bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Managing upward and downward through informal networks in Jordan: The contested terrain of performance management
Authors: Melhem Muntaser J. , Darwish Tamer K. , Wood Geoffrey , Abushaikha Ismail 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study explores how local managers, in practicing Human Resource management (HRM), may pursue their own interests that are out of line with the agendas of headquarters in multinational companies (MNCs). It is widely acknowledged that informal networks have an impact on HRM practices in emerging markets. While these networks are often regarded as beneficial for organizations in compensating for institutional shortfalls, they may also lead to corruption, nepotism, or other ethical transgressions. Indigenous scholarship on informal networks in emerging markets has highlighted how their impact occurs through a dynamic process; powerful placeholders deploy informal networks to entrench existing power and authority relations when managing people. Qualitative data were gathered through 43 in‐depth interviews and documentary evidence from MNCs operating in Jordan. MNCs are subject to both home and host country effects; we highlight how, in practicing HRM, country of domicile managers deploy the cultural scripts of wasta informal network to secure and enhance their own relative authority. HRM practices are repurposed by actors who secure and consolidate their power through wasta. They dispense patronage to insiders and marginalize outsiders; the latter includes not only more vulnerable local employees but also expatriates. This phenomenon becomes particularly evident during the performance appraisal process, which may serve as a basis for the differential treatment and rewards of employees. Consequently, this further dilutes the capacity of MNCs to implement—as adverse to espousing—centrally decided approaches to HRM.
Biomarker role of maternal soluble human leukocyte antigen G in pre‐eclampsia: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Bhattarai Abhinav , Shah Sangam , Dahal Krishna , Neupane Raksha , Thapa Sangharsha , Neupane Niraj , Barboza Joshuan J. , Shrestha Anisha , Sah Ranjit , Apostolopoulos Vasso 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIntroductionHuman leukocyte antigen‐G (HLA‐G) is a non‐classical class I HLA molecule shown to regulate the immunomodulation of maternal immune cells to prevent fetal tissue destruction. Low levels of freely circulating maternal soluble HLA‐G (sHLA‐G) have been observed in pre‐eclampsia, however, no pooled evidence exists. This meta‐analysis aimed to generate pooled findings on the association of sHLA‐G levels with pre‐eclampsia and is the first study to perform a trimester‐wise comparison of the levels of sHLA‐G in preeclamptic cases and normal pregnant controls.MethodsThe databases PubMed, Emba, Web of Science, and Google Scholar through May 31, 2023. Preeclamptic women were defined as cases and normal pregnancies as controls. Data on the level of sHLA‐G in cases and controls was extracted and subjected to a meta‐analysis using a random‐effects model. The pooled effect was expressed in terms of standardized mean difference (SMD). Sensitivity analysis was performed to investigate the effect of the exclusion of each study on the pooled results. Publication bias was assessed statistically.ResultsNine studies with altogether 567 PE cases and 1132 normal pregnancy controls were included in the meta‐analysis. The first and third trimester levels of sHLA‐G in PE cases were significantly lower than that of normal pregnant controls: (SMD: −0.84 [−1.29; −0.38]; p = .003; I2 = 54%) and (SMD: −0.39 [−0.71; −0.06]; p = .02; I2 = 79%) respectively. Sensitivity analysis revealed significant fluctuations in the pooled findings when few studies were excluded, raising questions on the consistency of results among studies.ConclusionAlthough we found that first and third‐trimester sHLA‐G levels in pre‐eclampsia are significantly lower, taking into consideration the inconsistent results from the sensitivity analysis, our findings advocate the demand for more studies with larger sample sizes to generate solid ground pooled evidence on the predictive role of sHLA‐G in pre‐eclampsia.
