bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leveraging Electronic Health Records to Assess Residential Mobility Among Veterans in the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Wang Karen H. , Hendrickson Zoé M. , Miller Mary L. , Abel Erica A. , Skanderson Melissa , Erdos Joseph , Womack Julie A. , Brandt Cynthia A. , Desai Mayur , Han Ling
Published: June 2024

Background:

Residential mobility, or a change in residence, can influence health care utilization and outcomes. Health systems can leverage their patients’ residential addresses stored in their electronic health records (EHRs) to better understand the relationships among patients’ residences, mobility, and health. The Veteran Health Administration (VHA), with a unique nationwide network of health care systems and integrated EHR, holds greater potential for examining these relationships.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis to examine the association of sociodemographics, clinical conditions, and residential mobility. We defined residential mobility by the number of VHA EHR residential addresses identified for each patient in a 1-year period (1/1–12/31/2018), with 2 different addresses indicating one move. We used generalized logistic regression to model the relationship between a priori selected correlates and residential mobility as a multinomial outcome (0, 1, ≥2 moves).

Results:

In our sample, 84.4% (n=3,803,475) veterans had no move, 13.0% (n=587,765) had 1 move, and 2.6% (n=117,680) had ≥2 moves. In the multivariable analyses, women had greater odds of moving [aOR=1.11 (95% CI: 1.10,1.12) 1 move; 1.27 (1.25,1.30) ≥2 moves] than men. Veterans with substance use disorders also had greater odds of moving [aOR=1.26 (1.24,1.28) 1 move; 1.77 (1.72,1.81) ≥2 moves].

Discussion:

Our study suggests about 16% of veterans seen at VHA had at least 1 residential move in 2018. VHA data can be a resource to examine relationships between place, residential mobility, and health.
Physical exercise, the immune system and infection risk: implications for prehabilitation and rehabilitation for solid organ transplantation candidates and recipients
Authors: Bishop Nicolette C.
Published: June 2024

Purpose of review

Solid organ transplantation recipients have an increased risk of infection, exacerbated by immunosuppressant medications that need to finely balance suppression of the immune system to prevent allograft rejection while avoiding over-suppression leading to infections and malignancy. Exercise modulates immune functions, with moderate-intensity activities particularly associated with enhanced antiviral immunity and reduced infection incidence. However, investigations of the effects of exercise and physical activity on immune function and infection risk posttransplantation are scarce. This review highlights areas where the relationship between exercise, immune function and infection risk has greatest potential for benefit for solid organ transplantation and therefore greatest need for investigation.

Recent findings

Moderate and higher intensity exercise do not appear to cause adverse immunological effects in kidney transplantation recipients, although evidence from other organ transplantation is lacking. Evidence from healthy younger and older adults suggests that regular exercise can reduce risk of respiratory infections and latent herpesvirus reactivation and improves antibody responses to vaccination, which is of great importance for organ transplantation recipients.

There is a strong need for research to investigate the role of exercise on immune function and infection risk in solid organ transplantation to improve both allograft survival and long-term health of the recipient.
Footprints in the scan: reducing the carbon footprint of diagnostic tools in urology
Authors: Woernle Alexandre , Moore Caroline M. , Allen Clare , Giganti Francesco
Published: June 2024

Purpose of review

There is an ever-growing focus on climate change and its impact on our society. With healthcare contributing a sizeable proportion of carbon emissions, the sector has a duty to address its environmental impact. We highlight the recent progress, current challenges, and future prospects for reducing the carbon footprint in diagnostic urology, specifically for imaging, without compromising patient care.

Recent findings

The review is separated into four key areas of recent research: the design of a green radiology department, considering both infrastructural as well as behavioural changes that promote sustainability; individual scanners, where we provide an update on recent technological advancements and changes in behaviour that may enhance sustainable use; responsible resource allocation, where it is important to derive the maximal benefit for patients through the smallest use of resources; the recent research regarding single versus reusable urologic endoscopes as a case example.

We offer an overview of the present sustainability landscape in diagnostic urology with the aim of encouraging additional research in areas where existing practices may be challenged. To protect the environment, attention is drawn to both more simple steps that can be taken as well as some more complex and expensive ones.
Elevated expression of ELK1 promotes breast cancer cell growth and correlates with poor prognosis of breast cancer patients
Authors: Xu Xiuping , Wang Yanan , Wang Qing , LV Shanmei , Mao Guofeng
Published: June 2024

Background:

Breast cancer is the most common tumor in women and poses a serious threat to women’s physical and mental health. The ETS-like gene 1 (ELK1), upregulated in various malignancies, serves as a transcription regulatory factor. This study primarily investigates the biological functions and prognostic significance of ELK1 in breast cancer.

