bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic pricing strategy for content products considering consumer fairness concerns and strategic behavior
Authors: Hou Hongyu , Wu Feng , Huang Xin
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The development of the digital age has made data and information more transparent, enhancing the strategic perspectives of both buyers (strategic waiting) and sellers (price fluctuations) in their decision-making. This research investigates the optimal dynamic pricing strategy of the content product developer in relation to their consideration of consumer fairness concerns to elucidate the impact of consumer fairness concerns on the dynamic pricing strategy of the developer.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper assumes that monopolistic content developers implement a dynamic pricing strategy for the content product. Through constructing a two-period dynamic pricing game model, this research investigates the optimal decisions of the content developer, contingent upon their consideration or disregard of consumer fairness concerns. In the extension section, the authors additionally account for the influence of myopic consumers on these optimal decisions.

Findings

Our findings reveal that the degree of consumer fairness concerns significantly influences the developer’s optimal dynamic pricing decision. When a developer offers content products with lower depth, there is a propensity for the developer to refrain from incorporating consumer fairness concerns into a dynamic pricing strategy. Conversely, in cases where the developer offers a high-depth content product, consumer fairness concerns benefit the developer. Furthermore, our analysis reveals a consistent benefit for the developer from the inclusion of myopic consumers.

Originality/value

Few studies have delved into the conjoined influence of consumer fairness concerns and strategic behavior on dynamic pricing strategy. Our findings indicate that consumer fairness concerns can enhance the efficiency of the value chain for content products under specific conditions. This paper not only enriches the existing literature on dynamic pricing by incorporating consumer fairness concerns theoretically but also offers practical insights. The outcomes of this research can guide content product developers in devising optimal dynamic pricing strategies.
The role of debt maturity in stock price crash risk: a comparison of developing and developed Asian economies
Authors: Haider Muhammad Jawad , Ahmad Maqsood , Wu Qiang
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study examines the impact of debt maturity structure on stock price crash risk (SPCR) in Asian economies and the moderating effect of firm age on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilized annual data from 432 nonfinancial firms publicly listed in six Asian countries: China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Pakistan and India. The observation period covers 14 years, from 2007 to 2020. The sample was categorized into three groups: the entire sample and one group each for developing and developed Asian economies. A generalized least squares panel regression method was employed to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

The results suggest that long-term debt has a significant negative influence on SPCR in Asian economies, indicating that firms with high long-term debt experience lower future SPCR. Moreover, firm age negatively moderates this relationship, implying that older firms may experience a more pronounced reduction in SPCR due to high long-term debt. Finally, firms in developed Asian economies with high long-term debt are more effective in mitigating the risk of a significant drop in their stock prices than firms in developing Asian economies.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature in several ways. To the best of the researcher’s knowledge, this is the first of such efforts to investigate the relationship between debt maturity structure and crash risk in Asia. Additionally, it reveals that long-term debt influences SPCR directly and indirectly in Asia through the moderating role of firm age. Lastly, it is likely one of the first studies by a research team in Asia to compare the nonfinancial markets of developed and developing Asian countries.
A commentary on the EU money laundering reform in light of the subsidiarity principle
Authors: Tiemann Markus
Published: April 2024

Purpose

In July 2021, the European Commission has proposed a set of conjunct initiatives to reform the antimoney laundering/countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regulatory regime in Europe with the main aims to (i) harmonize the AML/CFT regulation and (ii) centralize the authority to a higher degree at European Union (EU) level. This paper aims to assess the reform in light of the EU subsidiarity principle.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a benchmark approach to compare the proposed EU money laundering reform against Article 5(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

Findings

The paper confirms that more centralized decision-making at EU level in this policy area is justified, mainly because (i) the policy area is not an area where the EU has exclusive competence, (ii) EU centralized action is necessary and (iii) it also adds value, for instance, for level playing field and efficiency considerations as long as local information advantage will not be lost. As such, the subsidiarity principle can be applied and is an adequate tool to legitimize EU centralized action in the field of money laundering combat.

Originality/value

As the EU AML regulatory reform has not yet been sufficiently discussed in light of the subsidiarity principle, the article is of innovative nature.
Community engagement, commitment and sustainability of public–private partnership projects
Authors: Mwesigwa Rogers , Basulira Gonzaga , Mayengo Joseph , Mugarura Jude Thadeo
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the association between community engagement, community commitment and sustainability of public–private partnership (PPP) projects in Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a cross-sectional and quantitative approach. Data were collected using a questionnaire from 42 PPP projects in Uganda.

