bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corrosion behaviour of hot-dip Zn-Al-Mg coatings with different Al content
Authors: Rai Prabhat Kumar , Rout Dinesh , Kumar D. Satish , Sharma Sanjay , Balachandran G.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to simulate the industrial hot-dip process of Zn-2.5Wt.%Mg-3 Wt.%Al and Zn-2.5 Wt.%Mg-9 Wt.%Al-0.15 Wt.%Si coatings and to study the effect of low and high Al variation on their microstructure, microhardness, adhesion and corrosion behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

The hot-dip Zn-2.5 Mg-xAl coating simulation on steel substrate was carried out using a hot-dip process simulator. The microstructure of the coatings was characterized using a scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The corrosion behaviour of the coatings was studied using a salt spray test in 5% NaCl solution as well as dynamic polarization in 3.5% NaCl solution.

Findings

Microhardness of the developed Zn-2.5 Mg-xAl coatings has been found to be approximately two times higher than that of the conventional galvanized coating. Zn-2.5 Mg-3Al coating has exhibited two times higher corrosion resistance as compared to that of Zn-2.5 Mg-9Al-0.15Si coating because of formation of more homogeneous and defect-free microstructure of the former. The MgZn2phase has undergone preferential dissolution and provided Mg2+ions to form a protective film.

Originality/value

The relative corrosion resistance of the two Zn–Al–Mg coatings with different Al content has been studied. The defect formed because of higher Al addition in the coating has been detected, and its effect on corrosion behaviour has been analysed.
The role of foreign direct investment in growth: Spain, 1964–2013
Authors: Bajo-Rubio Oscar
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Foreign direct investment (FDI) has played a major role in the deep process of transformation experienced by the Spanish economy since the first 1960s, which even intensified, following the integration with the now European Union in 1986. This paper aims to analyse the long-run effects of FDI in Spain by estimating a production function including the foreign capital stock over the period 1964–2013.

Design/methodology/approach

The author estimates a production function including the foreign capital stock over the period 1964–2013, from which the contributions of the different explanatory variables on the accumulated growth of gross domestic product (GDP) are computed. Next, the author tested for the possible presence of structural change in the previously estimated equation, by means of the tests of Bai and Perron, re-estimating the production function for the different subperiods delimited by the structural breaks found. Finally, the analysis is completed by performing Granger-causality tests on the variables GDP and foreign capital stock in a multivariate setting.

Findings

The author finds a significant contribution of foreign capital on the accumulated growth of GDP over the period of analysis, which seems however to have been greater during the first years of the period analysed. Foreign capital can play a positive role in the economic growth of an economy, provided that FDI inflows are stable and permanent enough, but this effect on growth seems to be more important in the first stages of a growth process.

Originality/value

The author presents a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between FDI and growth for a particular country, which seems to be a more promising empirical approach rather than the approach based on panel regressions, where sometimes some dissimilar experiences are added together. The Spanish economy can provide a relevant case study, given the substantial process of growth it enjoyed starting from the early 1960s, characterized by the arrival of vast inflows of foreign capital.
Determining the pointer positions of aircraft analog indicators using deep learning
Authors: Tunca Erdem , Saribas Hasan , Kafali Hasim , Kahvecioglu Sinem
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to monitor the backup indicators in case of indicator failure and to minimize the situations when the pilot may be unable to monitor the indicator effectively in emergency situations.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the pointer positions of different indicators were determined with a deep learning-based algorithm. Within the scope of the study, the pointer on the analog indicators obtained from aircraft cockpits was detected with the YOLOv4 object detector. Then, segmentation was made with the GrabCut algorithm to detect the pointer in the detected region more precisely. Finally, a line including the segmented pointer was found using the least-squares method, and the exact direction of the pointer was determined and the angle value of the pointer was obtained by using the inverse tangent function. In addition, to detect the pointer of the YOLOv4 object detection method and to test the designed method, a data set consisting of videos taken from aircraft cockpits was created and labeled.

Findings

The analog indicator pointers were detected with great accuracy by the YOLOv4 and YOLOv4-Tiny detectors. The experimental results show that the proposed method estimated the angle of the pointer with a high degree of accuracy. The developed method can reduce the workloads of both pilots and flight engineers. Similarly, the performance of pilots can be evaluated with this method.

Originality/value

The authors propose a novel real-time method which consists of detection, segmentation and line regression modules for mapping the angle of the pointers on analog indicators. A data set that includes analog indicators taken from aircraft cockpits was collected and labeled to train and test the proposed method.
Assessing risk attitudes and time preferences on the rural–urban interface of Bengaluru, India
Authors: Wegmann Johannes , Hermann Daniel , Musshoff Oliver
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Urbanization is a main driver of the transformation from agricultural-based economies to service-based economies. At the same time, urbanization might also alter preferences and attitudes such as risk and time preferences that contribute to economic growth and foster this transition. To study the effect of urbanization, few studies have compared individual time or risk preferences in rural and urban settings, reporting mixed results. This study analyses how risk and time preferences alter along the rural–urban interface and assesses the correlation of socio-economic, socio-cultural and demographic characteristics with these preferences. Using such an approach provides insights how preferences are altered in areas of transition as the rural–urban interface mirrors different stages of urbanization.