Materials and methods:

The authors conducted an analysis of ELK1 expression in breast cancer and adjacent tissues using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and validated these findings with clinical specimens. Additionally, the authors employed siRNA transfection, proliferation and apoptosis assays to elucidate the roles of ELK1 in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, we assessed the correlations between ELK1 expression and the tumor microenvironment, as well as tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs), utilizing the ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms. Finally, we used Kaplan–Meier plots and COX regressions to identify prognostic factors, and developed a predictive alignment diagram to evaluate the prognostic significance of ELK1 in breast cancer.

Results:

A marked increase in ELK1 expression is evident in breast cancer tissues (P<0.01). Experimental findings demonstrate that silencing ELK1 suppresses proliferation and promotes apoptosis in breast cancer cells. ELK1 plays a pivotal role in regulating the immune microenvironment of breast cancer. Furthermore, the alignment diagram indicates that ELK1 may serve as an independent prognostic factor for breast cancer patients.

Conclusion:

The authors’ study reveals that ELK1 exhibits a high expression level in breast cancer tissues and is associated with disease progression and poor prognosis.
PSMA-Avid Liver Metastasis in a Case of Prostate Carcinoma and Poorly Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Coskun Meric , Aydos Uguray , Akdemir Umit Ozgur , Yalcin Mehmet Muhittin , Toruner Fusun Balos
Published: June 2024

Although PSMA-targeted PET imaging is predominantly used for prostate carcinoma (PC), it has also been reported for thyroid carcinoma (TC). A 77-year-old man had a liver metastasectomy for poorly differentiated TC, which had elevated 18F-FDG uptake. Two years later, he was diagnosed with acinar-type modified Gleason score of 7 (3 + 4) PC. Four years later, he had metastatic liver lesions that had no radioactive iodine and 18F-FDG avidity. These lesions were 68Ga-PSMA avid, and the biopsy confirmed TC metastasis. This case emphasizes the importance of 68Ga-PSMA–based imaging in poorly differentiated TC and pathological confirmation for lesions that were 68Ga-PSMA–positive.
Surgical Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Spontaneous Intestinal Perforation Lead to Severe Growth Failure in Infants
Authors: Speer Allison L. , Lally Kevin P. , Pedroza Claudia , Zhang Yuxin , Poindexter Brenda B. , Chwals Walter J. , Hintz Susan R. , Besner Gail E. , Stevenson David K. , Ohls Robin K. , Truog William E. , Stoll Barbara J. , Rysavy Matthew A. , Das Abhik , Tyson Jon E. , Blakely Martin L. ,   for the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network
Published: June 2024

Objective:

We aimed to determine the incidence of growth failure in infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) or spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP) and whether initial laparotomy versus peritoneal drainage (PD) impacted the likelihood of growth failure.

Summary Background Data:

Infants with surgical NEC and SIP have high mortality, and most have neurodevelopmental impairment and poor growth. Existing literature on growth outcomes for these infants is limited.

Methods:

This is a preplanned secondary study of the Necrotizing Enterocolitis Surgery Trial dataset. The primary outcome was growth failure (Z-score for weight <−2.0) at 18 to 22 months. We used logistic regression, including diagnosis and treatment, as covariates. Secondary outcomes were analyzed using the Fisher exact or Pearson χ2 test for categorical variables and the Wilcoxon rank sum test or one-way ANOVA for continuous variables.

Results:

Among 217 survivors, 207 infants (95%) had primary outcome data. Growth failure at 18 to 22 months occurred in 24/50 (48%) of NEC infants versus 65/157 (42%) SIP (P=0.4). The mean weight-for-age Z-score at 18 to 22 months in NEC infants was −2.05±0.99 versus −1.84±1.09 SIP (P=0.2), and the predicted mean weight-for-age Z-score SIP (Beta −0.27; 95% CI: −0.53, −0.01; P=0.041). Median declines in weight-for-age Z-score between birth and 18 to 22 months were significant in all infants but most severe (>2) in NEC infants (P=0.2).

Conclusions:

This first ever prospective study of growth outcomes in infants with surgical NEC or SIP demonstrates that growth failure is very common, especially in infants with NEC, and persists at 18-22 months.
Pelvic Floor Disorders Among U.S. Military Active-Duty Females
Authors: Allen Megan K. , Nelson Dwayne Alan , Stone George William
Published: June 2024

Importance

Women are a growing cohort within the U.S. military. Pelvic floor health is a component of health maintenance for which support needs vary by sex. The American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology reports that 1 in 4 women is affected by moderate to severe pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). Understanding the specific experience of female service members is warranted for health care optimization and preservation of force readiness.

Objective

We aimed to identify the prevalence, incidence, and risk factors associated with incident PFD in active-duty females during an 11-year window.

Study Design

We used the Medical Assessment and Readiness System at Womack Army Medical Center, which includes medical record and personnel data from 2011 to 2022. Pelvic floor dysfunction diagnoses were identified using diagnosis codes and analyzed with respect to demographic parameters.