Findings

The study found that community engagement and commitment are all positively and significantly associated with the sustainability of PPP projects in Uganda. Results also show that community commitment mediates community engagement and project sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

The study results imply that for sustainability to be achieved, communities must be engaged in project activities such as planning, design and implementation to boost their commitment to project sustainability.

Originality/value

The sustainability of PPP projects is an emerging phenomenon. This paper contributes to scanty literature on ensuring the sustainability of PPP projects from a developing country’s perspective.
The impact of market concentration and market power on banking stability – evidence from Europe
Authors: Herwald Sarah , Voigt Simone , Uhde André
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Academic research has intensively analyzed the relationship between market concentration or market power and banking stability but provides ambiguous results, which are summarized under the concentration-stability/fragility view. We provide empirical evidence that the mixed results are due to the difficulty of identifying reliable variables to measure concentration and market power.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from 3,943 banks operating in the European Union (EU)-15 between 2013 and 2020, we employ linear regression models on panel data. Banking market concentration is measured by the Herfindahl–Hirschman Index (HHI), and market power is estimated by the product-specific Lerner Indices for the loan and deposit market, respectively.

Findings

Our analysis reveals a significantly stability-decreasing impact of market concentration (HHI) and a significantly stability-increasing effect of market power (Lerner Indices). In addition, we provide evidence for a weak (or even absent) empirical relationship between the (non)structural measures, challenging the validity of the structure-conduct-performance (SCP) paradigm. Our baseline findings remain robust, especially when controlling for a likely reverse causality.

Originality/value

Our results suggest that the HHI may reflect other factors beyond market power that influence banking stability. Thus, banking supervisors and competition authorities should investigate market concentration and market power simultaneously while considering their joint impact on banking stability.
How does ethical leadership influence work engagement in project-based organizations? A sensemaking perspective
Authors: Cheng Jiajia , Zhang Lianying , He Mingming , Yao Yingying
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Project-based organizations (PBOs) face challenges to enhance employee work engagement because of dynamic and constant role configuration. Accordingly, this study aims to explore how ethical leadership enhances employee work engagement from a sensemaking perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a questionnaire-based quantitative research design to collect data from 194 full-time employees in PBOs. The data were analyzed via partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique to test hypotheses.

Findings

The findings show a positive relationship between ethical leadership and work engagement. Additionally, the relationship between ethical leadership and work engagement is mediated by two sensemaking mechanisms, i.e. goal commitment and prosocial.

Originality/value

This study deepens the understanding of how ethical leadership enhances work engagement in PBOs by providing two sensemaking mechanisms. By exploring the sensemaking process through which ethical leaders help employees construct identity, the findings contribute to the current literature on how ethical leadership enhances work engagement in PBOs.
Deformation and crack growth in multilayered ceramic capacitor during thermal reflow process: numerical and experimental investigation
Authors: Apalowo Rilwan Kayode , Abas Mohamad Aizat , Bachok Zuraihana , Sharif Mohamad Fikri Mohd , Che Ani Fakhrozi , Ramli Mohamad Riduwan , Mukhtar Muhamed Abdul Fatah bin Muhamed
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the possible defects and their root causes in a soft-termination multilayered ceramic capacitor (MLCC) when subjected to a thermal reflow process.

Design/methodology/approach

Specimens of the capacitor assembly were subjected to JEDEC level 1 preconditioning (85 °C/85%RH/168 h) with 5× reflow at 270°C peak temperature. Then, they were inspected using a 2 µm scanning electron microscope to investigate the evidence of defects. The reliability test was also numerically simulated and analyzed using the extended finite element method implemented in ABAQUS.

Findings

Excellent agreements were observed between the SEM inspections and the simulation results. The findings showed evidence of discontinuities along the Cu and the Cu-epoxy layers and interfacial delamination crack at the Cu/Cu-epoxy interface. The possible root causes are thermal mismatch between the Cu and Cu-epoxy layers, moisture contamination and weak Cu/Cu-epoxy interface. The maximum crack length observed in the experimentally reflowed capacitor was measured as 75 µm, a 2.59% difference compared to the numerical prediction of 77.2 µm.

Practical implications

This work's contribution is expected to reduce the additional manufacturing cost and lead time in investigating reliability issues in MLCCs.

Originality/value

Despite the significant number of works on the reliability assessment of surface mount capacitors, work on crack growth in soft-termination MLCC is limited. Also, the combined experimental and numerical investigation of reflow-induced reliability issues in soft-termination MLCC is limited. These cited gaps are the novelties of this study.
When humor masks abuse: employee responses to abusive supervision through the lens of relational energy
Authors: Yang Fu , Lu Mengqian
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Drawing on conservation of resources theory, this study aims to develop a resource-based model depicting a decreased level of psychological resourcefulness – relational energy, as a novel explanatory mechanism that accounts for the harm of abusive supervision, and we further investigate the role of leader humor as a boundary condition.

