bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical limits of energy extraction in active fluids
Authors: Shadkhoo Shahriar , Thomson Matt
Published: May 2024

Active materials form a class of far-from-equilibrium systems that are driven internally and exhibit self-organization, which can be harnessed to perform mechanical work. Inspired by experiments on synthetic active polymer networks, in this paper we examine limits of work extraction from an active viscoelastic medium by analyzing the transport of a particle. The active viscoelastic material possesses an equilibrium density where the active and passive forces are balanced out. In a one-dimensional system, a gliding activation front (AF), which converts a passive to an active medium, provides active energy at a constant rate, which is injected into the system at one end and propagates to the other. We demonstrate that there exists a maximum velocity of the AF, above which the activated region fails to deliver the transport power. We hypothesize and intuitively argue based on the limit cases that the feasibility and the velocity of transport of the particle can be interpreted in terms of the velocity of an equilibration domain wall of the field, which is set by two parameters: (i) a measure of activity, and (ii) the viscoelastic timescale. The phase diagram is divided into “transport” and “no-transport” sectors, namely, for any pair of the two parameters, there exists a threshold velocity of the AF above which the particle transport becomes impossible. Constructing the phase diagram we find that (1) there are regions of the phase diagram for which the threshold velocity of the AF diverges, and (2) larger viscoelastic timescale makes the transport region more accessible and also increases the transport velocity therein. Furthermore, we find that increasing the velocity of AF, results in larger extracted power but smaller transport coefficient; defined as the ratio of the transport velocity and that of the AF. Our model provides a framework for understanding the energetics of transport phenomena in biology and designing efficient mechanisms of transport in synthetic active materials.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Attraction from kinetic frustration in ladder systems
Authors: Morera Ivan , Bohrdt Annabelle , Ho Wen Wei , Demler Eugene
Published: May 2024

We analyze the formation of multiparticle bound states in ladders with frustrated kinetic energy in two-component bosonic and two-component fermionic systems. We focus on the regime of light doping relative to insulating states at half-filling, spin polarization close to 100%, and strong repulsive interactions. A special feature of these systems is that the binding energy scales with single-particle tunneling t rather than exchange interactions, since effective attraction arises from alleviating kinetic frustration. For two-component Fermi systems on a zigzag ladder we find a bound state between a hole and a flipped spin (magnon) with a binding energy that can be as large as 0.6t. We demonstrate that magnon-hole attraction leads to formation of clusters comprising several holes and magnons, and we expound on antiferromagentic correlations for the transverse spin components inside the clusters. We identify several many-body states that result from self-organization of multiparticle bound states, including a Luttinger liquid of hole-magnon pairs and a density wave state of two-hole–three-magnon composites. We establish a symmetry between the spectra of Bose and Fermi systems and use it to establish the existence of antibound states in two-component Bose mixtures with SU(2) symmetric repulsion on a zigzag ladder. We also consider Bose and Fermi systems on a square ladder with flux and demonstrate that both systems support bound states. We discuss experimental signatures of multiparticle bound states in both equilibrium and dynamical experiments. We point out intriguing connections between these systems and the quark bag model in QCD.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
(5-Fluoro-2,6-dioxo-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyrimidin-1-ido-κN
1)(1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-κ4
N)zinc(II) perchlorate
Authors: Ichimaru Yoshimi , Kato Koichi , Jin Wanchun , Kurihara Masaaki , Kurosaki Hiromasa
Published: May 2024

In the structure of the title complex, [Zn(C4H2FN2O2)(C10H24N4)]ClO4, the zinc(II) ion forms coordination bonds with the four nitrogen atoms of cyclam (1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane or [14]aneN4) as well as with the nitrogen atom of a deprotonated 5-fluorouracil ion (FU−). Cyclam adopts a trans-I type conformation within this structure. The coordination structure of the zinc(II) ion is a square pyramid with a distorted base plane formed by the four nitrogen atoms of the cyclam. FU− engages in intermolecular hydrogen bonding with neighboring FU− molecules and with the cyclam molecule.
Revealing the organic food consumption intention in Afyonkarahisar: a study on the impact of health, safety, value and attributes
Authors: Baydeni̇z Erdem , Ergün Bircan , Türkoğlu Turgut , Aytekin Engin
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study examines the relationship between the emphasis on organic food in Afyonkarahisar's cuisine and the growing demand for healthier and sustainable options. This study aimed to understand the factors influencing the intention to consume organic foods.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a quantitative research method. It uses scales adapted from previous research to assess the health and safety of organic food's functional, hedonic, and social values. Data were collected using the purposive sampling method, and a sample size of 410 individuals was analyzed using the PLS-SEM method. Measurement and structural models were evaluated to assess validity, reliability, and model fit.