Grey matter alterations in generalized anxiety disorder: A voxel‐wise meta‐analysis of voxel‐based morphometry studies
Authors: Ou Chang‐Hsien , Cheng Chiu‐Shih , Lin Pei‐Ling , Lee Cheng‐Lung 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveGrey matter, a crucial component of the brain, has been found altered in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) of several voxel‐based morphometry studies. The conclusive and consistent grey matter alterations in GAD have not been confirmed.MethodEleven voxel‐based morphometry studies of GAD patients were included in the current systematic review and meta‐analysis. The linear model of anxiety severity scores was applied to explore the relationship of grey matter alterations and anxiety severity. The subgroup analysis of adult GAD and adolescent GAD was also performed.ResultsSignificantly modest grey matter alterations in the left superior temporal gyrus of patients with GAD were found. The anxiety severity score was significantly correlated with grey matter alterations in the right insula, lenticular nucleus, putamen and striatum. The subgroup analysis of adult GAD and adolescent GAD all failed to show significant grey matter alterations. However, in the adult GAD subgroup, anxiety severity score was significantly correlated with grey matter alterations in the right insula.ConclusionGAD might have the modest grey matter alterations in the left superior temporal gyrus. Anxiety severity might be related to the grey matter alterations in the limbic regions, such as the right insula, lenticular nucleus, putamen and striatum. This kind of correlation might be related to the effects of adult GAD. Future studies with adequate sample sizes and sophisticated GAD categories will be needed.
Prolonged use of a soft diet during early growth and development alters feeding behavior and chewing kinematics in a young animal model
Authors: Montuelle Stéphane J. , Williams Susan H. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn infants and children with feeding and swallowing issues, modifying solid foods to form a liquid or puree is used to ensure adequate growth and nutrition. However, the behavioral and neurophysiological effects of prolonged use of this intervention during critical periods of postnatal oral skill development have not been systematically examined, although substantial anecdotal evidence suggests that it negatively impacts downstream feeding motor and coordination skills, possibly due to immature sensorimotor development. Using an established animal model for infant and juvenile feeding physiology, we leverage X‐ray reconstruction of moving morphology to compare feeding behavior and kinematics between 12‐week‐old pigs reared on solid chow (control) and an age‐ and sex‐matched cohort raised on the same chow softened to a liquid. When feeding on two novel foods, almond and apple, maintenance on a soft diet decreases gape cycle duration, resulting in a higher chewing frequency. When feeding on almonds, pigs in this group spent less time ingesting foods compared to controls, and chewing cycles were characterized by less jaw rotation about a dorsoventral axis (yaw) necessary for food reduction. There was also a reduced tendency to alternate chewing side with every chew during almond chewing, a behavioral pattern typical of pigs. These more pronounced impacts on behavior and kinematics during feeding on almonds, a tougher and stiffer food than apples, suggest that food properties mediate the behavioral and physiological impacts of early texture modification and that the ability to adapt to different food properties may be underdeveloped. In contrast, the limited effects of food texture modification on apple chewing indicate that such intervention/treatment does not alter feeding behavior of less challenging foods. Observed differences cannot be attributed to morphology because texture modification over the treatment period had limited impact on craniodental growth. Short‐term impacts of soft‐texture modification during postweaning development on feeding dynamics should be considered as potential negative outcomes of this treatment strategy.
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD in eating disorder treatment‐seekers: Prevalence and associations with symptom severity
Authors: Day Sinead , Hay Phillipa , Basten Christopher , Byrne Susan , Dearden Amanda , Goldstein Mandy , Hannigan Amy , Heruc Gabriella , Houlihan Catherine , Roberts Marion , Tannous W. Kathy , Thornton Chris , Valentine Natalie , Mitchison Deborah 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAlthough childhood trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been well‐researched in eating disorder epidemiology, prevalence rates are unavailable for complex PTSD (CPTSD). Under recently introduced ICD‐11 criteria, individuals with CPTSD have both PTSD symptoms and additional disturbances in self‐organization (DSO). Using ICD‐11 criteria, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of PTSD and DSO symptoms, diagnostic rates of PTSD and CPTSD, and childhood trauma exposure in eating disorder treatment‐seekers. Participants (N = 217) were individuals attending residential, partial hospitalization, and outpatient services who completed measures of eating disorder– and trauma‐related symptoms and childhood adverse experiences. One third of participants reported PTSD symptoms, and over half reported DSO symptoms, with probable ICD‐11 diagnostic rates of 3.8% for PTSD and 28.4% for CPTSD. CPTSD was significantly more prevalent than PTSD and more common in higher levels of care. Both PTSD and DSO symptom severity were positively correlated with eating disorder symptoms and impairment, rs = .285–.642. DSO symptom severity was a significant and unique explanatory factor of eating disorder severity and impairment. The findings highlight the prevalence of CPTSD in eating disorder populations and the association between DSO symptoms and eating psychopathology independent of PTSD symptoms. Implications are discussed for adjunct treatment approaches for individuals with comorbid eating disorders and PTSD or CPTSD.