Design/methodology/approach

We applied multilevel path analysis to test our hypotheses with three-time-point survey data collected from 226 supervisor-employee dyads in a telecommunication company in China across six months.

Findings

Our results show that abusive supervision is negatively related to employee relational energy, leading to a subsequent decline in employee job performance. The predictions of the depleting effects get alleviated by leader humor.

Practical implications

This study foregrounds the importance of employee relationship management in the workplace and reveals that some abusive supervisors may manage to sustain employee performance and relational energy by using humor in their interactions, which necessitates immediate intervention.

Originality/value

These findings offer novel insights into the deleterious impact of abusive supervision by demonstrating the critical role of relational energy in dyadic interactions. We also reveal the potential dark side of leader humor in the context of abuse in the workplace.
A bibliometric analysis of the technology acceptance model and the use of robots in tourism studies
Authors: Gökçe Yusuf , Çavuşoğlu Sinan , Göral Murat , Bayatkara Yusuf , Bükey Aziz , Gökçe Faruk
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to focus on publications that jointly address robots in the tourism field and the technology acceptance model (TAM).

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts bibliometric analysis. Publications listed in the Web of Science database constitute the scope of this research. 51 publications were analyzed within the scope of the research.

Findings

Between the years 2017 and 2023, an upward trend in the number and citations of publications was identified. It has been observed that article studies are more prevalent compared to other types of publications. When considering the indexes of the publications, a significant majority were found to be in Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI) and Science Citation Index (SCI)-EXPANDED. The status of the keywords identified within the scope of the research in the abstracts of the publications has been presented. The keyword “robot” was found to be the most frequently occurring in the abstracts. The abstracts were also analyzed, and the publications were accordingly clustered into five distinct themes.

Originality/value

This study offers a comprehensive evaluation of publications concerning the use of robots in the tourism sector, framed within the context of the TAM. Within the scope of the study, the findings were interpreted using bibliometric analysis. The publications have been categorized into themes. The results presented provide insights into the necessity for further publications in this field.
Artificial intelligence in restaurant businesses: a systematic review on service robots
Authors: Oğan Ela
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Within the scope of the research, articles about service robots were examined by the systematic review method.

Design/methodology/approach

The research aims to evaluate the articles on service robots, an artificial intelligence (AI) application in restaurant businesses, using a systematic review method. In systematic reviews, the data obtained as a result of scanning databases to find an answer to a research question are synthesized and reported. The criterion sampling technique, one of the purposeful sampling methods, was used for the sample of the research. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied within the scope of screening.

Findings

The articles on service robots were carried out between 2018 and 2023. In terms of research methods, most of the articles are quantitative, while there are studies on mixed and qualitative methods. In studies, data were generally collected by survey technique. The keywords of the studies on service robots are examined; the most commonly used words were service robot and AI, technology, restaurant, satisfaction, revisit intention, consumer behavior, intention, preference, hospitality and foods. The objectives of the articles pertinent to service robots are mostly to determine people's attitudes and acceptance toward these services focuses.

Originality/value

The studies seem to focus more on customer acceptance, trust, expectations, risks, adaptation, reasons for preference, impact on creative services, emotional and cognitive effects and human–robot interaction. Despite this, it is observed that there are fewer studies on topics such as the development of service robots in restaurant businesses, their reflections on the future, future opportunities and the quality of chef service robots. Based on this, it is recommended to consider studies that will serve as a reference for revealing innovative opportunities that can meet future expectations in order to increase the quality of service robots in restaurant businesses.
Plant trait dissimilarity increases competitive interactions among co‐occurring plants
Authors: Holden Emily M. , Cahill James F.
Published: April 2024

Plant–plant interactions, often studied in the context of plant traits, are considered crucial assembly mechanisms for plant communities and offer insights into how neighbours affect growth. Three key questions regarding these interactions have theoretical importance but limited empirical support: (1) does similarity in plant traits enhance competitive interactions among species, (2) is the “competitive environment” determined through plant traits of the resident species, and (3) do greater species diversity and niche use result in increased competition among co‐occurring species. Here we use a simple experimental design to directly test these foundational questions.

In a mesocosm experiment using native grassland fragments, we investigated our questions simultaneously by manipulating trait relationships among resident and colonizing plants. To assess the net impact of neighbours on plant growth, we measured the degree of suppression experienced by focal plants compared to growth in the absence of neighbours. We further tested whether trait‐function relationships are context‐dependent by modifying available resources.

