bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct measures of liking and intensity of taste, smell, and chemesthetic stimuli are similar between young people reporting they did or did not have COVID-19
Authors: Leszkowicz Emilia , Bell Katherine , Huang Amy , Nguyen Ha , Reed Danielle R.
Published: October 2023

The recovery period from post-COVID-19 smell and taste dysfunctions varies substantially, lasting from a few days to over a year. We aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on post-COVID-19 chemosensory sensitivity in a group of young convalescents of eastern/central European ancestry. We measured subjects’ smell and taste capabilities with a standard testing kit, Monell Flavor Quiz (MFQ), and collected surveys on COVID-19 history. During testing, subjects rated liking and intensity of six odor samples (galaxolide, guaiacol, beta-ionone, trimethylamine, phenylethyl alcohol, 2-ethyl fenchol) and six taste samples (sucralose, sodium chloride, citric acid, phenylthiocarbamide, menthol, capsaicin) on a scale from 1 (dislike extremely, or no intensity) to 9 (like extremely, or extremely intense). There was no statistical difference in intensity ratings or liking of any sample between subjects who reported a history of COVID-19 (n = 34) and those reporting no history (n = 40), independent of presence/absence or severity of smell/taste impairments (P> 0.05). Additionally, neither vaccination status (full vaccination or no vaccination) nor time from the COVID-19 onset (2-27 months) correlated with liking or intensity. These results suggest that most young adults who had COVID-19 recovered their sense of smell and taste.
The Minimal Dataset for Cancer of the 1+Million Genomes Initiative
Authors: Riba Michela , Sala Cinzia , Culhane Aedin , Flobak Åsmund , Patocs Attila , Boye Kjetil , Plevova Karla , Pospíšilová Šárka , Gandolfi Giorgia , Morelli Marco J , Bucci Gabriele , Edsjö Anders , Lassen Ulrik , Al-Shahrour Fátima , Lopez-Bigas Nuria , Hovland Randi , Cuppen Edwin , Valencia Alfonso , Antoine-Poirel Helene , Brandell Richard Rosenquist , Scollen Serena , Marquez Juan Arenas , Belien Jeroen , De Nicolo Arcangela , De Maria Ruggero , Torrents David , Tonon Giovanni
Published: October 2023

For a real impact on healthcare, precision cancer medicine requires accessibility and interoperability of clinical and genomic data across centres and countries. Due to the heterogeneous digitization in Europe and worldwide, the definition of models for standardised data collection and usability becomes mandatory if countries want to work together on this mission. The European Union 1+Million Genomes (1+MG) initiative, supported by the Horizon 2020 Beyond 1 Million Genomes project, aims at outlining data models, guidance, best practices, and technical infrastructures for transnational access to sequenced genomes, including cancer genomes. Within the framework of the cancer-focused Working Group 9, we developed the 1+MG-Minimal Dataset for Cancer (1+MG-MDC)–a data model encompassing 140 items and organized in eight conceptual domains for the collection of cancer-related clinical information and genomics metadata. The 1+MG-MDC, which results from a multidisciplinary effort, leverages pre-existing models and emphasizes the annotation and traceability of multiple aspects relevant to the complex longitudinal path of the cancer disease and its treatment. We strived to make the 1+MG-MDC easy to adopt, yet comprehensive, addressing the needs of both clinicians and researchers. We will periodically revise and update it to ensure it remains fit for purpose. We propose the 1+MG-MDC as a model to create homogeneous databases, which would, in turn, guide discussions on clinical and genomic features with prognostic or therapeutic value and foster real-world data research.
The CLAMP GA-binding transcription factor regulates heat stress-induced transcriptional repression by associating with 3D loop anchors
Authors: Aguilera Joseph , Duan Jingyue , Lee So-min , Ray Mukulika , Larschan Erica
Published: October 2023

