bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of different material constitutive models in estimating the residual moment capacity of RC beams subjected to natural corrosion
Authors: Atienza Kryzelle M. , Malabanan Apollo E. , Aragoncillo Ariel Miguel M. , Borja Carmina B. , Madlangbayan Marish S. , Benito Emel Ken D.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Existing deterministic models that predict the capacity of corroded reinforced concrete (RC) beams have limited applicability because they were based on accelerated tests that induce general corrosion. This research gap was addressed by performing a combined numerical and statistical analysis on RC beams, subjected to natural corrosion, to achieve a much better forecast.

Design/methodology/approach

Data of 42 naturally corroded beams were collected from the literature and analyzed numerically. Four constitutive models and their combinations were considered: the elastic-semi-plastic and elastic-perfectly-plastic models for steel, and two tensile models for concrete with and without the post-cracking stresses. Meanwhile, Popovics’ model was used to describe the behavior of concrete under compression. Corrosion coefficients were developed as functions of corrosion degree and beam parameters through linear regression analysis to fit the theoretical moment capacities with test data. The performance of the coefficients derived from different combinations of constitutive laws was then compared and validated.

Findings

The results showed that the highest accuracy (R2 = 0.90) was achieved when the tensile response of concrete was modeled without the residual stresses after cracking and the steel was analyzed as an elastic-perfectly-plastic material. The proposed procedure and regression model also showed reasonable agreement with experimental data, even performing better than the current models derived from accelerated tests and traditional procedures.

Originality/value

This study presents a simple but reliable approach for quantifying the capacity of RC beams under more realistic conditions than previously reported. This method is simple and requires only a few variables to be employed. Civil engineers can use it to obtain a quick and rough estimate of the structural condition of corroding RC beams.
SEM-neural network analysis for mobile commerce adoption in Vietnamese small and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Chau Ngoc Tuan , Deng Hepu , Tay Richard
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Understanding the adoption of m-commerce in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is critical for their sustainable development. This study aims to investigate the adoption of m-commerce in Vietnamese SMEs, leading to the identification of the critical determinants and their relative importance for m-commerce adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrated model is developed by combining the diffusion of innovation theory and the technology–organization–environment framework. Such a model is then tested and validated using structural equation modeling and artificial neural networks in analyzing the survey data.

Findings

The study indicates that perceived security is the most critical determinant for m-commerce adoption. It further shows that customer pressure, perceived compatibility, organizational innovativeness, perceived benefits, managers’ IT knowledge, government support and organizational readiness all play a critical role in the adoption of m-commerce in Vietnamese SMEs.

Practical implications

The findings of this study can lead to the formulation of better strategies and policies for promoting the adoption of m-commerce in Vietnamese SMEs. Such findings are also of practical significance for the diffusion of m-commerce in SMEs in other developing countries.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt to explore the adoption of m-commerce in Vietnamese SMEs using a hybrid approach. The application of this approach can lead to better understanding of the relative importance of the critical determinants for the adoption of m-commerce in Vietnamese SMEs.
Entrepreneurship education on international entrepreneurship intention: the role of entrepreneurship alertness, proactive personality, innovative behaviour and global mindset
Authors: Iddris Faisal
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study investigated the impact of entrepreneurship education on the international entrepreneurship intention of the university students while considering the mediating roles of entrepreneurship alertness, proactive personality, innovative behaviour and the moderating role of global mindset in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employs a survey methodology, utilising a structured questionnaire for data collection. The study specifically concentrates on students enrolled at Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED) in Ghana, drawing its sample from six academic programmes within the university. Data analysis is conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

The findings of this research revealed that entrepreneurship education exerts a positive influence on the international entrepreneurial intention. Furthermore, entrepreneurship alertness acts as a mediator in the relationship between entrepreneurship education and innovative behaviour. Similarly, a proactive personality serves as a mediating factor between entrepreneurship education and innovative behaviour. Moreover, innovative behaviour operates as a mediator in the relationship between entrepreneurship education and international entrepreneurship intention. Additionally, a global mindset plays a crucial moderating role in the connection between entrepreneurship education and international entrepreneurship intention.

Originality/value

This study makes a significant contribution to the field by shedding light on the mediating roles of proactive personality, entrepreneurial alertness, innovative behaviour and global mindset moderating the relationship between entrepreneurship education and international entrepreneurship intention. These insights offer fresh perspectives on the complex dynamics at play in the realm of entrepreneurship education and its impact on students' intentions for the international entrepreneurship.
Leading under pressure: a contextualised development approach
Authors: Flint-Taylor Jill , Davda Alexander
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The study’s aim was to design and test a leadership development approach using blended learning, to equip leaders for strengthening their own resilience and that of their teams.

