bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal coupon distribution strategy of retailers considering cross-industry joint promotion
Authors: Li Hao , Peng Yao
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Empirical evidence indicates that cross-industry cooperation is a popular promotional format in which retailers can engage in market resource sharing and exchange. Although many retailers participate in cross-industry joint promotion by issuing coupons to each other, the degree of correlation between cross-industry products and the consumer switching behavior can significantly impact the promotional effect of these coupons. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of the cross-industry joint promotion and the optimal coupon distribution strategy of retailers based on these two factors.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyzes the four cases of no cross-industry joint promotion, unilateral issuance of coupons and bilateral issuance of coupons, and discusses the best coupon distribution strategy for retailers based on the degree of product correlation and consumer switching costs. Furthermore, the applicability of the coupon distribution strategy is enhanced by incorporating numerical analysis.

Findings

The results show that the retailers can improve their income level by implementing cross-industry joint promotion. The retailers always price higher when only their promotional partners distribute coupons. When the degree of product correlation and consumer switching costs are high, the retailers issuing cross-industry coupons bilaterally is the optimal joint promotion strategy. When the degree of product correlation or consumer switching costs are low, the low-value retailer issuing coupons can achieve a win-win situation for retailers.

Originality/value

This paper addresses an interesting and practical issue related to the coupon distribution strategies based on the product correlation and consumer switching behavior, thereby providing new theoretical value and managerial implications for retailers to choose the optimal joint promotion strategy under different market conditions.
How personal values influence home-country consumers’ attitudes toward the brand engaging in cross-border philanthropy? The empirical evidence from China
Authors: Yang Jun , Ma Fang , Liu Diyi
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The research purpose is to investigate how personal values influence home country consumers’ attitudes toward the brand engaging in cross-border philanthropy by analyzing the mediating role of perceived fairness. This research also examines the moderating factor of this effect to propose practical strategies for brand managers.

Design/methodology/approach

This research employed one survey (Study 1) and two experiments (Studies 2–3) by manipulating personal values to provide robust evidence for the impact of values on consumer attitudes toward the brand conducting cross-border philanthropy.

Findings

This research offers empirical insights into the positive effect of self-transcendence values on consumer attitudes toward the brand participating in cross-border philanthropy. Findings suggest that home country consumers with self-enhancement (vs self-transcendence) values exhibit lower perceived fairness for transnational philanthropy, which leads to less favorable attitudes toward the brand. Cause acuteness is identified as a boundary condition of these unfavorable responses.

Practical implications

This research yields guidance for brand managers and marketers seeking to improve consumers’ brand attitudes through cross-border philanthropy.

Originality/value

This research enriches the literature on corporate social responsibility with respect to cross-border philanthropy and reveals distinct consumer attitudes toward this brand behavior. Furthermore, this study makes meaningful contributions to the value and fairness literature.
An information support framework for chain reaction of major emergencies based on causality eventic graph
Authors: Zhang Shiying , Li Yang , Sheng Dongfang
Published: December 2024

Purpose

With the rapid development of society, major emergencies occur frequently, posing a serious threat to people’s lives and property. This study focuses on the chain reaction of major emergencies, aiming to improve the overall situational awareness and capabilities for managing major emergencies in complex scenarios.

Design/methodology/approach

We proposed an information support framework for the chain reaction of major emergencies based on a causality eventic graph (CEG). The framework consists of three modules: the data layer, the analysis layer and the service layer. The data layer focuses on the perception and collection of major emergency information. The analysis layer includes key components such as causality recognition, causality extraction, event fusion and generalization. In this layer, we developed several deep learning (DL)-based models using a joint extraction approach to obtain causal pairs. The service layer depicts the event evolution logic from both industry and public perspectives.