Findings

The results indicate that implementing health and safety practices significantly and positively affects perceptions of organic food's functional, hedonic, altruistic, and social values. Additionally, consumers' attitudes toward organic food are greatly influenced by their perceptions of functional and social value, whereas hedonic and altruistic values do not have a significant positive effect.

Practical implications

The results of this study have a beneficial impact on food industry practitioners and policymakers. Emphasizing health and safety practices in producing and promoting organic foods can improve consumer perceptions and attitudes toward organic products. Understanding the importance of practical benefits and social issues can help companies respond effectively to consumer preferences and market organic foods.

Originality/value

This study contributes significantly to the existing literature by investigating the relationship between organic food emphasis and consumer perceptions in the unique context of Afyonkarahisar, a city renowned for its gastronomy. While focusing on Afyonkarahisar provides valuable insights into the specific values that influence consumers' attitudes toward organic food, it is essential to highlight that this research extends beyond the local context to offer broader implications and significance.
Enterprise digital development and capacity utilization
Authors: Ma Hui , Chen Shenglan , Liu Xiaoling , Wang Pengcheng
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To enrich the research on the economic consequences of enterprise digital development from the perspective of capacity utilization.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of listed firms from 2010 to 2020, this paper exploits text analysis of annual reports to construct a proxy for enterprise digital development.

Findings

Results show that enterprise digital development not only improves their own capacity utilization but also generates a positive spillover effect on the capacity utilization of peer firms and firms in the supply chain. Next, based on the incomplete information about market demand and potential competitors when making capacity-building decisions, the mechanism tests show that improving the accuracy of market forecasts and reducing investment surges are potential channels behind the baseline results. Cross-sectional tests show the baseline result is more pronounced when industries are highly homogeneous and when firms have access to less information.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the research related to the economic consequences of digital development. With the development of the digital economy, the real effects of enterprise digital development have also triggered extensive interest and exploration. Existing studies mainly examine the impact on physical operations, such as specialization division of labor, innovation activities, business performance or total factor productivity (Huang, Yu, & Zhang, 2019; Yuan, Xiao, Geng, & Sheng, 2021; Wang, Kuang, & Shao, 2017; Li, Liu, & Shao, 2021; Zhao, Wang, & Li, 2021). These studies measure the economic benefits from the perspective of the supply (output) side but neglect the importance of the supply system to adapt to the actual market demand. In contrast, this paper focuses on capacity utilization, aimed at estimating the net economic effect of digital development by considering the supply-demand fit scenario. Thus, our findings enrich the relevant studies on the potential consequences of digital development.
Analysis of national strategic innovation objectives using adapted Porter’s diamond model: a comparison of Romania and Türkiye
Authors: Militaru Andreea Maria Gabriela , Kurt Atil , Gumus Mehmet
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Nowadays, nations are rapidly changing and evolving, both because of global competitiveness and technological development. The fast change of the economies and the interconnected world has brought a more globalized world than ever. The purpose of this paper is to assess Romania (RO) and Türkiye (TR) by using a customized version of Porter’s diamond model (PDM), with an emphasis on identifying the key components of their innovation systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a recognized model to unfold its structure. Based on the PDM, this paper tackles the topic of innovation systems both of RO and TR. Applying the model, a mapping of indicators representing components of the national innovation system is made possible. Besides the traditional four determinants (dimensions) of the model, the authors adapted it and added the technology conditions. Using the five dimensions, a comparison of strategical objectives is made between RO and TR.

Findings

The results show the potential for both countries to develop and embrace the innovation capacity, while there is still room for improvement in this regard. Another point is the map of innovation system components that were used for the comparison. The implications of innovation are analyzed at a strategical level, comparing the mapping with the national strategical objectives.

Originality/value

There are many studies using this model, however a few bring into the light the impact of innovation systems at national level. Hence, a new framework is provided to evaluate innovative systems using a selection of modern indicators. This study uses an existing model in literature, Porter’s model mapping indicators, which highlight the innovation capacity.
The impact of cyber entrepreneurship education on Chinese college students’ self-efficacy and intention in cyber entrepreneurship
Authors: Li Yue
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effects of four types of cyber entrepreneurship courses on entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) and intention. It is based on Social Cognitive Theory and Regulatory Focus Theory, which takes Chinese college students as the research objects.

Design/methodology/approach

Approximately 101 senior business school students who had participated in all cyber entrepreneurship courses were selected to complete the horizontal analysis. Approximately 317 students from different grades who had participated in different cyber entrepreneurship courses were selected for the multi-group analysis (MGA) for the longitudinal comparison.