Barrier Properties of Biodegradable Aliphatic–Aromatic Copolyesters (PBXT Series)
Authors: Wang Lizheng , Tu Zhu , Liang Jiaming , Wei Zhiyong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this study, a series of biodegradable poly(butylene alkylene carboxylate‐co‐terephthalate) copolymers with varying methylene numbers in the alkylene units (0, 2, 4, and 8) are synthesized. These copolymers, namely, poly(butylene oxalate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBOT), poly(butylene succinate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBST), poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT), and poly(butylene sebacate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBSeT), are prepared with nearly identical structural and molar compositions. The objective of this study is to comprehensively examine the impact of alkylene unit length on the barrier properties of the materials, delving into aspects such as crystallinity, free volume, molecular chain mobility, as well as adsorption and diffusion of gases within the materials. The findings indicate a decrease in crystallinity from 17.2% for PBOT to 10.2% for PBSeT as the alkylene chain length increases, while maintaining the same chemical composition. Concurrently, the fractional free volume increases from 0.9% to 2.6%, and the melt flow activation energy decreases from 106.6 to 52.1 kJ mol−1. Importantly, theoretical calculations are performed, demonstrating that the predominant site for gas adsorption and diffusion is within the material's free volume. These combined observations indicate a gradual decrease in barrier properties as the number of methylene groups increases.
Mycelium Agrowaste‐Bound Biocomposites as Thermal and Acoustic Insulation Materials in Building Construction
Authors: Bonga Kumba Bintunia , Bertolacci Laura , Contardi Marco , Paul Uttam Chandra , Zafar Muhammad Shajih , Mancini Giorgio , Marini Lara , Ceseracciu Luca , Fragouli Despina , Athanassiou Athanassia 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe predominant use of synthetic materials, such as fiberglass and polymeric foams, for thermal and acoustic insulation in the construction sector contributes to the recalcitrant waste accumulation in the environment and is not economically sustainable in the long term. This is because they are developed with linear economy standards, they are neither reusable nor recyclable, and, at their end of lifecycle, they are not compostable, with a great amount of them finishing in landfills. This work is focused on the development of natural, self‐growing mycelium‐biocomposites as sustainable alternatives to these conventional synthetic materials. Specifically, fungal mycelium derived from the nonpathogenic fungal strain Pleurotus ostreatus is fed by coffee silverskin flakes, a lignocellulosic agrowaste from roasted coffee seeds, forming 3D biocomposites. The physicochemical properties of the obtained composite are thoroughly investigated, with a final focus on their thermal and acoustic insulation properties. As proved, the natural agrowaste‐mycelium composites possess high porosity and thus low density, good thermal properties, and satisfactory sound absorption capability. Such properties combined with the minimal energetic requirements for their growth and their fully compostable end‐of‐life nature make them valuable alternatives for thermal and acoustic insulation in building construction, among other applications, promoting environmental and economic sustainability.
Leveraging supplier orientation for innovation: Exploring the impact of supply management innovativeness and innovation partnership
Authors: Liu Xinmeng , Li Suicheng , Wang Xiang , Zhang Cailin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIndustry 4.0 has created new opportunities for enterprise innovation by leveraging emerging technologies. External innovation represents a valuable source of ideas and knowledge for internal innovation, and enterprises are increasingly leveraging their supplier relationships to gain a competitive advantage. Some researchers suggest that suppliers enhance the effectiveness and outcomes of lean innovation. To deepen our understanding of the relationship between supplier orientation and innovation outcomes, this study explores the mechanisms through which supplier orientation contributes to enhancing innovation performance, with a specific focus on the role of supplier orientation in improving supply management innovativeness and innovation partnerships. Survey data from 209 Chinese firms engaged in innovation practices was analyzed using a hierarchical regression based on resource dependency theory. Results reveal that supplier orientation positively influences supply management innovativeness and innovation partnerships. Supply management innovativeness and buyer–supplier innovation partnerships both contribute to improved innovation performance. Our findings suggest that the buyer–supplier innovation partnership plays a moderating role in the relationship between supply management innovativeness and innovation performance. These insights provide a valuable basis for developing innovative strategies and managing inter‐firm relationships, emphasizing the importance of supplier relationship management practices in enhancing firms' competitiveness and performance by leveraging external resources and knowledge.