Design/methodology/approach

A contextualised leadership development intervention was produced and evaluated following the principles of design-based research. Participants were from three organisations that work internationally to address the impact of economic disadvantage. Initial research used the behavioural event interview technique. Online assessment incorporated measures of situational judgement, emotion recognition and attributional style. Validity measures were multi-rater feedback (criterion), and NEO-PI 3 (construct). Individual feedback and a simulation-based peer workshop were followed by a four-to-six month period of experience-driven development and a final peer workshop for consolidating and evaluating learning outcomes.

Findings

The online assessment was a valid measure of leaders’ personal resilience resources and their resilience-building capability. Overall, the intervention improved participants’ understanding of, and engagement with, the processes of strengthening individual and collective (team) resilience.

Research limitations/implications

The target sample size for the study was relatively small, to ensure it would be practical to replicate the approach when designing similar interventions for a senior leadership population in other contexts. Significant results provided robust evidence for the validity of the assessment approach. Findings for the workshops and experience-driven development phase were more tentative, but the value of the design iterations was clearly demonstrated.

Practical implications

The leadership development approach is suitable for application in other organisations, if similar principles are followed to produce and evaluate materials relevant to each broad sector context. Roll-out is cost-effective, with relatively few hours of blended or virtual delivery supporting experience-driven learning.

Social implications

The impact leaders have on the wellbeing of those who report to them is well established, but less has been done to develop and formally evaluate practical, cost-effective interventions to improve this impact. The approach validated in this study can be applied more widely to benefit employee wellbeing as well as performance.

Originality/value

The study developed and evaluated a new approach to preparing leaders for the challenge of building team resilience, an aspect of leadership capability that has been given relatively little attention to date.
Exploring the impact of perceived social media agility on co-creation opportunities and brand attachment: the moderating role of technology reflectiveness
Authors: Welch Emma , Gligor David , Bozkurt Sıddık
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to address how perceived social media agility can promulgate co-creation processes, such as co-production and value-in-use, and how it impacts brand-related outcomes. This study also addresses calls for marketing scholars to investigate the types of personality traits that affect these potential relationships by accounting for the impact of technology reflectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducted an online survey with 321 adult subjects. The direct, indirect and conditional (moderation) effects were assessed using multivariate regression, various PROCESS models and the Johnson–Neyman technique (to probe the interaction terms). Additional supplemental analyses were conducted via PROCESS models.

Findings

The results show that perceived social media agility directly and indirectly (through co-production and value-in-use) positively influences brand attachment and that the order of these two processes matters (co-production followed by value-in-use). Results also show that the positive impact of perceived social media agility on co-production and value-in-use deviates for customers high in technology reflectiveness but can be manipulated according to which process comes first.

Originality/value

This paper expounds on the new construct of perceived social media agility by uniquely linking perceived social media agility to two distinct value co-creation processes (co-production and value-in-use) and brand-related outcomes while highlighting how consumer-specific traits can affect this relationship in a social media setting.
Individual entrepreneurial orientation training: an experimental insight into small business owner career success
Authors: Fatima Tehreem , Bilal Ahmad Raza , Imran Muhammad Kashif , Sarwar Ambreen
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Based on action regulation theory (ART), this study aims to test the impact of individual entrepreneurial orientation (IEO) training on small business owner career success (financial attainment, satisfaction and achievement). Moreover, this relationship was unpacked through a dual mediation model of IEO behaviour and career resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

A four-wave, longitudinal randomized controlled field experiment was conducted in which 527 small business owners participated from Lahore, Pakistan (training group = 256, control group = 271). The data analysis was done via ANCOVAs (group comparison) and PROCESS Model 6 (for serial mediation).

Findings

The results demonstrated that after getting IEO training, the small business owners had increased IEO behaviour, career resilience and career success as compared to their counterparts in the control group. In addition, the effect of IEO training on career success was attributed to the underlying role of IEO behaviour and career resilience development.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies that have demonstrated the impact of IEO training on the career-related outcomes based on the action regulation perspective.
Cultural preservation through technology in UAE libraries
Authors: Kaluvilla Bincy Baburaj
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore how libraries in the United Arab Emirates use technology to preserve and digitize cultural and historical documents. It examined how these institutions use different technology models to facilitate the dissemination of UAE’s cultural traditions, practices, historical experiences and expressions to the local and global populations interested in learning about the country.