Findings

The empirical study has demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed information support framework. First, the BERT-BiLSTM-CRF model achieved the best performance in the causality extraction task. Second, the SBERT model was found to be more suitable for event fusion. Third, the analysis results of CEG revealed that the impact of pandemics on industries in turn affects other industries as well as people’s livelihoods and vice versa. The framework shows a better information support, discovery and reasoning effect. This study, however, still has several limitations. We focused primarily on causal logic and did not fully explore other logical relationships. In future work, we will incorporate more logical relations to further refine the eventic graph (EG).

Originality/value

This study proposes a novel information support framework for the chain reaction of major emergencies, leveraging CEG to provide targeted and hierarchical information to industry and public stakeholders. It solves several problems in the emergency management of major emergencies.
Promoting sustainable performance of smallholder oil palm farmers: an analysis of key determinants and strategic priorities
Authors: Supriatna Jajang , Saluy Ahmad Badawy , Kurniawan Deden , Djumarno Djumarno
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the factors affecting the performance of smallholder oil palm farmers in Indonesia, with an emphasis on sustainable productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved interviews with regulators, practitioners and experienced farmers in Riau, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan and the Bangka Belitung Islands, Indonesia. A confirmatory and explanatory approach was used to explore the relationships among farmer competency, social capital, institutional support, sustainable productivity and overall performance. Data from 757 farmers were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), while the analytical network process (ANP) method identified strategic priorities.

Findings

The results indicate that the sustainability of oil palm farming was low. Social capital, institutional support and sustainable productivity are the key performance factors. Sustainable productivity mediates these relationships. Farmers’ competence indirectly affects performance through sustainable productivity, social capital and institutions. Institutional support needs to be improved.

Research limitations/implications

This study suggests expanding sustainability indicators by following the latest standards of RSPO principles and criteria, simplifying language for better farmer understanding and assessing sustainability before and after policy implementation.

Practical implications

The proposed policy framework emphasizes social capital, institutional support and sustainable productivity to improve sustainability and effectiveness.

Social implications

This study highlights the critical role of social capital, institutional support and sustainable productivity in enhancing Indonesian palm oil farmers’ sustainability and performance.

Originality/value

This unique integrated approach combining PLS-SEM and ANP methodologies provides a comprehensive understanding of the factors affecting smallholder performance and data-driven strategic priorities for policy interventions.
The impact of decentralized finance development on banks deposits variability: PVAR approach
Authors: Harir Nabil , Bel Mkaddem Zakariae
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the potential impact of total value locked (TVL) fluctuation in decentralized finance (DeFi) on banks deposits for a sample of 21 countries, including the Eurozone members and the USA, over the period from July 2018 to October 2023.

Design/methodology/approach

Panel vector autoregression model has been used to analyze the existence of a relationship between TVL and banks deposits. In the second stage, the impulse response function has been exercised to find out the response of banks deposits among each nation.

Findings

Empirical findings exhibit that while increases in TVL have a significant negative long-run association with banks deposits in a global perspective, the effect is weak, suggesting modest disruption to traditional banking services to date. However, the impact varies between short and long-run effects at the country level. Six nations exhibit substantial negative long-run effects, whereas eight countries experience only temporary decreases in deposits following TVL upticks that rebound over time, reflecting the lack of trust in DeFi services and the engagement in speculative instead of long-term activities.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides general insights into DeFi’s impact on banking performance and deposit stability. However, it likely has limitations in scope and time frame. Future research could explore long-term effects, specific DeFi protocols and cross-country comparisons.

Practical implications

This study’s findings provide key insights for policymakers, central banks and bank managers on the impact of DeFi growth on banking performance and deposit stability. The results highlight the need for adaptive regulatory frameworks and investment strategies to address the emerging DeFi ecosystem. At the country level, the observed variations suggest the importance of tailored policy approaches. These insights are crucial for developing effective regulations and strategies in the evolving financial landscape.

Social implications

DeFi growth may alter financial access and inclusion, raising concerns about consumer protection and literacy. It could shift power dynamics in finance, potentially reducing traditional intermediaries’ influence while creating new forms of inequality. Balancing innovation with social responsibility is crucial for equitable distribution of benefits.

