bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indications for surgical resection of complicated infantile hemangiomas in the β-blocker’s era: a single-institution experience from a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Beqo Besiana P. , Gasparella Paolo , Flucher Christina , Spendel Stephan , Quehenberger Franz , Haxhija Emir Q.
Published: March 2023

Background and Objectives:

This study aims to review how the introduction of propranolol as the primary treatment option for children with infantile hemangiomas (IHs) has affected the use of other treatment options at our institution and to determine the indications for surgical treatment of children with IHs in the propranolol era.

Patients and Methods:

The authors conducted a single-center, noncompeting, historical/retrospective cohort study to review all cases referred to the institution for IH evaluation from 2005 to 2020. The authors analyzed the complete charts of patients who received surgery from 2011 to 2020 and evaluated the reasons for each surgical intervention. Detailed descriptive statistics are provided. Logistic regression analysis and Pearson’sχ2-test were applied.

Results:

During the study period, 592 children received treatment. From 2011, oral propranolol (n=268; 74%) and surgery (n=95; 26%) were the only treatments of choice for complicated IH cases. A significant decrease in the frequency of surgical treatment was observed (P=0.01). The authors identified four main indications for surgical treatment: (1) patients with ulceration and IH size appropriate for surgical resection (15%); (2) patients whose parents preferred surgical treatment (19%); (3) patients who presented late and underwent surgery before the age of three (29%); and (4) patients with sequelae after IH involution and excision after the third year of life (37%).

Conclusions:

Despite the significant decrease in the need for surgical treatment of children with IHs since the introduction of propranolol, there are still several clear indications for treating IH cases where surgery plays a crucial role.
Current evidence for dietary therapies in irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Rej Anupam , Penny Hugo A.
Published: March 2023

Purpose of review

Diet appears to trigger symptoms in the majority of individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and is associated with a reduced quality of life. There has been a recent focus on the role of dietary therapies to manage individuals with IBS. The aim of this review is to discuss the utility of traditional dietary advice (TDA), low-FODMAP diet (LFD) and gluten-free diet (GFD) in IBS.

Recent findings

Several recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been published demonstrating the efficacy of the LFD and GFD in IBS, with the evidence base for TDA being predominantly based on clinical experience, with emerging RCTs evaluating TDA. Only one RCT has been published to date comparing TDA, LFD and GFD head to head, with no difference noted between diets in terms of efficacy. However, TDA has been noted to be more patient-friendly and is commonly implemented as a first-line dietary therapy.

Dietary therapies have been demonstrated to improve symptoms in patients with IBS. In view of insufficient evidence to recommend one diet over another currently, specialist dietetic input in conjunction with patient preference is required to determine implementation of dietary therapies. Novel methods of dietetic delivery are required in view of the lack of dietetic provision to deliver these therapies.
Consideration of Factitious Disorder in Management of Patients With Autoinflammatory Disease
Authors: Reinfeld Samuel , Sfreddo Hannah J. , Yao Qingping , Chacko Mason
Published: March 2023

Factitious disorder, a disorder characterized by the falsification of symptoms to obtain primary gain, continues to be one of the more challenging cases that psychiatrists encounter. We describe a case of a woman we treated on the medical unit who falsified several of her symptoms but also was diagnosed with Yao syndrome, a disease that can also cause unexplained symptoms such as abdominal pain and fever. We navigate the difficulties in managing this type of patient and comanaging her with medicine and rheumatology. Although the prevalence of factitious disorder is anywhere from 1% to 2% of patients on the medical floor, they typically utilize a disproportionate number of resources. Despite this, the literature is still inconclusive when it comes to the management and treatment approaches. More study is warranted on this complex and burdensome illness.
Can Cotard Syndrome Be Induced?
Authors: Stip Emmanuel , AlAhbabi Mohammed , Arnone Danilo , Abdel Aziz Karim , Amiri Leena , Javaid Syed Fahad
Published: March 2023

Cotard syndrome is a rare condition characterized by delusions ranging from a belief that one has lost organs to insisting that one has lost one's soul or is dead. This is the report a case of a 45-year-old man who was comatose after an attempted suicide. This was initially diagnosed as brain death and use of his organs for transplantation was actively considered. However, he awakened days later with new-onset Cotard syndrome. It remains difficult to know the link, unconscious or conscious, between this patient's delusions and the fleeting intention of doctors who intended to transplant his organs. This is the first description of a coincidence between delusional denial of an organ and the potential medico-surgical act of having an organ removed. This case is an opportunity to revisit the philosophical concepts of negation and nihilism. A multidisciplinary reflection is needed to give meaning to other clinical presentations.
Systematic Review of Interventions for Demoralization in Patients With Cancer
Authors: Wang Yuejuan , Sun Haichao , Ji Qiaoying , Wei Jinrong , Zhu Pingting
Published: March 2023