Results

Between 2011 and 2022, 32,996 of 550,303 active-duty females were diagnosed with PFD (period prevalence: 6.00%). Using 2011–2012 as a washout period, 27,046 of 486,558 participants were diagnosed during 1,879,990.90 person-years of follow-up (incidence rate: 14.39 cases per 1,000 person-years). The incidence rate of PFD increased in both new and established active-duty females. Increasing time since service entry was the strongest, statistically significant independent predictor of PFD. Three or more deployments and specific physical fitness scoring were also predictors of PFD.

Conclusions

The incidence rate of PFD among female service members is increasing, and multiple military-specific factors predict PFD. As the percentage of women in active-duty service continues to grow, additional investigation is needed to confirm PFD trends, illuminate other predictors, and prevent adverse outcomes.
GLP-1 receptor agonists and weight loss in schizophrenia – past, present, and future
Authors: Trott Mike , Arnautovska Urska , Siskind Dan
Published: June 2024

Purpose of review

People with schizophrenia experience three to five times higher prevalence of diabetes and obesity than the general population, contributing to a 20-year reduced lifespan. The impacts of weight gain extend beyond physical health, affecting people's self-esteem, quality of life, and triggering treatment nonadherence, leading to relapse and deteriorations in health. Clinical guidelines recommend patients with antipsychotic-induced weight gain are treated with cognitive behaviour therapy and lifestyle changes; however, effective treatments for obesity in schizophrenia are critically lacking. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-RAs) have shown large effects in weight loss in the general population; however, effects are less clear in people with schizophrenia. This review aims to assess the clinical trials that have been completed, are in progress, and directions for future trials.

Recent findings

To date, six clinical trials have been completed, four of which have published their findings. Three further trials are currently in progress.

Results from completed trials suggest that GLP-1RAs decrease weight in people with schizophrenia, however effect sizes are mostly smaller than studies based on the general population. Future trials could focus on dual or triple agonist agents, and/or explore the effects of GLP-1 s at antipsychotic medication commencement, to potentially prevent antipsychotic weight gain.
Interaction of a non-axisymmetric artificial single spatula with rough surfaces
Authors: Cheng Qian , Jiang Zhizhen , Borodich Feodor M. , Gorb Stanislav N. , Jin Xiaoqing
Published: June 2024

Hair-like attachment structures are frequently used by animals to create stable contact with rough surfaces. Previous studies focused primarily on axisymmetric biomimetic models of artificial spatulas, such as those with a mushroom-shaped and cylinder-shaped geometry, in order to simulate the so-called gecko effect. Here, two geometric prototypes of artificial adhesive structures with non-axisymmetric properties were designed. The investigation of the prototype’s interactions with rough surfaces was carried out using the finite element software ABAQUS. Under increasing vertical displacement, the effect of asperity size on the contact pressure evolution of the spatula was investigated. It has been demonstrated that the contact behaviour is greatly affected by the flexibility of the spatula, which is caused by its variable thickness. The thinner spatula shows a higher nominal contact area and attaches more strongly to various rough surfaces. Although a thicker spatula is more susceptible to the ‘leverage’ phenomenon, which occurs when excessively applied displacements prematurely reduce the nominal contact area, it obtains the ability to regulate attachment during unidirectional loading. Two non-axisymmetric prototypes provide different design concepts for the artificial adhesives. It is hoped that this study will provide fresh viewpoints and innovations that contribute to the development of biologically inspired adhesives.
GROND: a quality-checked and publicly available database of full-length 16S-ITS-23S rRNA operon sequences
Authors: Walsh Calum J. , Srinivas Meghana , Stinear Timothy P. , van Sinderen Douwe , Cotter Paul D. , Kenny John G.
Published: June 2024

Sequence comparison of 16S rRNA PCR amplicons is an established approach to taxonomically identify bacterial isolates and profile complex microbial communities. One potential application of recent advances in long-read sequencing technologies is to sequence entire rRNA operons and capture significantly more phylogenetic information compared to sequencing of the 16S rRNA (or regions thereof) alone, with the potential to increase the proportion of amplicons that can be reliably classified to lower taxonomic ranks. Here we describe GROND (Genome-derived Ribosomal Operon Database), a publicly available database of quality-checked 16S-ITS-23S rRNA operons, accompanied by multiple taxonomic classifications. GROND will aid researchers in analysis of their data and act as a standardised database to allow comparison of results between studies.
Safety and adherence to self-administered intravaginal 5-fluorouracil cream following cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2/3 treatment among HIV-positive women in Kenya: A phase 1 clinical trial
Authors: Mungo Chemtai , Omoto Jackton , Ogollah Cirilus , Owaya Antony , Rop Mercy , Rota Gershon , Bukusi Elizabeth A , Tang Jennifer , Rahangdale Lisa
Published: June 2024

Objective

To determine the safety, tolerance, and adherence to self-administered intravaginal 5% fluorouracil (5FU) cream as adjuvant therapy following cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or 3 (CIN2/3) treatment among women living with HIV (WLWH) in Kenya.

