bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate social advocacy and gender equality: how call-to-action messages influence corporate reputation
Authors: Marschlich Sarah , Bernet Laura
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Corporations are confronted with growing demands to take a stand on socio-political issues, i.e. corporate social advocacy (CSA), which affects their reputation in the public. Companies use different CSA message strategies, including calling the public to support and act on the issue they advocate. Using reactance theory, the authors investigate the impact of CSA messages with a call to action on corporate reputation in the case of a company's gender equality initiative.

Design/methodology/approach

A one-factorial (CSA message with or without a call to action) between-subjects experiment was conducted by surveying 172 individuals living in Switzerland. The CSA messages were created in the context of gender equality.

Findings

The authors' study indicates that CSA messages with a call to action compared to those without overall harmed corporate reputation due to individuals' reactance, which is higher for CSA messages with a call to action, negatively affecting corporate reputation. The impact of the CSA message strategy with a call to action on corporate reputation remains significant after controlling for issue alignment and political leaning.

Originality/value

Communicating about socio-political issues, especially taking a stand, is a significant challenge for corporations in an increasingly polarized society and has often led to backlash, boycotts and damage to corporate reputation. This study shows that the possible adverse effects of advocating for socio-political issues can be related to reactance. It emphasizes that companies advocating for contested issues must be more cautious about the message strategy than the issue itself.
Numerical modelling and experimental validation of dripping, jetting and whipping modes of gas dynamic virtual nozzle
Authors: Kovačič Krištof , Gregorc Jurij , Šarler Božidar
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to develop an experimentally validated three-dimensional numerical model for predicting different flow patterns produced with a gas dynamic virtual nozzle (GDVN).

Design/methodology/approach

The physical model is posed in the mixture formulation and copes with the unsteady, incompressible, isothermal, Newtonian, low turbulent two-phase flow. The computational fluid dynamics numerical solution is based on the half-space finite volume discretisation. The geo-reconstruct volume-of-fluid scheme tracks the interphase boundary between the gas and the liquid. To ensure numerical stability in the transition regime and adequately account for turbulent behaviour, the k-ω shear stress transport turbulence model is used. The model is validated by comparison with the experimental measurements on a vertical, downward-positioned GDVN configuration. Three different combinations of air and water volumetric flow rates have been solved numerically in the range of Reynolds numbers for airflow 1,009–2,596 and water 61–133, respectively, at Weber numbers 1.2–6.2.

Findings

The half-space symmetry allows the numerical reconstruction of the dripping, jetting and indication of the whipping mode. The kinetic energy transfer from the gas to the liquid is analysed, and locations with locally increased gas kinetic energy are observed. The calculated jet shapes reasonably well match the experimentally obtained high-speed camera videos.

Practical implications

The model is used for the virtual studies of new GDVN nozzle designs and optimisation of their operation.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the developed model numerically reconstructs all three GDVN flow regimes for the first time.
Exploring the importance of mobile app attributes based on consumers' voices using structured and unstructured data
Authors: Bera Sasadhar , Bhattacharya Subhajit
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This exploratory study examines and comprehends the relative importance of mobile app attributes from a consumer perspective. Both quantitative and qualitative analysis approaches explore users' behavior and attitudes toward the priorities of mobile app attributes and preferences, identifying correlations between attributes and aggregating individual attributes into groups.

Design/methodology/approach

Online convenience sampling and snowball sampling resulted in 417 valid responses. The numerical data are analyzed using the relative to an identified distribution (RIDIT) scoring system and gray relational analysis (GRA), and qualitative responses are investigated using text-mining techniques.

Findings

This study finds enhanced nuances of user preferences and provides data-driven insights that might help app developers and marketers create a distinct app that will add value to consumers. The latent semantic analysis indicates relationship structure among the attributes, and text-based cluster analysis determines the subsets of attributes that represent the unique functions of the mobile app.

Practical implications

This study reveals the essential components of mobile apps, paying particular attention to the consumer value component, which boosts user approval and encourages prolonged use. Overall, the results demonstrate that developers must concentrate on its functional, technical and esthetic features to make an app more exciting and practical for potential users.

Originality/value

Most scholarly research on apps has focused on their technological merits, aesthetics and usability from the user's perspective. A post-adoption multi-attribute app analysis using both structured and unstructured data is conducted in this study.
A pricing strategy of dual-channel supply chain considering online reviews and in-sale service
Authors: Liu Yong , Lin Chang-Xue , Zhao Gang
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The paper attempts to discuss the optimal pricing decisions under the decentralized and centralized decision and analyze the influence of online reviews and in-sale service on dual-channel supply chain. Finally, the authors design a two-part tariff coordination mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

To deal with this pricing conflict problems of dual-channel supply chain consisting of dominant manufacturer and a retailer, considering the fact that online reviews and in-sale service are important factors on consumers’ purchase decisions, the authors establish some basic models and exploit them to discuss the optimal pricing decisions under the decentralized and centralized decision and analyze the influence of online reviews and in-sale service on dual-channel supply chain. Finally, the authors design a profit-sharing coordination mechanism.