Findings

The results show that different cyber entrepreneurship courses may trigger Chinese students’ positive or defensive mechanisms for cyber entrepreneurship and affect their ESE and intentions. The impact of cyber entrepreneurship theoretical courses on Chinese students’ entrepreneurial intentions is not significant, and self-efficacy has no mediating effect between cyber entrepreneurial theory courses and intentions.

Originality/value

This study helps teachers and policymakers to better understand the impacts of cyber entrepreneurship courses and to adopt proper teaching contents and methods for diversity goals. It also has reference value in theoretical and practical perspectives.
Knowledge collaboration and online medical teams’ performance: a multiple participation perspective
Authors: Wang Siqi
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Online medical teams (OMTs) have emerged as an innovative healthcare service mode that relies on the collaboration of doctors to produce comprehensive medical recommendations. This study delves into the relationship between knowledge collaboration and team performance in OMTs and examines the complex effects of participation patterns.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis uses a dataset that consists of 2,180 OMTs involving 8,689 doctors. Ordinary least squares regression with robust standard error is adopted for data analysis.

Findings

Our findings demonstrate a positive influence of knowledge collaboration on OMT performance. Leader participation weakens the relationship between knowledge collaboration and team performance, whereas multidisciplinary participation strengthens it. Passive participation and chief doctor participation have no significant effect on the association between knowledge collaboration and OMT performance.

Originality/value

This study provides valuable insights into how knowledge collaboration shapes OMTs' performance and reveals how the participation of different types of members affects outcomes. Our findings offer important practical implications for the optimization of online health platforms and for enhancing the effectiveness of collaborative healthcare delivery.
Optimization of fibre orientation for composite reinforcement of circular hollow section KT-joints
Authors: Iqbal Mohsin , Karuppanan Saravanan , Perumal Veeradasan , Ovinis Mark , Iqbal Muhammad , Rasul Adnan
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Composite materials are effective alternatives for rehabilitating critical members of offshore platforms, bridges, and other structures. The structural response of composite reinforcement greatly depends on the orientation of fibres in the composite material. Joints are the most critical part of tubular structures. Various existing studies have identified optimal reinforcement orientations for a single load component, but none has addressed the combined load case, even though most practical loads are multiplanar.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates the optimal orientation of composite reinforcement for reducing stress concentration factors (SCF) of tubular KT-joints. The joint reinforcement was modelled and simulated using ANSYS. A parametric study was carried out to determine the effect of the orientations of reinforcement in the interface region on SCF at every 15° offset along the weld toe using linear extrapolation of principal stresses. The impact of orientation for uniplanar and multiplanar loads was investigated, and a general result about optimum orientation was inferred.

Findings

It was found that the maximum decrease of SCF is achieved by orienting the fibres of composite reinforcement along the maximum SCF. Notably, the optimal direction for any load configuration was consistently orthogonal to the weld toe of the chord-brace interface. As such, unidirectional composites wrapped around the brace axis, covering both sides of the brace-chord interface, are most effective for SCF reduction.

Originality/value

The findings of this study are crucial for adequate reinforcement of tubular joints using composites, offering a broader and universally applicable optimum orientation that transcends specific joint and load configuration.
Sourcing from supplier in the presence of financial service providers’ information asymmetry and quit probabilities
Authors: Huang Chaorui , Wu Song-Man , Ma Hoi Lam , Chung Sai Ho
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Considering the financial service providers’ (FSPs) information asymmetry in evaluating the supplier and their distinct quit probabilities, we want to examine the supplier’s preference of the financing schemes if both the bank and the online platform exist and how the buyer sets the contract terms in the two financing schemes.

Design/methodology/approach

We establish a Stackelberg game model to capture the interactions among three parties, i.e. a supplier, a capital-sufficient buyer and an FSP (either a bank or an online platform), within a first-time contract.

Findings

In the non-FSPs’ quit case, the buyer’s profit is higher under the bank loan scenario, while the supplier’s profit performs adversely. The supply chain’s profit is heavily dependent on the buyer’s profit difference between the two financing schemes. Moreover, we find that the supplier borrows the money to exactly cover the production cost. The equilibrium solutions of the FSPs’ quit case and of the capital-sufficient supplier’s case are also derived.

Originality/value

First, we assign different risk profiles to different FSPs in our setting so that modeling a previously ignored but practically significant problem. Second, we innovatively take the FSP’s quit probability into account in our model. Third, we elucidate how these factors can influence the relative efficiency of the two types of financing schemes and the settings of the contract, which further complements and extends the current SCF research.
Beyond lazy; external locus of control as an alternative explanation for the privacy paradox
Authors: Whelan Eoin , Lang Michael , Butler Martin
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The privacy paradox refers to the situation where users of online services continue to disclose personal information even when they are concerned about their privacy. One recent study of Facebook users published in Internet Research concludes that laziness contributes to the privacy paradox. The purpose of this study is to challenge the laziness explanation. To do so, we adopt a cognitive dispositions perspective and examine how a person’s external locus of control influences the privacy paradox, beyond the trait of laziness.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed method approach is adopted. We first develop a research model which hypothesises the moderating effects of both laziness and external locus of control on privacy issues. We quantitatively test the research model through a two-phase survey of 463 Facebook users using the Hayes PROCESS macro. We then conduct a qualitative study to verify and develop the findings from the quantitative phase.