Contrary to the limiting similarity hypothesis, we found that reduced overall dissimilarity mitigated neighbour‐induced growth suppression, with more negative effects occurring among dissimilar neighbours. The influence of trait dissimilarity depended on nutrient context and was stronger under increased resource availability. We found little support for the idea that specific plant traits are “functional” in creating competitive environments: no community traits (community weighted means) were associated with net neighbour effects. In contrast, resource supply significantly affected species interactions, with increased resources exacerbating negative neighbour effects on plant growth.

We found that plant trait dissimilarity does function in competition but is contingent on resource context. However, trait values were not inherently competitive: traits may have physiological functions but did not function in focal plants' competitive response. We provide some of the limited data directly testing the core mechanisms of community assembly. We encourage such direct experimental tests as they are essential to building an understanding of ecological processes.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Predicting sandstone water abundance using seismic dispersion attribute inversion: A case study of Yuwang coal mine, China
Authors: She Jiasheng , Zou Guangui , Gong Fei , Zeng Hu , Liu Yanhai , Teng Deliang , Li Jinxin
Published: April 2024

Predicting the water abundance of coal‐bearing strata is crucial for ensuring mining safety. However, owing to the dispersion and attenuation characteristics caused by pore fluid flow, it is difficult to estimate the water abundance of coal seam roof aquifers using seismic data. To overcome this challenge, we provide the relationship between the frequency‐dependent seismic wave velocity and water saturation based on the Chapman fracture model and the mixing fluid model. We propose a seismic dispersion attribute technique that can use dispersion information as an indicator of water abundance. Numerical experiment results show that the water saturation of the sandstone aquifer is positively correlated with the dispersion attribute. The results of low‐frequency rock physical experiments are roughly consistent with those predicted by the model for the given parameters. Using seismic dispersion attribute inversion and the frequency slice wavelet transform method, we predicted the water abundance of sandstone in the coal seam roof of the Yuwang coal mine in Yunnan Province, China. The predicted sandstone water abundance was compatible with the actual water‐rich scenario observed in well logs and downhole drilling in the study area. Therefore, the method proposed herein has the potential to quantitatively determine the water abundances of sandstone aquifers in coal seam roofs.
Blaming the house: women's efforts to preserve marriage in a rural Sinhala village
Authors: Udalagama Tharindi
Published: April 2024

In rural Sri Lanka, marital tension, frequently leading to violence, is an increasing problem. This article explores how the house becomes both the source of problems and a possible solution to them. By examining the way that the social, material, and symbolic dimensions of houses are made to interact, I show how women effect the shaping of social relations and homemaking. Specifically, I focus on how houses become spaces where women are expected to embody the ideals of wifehood and motherhood, thereby creating and maintaining a ‘good house’. Drawing on ethnographic research conducted over fourteen months in a rural village, I illustrate the ways in which women actively engage in strategies to construct and preserve their houses as spaces free from violence. I describe how women, in addition to their traditional caregiving roles, employ the science of architecture (vāstu vidyava) to restructure their houses as a way to promote peace and prosperity. As a result, houses emerge as strategic allies in women's lives, facilitating their pursuit of the desired ‘good life’.
Analysis of spatial and seasonal variations of Haemaphysalis longicornis population based on field survey collected under different habitats and years
Authors: Yoon Sunhee , Jung Jae‐Min , Oh Sumin , Bae Jongmin , Byun Hye‐Min , Choi Subin , Jang Geunho , Kang Minjoon , Kim Eunji , Park Jaekook , Seong Keon Mook , Lee Wang‐Hee , Jung Sunghoon
Published: April 2024

Ticks are vectors of disease‐causing pathogens and are found on domestic and wild animals; thus, they are also vectors of significant human diseases. For this reason, pre‐emptive measures to prevent tick‐borne diseases are necessary in the form of exploring their major habitats, population increase period, and factors affecting their population growth, all of which indicate the purpose of this study. In the study, a variation of Haemaphysalis longicornis, a major vector of fever‐causing conditions, was statistically analyzed to identify the spatial and climatic factors affecting the time‐dependent variations of its population. The survey occurred in different habitats (grassland, mixed forest, deciduous forest, and coniferous forest) in South Korea. In addition, we fitted a phenology model by using a probability function to find the peak occurrence time annually. As a result, the numbers of adults and nymphs were found to be related to temperature and relative humidity and their population peaked at the end of May in all habitats except deciduous forests. This study is expected to provide information on habitat types, times, and climate patterns that require attention to help control H. longicornis populations.
Behind closed doors: Informal influence on United Nations staffing and pathologies of international bureaucracies
Authors: Gui Tianhan
Published: April 2024