In order to survive when exposed to heat stress (HS), organisms activate stress response genes and repress constitutive gene expression to prevent the accumulation of potentially toxic RNA and protein products. Although many studies have elucidated the mechanisms that drive HS-induced activation of stress response genes across species, little is known about repression mechanisms or how genes are targeted for activation versus repression context-specifically. The mechanisms of heat stress-regulated activation have been well-studied inDrosophila,in which the GA-binding transcription factor GAF is important for activating genes upon heat stress. Here, we show that a functionally distinct GA-binding transcription factor (TF) protein, CLAMP (Chromatin-linked adaptor for MSL complex proteins), is essential for repressing constitutive genes upon heat stress but not activation of the canonical heat stress pathway. HS induces loss of CLAMP-associated 3D chromatin loop anchors associated with different combinations of GA-binding TFs prior to HS if a gene becomes repressed versus activated. Overall, we demonstrate that CLAMP promotes repression of constitutive genes upon HS, and repression and activation are associated with the loss of CLAMP-associated 3D chromatin loops bound by different combinations of GA-binding TFs.
Cell-type-specific characterization of miRNA gene dynamics in immune cell subpopulations during aging and atherosclerosis disease development at single-cell resolution
Authors: de Sande Ana Hernández , Turunen Tanja , Bouvy-Liivrand Maria , Örd Tiit , Palani Senthil , Tundidor-Centeno Celia , Liljenbäck Heidi , Virta Jenni , Smålander Olli-Pekka , Sinkkonen Lasse , Sauter Thomas , Roivainen Anne , Lönnberg Tapio , Kaikkonen Minna U , Heinäniemi Merja
Published: October 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of regulatory non-coding RNAs that finetune cellular functions by modulating the stability and abundance of their target mRNAs, thereby contributing to regulation of tissue homeostasis. MiRNA genes are transcribed similarly to protein-coding genes and recent studies have enabled their annotation and quantification genome-wide from bulk nascent transcriptomes. Here, we developed an approach to quantify and integrate miRNA gene signatures into single-cell studies. To characterize miRNA gene expression dynamics, we first compared the suitability of droplet and plate-based single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) platforms using the matched datasets provided by the Tabula Muris Senis and Tabula Sapiens consortiums. We found high concordance between the platforms and with cell type-specific bulk expression data. Based on the comprehensive aging profiles, our analysis comparing spleen immune cells between young and old mice revealed a concordant regulation of miRNAs involved in senescence and inflammatory pathways in multiple immune cell types, including up-regulation of mmu-mir-146a, mmu-mir-101a and mmu-mir-30 family genes. To study the aberrant regulation of immune cell homeostasis and tissue inflammation that pre-dispose to aging-related disease development, we collected transcriptome profiles from atherosclerosis development in LDLR-/-ApoB100/100mice. We found an elevated myeloid cell proportion in the adipose tissue and further characterized the cell subtypes based on reproducible transcriptome clusters. We then compared miRNA gene expression in early versus late disease and upon inflammatory challenge to monitor different stages during disease progression. At atherosclerotic stage, pro-inflammatory mmu-mir-511 expression increased in several macrophage subtypes, while immunosuppressive mmu-mir-23b∼mir-24-2∼mir-27b up-regulation was specific to Trem2+ lipid-associated macrophages. The infiltrating monocytes up-regulated mmu-mir-1938 and mmu-mir-22 expression and in classical monocytes maturation further increased mmu-mir-221∼222, mmu-mir-511 and mmu-mir-155 expression. To validate that these changes detected from single cell profiles represent miRNA gene transcriptional regulation, we used nascent transcriptomics data fromex vivomacrophage cultures with pro-inflammatory stimulation, confirming both rapid and long-lasting transcriptional activation of the miRNA loci studied. Collectively, our work enables integrating miRNA gene analysis to current single cell genomics pipelines and facilitates characterization of miRNA regulatory networks during aging and disease development.
Ice thickness control and measurement in the VitroJet for time-efficient single particle structure determination
Authors: Henderikx Rene J.M. , Schotman Maaike J.G. , Shahzad Saba , Fromm Simon A. , Mann Daniel , Hennies Julian , Heidler Thomas V. , Ashtiani Dariush , Hagen Wim J.H. , Jeurissen Roger J.M. , Mattei Simone , Peters Peter J. , Sachse Carsten , Beulen Bart W.A.M.M.
Published: October 2023

Embedding biomolecules in vitreous ice of optimal thickness is critical for structure determination by cryo-electron microscopy. Ice thickness assessment and selection of suitable holes for data collection are currently part of time-consuming preparatory routines performed on expensive electron microscopes. To address this challenge, a routine has been developed to measure ice thickness during sample preparation using an optical camera integrated in the VitroJet. This method allows to estimate the ice thickness with an error below ± 20 nm for ice layers in the range of 0 – 70 nm. Additionally, we implemented pin printing to reproduce and control sample deposition in the VitroJet. The median ice thickness can be reproduced with a standard deviation below ± 11 nm for thicknesses up to 75 nm. Therefore, the ice thickness of buffer-suspended holes on an EM grid can be tuned and measured within the working range relevant for single particle cryo-EM. Single particle structures of apoferritin were determined at two distinct thicknesses of 30 nm and 70 nm. These reconstructions demonstrate the importance of ice thickness for time-efficient cryo-EM structure determination.