Findings

The results show that the optimal online direct selling price is positively correlated with product perceived quality obtained from online reviews and negatively correlated with the in-sale service. The traditional retail price is positively correlated with the in-sale service and weakly correlated with online reviews. For the manufacturer and retailer, whether decentralized decision or coordination contract, their profits increase with the increase of the in-sale service in a certain range and quality perceived from spontaneous online reviews. Online reviews and in-sale service are important factors on consumers’ purchase decisions. Positive in-sale services and online reviews can provide consumers with a better shopping experience, thereby promoting their enthusiasm for shopping and improving their quality of life. The two-part tariff coordination mechanism improves the profits of the manufacturer and the traditional retailer, respectively, through the transfer fee.

Originality/value

The proposed approach can well analyze the channel conflicts and pricing problems between retailers and manufacturers with respect to product offline price and online price. The analysis and results can inform decision-making for manufacturers and retailers.
How luxury brands appeal to young consumers: a different focus
Authors: Ye Christine , Kim Yuna
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Advances in digital technologies coupled with the shift toward sustainable consumption present promising opportunities for luxury fashion brands to engage younger consumers. To this end, this paper aims to provide a forward-looking approach to creating luxury experiences targeted toward young consumers by proposing a new experience consumption framework.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a viewpoint on creating luxury experiences that address the changing dynamics of the luxury industry by responding to the disruptive surge of young consumers and their growing preference for digital connections.

Findings

The authors develop a new experience consumption framework which demonstrates how luxury brands can successfully engage young consumers and fulfill their desire to share experiences with others by leveraging sustainable participation and digital technologies. The framework identifies different sustainable and digitally immersive experiences that luxury brands can incorporate for their young consumers.

Originality/value

This paper offers important managerial insights for luxury fashion brand marketers and identifies future research opportunities to advance knowledge in this field.
Prioritising infant mental health: a qualitative study examining the role of education and training to infant mental health service development in Scotland
Authors: Murphy Fionnghuala , Phang Fifi , Weaver Alicia , Minnis Helen , McFadyen Anne , Dawson Andrew
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Despite the long-established importance of infant mental health, internationally this has not been mirrored in the provision of infant mental health services. Within Scotland in the UK, there has been significant recent government investment in developing infant mental health services. However, existing research identifies a massive knowledge and skills gap that could create barriers to implementation. This study aims to use qualitative methods to consider the views of relevant professional stakeholders on education and training within infant mental health.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors completed semi-structured interviews with 14 professional stakeholders working in a health board in Scotland. This study used purposive sampling to include a broad range of professionals across health and social care services and analysed the resulting data using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) methodology. This study adopted a reflexive stance throughout, including the research team interviewing each other as part of the process.

Findings

Within the theme of education and training, we identified four sub-themes. These included roles for public health and societal education, training for parents, training for professionals and increasing professionals’ experience of infant mental health.

Originality/value

The issues identified are relevant in any area of the UK or internationally in considering the role of education and training in developing and maintaining new infant mental health services. Further research with families and with wider groups of professional stakeholders would be of further benefit.
Antecedents and consequences of green supply chain management practices in Ghana’s manufacturing sector
Authors: Acquah Ishmael Nanaba
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The study explores manufacturers' supply chain social capital (SCSC) (structural social capital and relational social capital) and supply chain performance, respectively, as drivers and outcome of green supply chain management practices (GSCMPs). Additionally, the study explores the direct relationship between SCSC and supply chain performance of manufacturers.

Design/methodology/approach

The author develops and tests a research model grounded in the resource-based view and the natural resource-based view theory using survey data from 100 manufacturing firms operating in Ghana. The measurement model and hypothesized paths were examined using partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

The findings revealed that relational social capital of manufacturers has a positive and significant relationship with supply chain performance, but structural social capital does not. Additionally, manufacturers' structural social capital and relational social capital were found to have a positive and significant relationship with GSCMPs. Lastly, GSCMPs were found to have a positive and significant relationship with supply chain performance.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the limited literature demonstrating the contribution of intangible relational assets, specifically SCSC, toward GSCMPs implementation.
Sustainable cotton dyeing with reactive dyes in the recycled dyeing wastewater
Authors: Shu Dawu , Cao Shaolei , Zhang Yan , Li Wanxin , Han Bo , An Fangfang , Liu Ruining
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to find a suitable solution to degrade the C.I. Reactive Red 24 (RR24) dyeing wastewater by using sodium persulphate to recycle water and inorganic salts.