This research explores the mechanisms through which member states informally shape staffing decisions in the United Nations, extending the traditional view of influence beyond mere structural power within international organizations. Interviews with UN officials uncover three primary informal governance tactics: leveraging financial contributions, nurturing social networks, and fostering educational and institutional pathways for grooming candidates. These strategies subtly impact UN staffing, policy development, and access to sensitive information. The study points to the UN's structural challenges, such as reliance on voluntary funding and decentralized administration, which, coupled with the intertwined interests across organizational levels and the lack of effective oversight mechanisms, enable member states' informal influence. This environment not only restricts the involvement of developing countries but also undermines the UN's legitimacy and effectiveness. The findings illuminate the intricate dynamics of power within IOs, underscoring the need for a comprehensive understanding of influence and its implications for global governance.
Examining adverse childhood experiences and Black youth's engagement in a hospital‐based violence intervention program using administrative data
Authors: Voith Laura A. , Salas Atwell Meghan , D'Alessio Alena Sorensen , Evans Kylie E. , Korsch‐Williams Amy
Published: April 2024

Background

Stemming from poverty and systemic racism, Black youth are disproportionately represented in hospital‐based violence intervention programs (HVIPs) due to greater violence exposure. HVIPs are a critical intervention that have been shown to reduce rates of reinjury in urban hospitals and trauma centers across the United States; however, they are plagued by low enrollment and engagement rates. Few studies have examined factors related to engagement, particularly among Black youth.

Methods

Guided by Trauma Theory and Critical Race Theory, this study uses a retrospective cohort design. Between‐group differences of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among engaged youth compared to nonengaged youth who were violently injured and recruited for a HVIP were examined using chi‐square and logistic regression. ACEs were approximated using a novel approach with administrative data.

Results

Results indicated that the total ACE score was not significantly associated with engagement status. Individual ACEs were tested across age groups.

Conclusions

This study highlights a novel approach to understanding ACEs among a hard‐to‐reach population and illuminates the significant level of ACEs faced by violence‐exposed Black youth at young ages. Considering theory, Black families may be more reluctant to engage due to fear and past harms in social service systems stemming from systemic racism. Though ACEs did not predict engagement in this study, considering the high rates of ACEs experienced by Black youth and their families in the context of systemic racism suggests that HVIPs should acknowledge historical harms and foster trauma‐informed and healing‐centered interactions during recruitment and later stages of engagement.
The stability of bird assemblages across time and the reliability of snapshot surveys
Authors: Reid Julian , Smith Rhiannon , Scott Laura , Reid Nick
Published: April 2024

‘Snapshot’ surveys conducted over 1 year or less are widely used to describe avian community composition. Maron et al. (Austral Ecology, 2005, 30, 383) questioned the utility of snapshot surveys and the conclusions drawn from them following repeat bird surveys at 26 sites in western Victoria, 7 years after initial surveys. They concluded, ‘the distribution of most species did not differ significantly from that expected if species had redistributed at random among sites’. Only five of 54 species recorded in both years had distributions that changed significantly less than expected among sites between the survey periods. We question whether this is the exception rather than the rule for Australian landbird communities in wooded habitats for three reasons: (1) passerine species dominate these communities and tend to remain faithful to a site once a breeding territory has been established; (2) most landbird species are sedentary or migratory, not nomadic; and (3) most Australian passerines are long‐lived, so surveys conducted within decadal timeframes may sample the same individuals. We examined the constancy of bird community composition by conducting repeat surveys at 29 sites in two vegetation types in the Namoi Valley, northern New South Wales, 7 years after the first survey. Bird assemblage composition in our study exhibited high levels of turnover between surveys, but 21 of 62 species present in both survey periods were significantly more likely to be found at the same sites in the second period as the first, and the tendency of most species was of site fidelity. Mantel tests demonstrated that assemblage composition at the same sites was more similar than expected by chance. Moderate levels of site fidelity among species and significant levels of assemblage composition constancy among sites should be the expectation when monitoring Australian landbird communities in wooded habitats over extended timeframes, except in the cases of major landscape transformation and extreme climatic disruptions.
Predicted impact, establishment and distribution of Heikertingerella sp. (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae), recently released for the biological control of Tecoma stans in South Africa
Authors: Madire Lulama G. , Olckers Terence , Sutton Guy , Simelane David O.
Published: April 2024

Biological control practitioners are required to demonstrate that candidate agents are not only safe for release, but will establish widely in their new range with a significant impact on the target weed.

We conducted this study in quarantine to provide insight into the impact and distribution of the root‐feeding flea beetle Heikertingerella sp. (Chrysomelidae), released in early 2023 against the invasive tree Tecoma stans (L.) (Bignoniaceae) in South Africa. We studied the effects of low and high beetle densities on plant growth and biomass, and F1 progeny production by the beetle.