Demoralization as cancer-related mental health needs to be understood and addressed by clinical staff. This review systematically examined the characteristics and outcomes of interventions for demoralization in patients with cancer. Seven databases—PubMed, PsycINFO, Cinahl, Embase, Web of Science, Medline, and Cochrane Library Databases of Systematic Reviews—were systematically searched for relevant literature. We included intervention studies focusing on interventions for demoralization in patients with cancer. We ultimately included 14 studies. Overall, 10 studies had a positive effect on improving demoralization in patients with cancer, including two main types of interventions: psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy and psychological interventions. This review summarizes information on interventions for demoralization in patients with cancer. To provide precise care for demoralization in patients with cancer, future studies should use more rigorous methods to test interventions that may affect demoralization.
The Importance of Sociocultural Factors for Understanding and Managing Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder
Authors: Ait Souabni Sara , Prasad Sakshi , Ahmed Faiza , Belhaddad El Habib
Published: March 2023

Although potentially disabling for couples, genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPP/PD) is still not well understood. In Muslim countries, this condition reaches high levels, which could be because of the traditional social background. In this study, we aimed to identify the sociocultural determinants leading to GPP/PD in countries in the Middle East/North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and Turkey and to discuss the implications on management.

This systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies was conducted on three databases: Medline, Embase, and Google Scholar. The review includes all-time articles that examined the sociocultural factors related to GPP/PD in Muslim societies. The majority of the couples had poor sexual education despite their high educational level. They often visited traditional healers, general practitioners, and gynecologists before being referred to sexologists. With adequate treatment, the majority could achieve penetration rapidly.

Muslim countries show high levels of PD, which might be due to their strict religious background. The latter should be integrated into the management for better results.
Ambition and Its Psychopathologies
Authors: Yager Joel , Kay Jerald
Published: March 2023

Ambition is a uniquely human, complex personality trait. Although the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition mentions ambition only once, in a peripheral comment concerning narcissistic personality disorder, psychopathological states associated with ambition are commonly encountered in everyday life. Ambition has been linked to narcissism, power, and dominance, but it is distinct from each of these concepts. Although the development of ambition is most strongly influenced by social, cultural, and demographic factors, evidence suggests that genetic and biological factors also contribute.

This article describes how ambition-related psychopathologies can manifest as 1) misalignment of ambitions and capabilities; 2) “blind ambition”; 3) distortions associated with bipolar and other mood disorders; 4) amalgams of ambition with Machiavellian traits, psychopathy, narcissism, and sadism (i.e., dark triad/tetrad traits); and 5) amotivation/apathy syndrome deficits associated with general medical and psychiatric conditions.

The field requires more robust measures for assessing ambition, further delineation of ambition-related psychopathologies, and effective treatments for these conditions.
Comparing Predictive Ability of Two Objective Adherence Measures in a Community-Based Cohort on Antiretroviral Therapy in South Africa: Tenofovir Diphosphate Concentrations and Electronic Adherence Monitors
Authors: Jennings Lauren , Ferraris Christopher M. , Castillo-Mancilla Jose R. , Robbins Reuben N. , Nguyen Nadia , Leu Cheng-Shiun , Dolezal Curtis , Hsiao Nei-yuan , Mgbako Ofole , Joska John , Myer Landon , Anderson Peter L. , Remien Robert H. , Orrell Catherine ,   for the ADD-ART team
Published: March 2023

Background:

Electronic adherence (EA) and tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) in dried blood spots (DBS) are objective measures of antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. We characterized the association between these measures in a prospective cohort of persons with HIV (PWH) on ART.

Setting:

Four primary health clinics in Cape Town, South Africa.

Methods:

We enrolled 250 virally suppressed PWH receiving tenofovir-based ART. We collected EA data, monthly viral load, and TFV-DP in DBS for 12 months. We used logistic regression to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for future viral breakthrough (VB) (>400 copies/mL) for each adherence measure. Receiver operating characteristics (ROCs) provided the predictive power of these measures.

Results:

Participants had a median (IQR) age of 34 (27–42); 78% were women. Twenty-one (8%) developed VB. Logistic regression showed that when percent EA and TFV-DP concentrations increased, the odds of VB decreased. This relationship was consistent at the time of VB (aOR of 0.41 [95% CI: 0.25 to 0.66] for TFV-DP and aOR of 0.64 [95% CI: 0.54 to 0.76] for EA) and for up to 2 months before VB. Both adherence measures predicted future VB at both 1 month and 2 months before viral load measurement.