Design/methodology/approach

Using experimental approaches, risk attitudes and time preferences of 1,117 agricultural and non-agricultural households were elicited along the rural–urban interface of the fast-developing Indian megacity Bengaluru in 2016/17. The study reports joint estimations of risk and time preferences and discusses the influence of urbanization on these preferences.

Findings

Results show that households are on average slightly risk-averse and highly impatient. The results also indicate a decline in discount rates towards rural areas while risk preferences do not considerably differ between those areas. This puzzling result may be explained by difference response of rural and urban areas to the Demonetization policy of the Indian government in 2016.

Originality/value

The research design compares jointly estimated risk and time preferences of agricultural and non-agricultural households of a rapidly urbanizing area in a low-medium income country.
Understanding entity shared product usage: an innovation-adoption coupling model
Authors: Chen Chuanhong , Li Xueyan
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Consumer adoption of shared products is a prerequisite for successful commercialization. The purpose of this paper is to explore what innovative characteristics of entity shared products can accommodate consumers' concerns and are likely to motivate adoption of consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used a conceptual model that combined the innovation diffusion theory and technology acceptance model to explore shared products adoption. It identified the direct and indirect effects of perceived app ease of use/online, perceived convenience of access/offline, perceived utility advantages and personal innovativeness on shared products adoption intention. Structural equation modeling was used for analyzing the questionnaire data from a sample of 479 users who used entity shared products such as shared cars, shared bicycles and shared power banks for mobile phones.

Findings

The empirical tests indicate that perceived utility advantages based on market innovation, perceived accessibility of usage rights based on technology innovation (including perceived app ease of use/online and perceived convenience of access/offline) and consumer personal innovativeness are the key factors affecting consumer adoption.

Originality/value

This paper constructs an innovation-adoption coupling model of entity shared products to understand shared products usage. The findings provide useful practical guidance for the design and development of shared products and “usage rights economy” business applications.
An innovative maturity model to assess supply chain quality management
Authors: Cubo Catarina , Oliveira Rui , Fernandes Ana Cristina , Sampaio Paulo , Carvalho Maria Sameiro , Afonso Paulo
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to present and discuss an innovative maturity model (MM) to assess supply chain quality management (SCQM). The SCQM MM can be used to guide organizations in the development and improvement of quality in their supply chains (SCs). Additionally, this paper intends to better understand that integration and its impacts on organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed MM was developed based on an exhaustive literature review of the most relevant MMs developed in the areas of quality management, supply chain management and other relevant domains.

Findings

The proposed MM consists of a matrix with 100 criteria organized in five organizational dimensions and five maturity levels, embracing the most relevant SC issues and describing a progressive path towards a state of full maturity.

Originality/value

It is an innovative tool useful for both academic experts and practitioners to integrate quality management across the SC, thus promoting and improving organizational performance from an integrated and sustainable perspective.
Non-financial variables related to governance and financial distress prediction in SMEs–evidence from Egypt
Authors: Ragab Yasmine M. , Saleh Mohamed A.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study examines the effect of non-financial variables related to governance on the accuracy of financial distress prediction among Egyptian listed small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), by using the logistic regression technique.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a sample of 24 Egyptian-listed SMEs in each year, totaling 120 firm observations, of which 25 were classified distressed and 95 of them non-distressed between 2014 and 2018. The variables for the study included five financial variables and thirteen non-financial variables related to governance. The models were developed using financial variables alone as well as combining financial and non-financial variables related to governance.

Findings

The results showed that the model with financial variables had a prediction accuracy of 91.7% , whereas models with a combination of financial and non-financial variables related to governance predict with comparatively better accuracy of 92.7 and 93.6% .

Research limitations/implications

Although the results seem to be conclusive, it could be noted that the non-distressed sample was not paired with the distressed sample. Other studies showed that paired samples increase the financial distress prediction rate. Furthermore, due to the small sample size, this study was unable to create a hold-out sub-sample for the accuracy test.

Practical implications

The proposed distress prediction model for SMEs is effective for stakeholders, including banks and other financial institutions, in the assessment of the credit risk of SMEs. Using such a model, they could better identify SMEs with a higher risk of failure in their lending decisions. Moreover, SME managers' could be interested in using such models as a tool for planning corrective action, in addition to planning and controlling current operations to avoid financial failure in the future.