Design/methodology/approach

The effects of temperature, the concentration of inorganic salts and Na2CO3 and the initial pH value on the degradation of RR24 were studied. Furthermore, the relationship between free radicals and RR24 degradation effect was investigated. Microscopic routes and mechanisms of dye degradation were further confirmed by testing the degradation karyoplasmic ratio of the product. The feasibility of the one-bath cyclic dyeing in the recycled dyeing wastewater was confirmed through the properties of dye utilization and color parameters.

Findings

The appropriate conditions were 0.3 g/L of sodium persulphate and treatment at 95°C for 30 min, which resulted in a decolorization rate of 98.4% for the dyeing wastewater. Acidic conditions are conducive to rapid degradation of dyes, while ·OH or SO4−· have a destructive effect on dyes under alkaline conditions. In the early stage of degradation, ·OH played a major role in the degradation of dyes. For sustainable cyclic dyeing of RR24, inorganic salts were reused in this dyeing process and dye uptake increased with the times of cycles. After the fixation, some Na2CO3 may be converted to other salts, thereby increasing the dye uptake in subsequent cyclic staining. However, it has little impact on the dye exhaustion rate and color parameters of dyed fabrics.

Originality/value

The recommended technology not only reduces the quantity of dyeing wastewater but also enables the recycling of inorganic salts and water, which meets the requirements of sustainable development and clean production.
Reflections on a cross-cultural interview study
Authors: Langdal Trine Hove
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The aim of this article is to address some aspects of a cross-cultural interview study conducted in a PhD research project. This is done by reflecting on and discussing the influence of language and culture on the research process, as experienced by the researcher.

Design/methodology/approach

The experiences have been taken from an interview study with fifteen American participants in which the researchers were Norwegian. The interviews were conducted in English.

Findings

By offering insights into experiences of the research process in a cross-cultural interview study, the article connects the discussion to the concepts of positionality and reflexivity. These concepts are found to be especially relevant when managing differences between the researcher and participants in cross-cultural studies, and for improving the trustworthiness of the research.

Practical implications

The experiences and reflections discussed in the article may be useful to other researchers in similar (cross-cultural) research contexts and situations.

Originality/value

This article has been inspired by the experience of conducting research in a second language and in a different country. By drawing on a researcher’s point of view, this article reflects on these aspects when working as a visiting researcher doing international research.
Coworkers’ responses to knowledge sharing: the moderating role of a knowledge contributor’s job competence
Authors: Tang Paul , Lai Jennifer Y.M. , Chen Xiaoyun , Fu Siu Fong Isabel
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Drawing on social exchange theory, this study aims to investigate the reciprocal relationship between an employee’s knowledge sharing and his or her coworkers’ responses to this focal contributor in terms of knowledge sharing and helping behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-wave online survey collected data from 84 respondents who provided ratings on each member on their team, representing 440 dyadic relationships. Hierarchical linear modeling analyzed the between-subjects and within-subject data simultaneously.

Findings

Employees generally reciprocate contributors’ knowledge sharing with an exact act (i.e. knowledge sharing) through the mechanism of peer respect. However, respect generated by knowledge sharing is enhanced only when the knowledge contributor is competent.

Originality/value

Research on how an employee’s knowledge sharing actually influences other members of a team is lacking. This study addresses this gap by examining responses to a team member’s knowledge sharing from a peer’s perspective. It also reveals when knowledge sharing is more pronounced in earning peer respect.
Diaspora, war, Gaza
Authors: Gusterson Hugh
Published: February 2024

This guest editorial examines how diasporic communities influence modern wars amidst globalization and rising ethnonationalism. It discusses historical tensions between states and diasporas during conflicts, referencing world wars and recent issues involving Chinese Americans in the US. The editorial highlights the roles played by diasporas in various conflicts, including the internment of Japanese Americans in World War II, scrutiny of Chinese Americans during Trump's presidency, and Irish expatriates’ involvement with the IRA. It focuses particularly on the Israel‐Gaza conflict, noting the active participation of Israeli and Palestinian diasporas in North America, often marked by internal disagreements. The piece argues that these diasporas, though physically distant from the conflicts, significantly influence global perspectives and the nature of warfare through public opinion and social media, thereby reshaping the contemporary understanding of war.
Experts as crisis managers: The case of the Swedish response to the Covid‐19 pandemic
Authors: Gardell Eva‐Karin Olsson
Published: February 2024

The academic discussion on the role of experts in crisis decision making subject is scattered and diverged. The debate has foremost been connected to the discussion of centralized versus decentralized responses. Inspired by the notion of contingency and Karl Weick, this article explores the role of the Swedish Public Health Agency in coping with the Covid‐19 pandemic. One of the key findings from the study is that even if experts might have a better technical understanding, at the same time, they risk getting stuck in identity concerns and previous experiences which result in rigid responses. The study also underlines that it is risky for decision‐makers to rely upon one single body of expertise at times when uncertainty is high and there is a lack of solid evidence and knowledge, given the likelihood of fixation and rigidity. Rather, policy makers should encourage a deliberative debate, involving a diversity of experts and expertise.
DNA metabarcoding diet analysis in a generalist omnivore: feeding trials reveal the efficacy of extraction kits and a multi‐locus approach for identifying diverse diets
Authors: THONGJUED Kantima , GARCIA Karina , SCOTT Delia , GONTHIER David J. , DUPUIS Julian R.
Published: February 2024