Conclusion:

We established that 2 objective adherence measures, EA and TFV-DP in DBS, have a positive association with, and are both strongly predictive of, VB in a community-based South African cohort on ART. Future research is needed to determine the feasibility of implementing these adherence measures in resource-limited settings to facilitate adherence interventions.
Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Prostate Shown on FAPI PET/CT
Authors: Yang Tianshuo , Zhu Ronghua , Guo Zhongying , Niu Xiaobing , Tao Weijing
Published: March 2023

Solitary fibrous tumors are fibroblast tumors that occur mainly in the peritoneum, extremities, and pleura. Here, we report the MRI, FDG PET/CT, and FAPI PET/CT findings of a rare prostate solitary fibrous tumor. A 57-year-old man was pathologically diagnosed with a solitary fibrous tumor. To detect any systemic metastases or other primary lesions, the patient underwent FDG PET/CT and FAPI PET/CT examination sequentially. Mild FDG uptake was observed in the primary prostatic lesion, but there was a significant uptake of FAPI in the prostate. This case highlighted that FAPI PET/CT may outperform FDG PET/CT in identifying solitary fibrous tumors.
The Efficacy of Anterior Capsulotomy and Basal Capsulectomy Adherent to Expanded Scalp Flap During Alopecia Reconstruction in Pediatric Burned Patients
Authors: AboShaban Mohammed Saad , Ghareeb Fouad Mohammed , Alkashty Sherif Mohamed
Published: March 2023

Background

Scalp expansion is an optimal treatment for alopecia resulting from burn injuries, especially in the pediatric population through providing highly vascularized adjacent local tissues with optimal hair density, color matching, texture, and hair-bearing characteristics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of anterior capsulotomy and basal capsulectomy adherent to expanded scalp flap during alopecia reconstruction with scalp expansion in pediatric burned patients.

Methods

The study was conducted on 127 patients with an age range of 5 to 19 years who presented with postburn alopecia accompanied by hairline loss. The patients were divided into 2 groups: group I consisted of 58 patients who were operated on using conventional technique, and group II consisted of 69 patients who were operated using modified technique including basal capsulectomy on the skull side and anterior capsulotomy on the expanded scalp flap.

Results

The Hairdex, a validated questionnaire of Hair-Specific Health-Related Quality of Life measures, showed that percentage of satisfaction concerning outcomes was 91.50%, psychological well-being was 95%, and self-confidence was 84.30% in group II, compared with 63%, 55.70%, and 66.20%, respectively, in group I. This significant values had a great positive effect on patient satisfaction, changing child's behavior and self-confidence.

Conclusion

Although physiological background of tissue expansion is the same, proper flap design with anterior capsulotomy on flap undersurface and basal capsulectomy on the skull side improve results of the traditional method significantly and minimize the complication rate. These surgical modifications provide maximum benefits from expanded tissue, with restoration of the hairline and a uniform hair direction.

Level of Evidence

Level III, case-control study.
Patient-Specific Facial Implants in Polyetheretherketone and Their Stability
Authors: Saponaro Gianmarco , Todaro Mattia , Barbera Giorgio , Scivoletto Giulia , Foresta Enrico , Gasparini Giulio , Moro Alessandro
Published: March 2023

Background

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a synthetic material with many favorable characteristics; PEEK implants are increasingly used for a variety of applications ranging from cranioplasty to orthopedic surgery and facial implants.

Methods

This study is a retrospective review of patients who underwent PEEK implant placement in our department over the last 5 years. Polyetheretherketone computer-aided design and manufacture facial implants were designed from high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scans of each patient. The implants placed were onlay implants used for facial rehabilitation purposes to correct malformative and posttraumatic malformations.

Results

Twenty-eight consecutive patients (11 males and 17 females) underwent PEEK implant positioning between January 2015 and December 2020. Common indications were anterior plagiocephaly, hemifacial microsomia, and residual facial imbalance after orthognathic surgery. No complications of implant breakdown, exposure, infection, or displacement were noticed during the follow-up period. During routine controls on 3 patients, we requested a craniomaxillofacial CT scan for reasons unrelated to the implanted prostheses. The CT scans were all high resolution (<1-mm slices). The CT images indicated that bone was starting to form around the implant in all 3 patients as well as in the penetrating holes that were planned in the implants.

Conclusions

In our experience, computer-designed, patient-specific PEEK onlay implants are a valid option for the treatment of malformative and posttraumatic malformations. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first clinical report on bone reaction to PEEK implantation in the maxillofacial field. Moreover, based on the signs of bone regrowth that we observed in CT controls we can presume that the design of this type of prosthesis can probably take advantage of some technical stratagems not yet codified and fully exploited. Despite our preliminary favorable results, further multicentric and comparative studies are necessary to evaluate outcomes and better understand the behavior of this promising material and thus optimize its use in craniomaxillofacial surgery.
The illusion of personal health decisions for infectious disease management: disease spread in social contact networks
Authors: Michalska-Smith Matthew , Enns Eva A. , White Lauren A. , Gilbertson Marie L. J. , Craft Meggan E.
Published: March 2023