Methods

A Phase I Pilot trial was performed among 12 WLWH in Kenya, aged 18–49 years between March 2023-February 2024 (Clinicaltrials.govNCT05362955). Participants self-administered 2g of 5FU intravaginally every other week for eight applications. Safety was assessed using a standardized grading scale, and adherence was evaluated using self-report, inspection of used applicators, and weighing of the study drug.

Results

The mean age and CD4 count were 43.9 years and 781 cells/mm3, respectively. Seven (58%) had an 8th-grade education or less. All 12 reported at least one grade I adverse event (AE), 1 (8%) reported a grade 2 AE, no grade 3 or 4 AEs were reported. Increased vaginal discharge (n=9, 75%) and irritation (n=5, 42%), with a mean duration of 3.2 and 2.8 days, respectively, were the most commonly reported AEs. Provider-observed AEs included grade 1 cervical erythema and superficial abrasions. All participants tolerated all eight 5FU doses, and 96% adherence was demonstrated.

Conclusion

Self-administered 5FU following CIN2/3 treatment among WLWH in Kisumu, Kenya, was safe, tolerable, and associated with high adherence. Randomized trials are needed to investigate whether adjuvant 5FU can improve treatment outcomes or serve as primary cervical precancer treatment in sub-Saharan Africa. A self-administered therapy may be transformative in increasing access to treatment and, hence, secondary prevention of cervical cancer.
Analytic formulas for the
D
-mode Robinson instability
Authors: He Tianlong , Li Weiwei , Bai Zhenghe , Li Weimin
Published: June 2024

The passive superconducting harmonic cavity (PSHC) scheme is adopted by several existing and future synchrotron light source storage rings, as it has a relatively smaller R/Q and a relatively larger quality factor (Q), which can effectively reduce the beam-loading effect and suppress the mode-one instability. By using a minimum search algorithm to solve the mode-zero Robinson instability equation of uniformly filled rigid bunches, we have revealed that the fundamental mode of PSHC with a large loaded Q possibly triggers the D-mode Robinson instability [T. He , Mode-zero Robinson instability in the presence of passive superconducting harmonic cavities, ]. This instability is a mode-zero coupled bunch instability, with an oscillation frequency close to the PSHC detuning (D-mode). Uniquely, it is anti-damped by the radiation damping effect. In this paper, we derive analytical formulas for the frequency and growth rate of the D-mode Robinson instability by taking several appropriate approximations. These formulas provide crucial insights for analyzing and understanding the D-mode Robinson instability.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Rejuvenation and memory effects in active glasses induced by thermal and active cycling
Authors: Janzen Giulia , Janssen Liesbeth M. C.
Published: June 2024

It has recently been shown that thermal active glasses can display physical aging behavior comparable to that of passive glasses, although there are some notable distinctions due to the intrinsic nonequilibrium nature of active matter. The question whether active disordered materials can also exhibit rejuvenation and memory effects, akin to the phenomenology of, e.g., spin glasses, has thus far remained unexplored. Here we address this question by numerical simulations of active glasses composed of active Brownian particles that are subjected to a thermal or active cycling protocol. We find that an active system undergoing thermal cycling indeed shows rejuvenation and memory effects, with the strength of rejuvenation depending on the persistence time. In contrast, however, a passive Brownian system subjected to the same thermal cycle lacks the rejuvenation effect. We attribute this to the enhanced motility of active particles, which enables them to escape from their cages and restart aging at the new temperature, thus rejuvenating the material. Finally, we also demonstrate that both rejuvenation and memory effects can be induced by an activity cycle which quenches the material from an active to passive glass and back, providing a unique means to rejuvenate active matter.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Assessing the potential of perfect screw dislocations in SiC for solid-state quantum technologies
Authors: Barragan-Yani Daniel , Wirtz Ludger
Published: June 2024

Although point defects in solids can be used as qubits, it remains challenging to position them in a deterministic array. By means of advanced calculations we show that perfect screw dislocations in 3C-SiC could be used to overcome this limitation. In addition, we show that such dislocations can change the spin configuration of a point defect located inside its core, without changing the localized nature of its defect states. Our findings represent a technological leap as they show that dislocations can be used as active building blocks in future defect-based quantum computers.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computation Using Large Spin-Cat Codes
Authors: Omanakuttan Sivaprasad , Buchemmavari Vikas , Gross Jonathan A. , Deutsch Ivan H. , Marvian Milad
Published: June 2024