Distributed optimization for discrete time‐varying linear multi‐agent systems with event‐triggered communication
Authors: Gu Mingxia , Yu Zhiyong , Jiang Haijun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis paper studies the distributed optimization problem (DOP) of discrete time‐varying linear multi‐agent systems (MASs), in which the global objective function is formed by a sum of local convex objective functions. Firstly, a DOP with discrete time‐varying MASs is considered, in which the time‐varying linear matrix satisfies a certain equality constraint. To solve this problem, a novel discrete‐time distributed optimization algorithm (DOA) with event‐triggered communication mechanism (ETCM) is proposed. Secondly, by constructing the error dynamical system and using a series of inequality techniques, some sufficient conditions for achieving consensus and obtaining the optimal solution are established. It is found that the considered MAS has generality and the proposed DOA has the advantage of reducing communication burden. Finally, a numerical simulation is presented to verify the validity of theoretical results.
Oncological Outcomes of Transoral Laser Microsurgery for Early Stage Glottic Cancer with Involvement of the Anterior Commissure
Authors: Wang Di , Liu Yan , Wen Lianji , Li Shuang , Zhu Shuna , Wang Tuanjie , Yu Dan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the value of carbon dioxide transoral laser microsurgery (CO2 TOLMS) for early‐stage glottic cancer with special regard to involvement of the anterior commissure (AC).Study DesignSingle‐center retrospective cohort study.SettingGrade‐A tertiary hospital.MethodsA retrospective analysis of patients with early‐stage (Tis‐T2) glottic cancer who underwent CO2 TOLMS. All patients had at least 2 years of follow‐up. The univariate and multivariate survival analyses were used to identify the risk factors for recurrence and the Kaplan‐Meier method was used to analyze OS and DSS rates.ResultsA total of 102 patients were included in the study. Eleven patients (10.78%) had recurrence. The univariate analysis showed that the recurrence was associated with the AC classification, T staging, tumor size, and tobacco use (P < .05). However, on multivariate analysis, the AC classification was the only independent risk factor for recurrence (P < .001, HR = 3.179). AC classification were distributed as follows: 59 (57.84%) AC0, 29 (28.43%) AC1, 8 (7.84%) AC2, and 6 (5.88%) AC3, 2‐year/5‐year OS and DSS rates were progressively reduced in the AC0, AC1, AC2, and AC3 groups (P < .001). At the same T staging, the OS rates incrementally decreased as the level of involvement of the AC became higher (P = .004).ConclusionCO2 TOLMS is an effective treatment for early‐stage glottic cancer. AC involvement is an independent risk factors for recurrence and poor prognosis. The AC classification system may be better at grading the prognosis of patients with early‐stage glottic cancer and has prognostic value independent of T staging.
Activation of Janus kinase 2 contributes to the autoimmune pathology in the salivary glands of patients with Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Aota Keiko , Kani Koichi , Ono Shinji , Naniwa Kohei , Momota Yukihiro , Fukui Makoto , Ishimaru Naozumi , Azuma Masayuki 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAimPrimary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects exocrine glands. CXCL10 production from salivary gland ductal cells via the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway has been suggested to be involved in glandular inflammation in pSS. We aimed to investigate JAK1, JAK2, phosphorylated JAK1, and phosphorylated JAK2 expression in labial salivary gland (LSG) tissues from patients with pSS to evaluate the potential of JAK inhibitors as therapeutic agents for pSS.MethodsImmunohistochemical analysis was performed using LSG tissues of patients with pSS (n = 10), non‐SS patients (n = 5), and healthy controls (n = 5). The LSG sections were scored to determine the expression levels of JAK1, JAK2, phosphorylated JAK1, and phosphorylated JAK2 in the ductal and acinar epithelium.ResultsIn acinar epithelial cells of LSG tissues, JAK1, JAK2, and phosphorylated JAK1 expression was significantly lower in patients with pSS than in the controls. Significantly high expression of phosphorylated JAK1 and phosphorylated JAK2 was observed in the ductal epithelial cells of patients with pSS. However, there was no significant association between phosphorylated JAK1 or JAK2 expression levels and inflammation degree. Furthermore, immunofluorescence analysis revealed JAK2 phosphorylation in many CD3+ T cells infiltrating the LSG tissues.ConclusionsThe results suggest JAK2 activation in both ductal epithelial cells and infiltrating CD3+ T cells in LSG tissues of patients with pSS. JAK inhibitors may be effective therapeutic agents for pSS by regulating both chemokine production from salivary gland cells and effector T cell activation.