Findings

The privacy paradox holds true. The findings confirm the significant influence of external locus of control on the privacy paradox. While our quantitative findings suggest laziness does not affect the association between privacy concerns and self-disclosure, our qualitative data does provide some support for the laziness explanation.

Originality/value

Our study extends existing research by showing that a person’s external locus of control provides a stronger explanation for the privacy paradox than the laziness perspective. As such, this study further reveals the boundary conditions on which the privacy paradox exists for some users of social networking sites, but not others. Our study also suggests cognitive dissonance coping strategies, which are largely absent in prior investigations, may influence the privacy paradox.
Toward Industry 4.0 in home appliance industry: challenges and future perspectives
Authors: Morovati Sharifabadi Ali , Ziaeian Mehran , Mirfakhradini Seyed Haidar , Zanjirchi Seyed Mahmood
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Considering the problems faced by the home appliance industry in Iran, such as the increase in waste, lack of information transparency and lack of traceability of manufactured products, etc. the companies in the home appliance industry are moving toward Industry 4.0 and have been prompted to use it. On the other hand, the adoption of Industry 4.0 is associated with challenges that may lead to the failure of the adoption project and the bankruptcy of home appliance manufacturers. This study identified the challenges in the implementation of Industry 4.0 on current status and provided suitable solutions to overcome the identified challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a review of the literature and background of Industry 4.0 identified the challenges that influence the adoption of Industry 4.0. To measure the current status of the identified challenges, the opinions of experts in the Iranian home appliance industry were used. To find solutions to the challenges in the adoption of Industry 4.0 in the Iranian home appliance industry, a fuzzy cognitive mapping and scenario design were used.

Findings

The results of this study show that to face the challenge of data sharing, skilled personnel should be effectively promoted among workers in the home appliance industry. The results of this study also show that the barriers to cooperation should be removed to reduce the impact of the IT Security Concerns challenge.

Originality/value

This paper is the first article that identifies the challenges and effective solutions for implementing Industry 4.0 in the home appliance industry.
Consumer coping during the COVID-19 pandemic: a perspective of fashion shopping
Authors: Han Wenna , Li Jitong , Xu Yingjiao
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought dramatic life changes to consumers. From the perspective of fashion shopping, this study aims to provide an understanding of how consumers have coped with the pandemic to maintain their physical and mental well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing an observational research method, this study extracted and analyzed text data from Twitter, focusing on fashion consumption-related tweets posted by consumers in May 2020. Content analysis was employed to reveal consumers' coping strategies during the pandemic.

Findings

Through fashion shopping, consumers have employed various strategies to cope with the problems incurred during the pandemic as well as the associated emotional stress. Specifically, problem-focused strategies included both active coping and restraint coping. Emotion-focused strategies included positive reinterpretation, acceptance, mental disengagement and seeking social support.

Originality/value

Theoretically, this study provides empirical evidence for the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) Inventory in the context of using fashion shopping as a venue to cope with a pandemic. Managerial implications are also provided for the fashion industry as well as human service providers to better prepare for future public health crises.
HR analytics and the data collection process: the role of attributions and perceived legitimacy in explaining employees’ fear of datafication
Authors: Rigamonti Elia , Colaiacovo Benedetta , Gastaldi Luca , Corso Mariano
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper analyzes employees’ perceptions of data collection processes for human resource analytics (HRA). More specifically, we study the effect that information sharing practices have on employees’ attributions (i.e. benevolent vs malevolent) through the perceived legitimacy of data collection and monitoring processes. Moreover, we investigate whether employees’ emotional reaction (i.e. fear of datafication) depends on their perceived legitimacy and attributions.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a sample of 259 employees operating for an Italian consulting firm that developed and implemented HRA processes in the last 3 years. The hypothesized model has been tested using structural equation modeling (SEM) on Stata 14.

Findings

This paper demonstrates the mediating role of perceived legitimacy in the relationship between information sharing practices and employees’ benevolent and malevolent attributions about data collection and monitoring processes for HRA practices. Results also reveal that perceived legitimacy predicts employees’ fear of datafication, with benevolent attributions that partially mediate this relationship.

Practical implications

This research indicates that employees perceive, try to make sense of and emotionally react to HRA processes. Moreover, we reveal the crucial role of information sharing practices and perceived legitimacy in determining employees’ attributions and emotional reactions to data collection and monitoring processes.