Metabarcoding‐based diet analysis is a valuable tool for understanding the feeding behavior of a wide range of species. However, many studies using these methods for wild animals assume accuracy and precision without experimental evaluation with known positive control food items. Here, we conducted a feeding trial experiment with a positive control community in pasture‐raised chickens and assessed the efficacy of several commonly used DNA extraction kits and primer sets. We hand‐fed 22 known food items, including insects and plants, to six backyard laying hens and collected their excreta for eight h. We evaluated the efficacy of three DNA extraction kits, three primer sets for plant identification (targeting rbcL, trnL, and internal transcribed spacer 2 [ITS2]), and three primer sets for arthropod identification (targeting cytochrome oxidase subunit I [COI]). The detection success rate of our positive control food items was highly variable, ranging from 2.04% to 93.88% for all kit/primer combinations and averaging 37.35% and 43.57% for the most effective kit/primer combination for plants and insects, respectively. Extraction kits using bead‐based homogenization positively affected the recovery proportion of plant and insect DNA in excreta samples. The minimum time to detect known food items was 44 min post‐feeding. Two COI primer sets significantly outperformed the third, and both recovery proportion and taxonomic resolution from ITS2 were significantly higher than those from rbcL and trnL. Taken together, these results display the potential variability that can be inherently present in DNA‐based diet analyses and highlight the utility of experimental feeding trials in validating such approaches, particularly for omnivores with diverse diets.
Peripheral arterial rather than venous blood is a better source of circulating tumor cells in early lung cancer
Authors: Wang Zhen‐dan , Feng Yi‐fei , Wang Yu‐shuo , Ma Ying , Liu Jiyan , Li Dihua , Li Sheng , Zhang Guo‐dong
Published: February 2024

Background

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) play a crucial role in the early diagnosis and prognosis of lung cancer. Identification of a more suitable sample source could be a breakthrough towards enhancing CTC detectability in early‐stage lung cancer. We investigated the differences in detectable CTCs between peripheral arterial and venous blood in early‐ and mid‐stage lung cancer patients undergoing surgery and analyzed the association between clinicopathological factors and detectable CTCs in peripheral arterial and venous blood.

Methods

Peripheral arterial and venous blood was collected in 5‐mL samples from 56 patients with surgically resected and pathologically clear at early‐ or mid‐stage lung cancer. Blood specimens were enriched for CTCs based on isolation by size of epithelial tumor cells. The CTCs were identified using Swiss Giemsa staining and immunohistochemistry for CD45/CD31.

Results

In stage I lung cancer, CTC‐positive rate was significantly higher in peripheral arterial than in venous blood (45.45% vs. 17.39%). There was no significant difference in the number of detectable CTCs between peripheral arterial and venous blood. A low degree of differentiation was associated with a high positive rate of CTCs in peripheral venous blood. The number of circulating tumor microemboli was significantly higher in patients with tumor size >3 cm compared with ≤3 cm.

Conclusion

CTC levels in peripheral arterial and venous blood differed little in lung cancer patients.Compared to peripheral venous blood, peripheral arterial blood had a higher CTC positivity rate in early‐stage lung cancer.This study was favorable for early detection and monitoring of lung cancer.
T‐cell immune profile in blood of systemic mastocytosis: Association with disease features
Authors: Pérez‐Pons Alba , Teodosio Cristina , Jara‐Acevedo María , Henriques Ana , Navarro‐Navarro Paula , García‐Montero Andrés C. , Álvarez‐Twose Iván , Lecrevisse Quentin , Fluxa Rafael , Sánchez‐Muñoz Laura , Caldas Carolina , Pozo Julio , Martín Silvia , Sanfeliciano Teresa Contreras , Pedreira Carlos E. , Botafogo Vitor , González‐López Oscar , Mayado Andrea , Orfao Alberto
Published: February 2024

Background

Systemic mastocytosis (SM) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by an expansion of KIT‐mutated mast cells (MC). KIT‐mutated MC display activated features and release MC mediators that might act on the tumour microenvironment and other immune cells. Here, we investigated the distribution of lymphocyte subsets in blood of patients with distinct subtypes of SM and determined its association with other disease features.