Originality/value

Although numerous studies have been conducted on the effects of cryptocurrencies on bank deposits and stock performance across various regions, they have largely overlooked the DeFi and its role in influencing deposits as a new competitor to traditional banks services. This study aims to address this gap by examining the influence of TVL developments on banks deposits, and to what extent it can be served as an alternative to banking services.
Operationalising branding through a sense of place toolkit
Authors: Botha Elricke
Published: December 2024

Purpose

There has been a steady increase in tourism in biosphere reserves necessitating the future thereof to be embedded in sustainability. Communities’ sense of place (SoP) is central to branding destinations within these socio-ecological designations. This study aims to operationalise the branding of a biosphere reserve using a SoP toolkit as the nexus between sustainable tourism and participatory action research.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach using the nominal group technique (NGT) was applied.

Findings

The results suggest that sustainability should feature prominently in the process of identifying a community’s SoP in protected areas and that place meaning plays a pivotal role in place making, like branding, of protected areas.

Originality/value

The paper furthers the discourse of practise-academic research in sustainable tourism settings. To this effect, a sense and care of place toolkit is proposed.
Artificial intelligence-based modeling of compressive strength of slurry infiltrated fiber concrete
Authors: Oyebisi Solomon , Shammas Mahaad Issa , Sani Reuben , Oyewola Miracle Olanrewaju , Olutoge Festus
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a reliable model that would predict the compressive strength of slurry infiltrated fiber concrete (SIFCON) modified with various supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) using artificial intelligence approach.

Design/methodology/approach

This study engaged the artificial intelligence to predict the compressive strength of SIFCON through deep neural networks (DNN), artificial neural networks, linear regression, regression trees, support vector machine, ensemble trees, Gaussian process regression and neural networks (NN). A thorough data set of 387 samples was gathered from relevant studies. Eleven variables (cement, silica fume, fly ash, metakaolin, steel slag, fine aggregates, steel fiber fraction, steel fiber aspect ratio, superplasticizer, water to binder ratio and curing ages) were taken as input to predict the output (compressive strength). The accuracy and reliability of the developed models were assessed using a variety of performance metrics.

Findings

The results showed that the DNN (11-20-20-20-1) predicted the compressive strength of SIFCON better than the other algorithms with R2 and mean square error yielding 95.89% and 8.07. The sensitivity analysis revealed that steel fiber, cement, silica fume, steel fiber aspect ratio and superplasticizer are the most vital variables in estimating the compressive strength of SIFCON. Steel fiber contributed the highest value to the SIFCON’s compressive strength with 16.90% impact.

Originality/value

This is a novel technique in predicting the compressive strength of SIFCON optimized with different SCMs using supervised learning algorithms, improving its quality and performance.
Assessing the performance of chat generative pretrained transformer (ChatGPT) in answering chronic kidney disease‐related questions
Authors: Can Başak , Kahvecioğlu Esra Deniz , Palıt Fatih , Cebeci Egemen , Küçük Mehmet , Karaali Zeynep
Published: December 2024

Background

Chatbots produced by artificial intelligence are frequently used in health information today. We aimed to investigate the reliability and reproducibility of the answers given by Chat Generative Pretrained Transformer (ChatGPT), one of the most used chatbots, to frequently asked questions related to chronic kidney failure.

Methods

We reviewed frequently asked questions related to chronic kidney disease (CKD) from social media platforms and Internet. The questions were asked to ChatGPT, and the answers were scored from 1 to 4 by two experienced nephrologists.

Results

Eighty‐five frequently asked questions about chronic renal failure were examined and 60 of them were included in the study after exclusion criteria. Fifty‐one (85%) of the questions received 1 point, 7 (11.7%) received 2 points and 2 (3.3%) received 3 points. The similarity rates of the answers to the repeated questions were between 80% and 100%.