Originality/value

Combining human resource (HR) attributions, HR system strength, information processing and signaling theories, this work explores employees’ perception, attributive processes and emotional reactions to data collection processes for HRA practices.
RAISE: leveraging responsible AI for service excellence
Authors: Alkire Linda , Bilgihan Anil , Bui My (Myla) , Buoye Alexander John , Dogan Seden , Kim Seoyoung
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This article introduces the Responsible AI for Service Excellence (RAISE) framework. RAISE is a strategic framework for responsibly integrating AI into service industries. It emphasizes collaborative AI design and deployment that aligns with the evolving global standards and societal well-being while promoting business success and sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

This multidisciplinary conceptual article draws upon the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and AI ethics guidelines to lay out three principles for practicing RAISE: (1) Embrace AI to serve the greater good, (2) Design and deploy responsible AI and (3) Practice transformative collaboration with different service organizations to implement responsible AI.

Findings

By acknowledging the potential risks and challenges associated with AI usage, this article provides practical recommendations for service entities (i.e. service organizations, policymakers, AI developers, customers and researchers) to strengthen their commitment to responsible and sustainable service practices.

Originality/value

This is the first service research article to discuss and provide specific practices for leveraging responsible AI for service excellence.
Silo mentality in teams: emergence, repercussions and recommended options for change
Authors: Jeske Debora , Olson Deborah
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This article summarizes practitioner observations on three research questions. First, the factors that lead to the emergence and persistence of such teams. Second, the repercussions of siloed teams. And third, practical suggestions and recommendations that practitioners can employ to prevent silo formation or address existing silos. This article thus complements recent academic work that has previously explored the formation of silos.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used the input of current team leads from a focus group along with their consulting experience to explore these three research questions. The team lead input and consulting expertise are integrated with academic research on silos.

Findings

The emergence and persistence of silos was mostly attributed to company characteristics (size, growth and stakeholder management) as well as communication inefficiencies (lack of role clarity and ownership within teams), which in turn were impacted by situational variables (pandemic and turnover). The authors noted the effect of team composition effects, team competition and organizational changes (rapid growth and restructuring) as potential contributors to the formation and persistence of silos. The team lead experts and our consulting experiences were congruent with the literature focused on repercussions of silos, from poor information exchanges to inefficiencies, divisions and perceived isolation of teams from the organization. Solutions focused on project organization and documentation as well as the adoption of new decision-making tools and practices, and the creation of more exchange and learning opportunities. The authors added additional options to promote more visibility, appreciation, proactive monitoring within teams and organizational identification initiatives.

Originality/value

The current article adds a pragmatic perspective to silos and how organizations can address these when they become problematic and hinder performance and collaboration.
Landscapes with higher crop diversity have lower aphid species richness but higher plant virus prevalence
Authors: Pitt William Jacob , Kairy Lisa Renee , Mora Victor , Peirce Erika , Jensen Andrew S. , Bradford Benjamin , Groves Russell , Christensen Tess , MacRae Ian , Nachappa Punya
Published: May 2024

Diversifying agricultural systems by growing more than one crop species in an area can decrease pest and disease pressure and increase crop yields. However, there is a lack of information on how crop diversity at larger spatial scales influences pest and disease pressure. Here, we investigated how landscape‐scale crop diversity affects aphid vector communities and prevalence of non‐persistently transmitted potato virus Y (PVY).

To test the influence of landscape‐scale crop diversity on PVY prevalence and aphid communities, we conducted a field study during the 2020 and 2021 field seasons in the San Luis Valley, Colorado, where we quantified aphid communities and PVY incidence at multiple sites. We then determined the association between aphid species richness and abundance and PVY incidence with landscape variables (crop diversity metrics and percentage cover of crop species) within 1, 2 and 3 km buffers from study sites.

Higher crop diversity (measured as Shannon Diversity Index) led to decreased aphid species richness at a 3 km buffer in the 2021 field season. We only detected a positive association between percentage of alfalfa crop cover and aphid species richness in 2020 and aphid abundance in 2021 within a 1 km buffer.

Higher crop diversity led to increased PVY incidence at a 2 km buffer in 2021 and 3 km buffer in 2020 and 2021. At a 3 km buffer in 2021, we found a positive influence of crop species richness on PVY incidence and a negative influence of crop species evenness on PVY incidence. Also in 2021, we found a positive influence of percentage of potato (virus host) on PVY incidence and a negative influence of percentage of barley (virus non‐host) on PVY incidence.