Highlights

Methods in the VitroJet allow for on-the-fly ice thickness tuning and measurement

The optical camera can estimate ice thickness ranging from 0 – 70 ± 20 nm

Pin printing enables to reproduce and control median ice thickness up to 75 ± 11 nm

Structures of apoferritin require 3.7 x fewer particles in 30 compared to 70 nm ice
Widespread prevalence of a post-translational modification in activation of an essential bacterial DNA damage response
Authors: Kamat Aditya , Tran Ngat T. , Sharda Mohak , Sontakke Neha , Le Tung B. K. , Badrinarayanan Anjana
Published: October 2023

DNA methylation plays central roles in diverse cellular processes, ranging from error-correction during replication to regulation of bacterial defense mechanisms. Nevertheless, certain aberrant methylation modifications can have lethal consequences. The mechanisms by which bacteria detect and respond to such damage remain incompletely understood. Here, we discover a highly conserved but previously uncharacterized transcription factor (Cada2), which orchestrates a methylation-dependent adaptive response inCaulobacter. This response operates independently of the SOS response, governs the expression of genes crucial for direct repair, and is essential for surviving methylation-induced damage. Our molecular investigation of Cada2 reveals a cysteine methylation-dependent post-translational modification and mode of action distinct from itsE. colicounterpart, a trait conserved across all bacteria harboring a Cada2-like homolog instead. Extending across the bacterial kingdom, our findings support the notion of divergence and co-evolution of adaptive response transcription factors and their corresponding sequence-specific DNA motifs. Despite this diversity, the ubiquitous prevalence of adaptive response regulators underscores the significance of a transcriptional switch, mediated by methylation post-translational modification, in driving a specific and essential bacterial DNA damage response.
Absolute Quantification of Viral Proteins from Pseudotyped Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV-GP) using Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography- Multiple Reaction Monitoring (UPLC-MRM)
Authors: Basu Rajeswari , Dambra Richard , Jiang Di , Schätzlein Sophia A. , Njiyang Shu , Ashour Joseph , Chiramel Abhilash I. , Vigil Adam , Papov Vladimir V.
Published: October 2023

The rapidly developing field of oncolytic virus (OV) therapy necessitates development of new and improved analytical approaches for characterization of the virus during production and development. Accurate monitoring and absolute quantification of viral proteins is crucial for OV product characterization and can facilitate the understanding of infection, immunogenicity, and development stages of viral replication. Targeted mass spectrometry methods, like multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), offers a robust way to directly detect and quantify specific targeted proteins represented by surrogate peptides. We have leveraged the power of MRM by combining ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) with a Sciex 6500 triple stage quadrupole mass spectrometer to develop an assay that accurately and absolutely quantifies the structural proteins of a pseudotyped vesicular stomatitis virus intended for use as a new biotherapeutic (designated hereafter as VSV-GP) to differentiate it from native VSV. The new UPLC-MRM method provides absolute quantification with the use of heavy labeled reference standard surrogate peptides. When added in known exact amounts to standards and samples, the reference standards normalize and account for any small perturbations during sample preparation and/or instrument performance, resulting in accurate and precise quantification. Because of the multiplexed nature of MRM all targeted proteins are quantified at the same time. The optimized assay has been enhanced to quantify the ratios of the processed GP1 and GP2 proteins while simultaneously measuring any remaining or unprocessed form of the envelope protein GPC (full-length GPC).

IMPORTANCE

Development of oncolytic viral therapy has gained considerable momentum in the recent years. VSV-GP is a new biotherapeutic emerging in the oncolytic viral therapy platform. Novel analytical assays that can accurately and precisely quantify the viral proteins are a necessity for the successful development of viral vector as a biotherapeutic. We developed a UPLC-MRM based assay to quantify the absolute concentrations of the different structural proteins of VSV-GP. The complete processing of GPC is a pre-requisite for infectivity of the virus. The assay extends the potential for quantifying full-length GPC, which provides an understanding of the processing of GPC (along with the quantification of GP1 and GP2 separately). We used this assay in tracking GPC processing in HEK-293-F production cell lines infected with VSV-GP.
Automatic essay scoring for discussion forum in online learning based on semantic and keyword similarities
Authors: Dhini Bachriah Fatwa , Girsang Abba Suganda , Sufandi Unggul Utan , Kurniawati Heny
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The authors constructed an automatic essay scoring (AES) model in a discussion forum where the result was compared with scores given by human evaluators. This research proposes essay scoring, which is conducted through two parameters, semantic and keyword similarities, using a SentenceTransformers pre-trained model that can construct the highest vector embedding. Combining these models is used to optimize the model with increasing accuracy.

Design/methodology/approach

The development of the model in the study is divided into seven stages: (1) data collection, (2) pre-processing data, (3) selected pre-trained SentenceTransformers model, (4) semantic similarity (sentence pair), (5) keyword similarity, (6) calculate final score and (7) evaluating model.

Findings

The multilingual paraphrase-multilingual-MiniLM-L12-v2 and distilbert-base-multilingual-cased-v1 models got the highest scores from comparisons of 11 pre-trained multilingual models of SentenceTransformers with Indonesian data (Dhini and Girsang, 2023). Both multilingual models were adopted in this study. A combination of two parameters is obtained by comparing the response of the keyword extraction responses with the rubric keywords. Based on the experimental results, proposing a combination can increase the evaluation results by 0.2.