Conclusion

ChatGPT has provided reliable responses with high reproducibility to inquiries related to CKD.
Trends in health librarianship topics presented at four UK‐based conferences between 2017 and 2022: A thematic analysis
Authors: Rudd Sarah
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Although thematic analysis of health librarianship (HL) presentations at conferences in the USA exists, no similar research has been reported focused on HL at UK conferences.

Objectives

To determine trends in HL conference presentations from 2017 to 2022 at three UK‐based HL conferences and the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) conferences.

Methods

Thematic analysis of conference programmes obtained from websites, the Internet Archive Wayback Machine and conference organisers.

Results

A total of 226 HL‐related conference presentations were identified across all the examined conference programmes. Eight themes emerged: being a Healthcare Librarian; Digital Working; Finding the Evidence; Generating Research; Strategic Library Management; Literacies; Other; and Using the Evidence. ‘Being a Healthcare Librarian’ (n = 54) and ‘Strategic Library Management’ (n = 53) were the most prominent cross‐conference themes.

Discussion

Presentations at HL‐specific conferences provide a wider range of themes than CILIP conferences, with ‘Being a Healthcare Librarian’ absent from CILIP conferences but ‘Literacies’ appearing in similar numbers at both. Differences in conference formats and the COVID‐19 pandemic likely influenced presentation numbers.

Conclusion

HL conference themes are not directly reflected in CILIP conferences. NHS Knowledge and Library Services staff should be encouraged to undertake and disseminate original research, creating a UK evidence base for healthcare librarianship.
Breast biomarkers evolution between primary and distant metastasis: incidence and significance
Authors: Khedr Maha , Gandhi Shipra , Roy Arya Mariam , Alharbi Malak , George Anthony , Attwood Kristopher , Khoury Thaer
Published: December 2024

Aims

To evaluate the evolution when breast cancer (BC) is classified as three clinical profiles and five clinical profiles by incorporating human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2)‐low to the biomarkers’ profile.

Methods and results

BC with distant metastasis that has document hormonal receptors (HR) (positive, negative) and HER2 (positive, low, zero) results were included (n = 161). Cases were categorised into three clinical profiles (HR‐positive/HER2‐negative, HER2‐positive and TNBC) and five (HR‐positive/HER2‐zero, HR‐positive/HER2‐low, HR‐negative/HER2‐zero, HR‐negative/HER2‐low, HR‐positive or negative/HER2‐positive). Evolution occurred in 22.4% cases when three clinical profiles were analysed and 36.6% considering five clinical profiles. There were no statistically significant differences among the three clinical profiles in overall survival (OS). When five clinical profiles were analysed, HR‐negative/HER2‐zero had the worst OS with HzR = 6.82 and 95% confidence interval (CI) =1.19, 39.23, P = 0.031. In the multivariable analysis, ER‐positive was associated with HER2 discordance less than oestrogen receptor (ER)‐negative with odds ratio (OR) = 0.354 and 95% CI = 0.14–0.88, P = 0.025. In the multivariable analysis, patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group 2+ had worse OS with hazard ratio (HzR) = 5.54 and 95% CI = 2.4–12.79, P < 0.0001. HR concordant had better OS with HzR = 0.34 and 95% CI = 0.2–0.63, P = 0.0004. HER2 conversion from low to zero had worse OS than HER2 concordance with HzR 2.66 and 95% CI = 1.21–5.83, P = 0.015.

Conclusions

Five‐profile classification provides a more accurate idea about the rate of potential change in treating BC in the metastatic setting.
A Qualitative Study of Career Motivations and Career Expectations of Malaysian Dental Therapist: Post New Dental Regulations
Authors: Musa Muhd Firdaus Che , Ab‐Murat Norintan , Ming Cheong Joo , Ramle Nur Syazwani Mohd , Sabri Siti Zulaiha Ahmad
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To explore the Malaysian dental therapists' perceptions regarding the provisions concerning them in the new dental act and potential market changes, considering their current career motivations and expectations.