We construct a fault-tolerant quantum error-correcting protocol based on a qubit encoded in a large spin qudit using a spin-cat code, analogous to the continuous-variable cat encoding. With this, we can correct the dominant error sources, namely processes that can be expressed as error operators that are linear or quadratic in the components of angular momentum. Such codes tailored to dominant error sources can exhibit superior thresholds and lower resource overheads when compared to those designed for unstructured noise models. A key component is the gate that preserves the rank of spherical tensor operators. Categorizing the dominant errors as phase and amplitude errors, we demonstrate how phase errors, analogous to phase-flip errors for qubits, can be effectively corrected. Furthermore, we propose a measurement-free error-correction scheme to address amplitude errors without relying on syndrome measurements. Through an in-depth analysis of logical gate errors, we establish that the fault-tolerant threshold for error correction in the spin-cat encoding surpasses that of standard qubit-based encodings. We consider a specific implementation based on neutral-atom quantum computing, with qudits encoded in the nuclear spin of 87Sr, and show how to generate the universal gate set, including the rank-preserving gate, using quantum control and the Rydberg blockade. These findings pave the way for encoding a qubit in a large spin with the potential to achieve fault tolerance, high threshold, and reduced resource overhead in quantum information processing.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Accessing self-diffusion on nanosecond time and nanometre length scales with minute kinetic resolution
Authors: Beck Christian , Roosen-Runge Felix , Grimaldo Marco , Zeller Dominik , Peters Judith , Schreiber Frank , Seydel Tilo
Published: June 2024

Neutron spectroscopy uniquely and non-destructively accesses diffusive dynamics in soft and biological matter, including for instance proteins in hydrated powders or in solution, and more generally dynamic properties of condensed matter on the molecular level. Given the limited neutron flux resulting in long counting times, it is important to optimize data acquisition for the specific question, in particular for time-resolved (kinetic) studies. The required acquisition time was recently significantly reduced by measurements of discrete energy transfers rather than quasi-continuous neutron scattering spectra on neutron backscattering spectrometers. Besides this reduction in acquisition times, smaller amounts of samples can be measured with better statistics, and most importantly, kinetically changing samples, such as aggregating or crystallizing samples, can be followed. However, given the small number of discrete energy transfers probed in this mode, established analysis frameworks for full spectra can break down. Presented here are new approaches to analyze measurements of diffusive dynamics recorded within fixed windows in energy transfer, and these are compared with the analysis of full spectra. The new approaches are tested by both modeled scattering functions and a comparative analysis of fixed energy window data and full spectra on well understood reference samples. This new approach can be employed successfully for kinetic studies of the dynamics focusing on the short-time apparent center-of-mass diffusion.
A study of stress, composition and grain interaction gradients in energy-dispersive X-ray stress analysis on materials with cubic symmetry
Authors: Genzel Christoph , Klaus Manuela
Published: June 2024

The influence of various combinations of residual stress, composition and grain interaction gradients in polycrystalline materials with cubic symmetry on energy-dispersive X-ray stress analysis is theoretically investigated. For the evaluation of the simulated sin2ψ distributions, two different strategies are compared with regard to their suitability for separating the individual gradients. It is shown that the separation of depth gradients of the strain-free lattice parameter a
0(z) from residual stress gradients σ(z) is only possible if the data analysis is carried out in section planes parallel to the surface. The impact of a surface layer z* that is characterized by a direction-dependent grain interaction model in contrast to the volume of the material is quantified by comparing a ferritic and an austenitic steel, which feature different elastic anisotropy. It is shown to be of minor influence on the resulting residual stress depth profiles if the data evaluation is restricted to reflections hkl with orientation factors Γ
hkl
close to the model-independent orientation Γ*. Finally, a method is proposed that allows the thickness of the anisotropic surface layer z* to be estimated on the basis of an optimization procedure.
Exploring the restorative environments in Bratislava using EEG and VR: a neuro-urbanism approach
Authors: Elsayed Mirame , Elshater Abeer , Shehayeb Dina , Finka Maros , Afifi Samy M.Z.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Residing in a densely populated urban area possesses its allure; nonetheless, it can significantly impact physical and mental well-being owing to the persistent stress and information overload inherent in urban settings. This study aims to introduce a neuro-urbanism framework that can guide urban planners and designers in quantitatively evaluating individuals' responses to virtual simulated environments.

Design/methodology/approach

Our study consisted of two phases after randomly selecting six locations representing three types of urban areas in Bratislava, Slovakia: urban spaces, urban streets, and public parks. First, we conducted a Mentimeter live polling (dialogic survey fusion), followed by an experiment involving volunteer participants from the Slovak University of Technology. This experiment employed an electroencephalogram (EEG) with virtual reality headsets to virtually explore participants' responses to the selected locations.

Findings

The EEG signal analysis revealed significant differences in relaxation levels across the selected locations in this study. Urban streets with commercial activities promote mental well-being more effectively than public parks, challenging the preconception that restorative environments are exclusively confined to public parks.