Originality/value

This study uses discussion forum data from the general biology course in online learning at the open university for the 2020.2 and 2021.2 semesters. Forum discussion ratings are still manual. In this survey, the authors created a model that automatically calculates the value of discussion forums, which are essays based on the lecturer's answers moreover rubrics.
The effect of hexagonal boron nitride nanopowders addition on the mechanical behaviors of basalt fabric reinforced composites
Authors: Bakal Gumus Fatma , Yapici Ahmet
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of doping element on the structural, thermal properties, mechanical performance and the failure mechanism of hexagonal nano boron nitride (h-BN)-reinforced basalt fabric (BF)/epoxy composites produced by hand lay-up and vacuum bagging technique. h-BN particles doped to composite materials increased the tensile, bending and impact strength of the composite at certain rates while 1 Wt. % h- BN addition shows the highest tensile and flexural strength.

Design/methodology/approach

The epoxy resin was doped with h-BN nanopowder at the certain rates (0, 1, 2 and 4 Wt.%) and the epoxy: hardener ratios used in the study were selected as 80%: 20% by weight. Then, with the aid of a roller by hand lay-up method, a mixture of epoxy + hardeners containing nanoparticles and nanoparticle-free were fed onto BFs, 12 layers of each dimension 30 cm × 30 cm. The surplus epoxy resin was moved away from the composite sheets using the vacuum bagging process and left to cure at room temperature for 24 h. ASTM D3039 for tensile, D7264 for three-point bending and D256 for Izod impact test were performed for the mechanical tests. After the tensile test, the morphologies of the fracture surface were examined with a stereomicroscope and various failure mechanisms are highlighted.

Findings

In this study, a series of basalt/epoxy composites with h-BN nanopowders have been prepared to identify the effect of filler ratio on mechanical properties. It has been known from the results of mechanical experiments that the addition of h-BN improves the mechanical performance of materials at a certain rate. The tensile and flexural strengths of h-BN doped composites, increase for concentrations of 1 Wt.% h-BN, but decrease with the increasing content of it. The basalt/epoxy resin composite with higher mechanical properties could be a potential material in the automotive and aerospace industries.

Originality/value

The aim of this study is to contribute to literature within the context of this new combination of composites and their mechanical properties, failure mechanisms. It presents detailed characterization of each composite by using X-ray differaction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy.
Role of bigdata analytics in improving drivers of omni-channel retailing for improving logistics experience
Authors: Mishra Ruchi , Gangwar Hemlata , Sahoo Saumyaranjan
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The objective of this research is to evaluate and rank the factors influencing omnichannel (OC) logistics, while also investigating the significant impact of big data analytics in improving these drivers of OC logistics.

Design/methodology/approach

Using exploratory sequential mixed method design, an in-person interview survey was conducted to identify and stratifies the enablers of OC retailing. These interviews were supplemented with a case study in an apparel firm to prioritise the enablers of OC logistics. Further, a survey was conducted to understand the role of big data analytics in improving drivers of OC logistics as well as the role of Individual capability and organisational capability in big data usage for omnichannel retailing.

Findings

Findings represent that information management is the most important driver followed by inventory management and network design for improving OC logistics. Further, significant relationship between big data analytics and drivers of omnichannel logistics has been reported.

Practical implications

This study identifies and classifies the drivers of OC retailing relating to their level of criticality in OC logistics which will assists practitioners to prioritise their tasks for the successful development of OC logistics. The study will also help practitioners to use BDA for developing the drivers of OC.

Originality/value

The study substantiates and adds to the BDA literature by emphasising the positive role of BDA in development of OC driver and highlighting the significant role of drivers of BDA in its usage.
Use of AHP and grey fixed weight clustering to assess the maturity level of strategic communication management in Brazilian startups
Authors: Timóteo Thiago Rodrigues , Cazeri Gustavo Tietz , Moraes Gustavo Hermínio Salati Marcondes de , Sigahi Tiago F.A.C. , Zanon Lucas Gabriel , Rampasso Izabela Simon , Anholon Rosley
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The aim of this research was to evaluate the maturity level of strategic communication management implemented by Brazilian startups.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), survey and Grey Fixed Weight Clustering modeling techniques. Three experts with extensive academic and practical experience in the subject participated in the AHP process, providing their opinions on the relative importance of eight variables associated with the topic under investigation, thus enabling their prioritization. Concurrently, data were collected through a survey from 23 respondents who have extensive knowledge about the realities of Brazilian startups. The weights derived from the AHP and the survey data were utilized in the Grey Fixed Weight Clustering modeling.

Findings

Based on the opinions of the 23 respondents, the level of implementation of practices related to strategic management, brand management, external image management and internal communication management is superficial. In addition, according to the majority of experts, Brazilian startups exhibited a medium level of maturity to address the key challenges related to communication management. Furthermore, this study reveals that the variables “financial resources allocation,” “stakeholder relationship” and “brand management” were deemed the most significant for the model.