There were significant reductions in plant growth and biomass accumulation in the beetle‐exposed plants, relative to the controls. P1 adults damaged significantly more leaflets, with significantly higher F1 progeny production, at high beetle densities.

The MaxEnt model predictions suggested that most of South Africa is climatically highly suitable for Heikertingerella sp., particularly along the southern and eastern coasts where the weed is most prevalent. Only the inland regions of the Northern Cape Province, depicting the driest and hottest part of the country where the weed does not occur, were predicted to be unsuitable for Heikertingerella sp. The beetle's thermal physiology, as determined by its critical thermal minimum and maximum temperatures and lower and upper lethal temperatures (LT50), suggests tolerance to temperature extremes in at least four of the eight provinces that fall within the range of T. stans in South Africa.

Our results further justify the release of Heikertingerella sp. in areas predicted as suitable in South Africa.
Associations between postoperative anaemia and unplanned readmission to hospital after major surgery: a retrospective cohort study†
Authors: Makar Timothy , Hezkial Margaret , Vasudeva Mayank , Walpole Dominic , Xie John , Zhao Chris Zi‐Fan , Ou Yang Bobby , Ramesh Saranya , Larsen Tom , Heritier Stephane , Richards Toby , Miles Lachlan F.
Published: April 2024

Background

Anaemia following major surgery may be associated with unplanned readmission to hospital. However, the severity‐response relationship between the degree of anaemia at discharge and the risk of unplanned readmission is poorly defined. We aimed to describe the severity‐response relationship between haemoglobin concentration at the time of discharge and the risk of unplanned readmission in a cohort of patients undergoing different types of major surgery.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study in a single tertiary health service, including all patients who underwent major surgery (orthopaedic, abdominal, cardiac or thoracic) between 1 May 2011 and 1 February 2022. The primary outcome was unplanned readmission to hospital in the 90 days following discharge after the index surgical procedure. These complex, non‐linear relationships were modelled with restricted cubic splines.

Results

We identified 22,134 patients and included 14,635 in the primary analysis, of whom 1804 (12%) experienced at least one unplanned readmission. The odds of unplanned readmission rose when the discharge haemoglobin concentration was < 100 g.l‐1 (p < 0.001). On subgroup analysis, the haemoglobin threshold below which odds of readmission began to increase appeared to be higher in patients undergoing emergency surgery (110 g.l‐1; p < 0.001) compared with elective surgery. Declining discharge haemoglobin concentration was associated with increased odds ratios (95%CI) of unplanned readmission in patients undergoing orthopaedic (1.08 (1.01–1.15), p = 0.03), abdominal (1.13 (1.07–1.19), p < 0.001) and thoracic (1.12 (1.01–1.24), p = 0.03) procedures, but not cardiac surgery (1.09 (0.99–1.19), p = 0.07).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that a haemoglobin concentration < 100 g.l‐1 following elective procedures and < 110 g.l‐1 following emergency procedures, at the time of hospital discharge after major surgery, was associated with unplanned readmission. Future interventional trials that aim to treat postoperative anaemia and reduce unplanned readmission should include patients with discharge haemoglobin below these thresholds.
A systematic review and a comprehensive approach to PhD students' wellbeing
Authors: Martínez‐García Inmaculada , De Witte Hans , García‐Martínez Jesús , Cano‐García Francisco Javier
Published: April 2024

The pursuit of a doctoral degree is a challenging process that can have a negative impact on the wellbeing of PhD students. Therefore, the aim here is to offer a systematic review of the current state of the literature on wellbeing among PhD students and the variables it involves in order to build an integrative model that will enrich future research. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) methodology for systematic reviews has been used to lay out the process in a flow diagram. We systematically review studies up to 2021 (N = 38) published on the Web of Science and SCOPUS databases. The results show the current state of the literature on wellbeing in PhD students, the characteristics of the studies (location, study design, and sample), how the literature defines the concept, the variables involved, the study limitations, and future perspectives to improve the quality of life of doctoral students. Finally, a comprehensive approach to the topic is presented in an integrative model that encompasses all variables identified in the literature and offers a guide for future research.
Validating use of diagnostic codes in Canadian administrative data for identification of adverse drug events
Authors: Wickham Maeve E. , McGrail Kimberlyn M. , Law Michael R. , Cragg Amber , Hohl Corinne M.
Published: April 2024

Aims

While diagnostic codes from administrative health data might be a valuable source to identify adverse drug events (ADEs), their ability to identify unintended harms remains unclear. We validated claims‐based diagnosis codes for ADEs based on events identified in a prospective cohort study and assessed whether key attributes predicted their documentation in administrative data.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of 3 prospective cohorts in British Columbia, from 2008 to 2015 (n = 13 969). We linked prospectively identified ADEs to administrative insurance data to examine the sensitivity and specificity of different diagnostic code schemes. We used logistic regression to assess which key attributes (e.g., type of event, symptoms and culprit medications) were associated with better documentation of ADEs in administrative data.