Originality/value

This study contributes to financial distress prediction literature in different ways. First, few studies were conducted in the area of financial distress among SMEs. Second, neither of these studies was conducted within the Egyptian context, nor any of them had used non-financial variables related to governance in the prediction of financial distress among SMEs.
Serving the low-income consumer in a rich economy: Dollar General racks up sales
Authors: Atwal Glyn , Bryson Douglas
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The conceptualization of the Base of Pyramid (BOP) proposes that low-income markets can lead to profitable opportunities for businesses. The purpose of this study is to identify key success factors of a BOP business strategy based on a case study of the discount retailer, Dollar General, in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design used in this research is an in-depth case study of Dollar General in the USA. Qualitative methods are applied in both the primary and secondary data collection and during the follow-on data analysis of Dollar General.

Findings

Dollar General’s strategic profile is achieved through the combination of the following four actions which are tailored to compete effectively at the BOP in the USA: creating the neighborhood discounter, raising aspirational appeal, reducing service and eliminating internationalization.

Research limitations/implications

The case is specific to Dollar General in a US cultural context.

Practical implications

The case of Dollar General demonstrates how a discounter retailer should not only follow a low-cost strategy to compete at the BOP. Its ability to craft a distinctive strategy is coherent with meeting the logistical, rational and emotional needs of the low-income consumer in the USA.

Social implications

Many businesses have neglected rural areas of the USA as being unprofitable. The ability for businesses such as Dollar General to serve the BOP segment can foster the socio-economic well-being of communities.

Originality/value

The overwhelming body of the BOP literature is based on emerging markets. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the few studies to investigate BOP business strategy in the USA.
Fraud schemes during COVID-19: a comparison from FATF countries
Authors: Murrar Firas
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study aims to define fraud crimes, its most prevalent categories and examines the most common of these schemes during the COVID-19 pandemic by drawing on the experiences of several countries and the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) updated paper issued during the pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a comparative analysis methodology in conjunction with a descriptive analytical approach to compare four FATF member countries in light of the fraud activities that occurred on their territory during the pandemic and their respective law enforcement measures. It makes use of secondary data sources, namely, the theoretical literature on the subject and FATF’s updated paper on money laundering and terrorism financing during COVID-19.

Findings

This study found that fraudsters exploited the difficult circumstances during the pandemic in the majority of countries worldwide and identified various fraud schemes based on the incidents reviewed, such as the abuse of economic stimulus in Italy, counterfeiting medical goods in Brazil and investment fraud schemes in California, USA. In Spain, the fraud schemes tended to be cyber related. Such variations were also observed by the law enforcement agencies in the above-mentioned countries.

Originality/value

Numerous studies on fraud schemes are available to researchers. However, few such studies have been conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this study makes a unique contribution to the literature.
Production planning decision of a dairy under supply disruption and demand uncertainty
Authors: Jena Dayanidhi , Ray Pritee
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a model for the production planning decision of a dairy plant in a multi-product setting under supply disruption risk and demand uncertainty while determining the optimal product-mix and material planning requirement.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-integer nonlinear programming model is proposed to determine the optimal product-mix that maximizes the expected profit of a dairy. The data are collected through visits to the dairy site, conducting brainstorming sessions with the plant manager and marketing head at the corporate office. Disruption data are collected from the India Meteorological Department, Odisha.

Findings

From the analysis, it is recommended that the dairy should not produce curd during the planning period. Moreover, turnover from toned, double toned and baby food is maximum than that of the curd and these products are produced in the planning period. The expected profit increases from its present value when an optimal product-mix is followed. Sensitivity analysis is performed to analyze the effect of demand uncertainty, supply disruption and production quota. The expected profit decreases as the supply failure probability increases.

Research limitations/implications

The model is implemented in a dairy plant under Orissa State Cooperative Milk Producers Federation, Odisha, India. The proposed methodology has not been validated, theoretically. The concerned dairy is based on the Indian context, but the authors believe that the study is highly relevant to other dairies as well.

Practical implications

This study provides a methodology for dairy plant managers to plan production effectively under supply disruption risk with demand uncertainty. It also suggests material requirement planning at different factories of the dairy plant.

Originality/value

This paper develops a mathematical model for the production planning decision of a dairy plant that determines the optimal product-mix, which maximizes the expected profit of a dairy under disruption risk and demand uncertainty (in the Indian context).
Managing positional innovation in small food enterprises. The bakery industry
Authors: Linzalone Roberto , Lerro Antonio
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The concept of positional innovation – as one of the four innovation types of the Francis and Bessant’s “4P’s” model – is an effective product innovation strategy for producers of mature and credence goods as food products are. Despite the acknowledgement as one of the major industries worldwide, positional innovations about the food products are underexplored in the managerial literature. To fill this gap, this paper first develops a theoretical analysis of the concepts. Then, by adopting a case-study research methodology, it discloses the way a bakery small enterprise manages positional innovation. Theoretical and practical implications are finally introduced and discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

After a literature review about the role and the characteristics of the positional innovation, the paper presents a case study of definition and implementation of managerial actions and initiatives driven by positional innovation. The aim is not to report on an inductive study, but to use this example as a picture to clarify theory and show how the various conceptual issues may be operatively applied and provide more contextual insights.