Originality/value

The contributions presented herein can be beneficial for both researchers and startup managers seeking to enhance communication strategies in their organizations. This research also contributes by highlighting how grey systems theory can be extremely useful for conducting decision-making analyses in the context of startups, which is characterized by uncertainty and imprecise information.
Consumer perceptions of a secondary ticket market: the case of StubHub and major league baseball
Authors: Mondt Ali B. , Lee Yohan , Shapiro Stephen L. , Morse Alan
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine how the partnership between StubHub and MLB affected consumers' perceptions of StubHub. The case of StubHub and MLB was selected based on their partnership history and the reputation of StubHub.

Design/methodology/approach

A Qualtrics survey panel was used to collect the survey data. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the relationships between sponsor congruence, brand equity and purchase intention.

Findings

Sponsor congruence plays a significant role in consumers' perceived quality of StubHub. Additionally, brand equity significantly influenced purchase intention. More specifically, brand loyalty was the strongest indicator of intent to purchase tickets from StubHub. Brand loyalty and perceived quality indirectly affected the relationship between sponsor congruence and consumers' purchase intentions of StubHub.

Originality/value

Sponsor congruence between secondary ticket markets and sport leagues can provide a competitive advantage, helping create revenue generation and leverage for partnerships. Perceived quality can help facilitate this relationship and increase revenue generation.
Evaluating the technical efficiency of Saudi Arabian telecommunications companies using window DEA and AHP techniques
Authors: Abdel-Halim Amr , Al Khars Mohammed , Alnasser Ahmad
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of the three telecommunications companies in Saudi Arabia: Saudi Telecom Company (STC), Mobily and Zain over the period of 2010–2019. This evaluation is a step toward improving the performance of the Saudi telecommunications sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Three multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques were used to calculate technical efficiency. These techniques include the traditional data envelopment analysis (DEA), window DEA and analytical hierarchy process (AHP). The three inputs used were total assets, operating expenses and capital expenditures, whereas the two outputs were sales revenue and total stockholders’ equity.

Findings

STC was ranked first using the three techniques, followed by Zain, and then Mobily. According to the DEA window analysis, these three companies were all efficient only in 2012. The efficiency was high in the initial years, 2010–2013, when it was above 0.90, and it dropped below 0.90 in the subsequent years, 2014–2019. In addition, the efficiency of STC remained high, with an average of 0.990. However, the average efficiencies of Zain and Mobily during this period were 0.807 and 0.804, respectively.

Originality/value

This is the first study to use the three MCDM techniques to evaluate the performance of telecommunications providers. The results show that window DEA is better than the other two techniques at evaluating performance over time, as it has a higher discrimination power than either the traditional DEA or AHP.
The use and perceived usefulness of public sector financial statements by politicians – evidence from Croatia
Authors: Pajković Ivana , Botica Redmayne Nives , Vašiček Vesna
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study analyses to what extent politicians use public sector entities' financial statements along with the politicians' perceptions of the usefulness of such statements in the politicians' decision-making. The authors analyze financial statements' use and usefulness when the statements are prepared on a modified accrual basis and in the setting where there is the intention of full accrual accounting adoption. In addition, this study provides information about the use of the individual components of financial statements and investigates the reasons why the statements may not be used.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted using a questionnaire. The authors surveyed politicians that are members of Croatian public sector bodies. To conduct this research, the politicians were contacted by telephone over the period from February to April 2022.

Findings

The findings of this study are of potential interest to researchers, regulators and policy makers. The findings show that most politicians use financial statements, but the politicians' perception of the statements' usefulness when the statements are prepared on a modified accrual accounting basis is greater than the politicians' actual use of the statements. The findings also show that in the process of making decisions, politicians use the selected financial statements that contain information of interest to the politicians; that the politicians tend to gravitate to the use of reports on revenue, expenses, receipts and expenditure prepared on modified accrual bases which are closer to budgetary reporting; that the politicians use the information that supports the politicians' sphere of responsibility as enforced by legislation.

Originality/value

This study provides insights into the use and usefulness of financial statements in public sector setting where modified accrual accounting is used to prepare the statements and reports. This study provides additional evidence on the significance of legal setting to the financial reporting in public sector.
Is MyPertamina a solution or problem maker? Developing customer trust to answer
Authors: Riofita Hendra
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to develop customer trust through information quality, customer awareness, and perceived value. This study is motivated by the hustle and bustle occurred as the result of the socialization of MyPertamina, a digital payment service for subsidized fuel customers in 11 areas of 4 provinces in Indonesia. The hustle and bustle can be viewed as customer distrust of MyPertamina. However, customer trust is a business success key. Is MyPertamina a solution or problem maker for customers to buy subsidized fuel?

Design/methodology/approach

The design of this study is survey. Primary data are collected through questionnaires sent to subsidized fuel customers in the socialization areas of MyPertamina. The data are processed using SPSS and Amos programs.

Findings

PV, IQ and CA, respectively, can develop CT on MyPertamina. Although the PV cannot strengthen the effect of CA on CT, the construct can strengthen the effect of IQ on CT.

Practical implications

Indonesian Government via Pertamina, a state-owned enterprise, must develop CT through IQ, CA and PV to succeed the application of MyPertamina.