Design/methodology/approach

This study relied heavily on a review of the relevant literature and case studies covering how UAE libraries use technology to preserve, document and share tangible and intangible cultural heritage. The methodology entailed gathering and synthesizing relevant information from scholarly journal articles, government and reputable institutional resources online and reports. Collectively, it led to a close analysis of the impact of technology on cultural preservation and an assessment of the specific technology models preferred for optimal outcomes in preserving and disseminating cultural heritage information of the UAE.

Findings

Multiple UAE libraries rely heavily on technology to collect, record, translate and store cultural heritage information, including releasing it to users when required. The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates, the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive, Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, the UAE National Library and Archives, New York University Abu Dhabi and Khalifa University of Science and Technology and Research libraries have leveraged different technological models and tools to make UAE’s cultural heritage information available and accessible globally. Artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, three-dimensional imaging and scanning, electronic archiving systems, document management systems and ICT storage systems have helped the UAE libraries to promote and disseminate the nation’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

Originality/value

By relying on scholarly and authoritative sources of information and evidence to draw conclusions, this study contributes to the existing literature by offering insights into the innovative strategies used by UAE libraries to leverage technology for cultural preservation and promotion. In underlining the value of digital approaches to safeguard tangible and intangible cultural heritage, the research highlights the instrumentalism of technology in preserving the UAE’s cultural heritage and identity.
Organizational ethics and workplace incivility: the mediating effects of transformational and transactional leadership styles
Authors: Dartey-Baah Kwasi , Quartey Samuel Howard , Wilberforce Maxwell Tabi
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the mediating effects of transformational and transactional leadership styles on the relationship between organizational ethics and workplace incivility.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed cross-sectional survey design. Data were obtained from 209 employees from the telecommunication sector. The structural equation model was employed as the analytical tool to test the hypotheses of the study.

Findings

Organizational ethics was negatively related to workplace incivility. Both transformational and transactional leadership styles mediated the relationship between organizational ethics and workplace incivility.

Practical implications

Human resource developers and managers can employ, appraise, train and develop managers who can ethically demonstrate transactional, and transformational leadership behaviors to deal with workplace incivilities.

Originality/value

The paper makes an important contribution to the existing organizational literature by establishing the relevance of transformational and transactional leadership styles as mediators of the nexus between organizational ethics and workplace incivility in the telecommunication sector.
Improving the quality of hires via the use of machine learning and an expansion of the person–environment fit theory
Authors: Artar Melike , Balcioglu Yavuz Selim , Erdil Oya
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Our proposed machine learning model contributes to improving the quality of Hire by providing a more nuanced and comprehensive analysis of candidate attributes. Instead of focusing solely on obvious factors, such as qualifications and experience, our model also considers various dimensions of fit, including person-job fit and person-organization fit. By integrating these dimensions of fit into the model, we can better predict a candidate’s potential contribution to the organization, hence enhancing the Quality of Hire.

Design/methodology/approach

Within the scope of the investigation, the competencies of the personnel working in the IT department of one in the largest state banks of the country were used. The entire data collection includes information on 1,850 individual employees as well as 13 different characteristics. For analysis, Python’s “keras” and “seaborn” modules were used. The Gower coefficient was used to determine the distance between different records.

Findings

The K-NN method resulted in the formation of five clusters, represented as a scatter plot. The axis illustrates the cohesion that exists between things (employees) that are similar to one another and the separateness that exists between things that have their own individual identities. This shows that the clustering process is effective in improving both the degree of similarity within each cluster and the degree of dissimilarity between clusters.

Research limitations/implications

Employee competencies were evaluated within the scope of the investigation. Additionally, other criteria requested from the employee were not included in the application.

Originality/value

This study will be beneficial for academics, professionals, and researchers in their attempts to overcome the ongoing obstacles and challenges related to the securing the proper talent for an organization. In addition to creating a mechanism to use big data in the form of structured and unstructured data from multiple sources and deriving insights using ML algorithms, it contributes to the debates on the quality of hire in an entire organization. This is done in addition to developing a mechanism for using big data in the form of structured and unstructured data from multiple sources.
Sustainability standards in rural entrepreneurships: the case of banana producers in Magdalena (Colombia)
Authors: Lizcano-Prada Julieth , Maestre-Matos Marcela , Lombana-Coy Jahir
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate how the criteria of sustainability standards (SS) ensure the social dimension of corporate sustainability (CS) in rural entrepreneurships using the case of banana agribusinesses in Magdalena (Colombia).

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological design was quantitative, explanatory and cross-sectional, where a sample of banana producers from Magdalena (Colombia) was selected. A structural equation model (SEM) was developed to evaluate the hypotheses. The SEM goodness-of-fit and fit indices were all acceptable.