Synthesis and applications. In summary, we found that landscape‐scale crop diversity impacts plant virus prevalence at spatial scales of >1 km. This suggests that potato growers could reduce PVY prevalence by geographically isolating potato fields from other potato or other PVY hosts. Crop diversity had a negative influence on aphid vector communities, so growers could reduce risk of virus spread by aphid vectors by using certified potato seed in a diversified landscape.
Association between the stress–hyperglycemia ratio and all‐cause mortality in community‐dwelling populations: An analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2014
Authors: Qiu Shifeng , Liu Xiaocong , Lei Li , Liang Hongbin , Li Xue , Wang Yutian , Yu Chen , Li Xiaobo , Tang Yongzhen , Wu Juefei , Wang Yuegang , Zha Daogang , Liu Xuewei , Xiao Min , Xiu Jiancheng
Published: May 2024

Background

Reportedly, the stress–hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) is closely associated with poor prognosis in patients with severe acute disease. However, the community‐dwelling may also be in a state of stress due to environmental exposure. Our study aimed to explore the association between SHR and all‐cause mortality in the community‐dwelling population.

Methods

A total of 18 480 participants were included out of 82 091 from the NHANES 1999–2014 survey. The Kaplan–Meier survival analyses were used to assess the disparities in survival rates based on SHR, and the log‐rank test was employed to investigate the distinctions between groups. The multivariate Cox regression analysis and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis were performed to assess the association of SHR with all‐cause mortality. A subgroup analysis was also conducted.

Results

A total of 3188 deaths occurred during a median follow‐up period of 11.0 (7.7; 15.4) years. The highest risk for all‐cause mortality was observed when SHR≤ 0.843 or SHR ≥0.986 (log‐rank p < .001). After adjusting for the confounding factors, compared with subjects in the second SHR quartile (Q2), participants in the highest (Q4, adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28–1.73) and lowest quartiles (Q1, adjusted HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.16–1.60) have a higher probability of all‐cause death. The RCS observed a dose‐response U‐shaped association between SHR and all‐cause mortality. The U‐shaped association between SHR and all‐cause mortality was similar across subgroup analysis.

Conclusions

The SHR was significantly associated with all‐cause mortality in the community‐dwelling population, and the relationship was U‐shaped.

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Comparison of the therapeutic effects of febuxostat combined with a low‐purine diet and allopurinol combined with a low‐purine diet on the improvement of gout patients
Authors: Chen Xuejiao , Ye Tao , Dai Yuna , Li Pian , Zhao Xiaodong , Yu Yanfang , Wang Xiaoliang , Jiao Xiaoya , Shen Na
Published: May 2024

Objective

To compare the clinical efficacy of febuxostat combined with a low‐purine diet versus allopurinol combined with a low‐purine diet in the treatment of gout.

Methods

In this prospective controlled trial, 98 gout patients admitted to our hospital from February 2021 to December 2022 were enrolled as study subjects. Patients were randomly assigned to the study group (febuxostat combined with a low‐purine diet) and the control group (allopurinol combined with a low‐purine diet), with 49 patients in each group. The therapeutic effect was evaluated based on joint function and serum uric acid levels after treatment, and classified into three levels: markedly effective, effective, and ineffective. The levels of inflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor‐a (TNF‐a), cytokine interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1β), and interleukin (IL)‐18 (IL‐18), were collected. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) was used to assess the degree of pain in patients. Clinical indicators before and 6 months after treatment were compared between the two groups.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in age and gender between the two groups. After 6 months of treatment, the effective rate in the study group (48 cases, 97.96%) was higher than that in the control group (42 cases, 85.71%), with a statistically significant difference (p = .027). At the same time, the study group had significantly lower levels of serum uric acid (162.39 μmol/L ± 17.23 μmol/L vs. S198.32 μmol/L ± 18.34 μmol/L, p < .001), creatinine (87.39 mmol/L ± 9.76 mmol/L vs. 92.18 mmol/L ± 9.27 mmol/L, p = .014), total cholesterol (3.65 mmol/L ± 0.65 mmol/L vs. 4.76 mmol/L ± 0.73 mmol/L, p < .001), and triglycerides (1.76 mmol/L ± 0.32 mmol/L vs. 2.28 mmol/L ± 0.41 mmol/L, p < .001) compared to the control group, with statistically significant differences (p < .05). After treatment, the levels of inflammatory factors and degree of pain in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group (all p < .05). During the treatment process, the incidence of adverse reactions in the study group (2 cases, 4.08%) was lower than that in the control group (9 cases, 18.37%), with a statistically significant difference (p = .025).