Close contacts between individuals provide opportunities for the transmission of diseases, including COVID-19. While individuals take part in many different types of interactions, including those with classmates, co-workers and household members, it is the conglomeration of all of these interactions that produces the complex social contact network interconnecting individuals across the population. Thus, while an individual might decide their own risk tolerance in response to a threat of infection, the consequences of such decisions are rarely so confined, propagating far beyond any one person. We assess the effect of different population-level risk-tolerance regimes, population structure in the form of age and household-size distributions, and different interaction types on epidemic spread in plausible human contact networks to gain insight into how contact network structure affects pathogen spread through a population. In particular, we find that behavioural changes by vulnerable individuals in isolation are insufficient to reduce those individuals’ infection risk and that population structure can have varied and counteracting effects on epidemic outcomes. The relative impact of each interaction type was contingent on assumptions underlying contact network construction, stressing the importance of empirical validation. Taken together, these results promote a nuanced understanding of disease spread on contact networks, with implications for public health strategies.
AnimalGAN: A Generative Adversarial Network Model Alternative to Animal Studies for Clinical Pathology Assessment
Authors: Chen Xi , Roberts Ruth , Liu Zhichao , Tong Weida
Published: March 2023

Animal studies are unavoidable in evaluating chemical and drug safety. Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) can generate synthetic animal data by learning from the legacy animal study results, thus serving as an alternative approach to assess untested chemicals. AnimalGAN, a GAN method to simulate 38 rat clinical pathology measures, was developed with significant robustness even for the drugs that vary significantly from these used during training, both in terms of chemical structure, drug class, and the year of FDA approval. AnimalGAN showed a comparable performance in hepatotoxicity assessment as animal studies and outperformed the optimal prediction of 12 traditional regression approaches for almost all clinical pathology measures. Using AnimalGAN, a virtual experiment of 100,000 rats ranked hepatotoxicity of three similar drugs that correlated with the findings in human population. AnimalGAN represented a significant step with artificial intelligence towards the global effort in replacement, reduction, and refinement (3Rs) of animal use.
Do circular economy practices moderate the wine tourism–green performance relationship? A structural analysis applied to the Spanish wine industry
Authors: Martínez-Falcó Javier , Marco-Lajara Bartolomé , Zaragoza-Sáez Patrocinio del Carmen , Millan-Tudela Luis A.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The research focuses on analysing the effect of wine tourism (WT) on the green performance (GP) of Spanish wineries, as well as the mediating role of green intellectual capital (GIC) and the moderating effect of circular economy practices (CEPs) developed by wineries in this main relationship. In addition, age, size and protected designation of origin (PDO) membership are introduced as control variables to increase the precision of the cause–effect relationships analysed.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model is proposed through the literature review carried out and then verified through structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) based on data obtained from a survey of 202 Spanish wineries between September 2021 and January 2022.

Findings

The results of the study show that WT activity has a positive and significant effect on the GP of wineries, also demonstrating the mediating effect of GIC and the moderating role of CEPs in this relationship.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the academic literature in several ways. First, to the best of our knowledge, no previous study has addressed the impact of WT on the set of wineries' ecological intangibles. Second, to the authors’ knowledge, no previous study has analysed the mediating effect of GIC on the WT-GP relationship. Third, there is no previous attempt to deal with the moderating role of CEPs in the main relationship under analysis. Fourth, the proposed theoretical model has not been previously addressed in the academic literature.
Symmetric and asymmetric frequency-domain causality between tourism demand and exchange rates in Türkiye: a regional comparison
Authors: Canbay Şerif , Coşkun İnci Oya , Kırca Mustafa
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study investigates if the causal relationships between the exchange rates and selected inbound markets’ tourism demand are temporary or permanent, and compares market reactions in Türkiye.

Design/methodology/approach

Tourism demand is examined with a regional approach, focusing on the geographical markets, namely Europe, Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) members and Asian countries, as the top inbound tourism markets, in addition to the total number of inbound tourists to Türkiye. Granger, frequency-domain causality, asymmetric Toda–Yamamoto, and asymmetric frequency-domain causality tests were employed to investigate and compare markets on exchange rate–tourism demand relationship for 2008M01-2020M02.

Findings

The results indicate that exchange rates affect European tourism demand both in the short and long run. The meaning of this Frequency Domain Causality (FDC) analysis finding shows that the exchange rate has both permanent and temporary effects on European tourists. The relationships are statistically insignificant for CIS members and Asian countries. The exchange rates also permanently affect total inbound tourism demand, but the independent variable has no short-run (temporary) effects on total demand. Asymmetric causality tests confirmed a permanent causality relationship from the positive and negative components of exchange rates to the positive and negative components of European and total tourism demand.

