strengthen and support women’s active involvement in the cyberspace arena, and governments and other stakeholders such as academic or public libraries could collaborate to implement this training.

Originality/value
Although there are several studies that discuss women’s roles in cultural heritage preservation, the literature review revealed that few studies focus on the empowerment and participation of women in the use of digital technology and cyberspace in preserving cultural heritage. By discussing specific examples, this paper adds to the literature and supports the active involvement of women in participating in cultural heritage preservation, especially in the context of digital technology applications and cyberspaces. Leveraging digital technologies to help preserve intangible cultural heritage that has been passed down from generation to generation at the family level is also recommended.
Arup Group Limited: putting trust in the trust
Authors: Vanaise Catherine , Edwards Gwyneth 
Published: October 2024

Research methodology
The data set used to write this case was collected from 83 public sources, including company communications, company journals and reports and the company website, along with newspaper articles, industry reports, scientific articles and case studies. The data set was used to analyse both the industry and firm in which Arup operated to draw conclusions about the firm’s strategy and competitive advantage, specifically, as it relates to trust and knowledge management.

Case overview/synopsis
Alan Belfield, an employee of Arup Group Limited for 29 years, and the company’s chairman since 2019, had witnessed significant growth since he first joined the firm. Operating globally, Arup had a proud past; since 1946, the company had served 6,931 clients across 143 countries, leading to its important contribution to many world-renowned landmarks within the built environment. From 2018 to 2020, revenue at the global multiservice engineering company had grown almost £250m [1] to £1.809bn.
Over the past few years and as 2021 came to an end, the global engineering services industry had experienced a flood of mergers and acquisitions, as the industry grew towards maturity and clients looked for full-service solutions. Arup’s strategy had proven successful in the past, evidenced by its capacity to grow revenues and partake in the design of well-known structures and buildings. However, with the trend towards consolidation, as Arup headed into 2022, how could the firm retain its position as one of the global leaders in the industry over time?

Complexity academic level
The case can be used in business courses on global strategic management at the bachelor and master levels, as it applies key strategic management concepts within a global context. The case focuses primarily on the transnational corporation (Bartlett and Ghoshal, 2002) and how it creates value through strategy and structure. Instructors who wish to integrate the human resource management aspect into the course are provided with optional material, including an additional reading, along with an assignment question and associated analysis and teaching guidance.
Relationship between septic acute kidney injury and adiponectin: A retrospective study in patients undergoing continuous plasma exchange with dialysis
Authors: Yoshida Kenji , Nakae Hajime , Satoh Kasumi , Suzuki Yuya , Hirasawa Nobufumi , Kameyama Komei , Okuyama Manabu 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIntroductionAdiponectin (APN) is a multimeric protein with anti‐inflammatory properties that is specifically secreted by adipocytes. Continuous plasma exchange with dialysis (cPED) is a blood purification therapy in which plasma exchange is performed using a selective membrane plasma separator while the dialysate flows outside the hollow fibers.MethodsPatients with sepsis were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of acute kidney injury (AKI) complications: AKI and non‐AKI group.ResultsPlasma APN levels significantly increased after cPED in both groups. The creatinine levels in the AKI group before cPED were significantly higher than those in the non‐ AKI group. The plasma APN levels in the AKI group before cPED were significantly higher than those in the non‐AKI group.ConclusioncPED increased APN levels in both patients with and without AKI. Therefore, cPED therapy may be a promising intervention for increasing APN levels in patients with sepsis.
A LiDAR‐driven pruning algorithm to delineate canopy drainage areas of stemflow and throughfall drip points
Authors: Wischmeyer Collin , Swanson Travis E. , Mueller Kevin E. , Lewis Nicholas R. , Bastock Jillian , Van Stan John T. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Precipitation channelled down tree stems (stemflow) or into drip points of ‘throughfall’ beneath trees results in spatially concentrated inputs of water and chemicals to the ground. Currently, these flows are poorly characterised due to uncertainties about which branches redirect rainfall to stemflow or throughfall drip points.

We introduce a graph theoretic algorithm that ‘prunes’ quantitative structural models of trees (derived from terrestrial LiDAR) to identify branches contributing to stemflow and those contributing to throughfall drip points. To demonstrate the method's utility, we analysed two trees with similar canopy sizes but contrasting canopy architecture and rainfall partitioning behaviours.

For both trees, the branch ‘watershed’ area contributing to stemflow (under conditions assumed to represent moderate precipitation intensity) was found to be only half of the total ground area covered by the canopy. The study also revealed significant variations between trees in the number and median contribution areas of modelled throughfall drip points (69 vs. 94 drip points tree−1, with contributing projected areas of 28.6 vs. 7.8 m2 tree−1, respectively). Branch diameter, surface area, volumes and woody area index of components contributing to stemflow and throughfall drip points may play a role in the trees' differing rainfall partitioning behaviours.

Our pruning algorithm, enabled by the proliferation of LiDAR observations of canopy structure, promises to enhance studies of canopy hydrology. It offers a novel approach to refine our understanding of how trees interact with rainfall, thereby broadening the utility of existing LiDAR data in environmental research.