Originality/value

This study develops IQ, CA and PV based on technology acceptance model and theory of reasoned action to develop CT on MyPertamina.
Partnership attributes and partnership success in
accounting firms: a conceptual perspective and further
directions
Authors: Antwi-Situ Kwabena , Koomson Samuel
Published: October 2023

Purpose

More complexity, less freedom, distrust and a lack of information seem to
pose threats to the success of partner relationships in accounting firms, as
approximately 70% of business partnerships fail globally, undermining
SDG 17. The low competitive intensity in this industry seems not to help the
current situation. Yet, the existing strategic alliance (SA) literature have
been somewhat sluggish in adequately addressing how partnership attributes
(PAs) affect partnership success (PS) and how brand competition (BC) impacts
this relationship. In response, this conceptual work addresses the impact of
PAs on PS in accounting firms. It further explores the BC conditions under
which the PAs–PS connection may be intensified.

Design/methodology/approach

Incorporating theories and empirics on six distinct topics, this study
presents a conceptual model and ten hypotheses that are worth testing in
future research.

Findings

This research finds that PAs will be favourably linked to PS, and this
favourable association will be positively moderated by BC such that the
PAs–PS connection will be more pronounced if BC within the accounting
industry is high than low.

Research
limitations/implications

Further research is needed to empirically test the suppositions made. Also,
they could extend the proposed framework to cover other moderators like
technological turbulence, market dynamism and government regulation.

Practical implications

Practical lessons for governments, shareholders, chief executive officers,
consultants and other industry players, particularly those who are
interested in the success of accounting partnership firms, are
deliberated.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates how PAs and BC interact to foster PS. It also
provides a baseline information for upcoming researchers to investigate
other external factors under which the PAs–PS connection may be
improved.
Systematic child abuse incidents in a children’s residential home in Hong Kong: regulatory and criminal law reform proposals
Authors: Chui Wing-hong , Kao Henry , Wong Aaron H.L.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The paper aims to recommend legal and regulatory reforms to better prevent child abuse in childcare institutions in Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

A summary of investigation report and news reports are referred to in describing the abuse incidents which occurred in a children’s residential home. Routine Activity Theory (RAT) is used as the framework for identifying the causes. Local and overseas legislation, regulations, case law, and policies are analysed to provide recommendations for reforms.

Findings

There are systematic failures such as workload issues, inadequate supervision, and the absence of continuing professional development (CPD) that contributed to the incidents. The regulations governing the operation of childcare centres and criminal laws against child abuse are long overdue for an update in Hong Kong. On the institutional side, this paper recommends enacting regulations that mandate CPD, lower the staff-to-child ratio, and strengthen the Social Welfare Department’s (SWD) supervisory powers over childcare centres. From the criminal law perspective, it is recommended that “reasonable chastisement” be abolished as a defence of corporal punishment, and that there be new offences for failure to report suspected child abuse incidents and causing or allowing the death/serious harm of a child.

Originality/value

The child abuse incidents, occurring in a childcare institution, have drawn wide public concern. Reform is required to protect vulnerable children and regain public confidence.
Trends in oncology drug lags in Japan from 2001 to 2020: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Maeda Hideki , Hara Asuka , Ofuchi Momoka , Shingai Riko , Misumi Toshihiro , Murai Yuna
Published: October 2023

Anticancer drugs are essential in the treatment of serious diseases, but their applications are limited by drug lags. This study investigated the characteristics of anticancer drugs approved in Japan over the past 20 years and compared the drug lag trends between Japan and the US. We assessed the changes in drug lag between Japan and the US and the factors affecting the drug lags using publicly available data for anticancer drugs approved in Japan from January 2001 to December 2020. A total of 299 anticancer drugs were approved in Japan in the last 20 years. The approval lag median between the US and Japan was 498 days (16.6 months), peaking in 2002, and decreasing annually thereafter. The minimum approval lag was 173.5 days (5.7 months) in 2018. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that “global simultaneous strategy,” “catch‐up strategy,” and “immunotherapy” are major factors shortening the drug lag. In the past decade, 226 anticancer drugs were approved in Japan. The drug lag for anticancer drugs between Japan and the US peaked in 2002, after which it declined sharply to less than a year. However, the lag was shortest in 2018.
Management of psoriatic arthritis by dermatologists – a German nationwide survey
Authors: König Anke , Hofmann Matthias , Kaufmann Roland , Müller‐Stahl Jutta , Pinter Andreas
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) warrants early diagnosis and treatment for optimal results. This study aimed to elucidate routine monitoring activities for PsA with concurrent psoriasis (PsO) by dermatologists to gather data on how conditions for optimal treatment are ensured.

Patients and Methods

This non‐interventional, prospective, epidemiological, cross‐sectional study (2016–2019) included patients with confirmed PsA from dermatologists. Descriptive statistics were conducted for center and patient characteristics as well as for data of PsA monitoring and treatment stratified by different center types.

