bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A multi-method case study of a police agency’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Lum Cynthia , Koper Christopher S. , Goodier Michael , Johnson William , Krause James 
Published: February 2024

PurposeWe present the results of one of the only in-depth studies of a police agency’s internal and external response to the coronavirus pandemic of 2020 (COVID-19). This study emphasizes the importance of law enforcement agencies conducting comprehensive case studies and after-action assessments to prepare, prevent and respond to prolonged public health crises and showcases the profound (and lingering) effects of COVID-19 on police organizations.Design/methodology/approachThis multi-method case study combines document analysis, a workforce survey, a community survey, interviews and analysis of administrative data to detail and assess the agency’s internal and operational responses to the pandemic and the reactions of employees and community members to those responses.FindingsDespite agency strategies to mitigate the pandemic’s effects, employees cited very high stress levels one year after the pandemic and a third of sworn officers considered leaving the policing profession altogether during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several policies intended by the agency to protect employee health and maintain staffing needs kept workforce levels steady but may have increased feelings of organizational injustice in both sworn and non-sworn individuals, with variation across racial and gender groups. A jurisdiction-wide community survey indicated general support for the police department’s responses but a preference for in-person rather than telephone-based responses to service calls. Officers, however, preferred continuing remote responses even after the pandemic subsided.Originality/valueTo the best of our knowledge, this is one of the only in-depth case studies that examine a police agency’s internal and external responses to COVID-19 and the sworn, non-sworn and community reactions to those responses.
Perceived customer value and willingness to pay: strategies for improving and sustaining water service quality
Authors: Murrar Abdullah , Paz Veronica , Batra Madan , Yerger David 
Published: February 2024

PurposeSeveral studies have examined the relationship between service quality and willingness to pay in many industries. However, this relationship has not been explored through the lens of customer perceived value and their willingness to pay for improving and sustaining water service. This study aims to examine the impact of technical and functional service quality dimensions on customer perceived value and assess the influence of customer perceived value and socio-economic factors on customers' willingness to pay for improving and sustaining the water service.Design/methodology/approachTechnical service quality includes core water service such as water delivery and maintenance, while functional service quality refers to the appearance of facilities, employees’ dress, and communication. SERVQUAL questionnaire responses were collected from 333 Palestinian household customers. Cronbach’s alpha was conducted to measure internal consistency and convergent validity. Path analysis was utilized to evaluate a causal diagram by examining the relationships among the constructs.FindingsThe results showed that technical and functional service quality and relative price explain 52% of the customer perceived value variation. Additionally, the results revealed that customer perceived value, technical service quality, and relative price significantly impact the customer’s willingness to pay for improving and sustaining service. In contrast, the functional service quality and socio-economic factors have insignificant effects. These predictors explain 60% of the customer’s willingness to pay for improving and sustaining service.Practical implicationsThe study suggests that water providers should prioritize improving and sustaining technical service quality to increase customer willingness to pay. Furthermore, they should be aware that other factors, such as employee appearance and politeness, are less influential in driving customers’ willingness to pay.Originality/valueThe study presents a water service improvement model that utilizes data from a developing country to assess the influence of perceived customer value, along with its dimensions, on the willingness to pay for improving and sustaining water service quality.