Findings

There is a strong and statistically significant correlation between SS criteria and the social dimension of CS. In particular, local development is the most influential factor in shaping CS in the context of banana agribusinesses in Magdalena, Colombia, operating as rural entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, working conditions and human rights show moderate effects, while labor rights do not have a perceptible impact.

Research limitations/implications

Only the SS criteria that ensure the social dimension of CS in the banana agribusinesses of Magdalena (Colombia) were considered. It is important to note that other variables may be involved in ensuring CS. Future research to identify these possible variables is recommended.

Originality/value

This investigation explores an understudied issue within the CS sphere, explicitly focusing on rural entrepreneurship in developing countries, notably Colombia. The study scrutinizes the impact of SS on the social dimension of CS in rural environments, using banana cooperatives as a case study and highlighting the value of developing strategies to help improve the CS performance of this type of organization.
Bioinspired sensors and applications in intelligent robots: a review
Authors: Zhou Yanmin , Yan Zheng , Yang Ye , Wang Zhipeng , Lu Ping , Yuan Philip F. , He Bin
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Vision, audition, olfactory, tactile and taste are five important senses that human uses to interact with the real world. As facing more and more complex environments, a sensing system is essential for intelligent robots with various types of sensors. To mimic human-like abilities, sensors similar to human perception capabilities are indispensable. However, most research only concentrated on analyzing literature on single-modal sensors and their robotics application.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents a systematic review of five bioinspired senses, especially considering a brief introduction of multimodal sensing applications and predicting current trends and future directions of this field, which may have continuous enlightenments.

Findings

This review shows that bioinspired sensors can enable robots to better understand the environment, and multiple sensor combinations can support the robot’s ability to behave intelligently.

Originality/value

The review starts with a brief survey of the biological sensing mechanisms of the five senses, which are followed by their bioinspired electronic counterparts. Their applications in the robots are then reviewed as another emphasis, covering the main application scopes of localization and navigation, objection identification, dexterous manipulation, compliant interaction and so on. Finally, the trends, difficulties and challenges of this research were discussed to help guide future research on intelligent robot sensors.
Woven fabric selection and grading for ladies’ winter shawls using multicriteria decision-making approach
Authors: Yousaf Faryal , Sajjad Shabana , Tauqeer Faiza , Hussain Tanveer , Khattak Shahnaz , Iftikhar Fatima
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Quality assessment of textile products is of prime concern to intimately meet consumer demands. The dilemma faced by textile producers is to figure out the stability among quality criteria and efficiently deal with target specifications. Hence, the basic devotion is to attain the optimum value product which entirely satisfies the views and perceptions of consumers. Selection of best fabric among several alternatives in the presence of contradictory measures is a disputing problem in multicriteria decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach

In the current study, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluation (PROMETHEE) are proficiently used to solve the problem in selection of branded woven shawls. AHP method verifies comparative weights of the criteria selection, while the ranking of fabric alternatives grounded on specific net-outranking flows is executed through PROMETHEE II method.

Findings

The collective AHP and PROMETHEE approaches are applied for the useful accomplishment of grading of branded shawls based on multicriteria weights, used for effective selection of fabric materials in the textile market.

Practical implications

In the apparel industry, fabric and garment manufacturers often rely on hit-and-trial methods, leading to significant wastage of valuable resources and time, in achieving the desirable fabric qualities. The implementation of the findings can assist apparel manufacturers in streamlining their fabric selection processes based on multiple criteria. By adopting this method, industry players can make informed decisions, ensuring a balance between quality standards and consumer expectations, thereby enhancing both product value and market competitiveness.

Originality/value

The methods of Visual PROMETHEE and AHP are assimilated to offer a complete method for the selection and grading of fabrics with reference to multiple selection criteria.
Exploring the role of narrative in social enterprise and social innovation
Authors: Meissner Nico , McNeill Joanne , Allen Matt
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how the fields of social enterprise, social entrepreneurship and social innovation have theorised and applied the concepts of narrative and storytelling.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review and subsequent thematic analysis were used. A keyword search of three databases identified 93 relevant articles that were subsequently reviewed for this paper.

Findings

Four main roles for storytelling and narrative were found in the literature: to gain support for social innovation, to inspire social change, to build a social-entrepreneurial identity and to debate the meaning and direction of social innovation itself.

Practical implications

Following the literature review, capacities and applications of storytelling and narrative in other, related fields are discussed to highlight practical use cases of storytelling that might currently be underdeveloped in the social enterprise and innovation sectors.