Results

212 patients from 34 office‐based physicians, five non‐university hospitals, and nine university hospitals were included. The majority of the PsA patients were diagnosed by a rheumatologist (> 55% in each center type) at an early or intermediate stage (> 59%). Treatment was initiated most frequently by a dermatologist (office‐based physicians: 69.6%, hospitals: 60.9%, university hospitals: 82.9%). Patients were treated with biologics more frequently in university hospitals (single therapy: 43.9%, in combination with systemic therapy: 26.8%) compared to private practices (single: 44.6%, combination: 13.5%) and non‐university hospitals (single: 34.8%, combination: 8.7%).

Conclusions

As PsA diagnosis was performed most frequently by rheumatologists whereas treatment was primarily initiated by dermatologists, an optimal collaboration between these specialists is crucial.
Heart failure classifications via non‐invasive pressure volume loops from echocardiography
Authors: Liu Xiaoli , Chen Xu , Xia Shaoyan , Yang Feifei , Zhu Haogang , He Kunlun
Published: October 2023

Background

Left ventricular pressure‐volume (LV‐PV) loops provide comprehensive characterization of cardiovascular system in both health and disease, which are the essential element of the hemodynamic evaluation of heart failure (HF). This study attempts to achieve more detailed HF classifications by non‐invasive LV‐PV loops from echocardiography and analyzes contribution of parameters to HF classifications.

Methods

Firstly, non‐invasive PV loops are established by time‐varying elastance model where LV volume curves were extracted from apical‐four‐chambers view of echocardiographic videos. Then, 16 parameters related to cardiac structure and functions are automatically acquired from PV loops. Next, we applied six machine learning (ML) methods to divide four categories. On this premise, we choose the best performing classifier among machine learning approaches for feature ranking. Finally, we compare the contributions of different parameters to HF classifications.

Results

By the experimental, the PV loops were successfully acquired in 1076 cases. When single left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is used for HF classifications, the accuracy of the model is 91.67%. When added parameters extracted from ML‐derived LV‐PV loops, the classification accuracy is 96.57%, which improved by 5.1%. Especially, our parameters have a great improvement in the classification of non‐HF controls and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Conclusions

We successfully presented the classification of HF by machine derived non‐invasive LV‐PV loops, which has the potential to improve the diagnosis and management of heart failure in clinic. Moreover, ventriculo‐arterial (VA) coupling and ventricular efficiency were demonstrated important factors for ML‐based HF classification model besides LVEF.
The effect of teach‐back versus pictorial image educational methods on knowledge of renal dietary restrictions in elderly hemodialysis patients with low baseline health literacy
Authors: Mozafari Mohammad Sadegh , Besharati Fereshteh , Pourghane Parand , Gholami‐Chaboki Bahareh
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Adherence to renal dietary restrictions is an important method for minimizing complications in dialysis patients. This study aimed to investigate the effect of teach‐back versus pictorial image educational methods on knowledge of renal dietary restrictions among elderly hemodialysis patients in Iran. Selected markers of diet and kidney function were also measured.

Methods

Sixty‐nine elderly hemodialysis patients with a low level of health literacy were randomly divided into three groups: pictorial image education, teach‐back education, and usual care (controls). The intervention groups received diet education comprising four 20–30 min sessions. Subsequently, nutrition knowledge was assessed in each of the three groups by questionnaire before and 2 months after the intervention. Blood laboratory indices were obtained from the patients' medical records and compared before and 2 months after the educational intervention.

Findings

There were significant differences in the mean nutritional knowledge scores between the two intervention groups and the controls (p < 0.001). Nutrition knowledge scores were higher after educational sessions incorporating images compared to those using a teach‐back strategy.

Discussion

Nutrition educational strategies utilizing either pictorial images or teach‐back techniques increased knowledge relating to renal nutrition.
Whither Parity? The Need for a Comprehensive Curriculum in Human‐Environment Geography
Authors: Yarnal Brent , Neff Rob
Published: October 2023

If human‐environment geography is central to the discipline, then human‐environment courses should be a sizable segment of the undergraduate curriculum. Undergraduate educational offerings are inadequate, however, meaning that geography departments are shortchanging their majors, missing opportunities to attract and inform the general student body, and failing to meet the needs of future K–12 educators. Unless geography provides satisfactory human‐environment education, it will likely have much less impact on twenty‐first‐century environmental science.
Developmental pathways in youth anxiety disorders: potential mechanisms for (mal)adapting to crises and improving treatment – a commentary on Klein et al. (2023)
Authors: Roesmann Kati , Asbrand Julia
Published: October 2023