Results

Among 1178 diagnosed events, the sensitivity of the diagnostic codes in administrative data ranged from 3.4 to 52.6%, depending on the database and codes used. We found that documentation was worse for certain types of ADEs (dose‐related: odds ratio [OR]: 0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.15, 0.69; nonadherence events (OR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.20, 0.62), and better for those experiencing arrhythmias (OR: 4.19, 95% CI: 0.96, 18.28).

Conclusion

ADEs were not well documented in administrative data. Alternative methods should be explored to capture ADEs for health research.
Nuclear autoantigenic sperm protein facilitates glioblastoma progression and radioresistance by regulating the ANXA2/STAT3 axis
Authors: Qiu Yuning , Pei Dongling , Wang Minkai , Wang Qimeng , Duan Wenchao , Wang Li , Liu Kehan , Guo Yu , Luo Lin , Guo Zhixuan , Guan Fangzhan , Wang Zilong , Xing Aoqi , Liu Zhongyi , Ma Zeyu , Jiang Guozhong , Yan Dongming , Liu Xianzhi , Zhang Zhenyu , Wang Weiwei
Published: April 2024

Aims

Although radiotherapy is a core treatment modality for various human cancers, including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), its clinical effects are often limited by radioresistance. The specific molecular mechanisms underlying radioresistance are largely unknown, and the reduction of radioresistance is an unresolved challenge in GBM research.

Methods

We analyzed and verified the expression of nuclear autoantigenic sperm protein (NASP) in gliomas and its relationship with patient prognosis. We also explored the function of NASP in GBM cell lines. We performed further mechanistic experiments to investigate the mechanisms by which NASP facilitates GBM progression and radioresistance. An intracranial mouse model was used to verify the effectiveness of combination therapy.

Results

NASP was highly expressed in gliomas, and its expression was negatively correlated with the prognosis of glioma. Functionally, NASP facilitated GBM cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and radioresistance. Mechanistically, NASP interacted directly with annexin A2 (ANXA2) and promoted its nuclear localization, which may have been mediated by phospho‐annexin A2 (Tyr23). The NASP/ANXA2 axis was involved in DNA damage repair after radiotherapy, which explains the radioresistance of GBM cells that highly express NASP. NASP overexpression significantly activated the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway. The combination of WP1066 (a STAT3 pathway inhibitor) and radiotherapy significantly inhibited GBM growth in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that NASP may serve as a potential biomarker of GBM radioresistance and has important implications for improving clinical radiotherapy.
Infrahyoid muscle flap as augmentation of pharyngeal repair after total laryngectomy
Authors: Sweed Ahmed Hassan , Abdulmageed Alsayed , Nofal Ahmed Abdelfattah Bayomy , Elmaghawry Mohammed Elsayed , Alnemr Mohamed Abdelmohsen
Published: April 2024

Introduction

To assess the usage of contralateral infrahyoid muscles as onlay flap in prevention of pharyngo‐cutaneous fistula (PCF) in total laryngectomy (TL) patients with high risk factors of PCF development.

Methods

This study included 10 patients who suffered from advanced laryngeal carcinoma with presence of risk factors for development of PCF. We added an enforcement muscular layer during neo‐pharynx wall repair, the infrahyoid muscle flap of the contralateral side of the tumour origin as an onlay muscular flap to cover the anastomotic site for healing augmentation. Patients were followed up for PCF development where the PCF incidence was calculated.

Results

One patient died from congestive heart failure in the 21th post‐operative day so, the actual PCF rate in TL patients with high risk factors of PCF development in our study was 11.11% (1 out of 9 cases).

Conclusions

Infrahyoid muscle flap may have a role in preventing PCF after TL in patients with high risk factors of PCF development in this case series study to be further assessed in other studies to justify its role.