Findings

It emerges how a small food enterprise manages positional innovation to survive and compete in the national and international markets; the positional innovation sources are tapped into culture, social responsibility, tradition and other territorial assets of tangible and intangible nature, effectively combined to innovate the product perception and/or the utility in a use context.

Originality/value

“Non-technological”, simple products, like food, are underexplored and rarely seen as relevant context to investigate along the strategic and innovation management literature. Nonetheless, positional innovation is a perspective that values and credits the innovation efforts of small food products, revealing interesting managerial concepts and inspiring entrepreneurs and managers for activating and sustaining new strategies of innovation for their businesses.
Vitamin D status and dietary intake in young university students in the UK
Authors: Dong Honglin , Asmolovaite Viktorija , Marseal Nareen , Mearbon Maryam
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent worldwide. This paper aims to investigate the vitamin D status and dietary intake in young university students.

Design/methodology/approach

Forty-one healthy students aged 18–29 years from Coventry University UK were recruited during January-February 2019, including white Caucasians (n = 18), African-Caribbeans (n = 14) and Asians (n = 9). Plasma 25(OH)D concentrations were measured and dietary vitamin D intake was determined. Chi-square and simple linear regression were used to analyse the data.

Findings

The plasma 25(OH)D concentrations were (36.0 ± 22.2) nmol/L in all subjects, (46.5 ± 25.3) nmol/L in white Caucasians, (22.6 ± 7.4) nmol/L in African-Caribbeans and (37.4 ± 21.7 nmol/L) in Asians. The majority (85.7%) of African-Caribbeans were vitamin D deficient compared with 22.2% of white Caucasians and 33.3% of Asians (p= 0.001). Overweight/obese subjects showed a significant higher proportion of vitamin D deficiency (65%) than normal weight subjects (28.6%) (p= 0.04). The average dietary vitamin D intake in all subjects was (4.6 ± 3.9) µg/day. Only 12.1% of the subjects met the recommended dietary vitamin D intake of 10 µg/day. Dietary vitamin D intake (p= 0.04) and ethnicity (p= 0.01) were significant predictors of 25(OH)D levels and accounted for 13% and 18.5% of 25(OH)D variance, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

This small-scale study showed an alarmingly high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among subjects from African-Caribbean origin during wintertime. Education programs and campaigns are urgently needed to fight the vitamin D deficiency in this population.

Originality/value

The targeted population were in a critical period of transition from adolescence toward adulthood involving in changes in behaviours and nutrition.
Modern nanobiotechnologies for efficient detection and remediation of mercury
Authors: Gaur Mulayam Singh , Yadav Rajni , Kushwah Mamta , Berlina Anna Nikolaevna
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This information will be useful in the selection of materials and technology for the detection and removal of mercury ions at a low cost and with high sensitivity and selectivity. The purpose of this study is to provide the useful information for selection of materials and technology to detect and remove the mercury ions from water with high sensitivity and selectivity. The purpose of this study is to provide the useful information for selection of materials and technology to detect and remove the mercury ions from water with high sensitivity and selectivity.

Design/methodology/approach

Different nano- and bio-materials allowed for the development of a variety of biosensors – colorimetric, chemiluminescent, electrochemical, whole-cell and aptasensors – are described. The materials used for their development also make it possible to use them in removing heavy metals, which are toxic contaminants, from environmental water samples.

Findings

This review focuses on different technologies, tools and materials for mercury (heavy metals) detection and remediation to environmental samples.

Originality/value

This review gives up-to-date and systemic information on modern nanotechnology methods for heavy metal detection. Different recognition molecules and nanomaterials have been discussed for remediation to water samples. The present review may provide valuable information to researchers regarding novel mercury ions detection sensors and encourage them for further research/development.
Adult‐onset immunodeficiency due to anti‐interferon‐gamma autoantibody‐associated Sweet syndrome: A distinctive entity
Authors: Kiratikanon Salin , Phinyo Phichayut , Rujiwetpongstorn Rujira , Patumanond Jayanton , Tungphaisal Veeraphol , Mahanupab Pongsak , Chaiwarith Romanee , Tovanabutra Napatra , Chiewchanvit Siri , Chuamanochan Mati
Published: October 2021