Originality/value

The paper argues that the social innovation and enterprise literature predominantly views storytelling as a form of mass communication, while often overlooking its ability to foster communal debate and organise intrapersonal dialogue as possible aspects of strategic thinking and innovation management in social enterprise, social entrepreneurship and social innovation.
Multiple toxins and a protease contribute to the aphid‐killing ability of Pseudomonas fluorescensPpR24
Authors: Paliwal Deepa , Rabiey Mojgan , Mauchline Tim H. , Hassani‐Pak Keywan , Nauen Ralf , Wagstaff Carol , Andrews Simon , Bass Chris , Jackson Robert W.
Published: April 2024

Aphids are globally important pests causing damage to a broad range of crops. Due to insecticide resistance, there is an urgent need to develop alternative control strategies. In our previous work, we found Pseudomonas fluorescens PpR24 can orally infect and kill the insecticide‐resistant green‐peach aphid (Myzus persicae). However, the genetic basis of the insecticidal capability of PpR24 remains unclear. Genome sequencing of PpR24 confirmed the presence of various insecticidal toxins such as Tc (toxin complexes), Rhs (rearrangement hotspot) elements, and other insect‐killing proteases. Upon aphids infection with PpR24, RNA‐Seq analysis revealed 193 aphid genes were differentially expressed with down‐regulation of 16 detoxification genes. In addition, 1325 PpR24 genes (542 were upregulated and 783 downregulated) were subject to differential expression, including genes responsible for secondary metabolite biosynthesis, the iron‐restriction response, oxidative stress resistance, and virulence factors. Single and double deletion of candidate virulence genes encoding a secreted protease (AprX) and four toxin components (two TcA‐like; one TcB‐like; one TcC‐like insecticidal toxins) showed that all five genes contribute significantly to aphid killing, particularly AprX. This comprehensive host–pathogen transcriptomic analysis provides novel insight into the molecular basis of bacteria‐mediated aphid mortality and the potential of PpR24 as an effective biocontrol agent.
Transport digitalisation: Navigating futures of hypercognitive disablement
Authors: Fletcher James Rupert
Published: April 2024

People living with cognitive impairments face new forms of disablement in the context of transport digitalisation, an issue recently catalysed by controversies regarding rail ticket office closures. Transport can dramatically impact the lives of people diagnosed with dementia, who often find their mobility suddenly and dramatically impaired. Unfortunately, sociological analysis of cognitive disability has traditionally been undermined by under‐theorisation. One solution can be found in classic bioethical work on hypercognitivism—the veneration of cognitive acuity—and its disabling consequences. A hypercognitive approach can nurture an attentiveness to the specificities of digital disablement. Here, disability does not emerge from digitalisation inherently, but is instead intensified by the implementation of digitalisation in line with value commitments. A more robust sociology of cognitive disability could better represent the interests of people with cognitive impairments and resist the new forms of disability that current digitalisation risks spreading.
A comprehensive framework for the delimitation of species within the Bemisia tabaci cryptic complex, a global pest‐species group
Authors: Wang Hua‐Ling , Lei Teng , Wang Xiao‐Wei , Cameron Stephen , Navas‐Castillo Jesús , Liu Yin‐Quan , Maruthi M. N. , Omongo Christopher A. , Delatte Hélène , Lee Kyeong‐Yeoll , Krause‐Sakate Renate , Ng James , Seal Susan , Fiallo‐Olivé Elvira , Bushley Kathryn , Colvin John , Liu Shu‐Sheng
Published: April 2024

Identifying cryptic species poses a substantial challenge to both biologists and naturalists due to morphological similarities. Bemisia tabaci is a cryptic species complex containing more than 44 putative species; several of which are currently among the world's most destructive crop pests. Interpreting and delimiting the evolution of this species complex has proved problematic. To develop a comprehensive framework for species delimitation and identification, we evaluated the performance of distinct data sources both individually and in combination among numerous samples of the B. tabaci species complex acquired worldwide. Distinct datasets include full mitogenomes, single‐copy nuclear genes, restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing, geographic range, host speciation, and reproductive compatibility datasets. Phylogenetically, our well‐supported topologies generated from three dense molecular markers highlighted the evolutionary divergence of species of the B. tabaci complex and suggested that the nuclear markers serve as a more accurate representation of B. tabaci species diversity. Reproductive compatibility datasets facilitated the identification of at least 17 different cryptic species within our samples. Native geographic range information provides a complementary assessment of species recognition, while the host range datasets provide low rate of delimiting resolution. We further summarized different data performances in species classification when compared with reproductive compatibility, indicating that combination of mtCOI divergence, nuclear markers, geographic range provide a complementary assessment of species recognition. Finally, we represent a model for understanding and untangling the cryptic species complexes based on the evidence from this study and previously published articles.
Mechanisms of the initial stage of non‐enzymatic oxidation of wine: A mini review
Authors: Wang Guanghao , Kumar Yogesh
Published: April 2024