Clinical features of patients with connective tissue disease with anti–human upstream binding factor antibodies: A single‐center retrospective study
Authors: Fushida Natsumi , Horii Motoki , Fujii Ko , Mizumaki Kie , Kitano Tasuku , Sawada Kaori , Numata Natsuki , Oishi Kyosuke , Maeda Shintaro , Hamaguchi Yasuhito , Watanabe Satoshi , Matsushita Takashi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAnti–human upstream‐binding factor (anti‐hUBF) antibodies have been reported predominantly in patients with connective tissue diseases (CTDs); these have also been reported in patients without CTDs such as hepatocellular carcinoma. Because of the low frequency of expression and few case reports, there is no consensus on the clinical significance of these antibodies. Thus, we aimed to examine the clinical features of patients with anti–hUBF antibodies and analyzed 1042 patients with clinically suspected CTDs. The presence of anti–hUBF antibodies was screened using immunoprecipitation assays. Of the 1042 patients, 19 (1.82%) tested positive for anti–hUBF antibodies; among them, 10 (56%) were diagnosed with undifferentiated CTD (UCTD), six with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and three with other diseases. Five of the 10 patients with UCTD were referred to our hospital with suspected SSc. None of the five patients fulfilled the 2013 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism classification criteria, but three scored seven points, a relatively high score. Six anti–hUBF‐positive patients with SSc had a significantly lower modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) than that of anti–hUBF‐negative patients with SSc (2 [0–2] vs 7 [0–49], p < 0.01). Compared with anti–topoisomerase I‐positive patients, anti–hUBF‐positive patients had a significantly lower mRSS (2 [0–2] vs 13 [0–42], p < 0.01) and lower incidence of scleroderma renal crisis (0 of 6 vs 8 of 184, p < 0.01). Compared with anti–centromere‐positive patients, anti–hUBF‐positive patients had a higher incidence of interstitial lung disease (ILD), but the difference was not statistically significant (4 of 6 vs 19 of 239). In conclusion, anti–hUBF antibodies were predominantly detected in patients with CTDs and UCTD. In patients with CTDs, SSc exhibited a high ratio, displaying a lower mRSS and higher incidence of ILD. In patients with UCTD, careful follow‐up is recommended as they may develop CTDs in the future.
Annual recurrence of prokaryotic climax communities in shallow waters of the North Mediterranean
Authors: Celussi Mauro , Manna Vincenzo , Banchi Elisa , Fonti Viviana , Bazzaro Matteo , Flander‐Putrle Vesna , Klun Katja , Kralj Martina , Orel Neža , Tinta Tinkara 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn temperate coastal environments, wide fluctuations of biotic and abiotic factors drive microbiome dynamics. To link recurrent ecological patterns with planktonic microbial communities, we analysed a monthly‐sampled 3‐year time series of 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing data, alongside environmental variables, collected at two stations in the northern Adriatic Sea. Time series multivariate analyses allowed us to identify three stable, mature communities (climaxes), whose recurrence was mainly driven by changes in photoperiod and temperature. Mixotrophs (e.g., Ca. Nitrosopumilus, SUP05 clade, and Marine Group II) thrived under oligotrophic, low‐light conditions, whereas copiotrophs (e.g., NS4 and NS5 clades) bloomed at higher temperatures and substrate availability. The early spring climax was characterised by a more diverse set of amplicon sequence variants, including copiotrophs associated with phytoplankton‐derived organic matter degradation, and photo‐auto/heterotrophic organisms (e.g., Synechococcus sp., Roseobacter clade), whose rhythmicity was linked to photoperiod lengthening. Through the identification of recurrent climax assemblages, we begin to delineate a typology of ecosystem based on microbiome composition and functionality, allowing for the intercomparison of microbial assemblages among different biomes, a still underachieved goal in the omics era.
Using benefit transfer to estimate housing value increases from improved water clarity: A case study of lakes in Kosciusko County, Indiana
Authors: Burlingame Matthew , Guignet Dennis , Heberling Matthew T. , Papenfus Michael 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study provides step‐by‐step guidance for practitioners and local stakeholders on how to use existing study results to conduct benefit transfer (BT), and ultimately make informed predictions of how improvements in lake water clarity may benefit surrounding communities. The procedures are demonstrated using a publicly available meta‐dataset developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and a subsequent meta‐analysis that synthesizes the literature on how improvements in water clarity impact home values. The BT procedures are demonstrated using a case study of 14 large lakes in Kosciusko County, Indiana. Lake‐specific average increases in home values, as well as the value of the housing stock in aggregate, are calculated for illustrative improvements in lake water clarity. This analysis provides a critical bridge to better connect high‐quality, academic research with real‐world policy analysis, and ultimately serves to better equip local governments and stakeholders to make more informed policy and land use decisions.