Sweet syndrome (SS) has been increasingly reported in patients with adult‐onset immunodeficiency (AOID) due to anti‐interferon‐γ autoantibody who also have concomitant opportunistic infections, especially disseminated non‐tuberculous mycobacterial infection (dNTMI). A retrospective study retrieving data from 2011 through 2020 was conducted. We compared clinical characteristics of SS with and without AOID and generated the prediction model and examined the interaction between AOID and dNTMI in the occurrence of SS. Lymphadenopathy, pustular lesions, and leukocytosis are the significant predictors for AOID‐associated SS. Adjusted risk differences were 0.58 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33–0.83), 0.21 (95% CI, 0.02–0.39), and 0.24 (95% CI, 0.01–0.47), respectively. Based on the analysis of aggregated cross‐sectional data, both the overall and the direct effect of AOID increased the prevalence of SS. The indirect effect of AOID on the occurrence of SS might also be mediated through dNTMI or other common opportunistic infections. In addition, there was a trend of positive additive interaction between AOID and dNTMI. Although the test of additive interaction did not reveal statistically significant results, a deviation from additivity of isolated effects might suggest potential causal interaction between AOID and dNTMI. The distinctive clinical syndrome comprising lymphadenopathy, pustular lesions, and leukocytosis in patients with SS should raise the awareness of clinicians to the potential of underlying AOID.
Resource heterogeneity but not inbreeding affects growth and grouping behaviour in socially foraging juvenile cichlid fish
Authors: Schons Rieke F. , Vitt Simon , Thünken Timo
Published: October 2021

Spatial food distribution determines resource profitability, defensibility and encounter rate of foragers. Clumped food distribution can promote aggressiveness and resource monopolisation, in turn increasing within‐group variation in food intake and growth. However, the effects of food distribution may depend on foraging strategies. Little is known about the impact of spatial food heterogeneity on growth and grouping behaviour in social foragers in the absence of monopolisation.

Social foraging is present in many fishes, particularly at early juvenile life stages when fish are especially sensitive to environmental variation. Here, a heterogeneous food distribution may impair foraging success and growth and juveniles may increase sociability to attain social information about food resources.

We examined the impact of the spatial distribution of food as well as inbreeding on growth and social behaviour in juveniles of the cichlid fish Pelvicachromis pulcher. Inbred individuals often show poorer performance than outbred individuals (inbreeding depression), but inbreeding effects can be environment dependent. In the experiment, inbred and outbred fish were reared in a split‐clutch design either under homogeneously distributed or spatially clumped food conditions for 8 weeks starting 1 week after juveniles could actively feed. We documented growth and performed a shoaling assay and a sociality test (choice between a large vs. a small shoal) after 6 weeks.

Spatial food distribution did not affect within‐group body length variation, but individuals reared under clumped food conditions were smaller. Shoals of the different feeding conditions differed in social behaviour. Shoals of the clumped treatment group showed higher variation in inter‐individual distances compared to shoals of the homogeneous treatment group. Furthermore, focal fish of the clumped treatment adjusted their association preference to the position of the groups' largest individual. We did not find significant inbreeding or environment‐dependent inbreeding effects regarding growth or social behaviour.

Our study suggests that a clumped food distribution can impede localisation of food resources and thus growth in juvenile social foragers. Accordingly, in heterogeneous environments, the use of social information may be highly relevant to increase individuals' foraging success potentially explaining orientation on successful foragers, that is, large individuals. Inter‐individual variation in juvenile’s social behaviour may precede variation in food monopolisation capability and in growth emerging at later life stages.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Clarifying the Duties of the UK Judiciary Post‐Brexit: Lipton and Anr v BA City Flyer Ltd
Authors: Drake Sara , Hunt Jo
Published: October 2021

The Court of Appeal's judgment in Lipton and Anr v BA City Flyer Ltd marks a new chapter in UK constitutional law. It provides the first judicial interpretation of section 29 of the European Union (Future Relationship) Act 2020. This general implementation clause aims to ensure the timely incorporation of the EU‐UK Trade and Co‐operation Agreement 2020 (TCA) into domestic law, by requiring ‘existing domestic law’ to have effect ‘with such modifications as are required for the purposes of implementing’ the TCA. This case note examines the conceptualisation of the legal obligation in section 29, as reflected in Green LJ's opinion. We argue that the judgment also makes a welcome attempt to promote legal certainty, providing a clear sequencing of the steps to be taken by the UK judiciary when interpreting EU retained law post‐Brexit, but nevertheless introduces some elements of potential confusion that require clarifying.
Predictive impacts of chronic kidney disease and cardiac sympathetic nervous activity on lethal arrhythmic events in chronic heart failure
Authors: Amami Kazuaki , Yamada Shinya , Yoshihisa Akiomi , Kaneshiro Takashi , Hijioka Naoko , Nodera Minoru , Nehashi Takeshi , Takeishi Yasuchika
Published: October 2021

Background

The clinical implications of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiac sympathetic nervous activity (CSNA) regarding lethal arrhythmic events have not yet been fully elucidated in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). We hypothesized that the combination of CKD and abnormal CSNA, assessed by 123I‐metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I‐MIBG) scintigraphy, may provide useful prognostic information for lethal arrhythmic events.