Originality/value

The Granger causality test provides information on the presence of a causal relation, while the FDC test, an extended version of Granger causality, enlightens the short- (temporary) and long-run (permanent) relationships and allows for analyzing the duration of the impact. In addition, asymmetric causality relationships are also investigated in the study. Besides, this study is the first in the literature to examine the relationship between tourism demand and the exchange rate regionally (continentally) for Türkiye.
The determinants of financial technology adoption amongst Malaysian waqf institutions
Authors: Zakariyah Habeebullah , Salaudeen Adnan Opeyemi , Othman Anwar Hasan Abdullah , Rosman Romzie
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The popularity of financial technology (fintech) is rising in society due to fintech's direct benefits to users. This digital-based approach is one of the outputs of the Industrial Revolution 4.0, which transformed the path of human history and resulted in the development of digital transformation strategy innovation, more commonly referred to as digitalisation. Previous literature has predicted that integrating fintech into waqf management will facilitate fintech's growth and expand waqf outreach in Malaysia. Therefore, this paper aims to examine the impact of “Industry 4.0” on the expansion of fintech into cash waqf in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses Rogers' (2003) diffusion of innovation (DOI) model. In addition, a quantitative approach based on structural equation modelling (SEM) was utilised to analyse the relationship between awareness, knowledge, relative advantage, social norms, perceived trust and fintech adoption in waqf institutions by using the tool Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) version 23.0 with maximum likelihood estimation.

Findings

The overall indicate that perceived trust and social norms significantly influence the adoption of fintech by Malaysian waqf. At the same time, other factors such as awareness, relative advantage and knowledge do not appear to significantly influence the adoption of fintech amongst Malaysian waqf institutions.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes significantly to the current literature concerning the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the wave of technologies. In addition, this study supports relevant theories, including DOI and other technology adoption theories. Aside from this, the study provides empirical contributions to waqf management regarding collecting and distributing waqf, improving the level of regulation of the waqf institutions and enhancing trust between donors, waqf management and beneficiaries. This study is amongst the first in the area of waqf that focus on Malaysian waqf intitutions.

Originality/value

This is important for policy development to support the utilisation of fintech for waqf institutions, which leads to more transparency and efficiency.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at:https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-04-2022-0264
The competitiveness of global cargo airports employing the Best-Worst Method
Authors: Shishani Sara , Choi Jeong-Won , Ha Min-Ho , Seo Young-Joon
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The global economy and air transport business have been negatively affected owing to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. As countries tighten restrictions on international movements, the growing emphasis on air cargo places pressure on airports to maintain and upgrade their cargo policies, facilities and operations. Hence, ensuring the competitiveness of cargo airports is pivotal for their survival under volatile global demand. This study aims to evaluate the importance of competitiveness factors for cargo airports and identify areas for further improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies the Best-Worst Method (BWM) to assess the cargo airports' competitiveness factors.

Findings

The results identified “Transport Capacity” as the most significant competitiveness factor, implying that airport connectivity is crucial in promoting cargo transportation at hub airports. This result was followed by “Airport Operations' and Facilities' Capacity” and “Economic Growth.”. Additionally, the results identified Hong Kong International Airport as the best-performing cargo airport, followed by Aéroport de Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Incheon International Airport, respectively. Furthermore, both selected European airports are the most competitive airports in terms of “Financial Performance” and appear to be aware of the significance of their brand value.

Originality/value

This study forms a reference framework for evaluating cargo airports’ competitive positions, which may help identify airports’ relative strengths and weaknesses. Moreover, this framework can also serve as a tool to facilitate the strategic design of airports that can accommodate air cargo demand flexibly under demand uncertainty.
Negative and positive antecedents of intention to resume hotel consumption in new normal settings in Malaysia: insight from three psychological theories
Authors: Alam Syed Shah , Masukujjaman Mohammad , Makhbul Zafir Khan Mohamed , Ali Mohd Helmi , Ahmad Ismail , Omar Nor Asiah
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Applying three psychological theories, this study aims to attempt to investigate the role of consumer psychology, specifically the factors of trust in vaccination, threat severity, fear, anxiety, risk and hygiene, and safety, on intention to resume hotel consumption. The authors also tested the mediation effect of anxiety among psychological constructs: perceived threat, fear and risk with the intention to resume hotel consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

Using purposive sampling, data were collected from 470 respondents from four cities in Malaysia and analysed by applying analysis of moment structures (AMOS) structural equation model technique. The respondents for this study were frequent travellers meaning the leisure tourists who at least travel twice a year or travel when getting the occasion to explore new things. In this study, an online survey was employed to ensure easy accessibility and to enhance the number of replies.

Findings

The results of this study confirmed that perceived severity, risk and fear influence travellers' anxiety. This study further confirms that trust in vaccination and hygiene & safety provided by the hotelier reduces anxiety levels. Anxiety is found one of the most important predictors of intention to resume hotel consumption, which further mediates the relationship between other psychological variables: perceived severity, risk, fear and intention to resume hotel consumption. Anxiety mediates the relationship between perceived severity, fear and intention to resume hotel consumption and partially mediates the association between risk and intention to resume hotel consumption.