Conclusion

Febuxostat combined with a low‐purine diet can reduce inflammatory factors and alleviate the degree of pain in gout patients, significantly improving their clinical symptoms.
Three‐ and five‐year outcomes of an inception cohort of Australian children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Tiller Georgina , Hernandez Brandon L. , Buckle Joanne , Allen Roger , Munro Jane , Gowdie Peter , Cox Angela , Akikusa Jonathan
Published: May 2024

Background

To describe the 3‐ and 5‐year outcomes of an inception cohort of Australian children with JIA for whom 1‐year outcomes have previously been published.

Methods

Data regarding clinical outcomes of the original cohort of 134 patients at 3 and 5 years were sought. Relevant clinical features and medication exposures entered prospectively into an electronic record were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

Data were available for 110 and 98 patients at 3 and 5 years, respectively. The proportion of patients with active joints progressively decreased from 34% at 12 months to 21% at 3 years and 16% at 5 years. Cumulative exposure to methotrexate increased between 3 and 5 years (75%–80%), however, point prevalence use decreased (45%–41%). Cumulative exposure and point prevalence use of bDMARDS both increased between 3 and 5 years; 30%–42% and 29%–33%, respectively. Thirty‐five percent of patients had inactive joint disease off medications at 5 years, which occurred most frequently in patients with sJIA and oligoarthritis.

Conclusion

Five‐year outcomes of Australian children with JIA are good, with only a small minority having ongoing active joint disease at 5 years. bDMARDS play an increasing role in management over time; however, methotrexate use remains significant. A majority of children remain on medications at 5 years.
Efficacy and safety of an early response‐based tapering regimen of tocilizumab in children with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Dey Soumya , Roy Debaditya , Sinhamahapatra Pradyot , Ghosh Alakendu
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) is a distinct disease subset, with a poorer prognosis compared with other JIA subsets. Tocilizumab has an important role in the management of sJIA refractory to standard initial therapy. However, no specific guidelines exist for the tapering of tocilizumab therapy in sJIA, which could have implications on the overall cost and side effects of treatment.

Methods

This was an observational study which included 21 children with refractory sJIA, who were initially put on injection tocilizumab every 2 weekly, with subsequent dosing tapered to 4 weekly and 6 weekly intervals based on JIA ACR 70 responses at 12 and 24 weeks, respectively. The primary outcome at week 36 included JIA ACR 30, 50, 70, and 90 response rates with other efficacy and safety measures as secondary outcomes.

Results

At 36 weeks, JIA ACR 30, 50, 70, and 90 responses were observed in 90.5%, 90.5%, 71.4%, and 52.4% patients respectively along with significant improvement in hematological and inflammatory parameters. The mean prednisolone dose could be reduced from 0.54 to 0.13 mg/kg/day and around 29% patients were able to discontinue steroids altogether. No serious adverse events were recorded. With drug tapering, we could curtail on 26% of the total tocilizumab dose that would have been otherwise required on the continuous 2 weekly protocol.

Conclusions

Tocilizumab, used in an early response‐based tapering regimen, was both safe and efficacious in children with sJIA refractory to standard therapy. Larger and longer duration studies are required to further validate our observations.
Real‐world implications of IMACS malignancy screening guidelines for idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: An evaluation of compliance and economic impact at a tertiary referral center
Authors: Teh Ian , Huang Victoria , Oon Shereen , Day Jessica
Published: May 2024

Aim

An inaugural set of consensus guidelines for malignancy screening in idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) were recently published by an international working group. These guidelines propose different investigation strategies based on “high”, “intermediate” or “standard” malignancy risk groups. This study compares current malignancy screening practices at an Australian tertiary referral center with the recommendations outlined in these guidelines.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of newly diagnosed IIM patients. Relevant demographic and clinical data regarding malignancy screening were recorded. Existing practice was compared with the guidelines using descriptive statistics; costs were calculated using the Australian Medicare Benefit Schedule.

Results

Of the 47 patients identified (66% female, median age: 63 years [IQR: 55.5–70], median disease duration: 4 years [IQR: 3–6]), only one had a screening‐detected malignancy. Twenty patients (43%) were at high risk, while 20 (43%) were at intermediate risk; the remaining seven (15%) had IBM, for which the proposed guidelines do not recommend screening. Only three (6%) patients underwent screening fully compatible with International Myositis Assessment and Clinical Studies recommendations. The majority (N = 39, 83%) were under‐screened; the remaining five (11%) overscreened patients had IBM. The main reason for guideline non‐compliance was the lack of repeated annual screening in the 3 years post‐diagnosis for high‐risk individuals (0% compliance). The mean cost of screening was substantially lower than those projected by following the guidelines ($481.52 [SD 423.53] vs $1341 [SD 935.67] per patient), with the highest disparity observed in high‐risk female patients ($2314.29/patient).