Methods

We studied 165 consecutive hospitalized CHF patients without dialysis. Cardiac 123I‐MIBG scintigraphy was performed in a clinically stable condition, and abnormal CSNA was defined as a late heart‐to‐mediastinum ratio of <1.6. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate of <60 ml/min/1.73 m2. We then investigated the incidence of lethal arrhythmic events (sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmia, appropriate implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator therapy, or sudden cardiac death).

Results

During a median follow‐up of 5.3 years, lethal arrhythmic events were observed in 40 patients (24.2%). The patients were divided into four groups according to the presence of CKD and CSNA abnormality: non‐CKD/normal CSNA (n = 52), CKD/normal CSNA (n = 39), non‐CKD/abnormal CSNA (n = 33), and CKD/abnormal CSNA (n = 41). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that CKD/abnormal CSNA had the highest event rate (log‐rank p = .004). Additionally, the Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed that CKD/abnormal CSNA was a predictor for lethal arrhythmic events compared with non‐CKD/normal CSNA (hazard ratio, 5.368, p = .001). However, the other two groups did not show significant differences compared with the non‐CKD/normal CSNA group.

Conclusions

The combination of CKD and abnormal CSNA, assessed by 123I‐MIBG scintigraphy, had a high predictive value for lethal arrhythmic events in patients with CHF.
Drain fluid amylase and lipase as a predictive factor of postoperative pancreatic fistula
Authors: Koek Sharnice , Wiegele Sophie , Ballal Mohammed
Published: October 2021

Background

Early detection of a postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) may improve outcomes after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). The aim was to assess the role of postoperative drain fluid amylase (DFA) and lipase (DFL) measurements as a predictive indicator in the development of POPF.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included all PD procedures performed between 2009 and 2017 at Fremantle and Fiona Stanley Hospital in Western Australia. The DFA and DFL measurements on postoperative day (POD) three and five were correlated with the development of POPF.

Results

A total of 169 patients were included in this study with a mean age of 64 ± 11.3 years. Of these, 17 (10.1%) developed a clinically significant POPF. In patients who had both a DFA and DFL measured on both POD 3 and 5, DFA and DFL was significantly higher in patients who developed POPF than those who did not (P < 0.001). In a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the most accurate test was POD 3 DFL measurement with an AUC 0.85 (CI 0.75–0.95, P < 0.001). A negative predictive value of 97.4% was observed. DFA and DFL were concordant in 89.2% of cases on POD 3 and 90.6% of cases on POD 5.

Conclusion

In this study, DFL measured on POD 3 as a single measurement appears to carry the most benefit in prediction of clinically significant POPF. Reduction to a measurement on this day may lead to a reduction in cost, earlier drain removal and earlier identification of high‐risk patients.
A comparison of outcomes and survival between Victoria and Denmark in lung cancer surgery: opportunities for international benchmarking
Authors: Stenger Michael , Jakobsen Erik , Wright Gavin , Zalcberg John , Stirling Robert G.
Published: October 2021

Backgrounds

Victoria (Australia) and Denmark have comparable population sizes and high‐quality healthcare systems. Lung cancer surgery, however, is performed in more than 20 Victorian hospitals compared to four in Denmark. Such differences in centralization may influence outcomes. We engaged clinical quality registries to enable international benchmarking by exploring patterns of lung cancer surgery including mortality and survival.

Methods

All patients undergoing lung cancer surgery between 2015 and 2018 registered in the Victorian Lung Cancer Registry and the Danish Lung Cancer Registry were included. Analyses on stage concordance, 30 and 90‐day mortality, and overall survival were restricted to a selected subgroup with NSCLC and no neo‐adjuvant therapy or metastatic disease and only one operation.

Results

We included 1554 Victorian and 4319 Danish patients. The resection rate was 26.3% in Victoria and 28% in Denmark, but a higher proportion of Victorian patients underwent wedge resection (19.1% versus 8.8%). Stage concordance was 59.6% and 54.9% in Victoria and Denmark, respectively. The 30‐ and 90‐day mortality was 1.3% and 2.6% in Victoria, compared to 1.4% and 2.8% in Denmark with no difference in overall survival (p = 0.28) or risk‐adjusted survival (HR: 1.10 (95% CI: 0.89–1.37); p = 0.38).