The ability to cope with threats is crucial in today's troubling times, especially for young people who are still developing coping mechanisms. Psychopathology and the development of anxiety disorders can be viewed as a failure to adapt to changing demands. We draw on a study by Klein et al. (Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 2023), which showed that anxious youths exhibited stronger conditioned fear responses and, during delayed extinction learning, greater electrocortical differences between threat and safety stimuli. Interestingly, these signatures of learning processes were also associated with treatment outcomes. We argue for developmentally sensitive research: Individual learning and associated cognitive‐affective changes are strongly age‐dependent and represent the key mechanism for both anxiety development and treatment. They also interact with social and environmental factors. Based on the call for age‐ and context‐sensitive research, future research should focus on establishing reliable risk profiles that consider a variety of factors to enable evidence‐based, individualized treatment decisions.
Long‐term safety and efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitor use in older east Asians with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Takahashi Yoshihiro , Seino Yutaka , Yabe Daisuke
Published: October 2023

Sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) have been shown in cardiovascular outcome trials to reduce the risk of heart failure and major adverse cardiovascular as well as renal events in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Moreover, clinical evidence indicates that SGLT2i use reduces heart failure and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in east Asian patients with type 2 diabetes. Thus, SGLT2is might seem to be the preferred treatment for older patients with type 2 diabetes even in the presence of multiple comorbidities. However, older patients with type 2 diabetes may well have impaired physiological function, making the risk of certain adverse events higher than that in the general population. While a randomized clinical trial has been conducted to evaluate changes in skeletal muscle mass and function as well as those in cognitive function with SGLT2i use in older Japanese individuals with type 2 diabetes who are otherwise healthy, the safety of SGLT2is remains to be established among older individuals with type 2 diabetes also having impaired activity of daily living and/or cognitive impairment. Even so, international and domestic consensus reports recommend SGLT2is for patients with type 2 diabetes and heart failure, CKD, and/or cardiovascular diseases, and SGLT2is are being widely prescribed by general practitioners to older individuals with type 2 diabetes with little regard to the patient's comorbidities. We maintain that SGLT2i use in older patients with type 2 diabetes should be prescribed cautiously in consideration of the pathophysiology of the disease and the presence of complications and comorbidities as well as the individual's lifestyle.
The journey of patients with skin diseases from the first consultation to the diagnosis in a representative sample of the European general population from the EADV burden of skin diseases study
Authors: Richard Marie Aleth , Paul Carle , Nijsten Tamar , Gisondi Paolo , Salavastru Carmen , Taieb Charles , Stratigos Alex , Trakatelli Myrto , Puig Luis ,   the EADV Burden of Skin Diseases Project Team
Published: October 2023

Background

The journey of patients with skin diseases through healthcare has been scarcely investigated.

Objective

To analyse the journey of people with skin diseases in the different healthcare environment in Europe.

Methods

This multinational, cross‐sectional, European study was conducted on a representative sample of the adult general population of 27 European countries. The prevalence of the most frequent skin diseases was determined. Information was collected on the patient journey from the first medical consultation to the diagnosis, and the reasons for not consulting a healthcare professional.

Results

On a total of 44,689 individuals, 30.3% reported to have consulted a dermatologist during the previous 2 years. Participants consulted mainly for mole control or skin cancer screening (22.3%), followed by chronic skin diseases (16.2%). The diagnoses of acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and rosacea were made most frequently by a dermatologist, while fungal skin infections were diagnosed more often by a general practitioner (GP), and sexually transmitted diseases (STD) by other specialists. The diagnosis was not always definitive at the first consultation, in particular for STD. The percentage of people who did not consult a healthcare professional for their skin disease was particularly high for acne (36.4%), alopecia (44.7%) and fungal infection (30.0%). Moreover, 17.7% of respondents with psoriasis did not consult. A high percentage of participants with alopecia thought that the disease was not worrying, while patients with psoriasis often answered that they were able to manage the disease since they had already consulted a doctor. Many patients with acne (41.1%) and fungal infection (48.2%) thought that they were able to handle the disease by themselves.

Conclusion

The analysis of the self‐reported medical journey of patients with common skin diseases may allow to understand the unmet needs of patients, thus improving outcomes and reducing expenses.
Seller Compound Search for Bidders*
Authors: Lee Joosung , Li Daniel Z.
Published: October 2023

This article studies a seller's compound search for bidders by a deadline. We show that the optimal search outcomes can be implemented by a sequence of second‐price auctions, characterized by declining reserve prices and increasing search intensities (sample sizes) over time. The monotonicity results are robust in both cases of short‐lived and long‐lived bidders. Furthermore, a seller with short‐lived bidders sets lower reserve prices and searches more intensively than one with long‐lived bidders. We also show that the inefficiency of an optimal search auction can stem from its inefficient search rule.
Optimal law enforcement when individuals are either moral or norm followers
Authors: Fluet Claude , Friehe Tim
Published: October 2023

Moral rules and social norms influence whether individuals break the law. We characterize optimal law enforcement when some individuals obey internalized moral rules and implement social norms for other individuals who prefer to comply with them. Moral individuals and norm followers are linked via the endogenous social norm and this induces the social planner to create an expected sanction for norm setters that is higher than without the link. The optimal expected sanction for moral individuals is higher than the one for norm followers if the moral rule is weak but the reverse ranking is true when it is strong.