Originality/value

The results demonstrate a replicable neuro-urbanism framework comprising three distinct stages: problem-based technology rooted in neuroscience, experimental setup and deliverables, and identification of restorative environments.
A qualitative evaluation of an in-school social norms approach intervention for reducing unhealthy snacking behaviours amongst secondary school students
Authors: Calvert Sian , Dempsey Robert , Povey Rachel
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The Social Norms Approach (SNA) is a health behaviour intervention which promotes positive behaviour change by challenging and reducing misperceived social norms of peer behaviours and attitudes. This study reports a novel qualitative evaluation of an in-school SNA intervention which aimed to reduce 11-to-12-year-old students’ unhealthy snacking behaviours by reducing misperceived peer norms.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative evaluation of seven teachers’ and eighteen students’ experiences of taking part in the SNA intervention based on focus group discussions and an open-ended survey.

Findings

An inductive reflexive thematic analysis indicated that the SNA intervention was an effective and engaging means of delivering normative feedback to younger adolescents. The use of a paper-and-pens creative poster-making activity, where students were tasked with designing the intervention materials featuring normative feedback based on their baseline data, encouraged students to discuss and reflect on the discrepancies between their perceived norms and the actual reported unhealthy snacking norms. Challenges were identified with ensuring intervention fidelity and in students’ understanding of how to record survey responses using Likert scales.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates the usefulness of exploring post-intervention perceptions of SNA interventions, particularly from the perspective of the intended recipients. The study also provides useful information for those intending to develop in-school SNA interventions in the future, particularly the importance of involving participants in the designing of intervention materials as a means of promoting engagement with an SNA-based dietary behaviour intervention.
Exploring and evaluating the development of an open application programming interface (Open API) architecture for the fintech services ecosystem
Authors: Wang Jen Sheng
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The Open API (application programming interface) architecture will play an important role in promoting future FinTech service applications; however, it involves user data, and the current specialization and progression are less visible. Therefore, an evaluation framework for Open API development in the FinTech service ecosystem is constructed in this study.

Design/methodology/approach

This study preliminarily selects the four most important key objects and factors of this ecosystem and conducts expert interviews to revise the evaluation framework. Then, this study uses the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) to evaluate the objects and their factor weights and finally uses the FAHP analysis results to further apply the evaluation based on distance from average solution (EDAS) approach to explore the strategy optimization scenarios.

Findings

According to the analysis results, the co-creation object and productivity object are the two most significant objects, with weights of 0.275 and 0.272, respectively. The analysis shows that FinTech-related companies expect to increase productivity through co-creation. Finally, the results also indicate that mobile payment is the best Open API application scenario in the FinTech service ecosystem, followed by online banking. These results illustrate strategic and management implications.

Originality/value

This study screens key evaluation criteria with a literature review and expert questionnaire interviews to process quantitative research. It can determine the weights of objectives and criteria to clarify the strength of influence between the objectives and criteria. Next, this study measures the probable performance of Open API applied in various FinTech service ecosystem scenarios.
Customer experience management (CXM) and new product success: an empirical investigation
Authors: Athaide Gerard A. , Zhang Jason Q. , Klink Richard R.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Customer experience management (CXM) and Innovation are two important capabilities on which businesses compete today. However, research to date has not empirically investigated their potential symbiotic relationship. Specifically, does better CXM improve innovation; similarly, does better innovation improve CXM? As a starting point, our research focuses on the former: how does effective CXM correlate with innovation success?

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected by querying marketing managers from 251 goods and services firms involved in CX design and implementation. Managers answered questions related to their innovation efforts, customer experience management initiatives, and innovation outcomes. Cluster analysis was used to identify a taxonomy of CXM approaches contingent upon environmental factors (market turbulence, competitive intensity, and technological turbulence).

Findings

Our research found that higher levels of CXM engagement result in greater innovation success – i.e. higher success rates, revenues, and profits from new products or services. In addition, we find that there are three distinct approaches to CXM: (1) Extensive CXM approach (43% of firms in our sample); (2) Moderate CXM approach (39%); and (3) Limited CXM approach (18%). Firms with an extensive CXM approach operate in intensely competitive environments that are characterized by very high technological turbulence. Firms that employ a limited CXM approach operate in environments with the lowest levels of competitive intensity and technological change. Market turbulence did not factor into the choice of CXM approach.

Originality/value

To our knowledge, our study is the first to provide empirical evidence that firms adopt different CXM approaches. Further, we identify factors external to the firm that are considered when selecting these CXM approaches; namely, market turbulence, competitive intensity, and technological turbulence. Finally, our findings related to CXM approaches and innovation success indicate that managers should make investments in CXM to help improve innovation.
The role of firm complexity in the relationship between integrated reporting and earnings management
Authors: Donkor Augustine , Trireksani Terri , Djajadikerta Hadrian Geri
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the relationship between integrated reporting and management’s opportunistic behavior (i.e., accrual and real earnings management) and the moderating role of firm complexity.