Conclusion

High‐quality surgical lung cancer care was confirmed by similar high resection and low mortality rates including no overall survival difference. The drivers and consequences of stage discordance and differences in patterns of resection deserve further exploration. This study provides a model for international benchmarking using clinical quality registries, although caution remains in the interpretation given disparities in data completeness.
Long‐term bisphosphonate therapy and atypical femoral fracture: Can you have too much of a good thing?
Authors: Walker Lauren E. , Cooper Cyrus
Published: October 2021

The long‐term, continuous use of bisphosphonates (beyond 5 years) is not wholly without risk. Atypical femoral fracture is an uncommon but potentially very serious adverse event associated with the long‐term use of bisphosphonates. Here we consider the complexities of long‐term bisphosphonate prescribing, particularly in those that are low risk of osteoporotic fracture, wherein the duration of therapy should be reviewed regularly with individualised risk assessment to ensure the duration of treatment is appropriate.
Retracted: Fuzzy based rendezvous points selection for mobile data gathering in wireless sensor network
Authors: Satish Patil Sunita , Senthil Kumaran Thangamuthu
Published: October 2021

In this article, fuzzy based rendezvous points selection (FRPS) technique for mobile data gathering in wireless sensor networks is proposed. At beginning, the importance of detected data is categorized into perilous and non‐perilous based on the perseverance and time limit of data. Then two Sencars are set up: one for gathering perilous data by visiting straight to the corresponding sensors, the other one for gathering non‐perilous data from other sensors. The rendezvous points (RPs) for visiting the Sencars are determined by using fuzzy decision model based on the input parameters energy level, buffer occupancy level, and current load. Based on the output of this model, each sensor is assigned a combined utility value. Then the sensors with high utility values are selected as RPs and the details are broadcast to the respective Sencars.
VO2peak prior to transplant differentiates survival post kidney transplant
Authors: Chakkera Harini A. , Kaplan Bruce , Budhiraja Pooja , Behmen Senaida , Fitz‐Patrick Dennis , Butterfield Richard J.
Published: October 2021

The OPTN/UNOS utilizes the calculated estimated posttransplant survival (EPTS) score as the measure of post‐kidney transplant survival to guide allocation of deceased donor kidney transplantation. This score does not include any metric of functional capacity. Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), is an established predictor of survival among both the general and diseased populations. We assessed the association and discriminative capacity of VO2peak and that of EPTS score and all‐cause mortality post‐kidney transplant. Additionally, we assessed the “mortality risk” lower VO2peak conferred on those patients with low EPTS score. Among a cohort of 293 transplant recipients with at least 3‐years post‐transplant follow‐up, the median VO2peak was 15.0 ml/Kg/min. Lower pre‐transplant VO2peak and higher EPTS score conferred higher risk of post‐transplant mortality. Among the cohort of “low‐risk” patients (patients with EPTS score < 50) those with lower VO2peak had significantly higher risk of mortality (log rank p = 0.045). In fact, the mortality risk among those with low‐EPTS (< 50) and low VO2peak < 12 ml/Kg/min was equivalent to those with high EPTS (> 80) score. We concluded functional capacity as defined by VO2peak is an important reflection of post‐transplant survival. VO2peak is able to identify those with low EPTS who have similar survival to that of high EPTS phenotype.
Outcomes of adjunctive therapies post hedgehog inhibitors in the management of locally advanced basal cell carcinoma: A systematic review and pooled analysis
Authors: Patel Arsh , Kim Jane S. , Liss Jason , Howard Lauren , Jung Sin‐Ho , Kheterpal Meenal
Published: October 2021

Management of patients with locally advanced basal cell carcinoma (laBCC) with traditional strategies has yielded suboptimal outcomes. Targeted treatments including hedgehog inhibitor therapy (HHIT) present limitations when utilized as monotherapy. Herein, we report evidence‐based outcomes from available literature on multimodality treatments adjuvant to HHIT in laBCC management. Utilizing a systematic search strategy in PubMed, we identified studies published from inception to April 15, 2020, screened for definitive inclusion/exclusion criteria, and performed individual study quality assessment and pooled analysis to assess impact of adjunctive treatment‐based responses post‐HHIT on clinical response and recurrence outcomes. Twenty‐nine studies (n = 103) were included. Primary findings include a complete response (CR) rate of 90.5%, the median follow‐up of 12 months post‐HHIT completion. The recurrence rate was 10.8% with 12‐month median time to recurrence. Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) had 100% CR post‐HHIT, while no difference was observed between surgery and radiation therapy (RT). MMS and surgery had comparable 2‐year recurrence free rates (RFR) at 87% and 86% respectively, while RT had the lower 2‐year RFR at 67%. Male gender portended a more advanced stage at diagnosis and worse outcomes. In a subset analysis, periorbital laBCCs with orbital involvement had a CR rate of 81.8% versus 100% in those without orbital involvement, with similar rates of recurrence. Limited available quantitative data and possible publication bias were limitations. Pooled analysis of observational data supports use of adjunctive therapies post‐HHIT to improve treatment response in patients with laBCC. Longer‐term follow‐up is needed to study recurrence rates after combination therapy.
The purposes of descriptive psychology
Authors: Brandl Johannes L.
Published: October 2021