Methods

We studied the distribution of TCD4+ and TCD4− cytotoxic cells and their subsets, as well as total NK‐ and B cells, in blood of 115 SM patients—38 bone marrow mastocytosis (BMM), 67 indolent SM (ISM), 10 aggressive SM (ASM)‐ and 83 age‐matched healthy donors (HD), using spectral flow cytometry and the EuroFlow Immunomonitoring panel, and correlated it with multilineage KITD816V, the alpha‐tryptasemia genotype (HαT) and the clinical manifestations of the disease.

Results

SM patients showed decreased counts (vs. HD) of TCD4− cytotoxic cells, NK cells and several functional subsets of TCD4+ cells (total Th1, Th2‐effector memory, Th22‐terminal effector and Th1‐like Tregs), together with increased T‐follicular‐helper and Th1/Th17‐like Treg counts, associated with different immune profiles per diagnostic subtype of SM, in multilineal versus MC‐restricted KITD816V and in cases with a HαT+ versus HαT− genotype. Unique immune profiles were found among BMM and ISM patients with MC‐restricted KITD816V who displayed HαT, anaphylaxis, hymenoptera venom allergy, bone disease, pruritus, flushing and GI symptoms.

Conclusion

Our results reveal altered T‐ and NK‐cell immune profiles in blood of SM, which vary per disease subtype, the pattern of involvement of haematopoiesis by KITD816V, the HαT genotype and specific clinical manifestations of the disease.
Living arrangements and housing affordability issues of young adults in Canada: Differences by nativity status
Authors: Choi Kate H. , Ramaj Sagi
Published: February 2024

Housing prices in Canada have increased dramatically, giving rise to a housing affordability crisis. Young adults have been disproportionately affected by this crisis. To cope, many young adults have had to alter their living arrangements, contributing to the diversification of their living arrangements. Young adults’ diverse living arrangements are the product of growing inequalities in young adults’ economic prospects and access to family support. Extant work has yet to document how young adults’ risk of having unaffordable housing varies according to their living arrangements. Our comparison of young adults’ risk of having unaffordable housing according to their living arrangements reveals that co‐residence with parents, relatives, or roommates reduces young adults’ risk of having unaffordable housing. This protective effect is smaller for the foreign‐born than the Canadian‐born. The National Housing Strategy should allocate more resources to increase the supply of affordable housing earmarked for young adults, particularly the foreign‐born who live alone or with children.
The wisdom of claiming ownership of human genomic data: A cautionary tale for research institutions
Authors: Thaldar Donrich
Published: February 2024

This article considers the practical question of how research institutions should best structure their legal relationship with the human genomic data that they generate. The analysis, based on South African law, is framed by the legal position that although a research institution that generates human genomic data is not automatically the owner thereof, it is well positioned to claim ownership of newly generated data instances. Given that the research institution exerts effort to generate the data, it can be argued that it has a moral right to claim ownership of such data. Combined with the fact that it has an interest in having comprehensive rights in such data, it appears that the prudent policy for research institutions is to claim ownership of the human genomic data instances that they generate. This policy is tested against two opposing policy positions. The first opposing policy position is that research participants should own the data that relate to them. However, in light of data protection legislation that already provides extensive protections to research participants, bestowing data ownership on research participants would offer little benefit to such individuals, while leading to significant practical problems for research institutions. The second opposing policy position is that the concept of ownership should be abandoned in favour of data custodianship. This opposing position is problematic, as avoiding reference to ownership is a denial of legal reality and hence not a useful policy. Also, avoiding reference to ownership will leave research institutions with limited legal remedies in the event of appropriation of data by third parties. Accordingly, it is concluded that the wisest policy for research institutions is indeed to explicitly claim ownership of the human genomic data instances that they generate.
Reducing epilepsy diagnostic and treatment gaps: Standardized paediatric epilepsy training courses for health care professionals
Authors: Gifford Alison , Griffiths Michael J. , Rodie Philippa , Wilmshurst Jo , Ball Jessica , Dunkley Colin , McLellan Ailsa , O'Callaghan Finbar , Kirkpatrick Martin
Published: February 2024

Aim

To evaluate improvement in knowledge and clinical behaviour among healthcare professionals after attendance at paediatric epilepsy training (PET) courses.

Method

Since 2005, 1‐day PET courses have taught evidence‐based paediatric epilepsy management to doctors and nurses in low‐, middle‐, and high‐income countries. A cohort study was performed of 7528 participants attending 252 1‐day PET courses between 2005 and 2020 in 17 low‐, middle‐, and high‐income countries, and which gathered data from participants immediately after the course and then 6 months later. Training outcomes were measured prospectively in three domains (reaction, learning, and behaviour) using a mixed‐methods approach involving a feedback questionnaire, a knowledge quiz before and after the course, and a 6‐month survey.

Results

Ninety‐eight per cent (7217 of 7395) of participants rated the course as excellent or good. Participants demonstrated knowledge gain, answering a significantly higher proportion of questions correctly after the course compared to before the course (88% [47 883 of 54 196], correct answers/all quiz answers, vs 75% [40 424 of 54 196]; p < 0.001). Most survey responders reported that the course had improved their epilepsy diagnosis and management (73% [311 of 425]), clinical service (68% [290 of 427]), and local epilepsy training (68% [290 of 427]).