Methods

Dental therapists from two major public dental organisations in the East‐Peninsular Malaysia (n = 26) were invited to participate in an audiotaped semi‐structured interview using a pre‐tested topic‐guide informed by workforce policy and research literature. The qualitative data were transcribed and analysed using Framework Analysis.

Results

The research conducted with dental therapists (n = 26) identified four motivation domains namely ‘altruism’, ‘personal and academic inspiration’, ‘profession characteristics’ and ‘career advising and social influences’ as key factors motivating their choice of a professional career as dental therapists, influenced by work‐life balance and financial stability. They were also aware of the new dental act and its potential implications, particularly regarding their future career expectations. The majority felt the necessity ‘to improve their skills and knowledge’ within the first 5 years as part of their short‐term career plans. A few participants expressed a desire to ‘pursue a higher level of education’ and ‘wished to join the private sector’ in the long‐term. They perceived the possibility of ‘working in the private sector’ to increase their income and believed that they did not require any additional training for such a transition.

Conclusion

Malaysian dental therapists welcomed the changes in the new act, which allow them to work across sectors. Many perceived themselves as adequately motivated and equipped to transition to different work settings without requiring additional training.
Defining nurse‐led models of care: Contemporary approaches to nursing
Authors: Clarke Jarrod , Davis Kate , Douglas Jane , Peters Micah D. J.
Published: December 2024

Background

The evolving nature of nursing practice necessitates the development and implementation of contemporary models of care; however, inconsistent definitions hinder this. With the increasing demand for nurse‐led models of care, it is crucial to establish a consistent understanding to ensure the efficacy of implemented models.

Aim

We aim to provide a working definition for nursing models of care, then using this, present the key features that nurse‐led models of care should consider.

Sources of Evidence

An unstructured literature review was used to explore the research aim.

Discussion

We propose that nursing models of care be defined as involving three interrelated domains: (1) a theoretical basis that underpins conceptualisation of care, (2) organisational work methods that direct task delegation, organisational governance, and care responsibility and (3) practical methods for care delivery that describes practical care methodologies. Extrapolating from this framework, nurse‐led models of care are defined as having an evidence‐based and person‐centred theoretical basis, an organisational work method driven by nurses, and practical methods of care delivery supported by the creation of holistic care plans.

Conclusion

As the design and implementation of a model of care is influenced by unique contextual considerations, the definitions provided in this paper should be considered as a starting point for further refinement, consideration and discussion.

Implications for Nursing Policy

Standardisation in how models of care are defined enables greater understanding and improved comparability between disparate sources of evidence and can aid stakeholders by providing a common language. Creating standardisation in the terminology of nurse‐led models of care specifically supports the continued advocacy efforts for these models of care and assists policymakers and health providers in their design and implementation.
A Mixture Modeling of the Behavioral Activation System and Problematic Internet Use in Adolescents: The Role of Metacognition, Online Dissociation, and Insomnia
Authors: Çelik Oğuzhan , Yalçın Ragıp Ümit , Eşkisu Mustafa
Published: December 2024