Non‐enzymatic oxidation is a primary factor affecting wine quality during bottling or aging. Although red and white wines exhibit distinct responses to oxidation over time, the fundamental mechanisms driving this transformation remain remarkably uniform. Non‐enzymatic oxidation of wine commences with the intricate interplay between polyphenols and oxygen, orchestrating a delicate redox dance with iron and copper. Notably, copper emerges as an accelerant in this process. To safeguard wine integrity, sulfur dioxide (SO2) is routinely introduced to counteract the pernicious effects of oxidation by neutralizing hydrogen peroxide and quinone. In this comprehensive review, the initial stages of non‐enzymatic wine oxidation are examined. The pivotal roles played by polyphenols, oxygen, iron, copper, and SO2 in this complex oxidative process are systematically explored. Additionally, the effect of quinone formation on wine characteristics and the intricate dynamics governing oxygen availability are elucidated. The potential synergistic or additive effects of iron and copper are probed, and the precise balance between SO2 and oxygen is scrutinized. This review summarizes the mechanisms involved in the initial stages of non‐enzymatic oxidation of wine and anticipates the potential for further research.
Classical tests, linear models and their extensions for the analysis of 2 × 2 contingency tables
Authors: Nagel Rebecca , Ruxton Graeme D. , Morrissey Michael B.
Published: April 2024

Ecologists and evolutionary biologists are regularly tasked with the comparison of binary data across groups. There is, however, some discussion in the biostatistics literature about the best methodology for the analysis of data comprising binary explanatory and response variables forming a 2 × 2 contingency table.

We assess several methodologies for the analysis of 2 × 2 contingency tables using a simulation scheme of different sample sizes with outcomes evenly or unevenly distributed between groups. Specifically, we assess the commonly recommended logistic (generalised linear model [GLM]) regression analysis, the classical Pearson chi‐squared test and four conventional alternatives (Yates' correction, Fisher's exact, exact unconditional and mid‐p), as well as the widely discouraged linear model (LM) regression.

We found that both LM and GLM analyses provided unbiased estimates of the difference in proportions between groups. LM and GLM analyses also provided accurate standard errors and confidence intervals when the experimental design was balanced. When the experimental design was unbalanced, sample size was small, and one of the two groups had a probability close to 1 or 0, LM analysis could substantially over‐ or under‐represent statistical uncertainty. For null hypothesis significance testing, the performance of the chi‐squared test and LM analysis were almost identical. Across all scenarios, both had high power to detect non‐null effects and reject false positives. By contrast, the GLM analysis was underpowered when using z‐based p‐values, in particular when one of the two groups had a probability near 1 or 0. The GLM using the LRT had better power to detect non‐null results.

Our simulation results suggest that, wherever a chi‐squared test would be recommended, a linear regression is a suitable alternative for the analysis of 2 × 2 contingency table data. When researchers opt for more sophisticated procedures, we provide R functions to calculate the standard error of a difference between two probabilities from a Bernoulli GLM output using the delta method. We also explore approaches to compliment GLM analysis of 2 × 2 contingency tables with credible intervals on the probability scale. These additional operations should support researchers to make valid assessments of both statistical and practical significances.
The clinical role of remimazolam: Protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Intzilaki Christina V. , Davodi Jasmin , Vilmann Peter , Møller Ann M.
Published: April 2024

Background

Remimazolam, a novel benzodiazepine, shows promise as an alternative to traditional sedatives and hypnotic agents in procedural sedation and general anaesthesia. While preliminary research indicates potential advantages over conventional agents, such as faster onset, predictable duration, and improved safety profile, the extent and quality of existing evidence remain unclear. This scoping review aims to investigate the current clinical role of remimazolam and provide a broad and comprehensive overview.

Methods

The proposed review will adhere to the JBI methodology for scoping reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis for Scoping Reviews. A comprehensive search will be conducted across major peer‐reviewed databases and grey literature will be sought. All studies involving individuals undergoing procedural sedation or general anaesthesia with remimazolam will be eligible. Data extraction will encompass trial and participant characteristics, intervention details, reported outcomes, comparative efficacy versus midazolam and propofol, patient and operator experience and economic costs.

Results

We will provide a descriptive summary supplemented by statistics, figures and tables where applicable.