Interpretation

This was the largest evaluation of a global epilepsy training course. Participants reported high course satisfaction, showed knowledge gain, and described improvements in clinical behaviour 6 months later. PET supports the global reduction in the epilepsy ‘treatment gap’ as promoted by the World Health Organization.
Comparison of prediction models for cardiovascular and mortality risk in people with type 2 diabetes: An external validation in 23 685 adults included in the UK Biobank
Authors: Zhang Yikun , Jiong Ong Xin , Tang Shiqi , Tang Yui Chit , Wong Cheuk Tung , Ng Carmen S. , Quan Jianchao
Published: February 2024

Aims

To validate cardiovascular risk prediction models for individuals with diabetes using the UK Biobank in order to assess their applicability.

Methods

We externally validated 19 cardiovascular risk scores from seven risk prediction models (Chang et al., Framingham, University of Hong Kong‐Singapore [HKU‐SG], Li et al, RECODe [risk equations for complications of type 2 diabetes], SCORE [Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation] and the UK Prospective Diabetes Study Outcomes Model 2 [UKPDS OM2]), identified from systematic reviews, using UK Biobank data from 2006 to 2021 (n = 23 685; participant age 40–71 years, 63.5% male). We evaluated performance by assessing the discrimination and calibration of the models for the endpoints of mortality, cardiovascular mortality, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke, and ischaemic heart disease.

Results

Over a total of 269 430 person‐years of follow‐up (median 11.89 years), the models showed low‐to‐moderate discrimination performance on external validation (concordance indices [c‐indices] 0.50–0.71). Most models had low calibration with overprediction of the observed risk. RECODe outperformed other models across four comparable endpoints for discrimination: all‐cause mortality (c‐index 0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.65–0.69), congestive heart failure (c‐index 0.71, 95% CI 0.69–0.72), myocardial infarction (c‐index 0.67, 95% CI 0.65–0.68); and stroke (c‐index 0.65, 95% CI 0.62–0.68), and for calibration (except for all‐cause mortality). The UKPDS OM2 had comparable performance to RECODe for all‐cause mortality (c‐index 0.67, 95% CI 0.66–0.69) and cardiovascular mortality (c‐index 0.71, 95% CI 0.70–0.73), but worse performance for other outcomes. The models performed better for younger participants and somewhat better for non‐White ethnicities. Models developed from non‐Western datasets showed worse performance in our UK‐based validation set.

Conclusions

The RECODe model led to better risk estimations in this predominantly White European population. Further validation is needed in non‐Western populations to assess generalizability to other populations.
Impact of climate variability on moonfish (Mene maculata) catch rate in the waters off southwestern Taiwan
Authors: Ray Aratrika , Mondal Sandipan , Osuka Kennedy Edeye , Sihombing Riah Irawati , Lee Ming‐An , Wang Yi‐Chen , He Jia‐Sin
Published: February 2024

A commercially significant small coastal forage fish, moonfish (Mene maculata), accounts for almost 98% of Taiwanese purse seine capture, primarily in the southwestern Taiwan region. Research indicates that climate indices affect coastal fish catch and dispersal, while the link between moonfish and climatic variability in this region is still unclear. This study found that the delayed period of Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), North Pacific Oscillation (NPO) and North Pacific Gyre Oscillation (NPGO) affect moonfish distribution and catch rates off southwestern Taiwan. Understudied are the environmental factors connected to these oscillations and their delayed consequences on moonfish catch rates. We focussed on Taiwan purse seiner capture rates (catch per unit effort or CPUE) of moonfish in southwestern Taiwan from 2014 to 2020 and delayed oscillation occurrences up to 5 years to better understand these processes. CPUE demonstrated a 3 to 4‐year positive connection (r > 0.5) with NPGO, NPO and PDO. The region's moonfish catch rates were most affected by NPGO with a 4‐year lag, followed by a 3‐year lag of PDO and lastly a 4‐year lag of NPO, according to the results of generalized additive models (GAMs). All the three oscillations had the greatest impact on moonfish catchability when a lag of >2 years was present. Between 2014 and 2020, moonfish CPUE fluctuated, peaking in 2019. The climatic parameters that affect moonfish in southwestern Taiwan and the Taiwanese purse seine fisheries catches are shown by this study.
Threats of dams to the persistence of the world's freshwater fishes
Authors: Keijzer Tamara , Barbarossa Valerio , Marques Alexandra , Carvajal‐Quintero Juan D. , Huijbregts Mark A. J. , Schipper Aafke M.
Published: February 2024