Design/methodology/approach

Data of firms at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange were collected and analyzed. The Johannesburg Stock Exchange is currently the primary exchange that mandates the practice of integrated reporting. Regression estimation models and robustness tests were applied to the analysis.

Findings

This study concludes that integrated reporting quality reduces firms’ accrual and real earnings management practices. It further concludes that the significant negative effect of integrated reporting quality on firms’ earnings management practices is impeded by higher firm complexity.

Originality/value

This study enhances the literature on the behavioral effect of a combined financial and sustainability disclosure practice on both accrual and real earnings management, specifically targeting South Africa’s listed companies – the primary market currently mandates integrated reporting practice.
Does top executive gender diversity matter for the value relevance of ESG controversies? Empirical evidence from European tech firms
Authors: Al-Hiyari Ahmad
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Interest in environmental, social and governance (ESG) controversies is acquiring great relevance in the business and academic communities. Nonetheless, previous studies in the area have devoted little attention to how the market views ESG controversies. Against this backdrop, this paper aims to investigate whether ESG controversies are value-relevant to investors, as reflected in equity values. It also investigates whether top management team (TMT) gender diversity is likely to affect the association between ESG controversies and equity market values in the context of high-tech firms.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a sample of high-tech firms listed on the STOXX 600 index during the period 2006–2022. The ESG data for the sample is retrieved from the Refinitiv Eikon database. This paper adopts a fixed-effect panel regression to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Based on the Ohlson’s (1995) valuation framework, the authors find evidence that ESG controversies are associated with a lower market valuation, suggesting that shareholders perceive ESG controversies as conveying negative information about future performance. The authors also find evidence that TMT gender diversity negatively moderates the relationship between ESG controversies and equity values, indicating that TMT gender diversity alleviates the detrimental effect of corporate controversies. These results remain consistent when using the return model of Easton and Harris (1991).

Originality/value

This paper throws more light on the economic consequences of ESG controversies in European high-tech firms. This is particularly important due to the increasing importance of ESG criteria in guiding investment choices. This paper also adds to the current literature by providing new evidence that the value-relevance of ESG controversies is affected by TMT gender diversity.
Gamification in cybersecurity education; a state of the art review and research agenda
Authors: Pramod Dhanya
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The growth of the internet, access to technology and rapid digital transformations have paved the way for developing attack surfaces for individuals and organizations. There is a dire need to provide cybersecurity awareness most effectively. Gamification-based platforms have evolved to make cybersecurity education more engaging and effective. This study explores the gamification platforms available for cybersecurity training and awareness, the extent to which they are used and their benefits and challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

PRISMA 2020 was used to conduct the systematic literature review.

Findings

The study comprehends the game design elements and their role in the effectiveness of cybersecurity training and awareness. The study unveils that traditional education methodologies are insignificant in cybersecurity awareness, and gamification-based platforms are more beneficial. The paper summarizes the implications of the findings and further postulates future research directions.

Originality/value

This work comprehends the various forms of gamification platforms and frameworks available for cybersecurity training and will motivate further development of gamification platforms. This paper will help academia, private and public organizations and game designers enhance their gamification-based cybersecurity education interventions.
The effect of restatements on office-level audit quality
Authors: Nash Jonathan , Bailey Cristina
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to provide evidence on how the issuance of a nonreliance restatement affects non-restating clients of the same audit office.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the effect of restatement issuance on office-level quality, this study runs regressions using both input- and output-based measures of audit quality.

Findings

This study finds that in the years where one or more clients of an audit office issue a restatement, audit effort is lower for non-restating clients of the same office. When two or more clients issue a restatement, other clients are charged lower audit fees, file later and are more likely to experience an audit failure.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on office-level audit quality and provides an explanation for the longitudinal correlation of office-level audit failures.
Exploring the causal complexity of business models with organizational performance: a study for the pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Panchal Dinesh B. , Krishnamoorthy Bala , Bhattacharyya Som Sekhar
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Authors analyze a business model (BM) based on organizational performance. BMs are strategic tools used to achieve high performance. This study is based on two characteristics of causal complexity: conjunction and equifinality. Authors also examine the applicability of causal asymmetry in the relationship between BMs and organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Generally, the relationship between BM elements and organizational performance is analyzed using a correlational approach. This relationship is marked by causal complexity, which cannot be analyzed via such approach. Authors applied a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis with data from three time-periods and two performance variables for pharmaceutical firms.

Findings

Qualitative comparative analysis revealed that high performance resulted from configurations (combinations) of BM elements and not from the effects of individual elements. In addition, multiple configurations are available for achieving high performance. Causal asymmetry was observed in the configuration of the BM elements for high and low performances.

Research limitations/implications

Using qualitative comparative analysis of data sets from three time-periods in the context of the pharmaceutical industry BM, authors integrated the theoretical constructs of causal complexity, namely conjunction, equifinality and causal asymmetry.