Referral practices and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in pregnancies with obesity
Authors: Warhurst Samantha , Georgousopoulou Ekavi , Sethna Farah , Huang Hsin‐Chia 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects maternal and neonatal health during pregnancy. This study aimed to identify characteristics and comorbidities associated with sleep clinic referral in high‐risk pregnancies with Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥35 kg/m2.MethodRetrospective cohort study for individuals in a high‐risk pregnancy clinic at a tertiary Australian hospital from 1 January to 31 December 2020 with BMI≥35 kg/m2. The primary outcome measure was sleep clinic referral. Exposure data included multiple comorbidities and formal tools (Epworth Sleepiness Scale and STOP‐BANG). Multivariable analysis was used to identify factors associated with referral. Descriptive data on barriers to diagnosis and treatment were collected.ResultsOf 161 pregnant individuals, 38.5% were screened using formal tools and 13.7% were referred to sleep clinic. Having STOP‐BANG performed was associated with sleep clinic referral (Odds Ratio: 18.04, 95% Confidence Interval:4.5–71.7, p < 0.001). No clinical characteristics were associated with the likelihood of performing STOP‐BANG. The COVID‐19 pandemic was a treatment barrier for three individuals.ConclusionsCurrent screening practices identify pregnant individuals with the highest pre‐test probability of having OSA. Future research should evaluate real‐world strategies to improve identification and management in this high‐risk population.
IKZF1PLUS alterations contribute to outcome disparities in Hispanic/Latino children with B‐lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Kovach Alexandra E. , Wengyn Maximilian , Vu My H. , Doan Andrew , Raca Gordana , Bhojwani Deepa 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundCompared to other ethnicities, Hispanics/Latinos (H/L) have a high incidence of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), enrichment of unfavorable ALL genetic subtypes, and worse outcomes, even after correcting for socioeconomic factors. We previously demonstrated increased incidence of the high‐risk genetic drivers IKZF1 deletion and IGH::CRLF2 rearrangement in H/L compared to non‐H/L children with B‐ALL. Here in an expanded pediatric cohort, we sought to identify novel genetic drivers and secondary genetic alterations in B‐ALL associated with H/L ethnicity.ProcedureComprehensive clinicopathologic data from patients with B‐ALL treated from 2016 to 2020 were analyzed. Subtype was determined from karyotype, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), chromosome microarray (CMA), and our next‐generation sequencing (NGS) panel (OncoKids). Non‐driver genetic variants were also examined. p‐Values less than .05 (Fisher's exact test) were considered significant.ResultsAmong patients with B‐ALL at diagnosis (n = 273), H/L patients (189, 69.2%) were older (p = .018), more likely to present with CNS2 or CNS3 disease (p = .004), and NCI high‐risk ALL (p = .014) compared to non‐H/L patients. Higher incidence of IGH::CRLF2 rearrangement (B‐ALL, BCR::ABL1‐like, unfavorable; p = .016) and lower incidence of ETV6::RUNX1 rearrangement (favorable, p = .02) were also associated with H/L ethnicity. Among secondary (non‐subtype‐defining) genetic variants, B‐ALL in H/L was associated with IKFZ1 deletion alone (p = .001) or with IGH::CRLF2 rearrangement (p = .003). The IKZF1PLUS profile (IKZF1 deletion plus CDKN2A/2Bdel, PAX5del, or P2RY8::CRLF2 rearrangement without DUX4 rearrangement) was identified as a novel high‐risk feature enriched in H/L patients (p = .001).ConclusionsOur study shows enrichment of high‐risk genetic variants in H/L B‐ALL and raises consideration for novel therapeutic targets.