Habitat fragmentation due to dams is a well‐known threat to freshwater fish. Yet, the global consequences of fragmentation for the viability of freshwater fish populations are unknown. Here, we provide the first global assessment of the threats of dams to the persistence of freshwater fish species. We developed a global macroecological relationship between freshwater fish range size and body size and used this relationship to assess whether isolated range fragments are too small to support a species. Our assessment includes 7369 freshwater fish species and considers the effects of 31,780 dams globally. Furthermore, we performed a more detailed analysis of the threats of dams in Brazil, the greater Mekong region and the United States, using complementary national and regional data sets. Globally, more than half of the species analysed face extirpation in a part of their geographic range, with an average potential range loss of 3.3% (95%‐range: 0%–31.8%) across all species analysed. For 74 fish species, occurring in Brazil, China, India, the Mekong basin, the United States, South‐Africa and the East Adriatic Coast, more than 50% of their range is potentially lost. This includes 18 species threatened with extinction across their whole range. Our complementary regional analysis revealed that the potentially lost range increases by a factor of 2–4 when considering both large and small dams compared with considering only large dams (≥15 m), highlighting the need to establish more comprehensive global dam inventories. Our novel approach and global analysis identifies species at risk of extirpation as well as geographic hotspots of extirpation threat by dams, which can aid in establishing more effective strategies for global hydropower development and barrier removal efforts to optimise the trade‐offs between biodiversity conservation and the socio‐economic benefits of dams.
Survival of patients with unfavorable prognosis cutaneous melanoma with increased use of immunotherapy agents: a population‐based study in Belgium
Authors: Castanares‐Zapatero Diego , Verleye Leen , Devos Carl , Thiry Nancy , Silversmit Geert , Van Damme Nancy , De Gendt Cindy , Hulstaert Frank , Neyt Mattias
Published: February 2024

Background

Although metastatic cutaneous melanoma is associated with an unfavorable prognosis, innovative therapies including immunomodulating agents and targeted therapies have shown survival benefits in clinical trials. We assessed the impact of the introduction of innovative drugs into clinical practice on the survival of patients with metastatic cutaneous melanoma during the period 2004–2017, in Belgium. The evolution of associated expenses was also analyzed.

Methods

This is a retrospective population‐based study using data from the national Belgian Cancer Registry, compulsory health insurance, and administrative survival data. The immunomodulating drugs were ipilimumab, nivolumab and pembrolizumab, while targeted therapies included vemurafenib, dabrafenib and trametinib.

Results

We did not identify a trend for improvement over time. Median survival (years) was 1.5 (95% CI: 1.1–1.8) in 2004–2008, 1.1 (95% CI: 0.8–1.5) in 2009–2013, and 1.6 (95% CI: 1.3–2.4) in 2014–2017, respectively. In contrast, survival improved in those with unknown primary tumor localization. In this group, median survival time was 2.0 (95% CI: 1.4–2.9) in the most recent period, while it was 1.1 (95% CI: 0.7–1.3) in 2009–2013, and 0.9 (95% CI: 0.6–1.2) in 2004–2008. The uptake of innovative drugs remained modest, with no drug being used by more than 30% of patients. Yearly expenditure was almost non‐existent, and gradually increased, reaching several million euros in 2014–2017.

Conclusion

Patients with metastatic cutaneous melanoma who were diagnosed between 2004 and 2017 showed no apparent improvement in survival. In contrast, increased survival was observed in the subgroup of patients with unknown primary tumor localization.
Behind vegan label: What's really in some certified vegan products in Brazil
Authors: Lage Policarpo Nathalia , Teodoro Anderson Junger , Nakajima Vânia Mayumi
Published: February 2024

The number of vegetarians and vegans has been growing worldwide, increasing the food choices available to this public in the market. One way to recognise these products is the presence of a certification label, which guarantees, or should guarantee, the absence of animal ingredients. Despite the growing demand and supply of certified vegan foods, there is no overview on the nutritional composition of these products in Brazil. Thus, a survey was conducted to evaluate the labels of ninety‐five certified vegan products from the groups: breads, cookies and crackers, meat substitutes and dairy substitutes. Carbohydrates were the most present macronutrient in all food groups, except for plant‐based beverages. Protein was highest in meat substitutes, while saturated fat was highest in cheese and cookies/crackers substitutes. Sodium was found in higher amounts in the meat substitutes, reaching a maximum value of 510.64 mg/100 g. Breads and cookies/crackers presented twenty and sixteen different types of flours, respectively. Refined wheat flour was the most present (48%) in bread, and refined rice flour (96%) in cookies/crackers. None of the cookies/crackers contained wheat flour. In meat substitutes, the main protein sources were soy, lentil, and chickpea, with a wide variety of spices and natural ingredients (n = 49). Most of the plant‐based beverages (60%) had no added sugar, however, all of the yogurt substitutes contained sugar or sweetener. Additives were present in 92% of breads, 100% of cookies/crackers, 33% of meat substitutes, and 70% of dairy substitutes. Eighty‐one percent of the products were classified as ultra‐processed. As conclusion, there is a great variety of ingredients used in the products, emphasising the need to read and understand the label when choosing a food. Furthermore, the results indicate the commercialisation of more ‘natural’ products, given the variety of fresh and dried foods among the ingredients. However, there should be caution in the consumption of certified foods due to the high percentage of ultra‐processed products, with elevated presence of additives and high sodium content. In addition, they should not be used as simple substitutes for conventional foods, due to their nutritional composition.
Intergenerational solidarity in a developing welfare state: The case of South Korea
Authors: Gurín Martin , Brandt Martina
Published: February 2024