Widespread analytical pitfalls in empirical coexistence studies and a checklist for improving their statistical robustness
Authors: Terry J. Christopher D. , Armitage David W. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Modern coexistence theory (MCT) offers a conceptually straightforward approach for connecting empirical observations with an elegant theoretical framework, gaining popularity rapidly over the past decade. However, beneath this surface‐level simplicity lie various assumptions and subjective choices made during data analysis. These can lead researchers to draw qualitatively different conclusions from the same set of experiments. As the predictions of MCT studies are often treated as outcomes, and many readers and reviewers may not be familiar with the framework's assumptions, there is a particular risk of ‘researcher degrees of freedom’ inflating the confidence in results, thereby affecting reproducibility and predictive power.

To tackle these concerns, we introduce a checklist consisting of statistical best practices to promote more robust empirical applications of MCT. Our recommendations are organised into four categories: presentation and sharing of raw data, testing model assumptions and fits, managing uncertainty associated with model coefficients and incorporating this uncertainty into coexistence predictions.

We surveyed empirical MCT studies published over the past 15 years and discovered a high degree of variation in the level of statistical rigour and adherence to best practices. We present case studies to illustrate the dependence of results on seemingly innocuous choices among competition model structure and error distributions, which in some cases reversed the predicted coexistence outcomes. These results demonstrate how different analytical approaches can profoundly alter the interpretation of experimental results, underscoring the importance of carefully considering and thoroughly justifying each step taken in the analysis pathway.

Our checklist serves as a resource for authors and reviewers alike, providing guidance to strengthen the empirical foundation of empirical coexistence analyses. As the field of empirical MCT shifts from a descriptive, trailblazing phase to a stage of consolidation, we emphasise the need for caution when building upon the findings of earlier studies. To ensure that progress made in the field of ecological coexistence is based on robust and reliable evidence, it is crucial to subject our predictions, conclusions and generalisability to a more rigorous assessment than is currently the trend.
Cases with the H syndrome presenting with skin and bone findings
Authors: Kose Hulya , Baskaya Merve Deniz , Kilic Sara Sebnem 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe H syndrome is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by hyperpigmentation, hypertrichosis and sensorineural hearing loss.MethodsA mutation in the coding of the human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 3 (hENT3) within the SLC29A3 gene on chromosome 10q22 leads to the manifestation of this disease. In this report, we present two cases of H syndrome.ResultsThe first patient exhibits hyperpigmentation, hypogonadism, Type 1 diabetes mellitus, arthritis and osteoporosis. The second patient experiences hyperpigmentation, hypertrichosis, osteopenia and hypogonadism.ConclusionOur objective is to broaden the clinical spectrum of H syndrome, highlighting the involvement of arthritis, hyperinflammation and low bone mineral density in individuals with this disorder.
Long‐term outcomes of children after prenatal exposure to maternal cancer and its treatment
Authors: Huis in ’t Veld Evangeline A. , Van Assche Indra A. , Amant Frederic 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe incidence of antenatal cancer is increasing, prompting a medical‐ethical evaluation. The International Network on Cancer, Infertility, and Pregnancy (INCIP) was established to study cancer treatment safety during pregnancy and its impact on maternal and child health. Pivotal research has led to a paradigm shift in clinical management, demonstrating the feasibility and safety of most antenatal oncological treatments. Short‐term outcomes reveal normal growth and cardiac function in the exposed offspring, but caution is advised against first‐trimester chemotherapy. Psychological impact studies highlight the elevated levels of distress in pregnant cancer patients, underscoring the need for personalized information and ongoing psychological support. Long‐term follow‐up studies address gaps in postnatal impacts, while research into specific chemotherapeutic agents continues. Despite generally reassuring outcomes, continued monitoring is crucial, especially in families, such as those where the child was born premature after cancer (treatment) during pregnancy or where mothers are frequently absent due to continued illness or have died from. The ongoing INCIP child follow‐up initiative aims to further elucidate knowledge gaps, emphasizing the importance of large‐scale studies and personalized patient care.