Conclusion

Implementation of the proposed guidelines will significantly impact clinical practice and result in a potentially substantial additional economic burden.
A prospective single‐center, single‐arm, open‐label, phase II study of sintilimab and anlotinib combined with chemotherapy in neoadjuvant treatment of resectable esophageal cancer
Authors: Duan Hongtao , Wang Zhaoyang , Cao Lili , Zhu Yifang , Tong Liping , Yan Xiaolong
Published: May 2024

Background

Antiangiogenic treatment and immunochemotherapy effectively treat patients with advanced esophageal cancer. However, there remains a dearth of studies concerning neoadjuvant therapy for resectable esophageal cancer.

Methods

The study focused on patients with T2–4NxM0 resectable esophageal carcinoma. Neoadjuvant treatment involved administering anlotinib (10 mg orally, once a day, 2 weeks on and 1 week off) for antiangiogenesis and sintilimab (200 mg) and chemotherapy for three cycles. Surgical treatment was performed 4–6 weeks after the last chemotherapy cycle was completed. The primary endpoints assessed were pathological complete response (pCR) and safety.

Results

Out of the 34 screened patients, 17 were successfully enrolled in the study, and 14 completed the entire treatment process. The pCR was 35.3% (6/17). However, two patients experienced mortality. The occurring rate of grade 3 or higher complications after the surgery was 78.6% (11/14) according to Clavien–Dindo classification. Specifically, anastomotic leakage was observed in 57.1% (8/14) of the patients.

Conclusion

Compared to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the current regimen demonstrated improved pCR. However, it did not show significant improvement compared to immunochemotherapy. It is essential to exercise caution when using this treatment approach in patients with esophageal cancer as it might increase postoperative complications, especially anastomotic leakage.
Neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy followed by robot esophagectomy has no effect on short‐term results compared with surgery alone
Authors: Guo Feng , Zhang Xu , Zhao Fangdong , Jiang Hongjing , Duan Xiaofeng
Published: May 2024

Background

To determine the safety and efficacy of robot‐assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy (NCI).

Methods

Data from patients who underwent RAMIE between January 2020 and June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The oncological and operative outcomes of the NCI and surgery‐only (S) groups were compared by both unmatched and 1:1 propensity score‐matched (PSM) analysis.

Results

A total of 201 patients with ESCC who underwent three‐incision RAMIE were included in this study (143 patients in the S group and 58 patients in the NCI group). Of the 58 patients who underwent NCI, a pathologically complete response (pCR) (ypT0N0) was identified in 14 (24.1%) patients. The patients in the NCI group were younger than those in the S group (p = 0.017), and had more advanced cT (p < 0.001) and cN stage diseases (p = 0.002). After 1:1 PSM of the confounders, 55 patients were allocated to each of the NCI and S groups. No significant differences were found in oncological and operative results, including surgical blood loss, operative time, and lymph node harvest (all p > 0.05). However, the NCI group exhibited a lower rate of pulmonary complications than the S group (3.6% vs. 14.5%, p = 0.047). No significant difference between the groups was found for other complications (all p > 0.05).

Conclusion

These findings indicate that NCI could result in a high pCR rate without increased complications in locally advanced ESCC. RAMIE is safe and feasible in patients with ESCC after NCI.
Introducing recurrent event analyses to assess species interactions based on camera‐trap data: A comparison with time‐to‐first‐event approaches
Authors: Ferry Nicolas , Dupont Pierre , Bender Andreas , Heurich Marco
Published: May 2024

Camera‐trap surveys are increasingly used to assess species interactions, with a growing focus on proximate co‐occurrence, the conditional probability of one species occurring after another within a given time window. However, existing time‐to‐first‐event models, commonly employed for this purpose, suffer from multiple limitations. For instance, they cannot fully quantify the interaction strength, that is how strongly one species affects the occurrence probability of another, nor the duration of this effect, nor identify the directionality of the interaction.

We propose reframing the question in terms of recurrent event analysis, which enables the use of a rich set of techniques to provide more information about the data‐generating process. In particular, we use the piece‐wise exponential additive mixed model (PAMM) to take into account all available information (including recurrent occurrences of species) and to estimate the non‐linear temporal dynamics of the visitation rate of a species after the occurrence of another. As the estimation is performed within the framework of generalized additive models, it offers a rich, robust and established inferential toolbox.

We evaluated PAMM's performance in estimating species interactions through a simulation study involving two species under various scenarios of attraction or repulsion, with and without imperfect detection. Additionally, we compared the PAMM to six time‐to‐first‐event methods commonly used in camera‐trap studies and illustrated its application with real data.

PAMMs outperformed the other methods in terms of statistical power, output interpretability and ability to disentangle interactions. The robust performance of PAMMs underscores their potential as a valuable tool for studying species interactions based on camera‐trap data. To facilitate its adoption, we present the new package ctrecurrent and provide a reproducible workflow from data preparation to model fitting.