Level of evidence: 4.
Novel mixture allocation models for topic learning
Authors: Maanicshah Kamal , Amayri Manar , Bouguila Nizar
Published: April 2024

Latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) is one of the major models used for topic modelling. A number of models have been proposed extending the basic LDA model. There has also been interesting research to replace the Dirichlet prior of LDA with other pliable distributions like generalized Dirichlet, Beta‐Liouville and so forth. Owing to the proven efficiency of using generalized Dirichlet (GD) and Beta‐Liouville (BL) priors in topic models, we use these versions of topic models in our paper. Furthermore, to enhance the support of respective topics, we integrate mixture components which gives rise to generalized Dirichlet mixture allocation and Beta‐Liouville mixture allocation models respectively. In order to improve the modelling capabilities, we use variational inference method for estimating the parameters. Additionally, we also introduce an online variational approach to cater to specific applications involving streaming data. We evaluate our models based on its performance on applications related to text classification, image categorization and genome sequence classification using a supervised approach where the labels are used as an observed variable within the model.
Graph embedded low‐light image enhancement transformer based on federated learning for Internet of Vehicle under tunnel environment
Authors: Shu Yuan , Zhu Fuxi , Zhang Zhongqiu , Zhang Min , Yang Jie , Wang Yi , Wang Jun
Published: April 2024

The Internet of Vehicles (IoV) autonomous driving technology based on deep learning has achieved great success. However, under the tunnel environment, the computer vision‐based IoV may fail due to low illumination. In order to handle this issue, this paper deploys an image enhancement module at the terminal of the IoV to alleviate the low illumination influence. The enhanced images can be submitted through IoT to the cloud server for further processing. The core algorithm of image enhancement is implemented by a dynamic graph embedded transformer network based on federated learning which can fully utilize the data resources of multiple devices in IoV and improve the generalization. Extensive comparative experiments are conducted on the publicly available dataset and the self‐built dataset which is collected under the tunnel environment. Compared with other deep models, all results confirm that the proposed graph embedded Transformer model can effectively enhance the detail information of the low‐light image, which can greatly improve the following tasks in IoV.
Prognostic factors and predictive models for patients with lung large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma: Based on SEER database
Authors: Li Wenqiang , Huang Qian , He Xiaoyu , He Qian , Lai Qun , Yuan Quan , Deng Zhiping
Published: April 2024

Background

Lung Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) is a rare, aggressive, high‐grade neuroendocrine carcinoma with a poor prognosis, mainly seen in elderly men. To date, we have found no studies on predictive models for LCNEC.

Methods

We extracted data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database of confirmed LCNEC from 2010 to 2018. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional risk regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors, and then we constructed a novel nomogram and assessed the predictive effectiveness by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

A total of 2546 patients with LCNEC were included, excluding those diagnosed with autopsy or death certificate, tumor, lymph node, metastasis (TNM) stage, tumor grade deficiency, etc., and finally, a total of 743 cases were included in the study. After univariate and multivariate analyses, we concluded that the independent risk factors were N stage, intrapulmonary metastasis, bone metastasis, brain metastasis, and surgical intervention. The results of ROC curves, calibration curves, and DCA in the training and validation groups confirmed that the nomogram could accurately predict the prognosis.

Conclusions

The nomogram obtained from our study is expected to be a useful tool for personalized prognostic prediction of LCNEC patients, which may help in clinical decision‐making.
LightGBM outperforms other machine learning techniques in predicting graft failure after liver transplantation: Creation of a predictive model through large‐scale analysis
Authors: Yanagawa Rintaro , Iwadoh Kazuhiro , Akabane Miho , Imaoka Yuki , Bozhilov Kliment Krassimirov , Melcher Marc L , Sasaki Kazunari
Published: April 2024

Background

The incidence of graft failure following liver transplantation (LTx) is consistent. While traditional risk scores for LTx have limited accuracy, the potential of machine learning (ML) in this area remains uncertain, despite its promise in other transplant domains. This study aims to determine ML's predictive limitations in LTx by replicating methods used in previous heart transplant research.

Methods

This study utilized the UNOS STAR database, selecting 64,384 adult patients who underwent LTx between 2010 and 2020. Gradient boosting models (XGBoost and LightGBM) were used to predict 14, 30, and 90‐day graft failure compared to conventional logistic regression model. Models were evaluated using both shuffled and rolling cross‐validation (CV) methodologies. Model performance was assessed using the AUC across validation iterations.

Results

In a study comparing predictive models for 14‐day, 30‐day and 90‐day graft survival, LightGBM consistently outperformed other models, achieving the highest AUC of.740,.722, and.700 in shuffled CV methods. However, in rolling CV the accuracy of the model declined across every ML algorithm. The analysis revealed influential factors for graft survival prediction across all models, including total bilirubin, medical condition, recipient age, and donor AST, among others. Several features like donor age and recipient diabetes history were important in two out of three models.

Conclusions

LightGBM enhances short‐term graft survival predictions post‐LTx. However, due to changing medical practices and selection criteria, continuous model evaluation is essential. Future studies should focus on temporal variations, clinical implications, and ensure model transparency for broader medical utility.