Conclusion

The outlined scoping review aims to assess the clinical use of remimazolam in procedural sedation and as the hypnotic component of general anaesthesia. The review will map the current body of evidence of remimazolam and identify knowledge gaps, contributing to understanding its clinical implications and guiding future research efforts in procedural sedation and general anaesthesia.
Pediatric mental health emergency department visits from 2017 to 2022: A multicenter study
Authors: Hoffmann Jennifer A. , Carter Camille P. , Olsen Cody S. , Ashby David , Bouvay Kamali L. , Duffy Susan J. , Chamberlain James M. , Chaudhary Sofia S. , Glomb Nicolaus W. , Grupp‐Phelan Jacqueline , Haasz Maya , O'Donnell Erin P. , Saidinejad Mohsen , Shihabuddin Bashar S. , Tzimenatos Leah , Uspal Neil G. , Zorc Joseph J. , Cook Lawrence J. , Alpern Elizabeth R. ,   the PECARN Registry Study Group
Published: April 2024

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic adversely affected children's mental health (MH) and changed patterns of MH emergency department (ED) utilization. Our objective was to assess how pediatric MH ED visits during the COVID‐19 pandemic differed from expected prepandemic trends.

Methods

We retrospectively studied MH ED visits by children 5 to <18 years old at nine U.S. hospitals participating in the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network Registry from 2017 to 2022. We described visit length by time period: prepandemic (January 2017–February 2020), early pandemic (March 2020–December 2020), midpandemic (2021), and late pandemic (2022). We estimated expected visit rates from prepandemic data using multivariable Poisson regression models. We calculated rate ratios (RRs) of observed to expected visits per 30 days during each pandemic time period, overall and by sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.

Results

We identified 175,979 pediatric MH ED visits. Visit length exceeded 12 h for 7.3% prepandemic, 8.4% early pandemic, 15.0% midpandemic, and 19.2% late pandemic visits. During the early pandemic, observed visits per 30 days decreased relative to expected rates (RR 0.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.78–0.84), were similar to expected rates during the midpandemic (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.96–1.07), and then decreased below expected rates during the late pandemic (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.86–0.98). During the late pandemic, visit rates were higher than expected for females (RR 1.10, 95% CI 1.02–1.20) and for bipolar disorders (RR 1.83, 95% CI 1.38–2.75), schizophrenia spectrum disorders (RR 1.55, 95% CI 1.10–2.59), and substance‐related and addictive disorders (RR 1.50, 95% CI 1.18–2.05).

Conclusions

During the late pandemic, pediatric MH ED visits decreased below expected rates; however, visits by females and for specific conditions remained elevated, indicating a need for increased attention to these groups. Prolonged ED visit lengths may reflect inadequate availability of MH services.
Institutional attention and investment efficiency
Authors: Zheng Jiayi
Published: April 2024

This study investigates how institutional investors' attention on the earnings announcement day affects corporate investment decisions. I find that the investment of firms receiving abnormal institutional attention is approximately 1.8 times more sensitive to their stock price than that of others. This effect is more pronounced when institutional investors have greater incentives to produce information and when corporate managers have greater incentives and capability to employ the incremental information contained in the stock price. These findings suggest that attention encourages institutional investors to incorporate private information into stock prices, which provides a useful guide for managers' investment decisions.
Who is at risk for weight gain after weight‐gain associated treatment with antipsychotics, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers: A machine learning approach
Authors: Eder Julia , Glocker Catherine , Barton Barbara , Sarisik Elif , Popovic David , Lämmermann Jana , Knaf Alexandra , Beqiri‐Zagler Anja , Engl Katharina , Rihs Leonie , Pfeiffer Lisa , Schmitt Andrea , Falkai Peter , Simon Maria S. , Musil Richard
Published: April 2024

Background

Weight gain is a common side effect in psychopharmacology; however, targeted therapeutic interventions and prevention strategies are currently absent in day‐to‐day clinical practice. To promote the development of such strategies, the identification of factors indicative of patients at risk is essential.

Methods

In this study, we developed a transdiagnostic model using and comparing decision tree classifiers, logistic regression, XGboost, and a support vector machine to predict weight gain of ≥5% of body weight during the first 4 weeks of treatment with psychotropic drugs associated with weight gain in 103 psychiatric inpatients. We included established variables from the literature as well as an extended set with additional clinical variables and questionnaires.

Results

Baseline BMI, premorbid BMI, and age are known risk factors and were confirmed by our models. Additionally, waist circumference has emerged as a new and significant risk factor. Eating behavior next to blood glucose were found as additional potential predictor that may underlie therapeutic interventions and could be used for preventive strategies in a cohort at risk for psychotropics induced weight gain (PIWG).