Practical implications

Findings related to conjunctions will help managers shift their focus from individual BM elements to combinations of BM elements. Additionally, the findings related to equifinality and causal asymmetry will allow flexibility in designing their company’s BM according to the resource constraints their company faces.

Originality/value

This was one of the first few studies on BMs using the twin indicators of the organizational performance relationship and causal complexity.
Vitality of autologous retromolar bone grafts for alveolar ridge augmentation after a 3‐months healing period: A prospective histomorphometrical analysis
Authors: Stricker Andres , Fretwurst Tobias , Abdullayeva Arzu , Bosshardt Dieter , Aghaloo Tara , Duttenhöfer Fabian , Cordaro Luca , Nelson Katja , Gross Christian
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The incorporation of retromolar bone grafts used for alveolar ridge augmentation is not well understood. This prospective observational study aims to supply histomorphometrical data from bone graft biopsies taken at the time of retrieval and after a 3‐month healing period using patient‐matched biopsies.

Materials and Methods

In 17 patients, trephine biopsies of the graft were acquired at the time of graft retrieval and after a 3‐month healing period. The biopsies were compared histomorphometrically regarding the number of osteocytes, appearance of osteocyte lacunae, quantity, surface area, and activity of the Haversian canals.

Results

All grafts appeared clinically stable after screw removal and 17 implants were placed. Histomorphometric analysis revealed no significant difference in the number of osteocytes (p = .413), osteocyte lacunae (p = .611), the ratio of filled/empty osteocyte lacunae (p = .467) and active Haversian canals (p = .495) between the biopsies retrieved after a 3‐months healing period with those at the time of grafting. The only significant difference was noted in the mean surface area of the Haversian canals (p = .002). Specifically, the grafts post 3‐month healing showed a significantly larger mean area (0.069 mm2) compared to the time of grafting (0.029 mm2).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates, compared to other data, a high rate of vital structures in retromolar bone block grafts after 3 months of healing, exhibiting the same histological features in comparison to the biopsies from the native alveolar ridge. Standard histomorphometrical parameters, e.g., the amount of filled or empty osteocyte lacunae for the description of the vitality of the graft need to be reappraised.
Low overhead vector codes with combination property and zigzag decoding for edge‐aided computing in UAV network
Authors: Dai Mingjun , Huang Ronghao , Wang Jinjin , Li Bingchun
Published: June 2024

Codes that possess combination property (CP) and zigzag decoding (ZD) simultaneously (CP‐ZD) has broad application into edge aided distributed systems, including distributed storage, coded distributed computing (CDC), and CDC‐structured distributed training. Existing CP‐ZD code designs are based on scalar code, where one node stores exactly one encoded packet. The drawback is that the induced overhead is high. In order to significantly reduce the overhead, vector CP‐ZD codes are designed, where vector means the number of stored encoded packets in one node is extended from one to multiple. More specifically, in detailed code construction, cyclic shift is proposed, and the shifts are carefully designed for cases that each node stores two, three, and four packets, respectively. Comparisons show that the overhead is reduced significantly.
Morphological and molecular changes of oestrogen receptor‐positive breast cancer following bridging endocrine therapy: a United Kingdom multicentre study
Authors: Miligy Islam M , Awasthi Rachna , Mir Yasmeen , Khurana Anuj , Sharma Vijay , Chandaran Usha , Rakha Emad , Maurice Yasmine , Kearns Daniel , Oweis Rami , Asar Amal , Ironside Alastair , Shaaban Abeer M
Published: June 2024

Aims

Standard neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NAET) is used for 6–9 months to downstage hormone‐receptor‐positive breast cancer. Bridging ET was introduced during the COVID‐19 pandemic to delay surgical intervention. There are no data in the literature on the effect of short course therapy on tumour response. We aimed to analyse the effect of bridging ET and validate the previously proposed neoadjuvant ET pathological reporting criteria.

Methods and Results

This was a multicentre cohort of 256 patients who received bridging ET between March and October 2020. Assessment of paired pre‐ and post‐NAET hormone receptors and HER2 and posttherapy Ki67 expression was done. The median duration of NAET was 45 days. In all, 86% of cases achieved partial pathological response and 9% showed minimal residual disease. Histological response to ET was observed from as early as day 6 posttherapy. Central scarring was noted in 32.8% of cases and lymphocytic infiltrate was seen in 43.4% of cases. Significant changes associated with the duration of ET were observed in tumour grade (21%), with downgrading identified in 12% of tumours (P < 0.001), progesterone receptor (PR) expression with switch to PR‐negative status in 26% of cases (P < 0.001), and HER2 status with a switch from HER2‐low to HER2‐negative status in 32% of cases (P < 0.001). The median patient survival was 475 days, with an overall survival rate of 99.6%.

Conclusions

Changes characteristic of tumour regression and significant changes in PR and HER2 occurred following a short course of NAET. The findings support biomarker testing on pretreatment core biopsies and retesting following therapy.