High‐risk histopathologic features in local advanced conjunctival melanoma
Authors: Zhu Tianyu , Zong Chunyan , Li Yongyun , Jia Shichong , Shi Hanhan , Tian Hao , Rao Yamin , Zhang Xiao , Ge Shengfang , Fan Xianqun , Li Yimin , Jia Renbing , Xu Shiqiong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurposeTo identify high‐risk histopathologic and molecular features of local recurrence, nodal metastasis, distant metastasis (DM) and disease‐specific death (DSD) in conjunctival melanoma (CoM).MethodsNinety patients with pathologically diagnosed CoM between 2008 and 2023 were enrolled. Immunohistochemistry staining of BRAFV600E, NRASQ61R, CD117, PD‐1 and PD‐L1 was performed in 65 and 45 patients, respectively. Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis were conducted to identify risk factors for local recurrence, nodal metastasis, DM and DSD.ResultsPathologically, ulceration (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.170; 95% CI: 1.312–7.659; p = 0.01) and regression (HR: 3.196; 95% CI: 1.094–9.335; p = 0.034) were risk factors for DM. Tumour thickness ≥ 4 mm (HR: 4.889; 95% CI: 1.846–12.946; p = 0.001) and regression (HR: 4.011; 95% CI: 1.464–10.991; p = 0.007) were risk factors for DSD. For patients with tumour thickness < 4 mm, the presence of ulceration indicated a higher risk of nodal metastasis (log‐rank p = 0.0011), DM (log‐rank p = 0.00051) and DSD (log‐rank p = 0.02). Patients with regression (+)/tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) (+) had a higher risk for DM (log‐rank p = 0.011) and DSD (log‐rank p = 0.0032). Molecularly, the positive rate of BRAFV600E, NRASQ61R, CD117, PD‐1 and PD‐L1 was 40.00% (26/65), 43.08% (28/65), 70.77% (46/65), 46.67% (21/45) and 28.89% (13/45), respectively. Positive BRAFV600E was identified as an independent risk factor for DM (HR: 2.533; 95% CI: 1.046–6.136, p = 0.039). The expression level of BRAFV600E was positively correlated with vascular invasion (p = 0.01), as well as the expression levels of PD‐1 (p = 0.038) and PD‐L1 (p = 0.049).ConclusionsTumour thickness ≥ 4 mm, ulceration, the coexistence of regression and TILs, and positive BRAFV600E were risk factors for poor prognosis of CoM patients. Besides, expression level of BRAFV600E was positively correlated with the expression levels of PD‐1 and PD‐L1.
Mapping gender networks of music self‐concept and music emotions: A network analysis study of music majors in China
Authors: Yang Xiantong , Song Lu , Zhao Yuehan , Cheng Dandan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundStudents' music self‐concept and music emotions are becoming prominent topics within the area of music education.Aims, Samples and MethodsThe majority of previous research on self‐concept and music emotions has examined the two constructs independently and focused on gender differences in externalizing behaviours in music learning, but has neglected the internal interactions between individual music self‐concept and music emotions. Network analysis is a promising method for visually examining music self‐concept and music emotions as part of a network of interactions to identify core features and interrelationships among nodes in the network. In this study, 515 students majoring in music from a Chinese university were recruited.ResultsThe results showed that high music self‐concept and boredom were the common features at the core of the network for both men and women college students. The boredom exhibited by women differed from that of men in that men's boredom was directed at the entire music course, while boredom in women manifested as daydreaming and boredom with learning materials.ConclusionsThis study is the first to explore gender differences in the music self‐concept and music emotions from a holistic perspective. The findings could help music teachers gain insight into the complex system of music self‐concept and music emotions. Music teachers could capture the respective features of men and women to design individualized teaching strategies.