Originality/value

This study examined three psychological theories and extended them by including the trust in vaccination and the hygiene and safety constructs. Anxiety was investigated as a mediator.
Operational decisions of low-carbon supply chains with triple bottom line under carbon tax policy
Authors: Ma Peng , Lu Yujia
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Under the carbon tax policy, the authors examine the operational decisions of the low-carbon supply chain with the triple bottom line.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the Stackelberg game theory to obtain the optimal wholesale prices, retail prices, sales quantities and carbon emissions in different cases, and investigates the effect of the carbon tax policy.

Findings

This study’s main results are as follows: (1) the optimal retail price of the centralized supply chain is the lowest, while that of the decentralized supply chain where the manufacturer undertakes the carbon emission reduction (CER) responsibility and the corporate social responsibility (CSR) is the highest under certain conditions. (2) The sales quantity when the retailer undertakes the CER responsibility and the CSR is the largest. (3) The supply chain obtains the highest profits when the retailer undertakes the CER responsibility and the CSR. (4) The environmental performance impact decreases with the carbon tax.

Practical implications

The results of this study can provide decision-making suggestions for low-carbon supply chains. Besides, this paper provides implications for the government to promote the low-carbon market.

Originality/value

Most of the existing studies only consider economic responsibility and social responsibility or only consider economic responsibility and environmental responsibility. This paper is the first study that examines the operational decisions of low-carbon supply chains with the triple bottom line under the carbon tax policy.
A stacked ensemble learning method for customer lifetime value prediction
Authors: Asadi Ejgerdi Nader , Kazerooni Mehrdad
Published: March 2023

Purpose

With the growth of organizations and businesses, customer acquisition and retention processes have become more complex in the long run. That is why customer lifetime value (CLV) has become crucial to sales managers. Predicting the CLV is a strategic weapon and competitive advantage in increasing profitability and identifying customers with more splendid profitability and is one of the essential key performance indicators (KPI) used in customer segmentation. Thus, this paper proposes a stacked ensemble learning method, a combination of multiple machine learning methods, for CLV prediction.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to utilize customers’ behavioral features for predicting the value of each customer’s CLV, the data of a textile sales company was used as a case study. The proposed stacked ensemble learning method is compared with several popular predictive methods named deep neural networks, bagging support vector regression, light gradient boosting machine, random forest and extreme gradient boosting.

Findings

Empirical results indicate that the regression performance of the stacked ensemble learning method outperformed other methods in terms of normalized rooted mean squared error, normalized mean absolute error and coefficient of determination, at 0.248, 0.364 and 0.848, respectively. In addition, the prediction capability of the proposed method improved significantly after optimizing its hyperparameters.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a stacked ensemble learning method as a new method for accurate CLV prediction. The results and comparisons support the robustness and efficiency of the proposed method for CLV prediction.
European Super League: designing “new” football
Authors: Jayakumar Tulsi , Grover Lakshay
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to use design thinking principles to understand the failure of the ‘new’ European Super League, and also understand how it could be redesigned.

Research methodology

This case has been developed from secondary sources, including news reports, social media sites, annual reports and websites of the Union of European Football Associations and the European football clubs. This case was classroom-tested with post-graduate management students in a design thinking course in May 2021 at an Indian business school, S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research, in Mumbai, India.

Case overview/synopsis

In April 2021, a new football league – the European Super League, is announced as a breakaway rebel league, in direct competition with United European Footballers Association's Champions League. It is backed by the top 12 European clubs and officials in European football, besides the US investment bank, JP Morgan. The new league is touted as one intended to save football. It is, however, denounced by fans and shunned almost universally. The league, which has been planned for the past three and half years, faces collapse. Why did the European Super League fail? How could the founders design a new league?

Complexity academic level

This case could be used in an undergraduate or MBA classroom or an executive education programme in a design thinking course. It can also be used to teach marketing courses such as marketing strategy, new product development and consumer behaviour.
Immunization with autotransporter Vag8 prevents coughing induced by Bordetella pertussis infection in mice
Authors: Suzuki Koichiro , Hiramatsu Yukihiro , Nishida Takashi , Horiguchi Yasuhiko
Published: March 2023

Bordetella pertussis causes pertussis, which is characterized by paroxysmal coughing. This disease is generally prevented through vaccination; however, the number of pertussis cases is increasing worldwide despite high vaccination coverage. We previously reported that an autotransporter of B. pertussis, virulence‐associated gene 8 (Vag8), causes coughing in combination with pertussis toxin and lipooligosaccharide. Here, we show that immunization with Vag8 protected mice from coughing after B. pertussis infection and enhanced the efficacy of a current pertussis vaccine containing pertussis toxoid against the cough. Our findings indicate that Vag8 could be a vaccine antigen to prevent pertussis cough.
Arithmetics of research specialization
Authors: Popov Sergey V.
Published: March 2023