With our analysis of the Korean society we intend to make an innovative contribution to research on intergenerational solidarity by examining how the introduction of welfare policies has changed patterns of intergenerational solidarity. Using aggregated data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging, the Korean General Social Survey, and the Korean Social Survey, we examine the changing character of intergenerational solidarity by focusing on national trends in both societal practice and intergenerational norms from 2002 to 2018. Our findings show that patterns of Korean intergenerational solidarity have modified in various respects. The normative dimension of the familial/filial contract has profoundly changed along with the developing welfare state, shifting from a dominantly filial piety‐centric character to more complementarity contract‐based norms in which children, welfare state and society are all assigned responsibility for the well‐being of parents. Intergenerational “functional” solidarity, however, in terms of the exchange of money and practical support has not de‐filialized.
Exploring the potential of artificial intelligence in paediatric dentistry: A systematic review on deep learning algorithms for dental anomaly detection
Authors: Hartman Henri , Nurdin Denny , Akbar Saiful , Cahyanto Arief , Setiawan Arlette Suzy
Published: February 2024

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI) based on deep learning (DL) algorithms has shown promise in enhancing the speed and accuracy of dental anomaly detection in paediatric dentistry.

Aim

This systematic review aimed to investigate the performance of AI systems in identifying dental anomalies in paediatric dentistry and compare it with human performance.

Design

A systematic search of Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted from 2012 to 2022. Inclusion criteria were based on problem/patient/population, intervention/indicator, comparison and outcome scheme and specific keywords related to AI, DL, paediatric dentistry, dental anomalies, supernumerary and mesiodens. Six of 3918 initial pool articles were included, assessing nine DL sub‐systems that used panoramic radiographs or cone‐beam computed tomography. Article quality was assessed using QUADAS‐2.

Results

Artificial intelligence systems based on DL algorithms showed promising potential in enhancing the speed and accuracy of dental anomaly detection, with an average of 85.38% accuracy and 86.61% sensitivity. Human performance, however, outperformed AI systems, achieving 95% accuracy and 99% sensitivity. Limitations included a limited number of articles and data heterogeneity.

Conclusion

The potential of AI systems employing DL algorithms is highlighted in detecting dental anomalies in paediatric dentistry. Further research is needed to address limitations, explore additional anomalies and establish the broader applicability of AI in paediatric dentistry.
The effect of placing drains and no drains after caesarean section in obese patients on patients' post‐operative wound complications: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zheng Yuanyuan , Zhao Fei , Ning Fangjiao , Li Ning
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this research is to investigate the influence of placement of drainage channels and non‐drainage channels in obese women on post‐caesarean delivery. Documents were retrieved from four databases, such as PubMed and Embase. This study was not limited in time, language, or geography. This trial was conducted using either a cohort or a randomized, controlled study to compare the efficacy of placement of drain in caesarean delivery channel in obese women with or without drain for post‐operative wound complications. The study excluded those who were restricted to those who were not overweight. The main results were the wound infection, the bleeding of the wound and the dehiscence. The risk of bias was evaluated by two authors with a risk‐of‐bias tool for nonrandomized intervention trials. The meta‐analyses only included those that were considered to have a low‐to‐medium risk of bias. The data were pooled with a random‐effects model to determine the relative risk and 95% confidence interval (CI). The quality of the evidence in the selection of results was evaluated. Of 329 related trials, eight were eligible for inclusion. There were 1868 cases of obesity who received C‐section. Among them, there were 451 cases of drain and 1417 cases of non‐drain. No statistical significance was found in the rate of post‐operation infection of the post‐operation between non‐drain or drain treatment of obesity patients (OR, 0.8; 95% CI: 0.48–1.33; p = 0.39). Compared with those with non‐drain, there was a reduction in the risk of haematoma after drain (OR, 0.34; 95% CI: 0.20–0.58; p < 0.0001). The results showed that there were no significant differences in the influence of drainage and non‐drainage on the post‐operative dehiscence of the patients with obesity (OR, 0.84; 95% CI: 0.15–4.70; p = 0.85). The results showed that there were no statistically different effects on the rate of post‐operation wound infection and dehiscence after operation, but the rate of haematoma during drain operation was lower.