In this paper, I discuss the different views of the founders of descriptive psychology in the 19th century about the meaning and purpose of this discipline and sketch a new plan for connecting descriptive psychology with the language‐critical tradition of analytic philosophy. I will show that the goals Hermann Lotze, Franz Brentano, and Wilhelm Dilthey set for descriptive psychology were too lofty for different reasons. The common problem they faced was how to reconcile the ideal of autonomous philosophical knowledge with the empirical relevance that descriptive psychology should have. Faced with this dilemma, I outline a new plan to conceive of descriptive psychology as a critical project aimed at overcoming the obstacles that language places in the way of our knowledge of mental phenomena.
Clinical significance of the latency period of abnormal ammonia metabolism in chronic liver disease: Proposal of a new concept
Authors: Katayama Kazuhiro
Published: October 2021

The liver is a key organ in regulating metabolism, and chronic liver disease is associated with several metabolic disorders. In the later stages of liver cirrhosis, the urea cycle is impaired, which disrupts of ammonia detoxification and eventually causes hyperammonemia and hepatic encephalopathy. Although hyperammonemia is not detected during the period between the late stage of chronic hepatitis and the early stage of liver cirrhosis, hepatic albumin synthesis capacity decreases as the fibrosis progresses. Increased ammonia levels are associated with a decreased capacity of the liver to synthesize albumin as well as activation of hepatic stellate cells, which promote fibrosis. Herein, we discuss the possibility that abnormal ammonia metabolism might play an important role in the pathogenesis of liver diseases even without hyperammonemia. We consider the disease period without hyperammonemia as the latency period of abnormal ammonia metabolism and discuss its clinical significance.
Trends in hospitalisation for common paediatric infections: An Australian experience
Authors: Irwin Nicola , Currie Marian J , Davis Deborah
Published: October 2021

Aim

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) and acute gastroenteritis (AGE) significantly impact health service use among children; however, recent trends in hospital admission rates are not well documented. Our objectives were to describe admission rates for RTI and AGE among children in one jurisdiction over a 10‐year period and their associated length of stay (LOS), monetary costs and chronic conditions.

Methods

This is retrospective review of hospital admissions data for Australian Capital Territory residents aged 0–16 years admitted with a primary diagnosis commensurate with RTI or AGE.

Results

Between 2009 and 2018, there were 8668 admissions. Admission rates rose from 9.2/1000 age‐adjusted population in 2009 to 10.5/1000 in 2018. LOS reduced by 10 h (43 to 33 h). The median cost per admission was AUD$3158 (AUD$148 to AUD$175 271) and 16.4% of children had a chronic condition, associated with longer LOS and higher episode costs. Median age at admission was 1 year 5 months. Infants were admitted three times as often as older children and admissions for lower RTI were more common than for upper RTI or AGE (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Paediatric hospital admission rates for RTI in the Australian Capital Territory are increasing and LOS is decreasing. Admissions for AGE remain relatively low following the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine in 2007. Effective strategies are needed to reduce the burden of paediatric RTI.
Immunoglobulin A nephropathy in paediatrics: An up‐to‐date
Authors: Paranhos Rafaela Moreira , De Souza Figueiredo Gabriel Augusto , De Abreu Gabriel Ramos , Ferreira Guilherme Costa , Fonseca Giulio Gori , Simões E Silva Ana Cristina
Published: October 2021

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy is the main cause of glomerulonephritis globally and an important aetiology of end‐stage renal disease in children. It has been considered an autoimmune disease that can lead to the production of autoantibodies against abnormal IgA1 and formation of immune complexes. These autoantibodies and immune complexes deposit in the glomeruli, resulting in renal injury. At the beginning of IgA nephropathy course, most patients are asymptomatic and the first clinical manifestations in children are macroscopic hematuria and proteinuria. The diagnosis is defined by the detection of IgA mesangial deposits in kidney biopsy using immunofluorescence techniques. The Oxford MEST‐C score is the most used classification to associate histological findings and clinical outcomes, being validated for application in children. Recommended treatment options are antihypertensive and antiproteinuric therapy, corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents, and other non‐pharmacological approaches. There is no ideal prognosis indicator but new perspectives are in science's scope to find possible biomarkers of the disease through OMICS's research. This review aims to summarize and to up‐to‐date the scientific literature on paediatric IgA nephropathy, focusing on pathophysiology, clinical findings, histopathology, current treatment, prognosis, and future perspectives.
Distributional Change: Assessing the Contribution of Household Income Sources*
Authors: Kyzyma Iryna , Fusco Alessio , Van Kerm Philippe
Published: October 2021

We develop a decomposition of changes in household income distributions by factor components to quantify the contribution of changes over time in the association between sources of income and changes in their (marginal) distributions. The two components are broken down to isolate the contribution of specific income sources. An application to the change in the distribution of household incomes in Luxembourg between 2004 and 2013 reveals contrasted results: increased association between spouse earnings, public transfers and taxes depressed the income share of poor households while changes in marginal distributions increased incomes in the upper half of the distribution.