In hiring decisions, universities explicitly reward focusing on a specific field. I model the use of research specialization (focusing) in hiring as a signal of ability. Without explicit reward for focusing, candidates who focus are more likely to be able. However, if job market rewards focusing, less able candidates who would otherwise be indifferent between focusing or not, start focusing, which leads to smaller likelihood of observing an able candidate among those who focus than among those who do not. Specialization works as an effective ability signal only when generation of good ideas is highly likely for all ability levels.
Cortical iron accumulation in MAPT‐ and C9orf 72‐associated frontotemporal lobar degeneration
Authors: Giannini Lucia A. A. , Bulk Marjolein , Kenkhuis Boyd , Rajicic Ana , Melhem Shamiram , Hegeman‐Kleinn Ingrid , Bossoni Lucia , Suidgeest Ernst , Dopper Elise G. P. , van Swieten John C. , van der Weerd Louise , Seelaar Harro
Published: March 2023

Neuroinflammation has been implicated in frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) pathophysiology, including in genetic forms with microtubule‐associated protein tau (MAPT) mutations (FTLD‐MAPT) or chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) repeat expansions (FTLD‐C9orf72). Iron accumulation as a marker of neuroinflammation has, however, been understudied in genetic FTLD to date. To investigate the occurrence of cortical iron accumulation in FTLD‐MAPT and FTLD‐C9orf72, iron histopathology was performed on the frontal and temporal cortex of 22 cases (11 FTLD‐MAPT and 11 FTLD‐C9orf72). We studied patterns of cortical iron accumulation and its colocalization with the corresponding underlying pathologies (tau and TDP‐43), brain cells (microglia and astrocytes), and myelination. Further, with ultrahigh field ex vivo MRI on a subset (four FTLD‐MAPT and two FTLD‐C9orf72), we examined the sensitivity of T2*‐weighted MRI for iron in FTLD. Histopathology showed that cortical iron accumulation occurs in both FTLD‐MAPT and FTLD‐C9orf72 in frontal and temporal cortices, characterized by a diffuse mid‐cortical iron‐rich band, and by a superficial cortical iron band in some cases. Cortical iron accumulation was associated with the severity of proteinopathy (tau or TDP‐43) and neuronal degeneration, in part with clinical severity, and with the presence of activated microglia, reactive astrocytes and myelin loss. Ultra‐high field T2*‐weighted MRI showed a good correspondence between hypointense changes on MRI and cortical iron observed on histology. We conclude that iron accumulation is a feature of both FTLD‐MAPT and FTLD‐C9orf72 and is associated with pathological severity. Therefore, in vivo iron imaging using T2*‐weighted MRI or quantitative susceptibility mapping may potentially be used as a noninvasive imaging marker to localize pathology in FTLD.
A narrative review of alcohol control policies in Latvia between 1990 and 2020
Authors: Gobiņa Inese , Isajeva Laura , Spriņģe Lauma , Vrobļevska Elīna , Pelne Aija , Mārtiņsone Una , Lange Shannon
Published: March 2023

Issues

Latvia has one of the highest alcohol per capita consumption in Europe. This study provides a narrative review of all evidence‐based population‐level alcohol control policies implemented in Latvia during the past 30 years.

Approach

A review of country‐level alcohol control policies implemented in Latvia between 1990 and 2020 was conducted. The World Health Organization's “best buys” and other recommended interventions for alcohol control were used to guide the search.

Key Findings

Alcohol control policies in Latvia have evolved significantly over the last three decades. The most changes to alcohol control policy occurred in the transitional period between regaining independence in 1991 and joining the European Union in 2004. A number of significant alcohol control policies have been implemented to reduce alcohol availability and affordability, to restrict alcohol marketing and to counter drunk‐driving. However, since 2010, when an increasing trend of alcohol consumption was observed, there has been a reluctance to pursue national public health policy actions to reduce alcohol consumption, and few adjustments to legislation to increase alcohol control have been made.

Implications

Despite the progress in alcohol control, Latvia still has considerable potential for strengthening alcohol control to reduce the high levels of alcohol consumption.

Conclusion

Although several alcohol control policies have been established in Latvia, many of the planned activities to limit alcohol intake and related harm have not been executed. Public health goals rather than political and economic incentives should be prioritised to reduce high levels of alcohol consumption in Latvia.
A rare complication of pericardiocentesis: Pneumopericardium
Authors: Yilmaz Mustafa , Gurkan Okan , Arslanboga Elif Nur , Karaca Ozer Pelin
Published: March 2023

Pneumopericardium is the presence of air in the pericardial sac. Pneumopericardium after pericardiocentesis has been rarely reported in the literature. In the present case, we report a patient who presented with tamponade physiology during COVID‐19 and developed pneumopericardium after emergency pericardiocentesis. Immediate recognition and treatment are crucial and chest x‐ray, thorax computerized tomography, and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) are used for diagnosis.
Non‐random interactions within and across guilds shape the potential to coexist in multi‐trophic ecological communities
Authors: García‐Callejas David , Godoy Oscar , Buche Lisa , Hurtado María , Lanuza Jose B. , Allen‐Perkins Alfonso , Bartomeus Ignasi
Published: March 2023