Ethnicity and socio‐economic status affects the incidence and survival of hepatosplenic T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Bishton Mark J. , Crooks Colin J. , Card Timothy R. , West Joe 
Published: February 2024

SummaryTo address the lack of contemporary population‐based epidemiological studies of hepatosplenic T‐cell lymphoma (HSTCL), we undertook a population‐based study of ICD‐O‐3‐coded HSTCL in England. We used the National Cancer Registration Dataset and linked datasets on hospital admissions, Systemic Anti‐Cancer Therapy, socio‐demographics, comorbidities and death, identifying cases from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2019 with survival data up to 5 January 2021. Crude and directly age‐standardised incidence rates per million persons per year were calculated. Crude and adjusted incidence rate ratios compared incidence between groups using Poisson regression. A Cox proportional hazards model estimated mortality risks adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, deprivation and allogenic stem cell transplant (allo‐SCT; time varying). We identified 44 patients, mean age 42 years. Median survival was 11 months, and 1 and 5 year survivals were 48% (95% CI 29%–43%) and 22% (95% CI 12%–42%) respectively. The age‐standardised incidence was 0.1 per million/year. Incidence was higher in areas with greater deprivation (0.15 per million/year), and more cases than expected were in non‐White patients (39%). Non‐Whites had a twofold increased risk of death (adjusted hazard ratio 2.21 [95% CI 1.03–4.78]) even after adjusting for deprivation, younger age and allo‐SCT. In conclusion, ethnicity and socio‐economic status affect both the incidence and survival of HSTCL.
Intellectual humility as a tool to combat false beliefs: An individual‐based approach to belief revision
Authors: Gollwitzer Anton , Bao Evelina , Oettingen Gabriele 
Published: February 2024

AbstractFalse beliefs pose significant societal threats, including health risks, political polarization and even violence. In two studies (N = 884) we explored the efficacy of an individual‐based approach to correcting false beliefs. We examined whether the character virtue of intellectual humility (IH)—an appreciation of one's intellectual boundaries—encourages revising one's false beliefs in response to counter‐information. Our research produced encouraging but also mixed findings. Among participants who held false beliefs about the risks of vaccines (Study 1) and the 2020 US Election being rigged (Study 2), those with higher IH explored more information opposing these false beliefs. This exploration of opposing information, in turn, predicted updating away from these inaccurate health and political beliefs. IH did not directly predict updating away from false beliefs, however, suggesting that this effect—if it exists—may not be particularly powerful. Taken together, these results provide moderate support for IH as a character trait that can foster belief revision but, simultaneously, suggest that alternate pathways to combat false beliefs and misinformation may be preferred.
Development and experimental validation of an M2 macrophage and platelet‐associated gene signature to predict prognosis and immunotherapy sensitivity in bladder cancer
Authors: Muhuitijiang Bahaerguli , Zhou Jiawei , Zhou Ranran , Zhang Zhiyong , Yan Guang , Zheng Zaosong , Zeng Xiangbo , Zhu Yuanchao , Wu Haowei , Gao Ruxi , Zhu Tianhang , Shi Xiaojun , Tan Wanlong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPlatelets and M2 macrophages both play crucial roles in tumorigenesis, but their relationship and the prognosis value of the relative genes in bladder cancer (BLCA) remain obscure. In the present study, we found that platelets stimulated by BLCA cell lines could promote M2 macrophage polarization, and platelets were significantly associated with the infiltration of M2 macrophages in BLCA samples. Through the bioinformatic analyses, A2M, TGFB3, and MYLK, which were associated with platelets and M2 macrophages, were identified and verified in vitro and then included in the predictive model. A platelet and M2 macrophage‐related gene signature was constructed to evaluate the prognosis and immunotherapeutic sensitivity, helping to guide personalized treatment and to disclose the underlying mechanisms.