Conclusion

Our models validate existing findings and further uncover previously unknown modifiable factors, such as eating behavior and blood glucose, which can be used as targets for preventive strategies. These findings underscore the imperative for continued research in this domain to establish effective preventive measures for individuals undergoing psychotropic drug treatments.
Integrated care van delivery of evidence‐based services for people who inject drugs: A cluster‐randomized trial
Authors: Page Kathleen R. , Weir Brian W. , Zook Katie , Rosecrans Amanda , Harris Robert , Grieb Suzanne M. , Falade‐Nwulia Oluwaseun , Landry Miles , Escobar Wendy , Ramirez Michael P. , Saxton Ronald E. , Clarke William A. , Sherman Susan G. , Lucas Gregory M.
Published: April 2024

Background and aims

People who inject drugs (PWID) are at risk for adverse outcomes across multiple dimensions. While evidence‐based interventions are available, services are often fragmented and difficult to access. We measured the effectiveness of an integrated care van (ICV) that offered services for PWID.

Design, setting and participants

This was a cluster‐randomized trial, which took place in Baltimore, MD, USA. Prior to randomization, we used a research van to recruit PWID cohorts from 12 Baltimore neighborhoods (sites), currently served by the city's mobile needle exchange program.

Intervention and comparator

We randomized sites to receive weekly visits from the ICV (n = 6) or to usual services (n = 6) for 14 months. The ICV offered case management; buprenorphine/naloxone; screening for HIV, hepatitis C virus and sexually transmitted infections; HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis; and wound care.

Measurements

The primary outcome was a composite harm mitigation score that captured access to evidence‐based services, risk behaviors and adverse health events (range = 0−15, with higher numbers indicating worse status). We evaluated effectiveness by comparing changes in the composite score at 7 months versus baseline in the two study arms.

Findings

We enrolled 720 cohort participants across the study sites (60 per site) between June 2018 and August 2019: 38.3% women, 72.6% black and 85.1% urine drug test positive for fentanyl. Over a median of 10.4 months, the ICV provided services to 734 unique clients (who may or may not have been cohort participants) across the six intervention sites, including HIV/hepatitis C virus testing in 577 (78.6%) and buprenorphine/naloxone initiation in 540 (74%). However, only 52 (7.2%) of cohort participants received services on the ICV. The average composite score decreased at 7 months relative to baseline, with no significant difference in the change between ICV and usual services (difference in differences: −0.31; 95% confidence interval: −0.70, 0.08; P = 0.13).

Conclusions

This cluster‐randomized trial in Baltimore, MD, USA, found no evidence that weekly neighborhood visits from a mobile health van providing injection‐drug‐focused services improved access to services and outcomes among people who injected drugs in the neighborhood, relative to usual services. The van successfully served large numbers of clients but unexpectedly low use of the van by cohort participants limited the ability to detect meaningful differences.
Morphological comparative study of canine and feline diaphragms: Effect of bodyweight, body condition score, gender, age and breed
Authors: Mogicato Giovanni , Cavalerie Robin , Daniels‐Treffandier Hélène , Cartiaux Benjamin , Montel Charles , Verwaerde Patrick , Jourdan Géraldine
Published: April 2024

The canine diaphragm is a muscular and tendinous dome‐like plate and is largely involved in digestive and respiratory functions. Very few studies compared morphology of the diaphragm between dogs and cats and no studies have investigated the effects of individual factors on this morphology. So the aim of this study was to (1) study the effects of individual factors on the morphology of the diaphragm and (2) to compare its morphology between cats and dogs. Surface measurements of 86 diaphragms were performed. The tendinous centre (TC), the lumbar part of the peripheral muscular (LP) and the sternal and costal parts of the peripheral muscular (SCPM) were measured. Measurement ratios (surface of anatomical part of the diaphragm/total surface of the diaphragm) were used for statistical analysis (TC%S, LP%S, SCPM%S). The SCPM%S are significantly lower, and the LP%S are significantly higher when bodyweight increases in dogs and cats. The TC%S are significantly lower when the body condition score of dogs increases. The SCPM%S are significantly higher, and therefore, the TC%S and LP%S lower in brachycephalic animals as opposed to mesocephalic animals. The TC%S are significantly higher in dogs than in cats and the SCPM%S are significantly higher in cats than in dogs. This study proposed a cartography of the diaphragm morphology in cats and dogs taking into account individual animal factors. Significant differences in the diaphragm morphology between cats and dogs and between mesocephalic and brachycephalic animals were found. Further studies are necessary to confirm these results and to investigate the consequences of these variations.