Theory posits that the persistence of species in ecological communities is shaped by their interactions within and across trophic guilds. However, we lack empirical evaluations of how the structure, strength and sign of biotic interactions drive the potential to coexist in diverse multi‐trophic communities. Here, we model community feasibility domains, a theoretically informed measure of multi‐species coexistence probability, from grassland communities comprising more than 45 species on average from three trophic guilds (plants, pollinators and herbivores). Contrary to our hypothesis, increasing community complexity, measured either as the number of guilds or community richness, did not decrease community feasibility. Rather, we observed that high degrees of species self‐regulation and niche partitioning allow for maintaining larger levels of community feasibility and higher species persistence in more diverse communities. Our results show that biotic interactions within and across guilds are not random in nature and both structures significantly contribute to maintaining multi‐trophic diversity.
Outcomes of the second withdrawal of anti‐seizure medication in patients with pediatric‐onset epilepsy
Authors: Cho Jaeso , Kim Hunmin , Chae Jong Hee , Kim Ki Joong , Lim Byung Chan
Published: March 2023

Withdrawal of anti‐seizure medication (ASM) is challenging, especially in patients with recurrent seizures. Only limited evidence exists regarding the success rate and recurrence risk factors after withdrawal of ASM for a second time in patients with pediatric‐onset epilepsy. In this observational study, we evaluated 104 patients with recurrent pediatric‐onset epilepsy who had ASM withdrawn for a second time. The success rate was 41.3% after the second withdrawal of ASM. The absence of a self‐limiting epilepsy syndrome, shorter seizure‐free intervals before the second withdrawal of ASM, and relapse during tapering after the initial withdrawal of ASM were negative factors significantly associated with the success of ASM withdrawal for a second time. Even after a second seizure recurrence, all patients eventually became seizure‐free after restarting their previous ASM (78.7%) or readjusting the ASM (21.3%). Our findings that 40% of patients with recurrent pediatric‐onset epilepsy could achieve long‐term seizure freedom and that all patients with a second seizure recurrence remained seizure‐free suggest that ASM may be withdrawn for a second time after carefully stratifying clinical risk.
National culture and green bond issuance around the world
Authors: Mertzanis Charilaos , Tebourbi Imen
Published: March 2023

We analyze the impact of Hofstede's culture dimensions on green bond issuance in 84 countries during 1991–2021, using novel International Monetary Fund data. We control for environmental, macroeconomic and institutional factors. Our results show that countries that score higher on individualism, masculinity and indulgence are associated with lower green bond issuance, whilst countries that score high on long‐term orientation and uncertainty avoidance are associated with higher green bond issuance. Culture appears to play a role in green bond market development. The culture effect remains broadly robust after applying sensitivity and endogeneity tests, adding new controls and performing coefficient stability and dominance analysis.
The effect of multiple family therapy on mental health problems and family functioning: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: van Es Carlijn Maria , El Khoury Beatrice , van Dis Eva A. M. , te Brake Hans , van Ee Elisa , Boelen Paul A. , Mooren Trudy
Published: March 2023

The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to provide an overview of existing controlled trials focusing on the impact of multiple family therapy (MFT) on mental health problems and family functioning, and to examine the efficacy of MFT. Relevant studies were selected following a screening of 3376 studies identified by a systematic search of seven databases. The following data were extracted: participant characteristics, program characteristics, study characteristics, and information of mental health problems and/or family functioning. A total of 31 peer‐reviewed, English, controlled studies evaluating the effect of MFT were included in the systematic review. Sixteen studies presenting 16 trials were included in the meta‐analysis. All but one of the studies was at risk of bias, with problems concerning confounding, selection of participants and missing data. The findings confirm that MFT is offered in diverse settings, with studies presenting a variety of therapeutic modalities, focal problems, and populations. Individual studies reported some positive findings, including improvements in mental health, vocational outcomes, and social functioning. The findings of the meta‐analysis suggest that MFT is associated with improvements in symptoms of schizophrenia. However, this effect was found not to be significant due to the large amount of heterogeneity. In addition, MFT was associated with small improvements in family functioning. We found little evidence to suggest that MFT successfully alleviates mood and conduct problems. To conclude, more methodologically rigorous research is needed to further examine the potential benefits of MFT, as well as the working mechanisms and core components of MFT.
“Sendwòm Gran Sè”: The older sister syndrome
Authors: Francois Ericka
Published: March 2023

Ericka Francois, an advocate for young people living in and aging out of foster care, thoughtfully shares the events that led to her and her siblings being placed in the child welfare system. Her frank account of physical abuse over the course of her early years of life illustrates the struggles many families face. Her and her siblings' entry into the child welfare system, an intervention intended to improve well‐being for her and siblings, produced varied outcomes. Ericka describes her blossoming in her grandmother's care and the pain of watching her siblings languish and even decline while in the state's care. Ericka makes a powerful appeal for immediate system changes.