Due to the rapidly developing technological advancements, the overuse of the Internet has led to the emergence of problematic Internet use, which has become a part of our daily lives. This study aims to investigate the relationships between problematic Internet use, Behavioral Activation System (BAS), metacognition, online dissociative experiences, and insomnia. Participants were 341 Turkish adolescents aged between 15 and 19 years (Mean = 15.49, SD = 1.03), of whom 63% were female. Participants responded to the Behavioral Inhibition/Behavioral Activation System Scale, Metacognition Questionnaire, Van Online Dissociative Experiences Schedule, Insomnia Severity Index, and Chen Internet Addiction Scale. The mixture structural equation modeling approach was used to analyze the data. We found a positive relationship between BAS and metacognition, as well as insomnia, and a negative relationship with online dissociation. Furthermore, BAS was indirectly related to problematic Internet use via metacognition, online dissociation, and insomnia. The mixture analysis grouped participants into two latent classes. The first class (76%) had low levels of metacognition, online dissociation, insomnia, and problematic Internet use and high levels of behavioral activation while the second class (24%) had low levels of behavioral activation and high levels of metacognition, online dissociation, insomnia, and problematic Internet use. These findings indicate that individuals with high impulsivity, a tendency toward fun‐seeking, and reward sensitivity are predisposed to excessively use the Internet and that metacognition, online dissociative experiences, and insomnia play a determining role in this behavior.
Cinco ejes para un modelo complejo de las literacidades en la universidad
Authors: Ávila-Reyes Natalia
Published: December 2024

La diversificación de la matrícula en la universidad latinoamericana ha planteado desafíos en la escritura académica. La respuesta universitaria a menudo se enfoca en los déficits de los nuevos estudiantes, ignorando la necesidad de cambios estructurales para abordar la diversidad del alumnado. El presente artículo se basa en dos estudios realizados en el contexto chileno. Uno incluyó treinta estudiantes de tres universidades chilenas que ingresaron mediante programas inclusivos, mientras que el otro siguió a doce estudiantes admitidos regularmente y otros doce a través de programas de inclusión. Ambos adoptaron un enfoque de literacidades académicas, considerando la lectura y la escritura como prácticas sociales. Utilizando la justicia social y las literacidades académicas como marco, el artículo reflexiona en torno a cinco ejes conceptuales emergidos de los datos para proponer un modelo complejo de las literacidadesuniversitarias, que incluye la perspectiva del déficit de las instituciones, las prácticas de escritura de los estudiantes, el deseo de expresar la voz de los estudiantes, la práctica institucional del misterio y el rol de los cursos de escritura. Con base en estos ejes, se ofrecen siete orientaciones de acción para una pedagogía de la escritura en la universidad con enfoque de justicia social.
HIF-2α drives T
H
2 cells
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: December 2024

Inhibiting HIF-2α impairs the development and function of asthma-promoting helper T cells in mice.
Game Theoretical REIT Acquisitions
Authors: Vengetass Ashni , Nkuna Boitumelo , Kamore Tim
Published: December 2024

This study conceptualized and created the three-person cooperative game. To date, the existing cooperative game is the two-person cooperative game by [Nash, J (1953). Two-person cooperative games. Econometrica, 21(1), 128-140]. The three-person cooperative game leads to cross-subsidization. Therefore, in the context of real estate investment trust (REIT) acquisitions, friendly deals are more beneficial than hostile mergers. The latter finding is consistent with prior studies such as [Womack, KS (2012). Real estate mergers: Corporate control & shareholder wealth. The Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics, 44(4), 446–471].
Laser Metal Wire Deposition for Additive Manufacturing of Complex Solid Structures
Authors: Solanki Ajay , Singari Ranganath , Singholi Ajay
Published: December 2024

Researchers previously encountered challenges in achieving high material efficiency and precise control in laser metal wire deposition, such as variability in friction, fluctuations in deposition rates, and inconsistent hardness across different scanning speeds and power settings. This research focuses on the single deposition technique within laser metal wire deposition, evaluating material usage and deposition efficiency by analyzing factors like wire feed rate, laser power, and deposition speed. Findings indicate that coefficient of friction increases with higher scanning speeds, particularly at a sliding velocity of 0.5 m/s. Furthermore, there were considerable changes in hardness and deposition rate, with the largest deposition rate occurring at the lowest scanning speed of 0.4 m/min. These findings emphasize that process parameters must be optimized in order to decrease material waste and increase deposition efficiency, which is presently 90%. The research implications are significant for industries requiring complex, high-quality metal components, positioning laser metal wire deposition as a key solution for modern manufacturing challenges.
Minna de Honkoku: Citizen-Participation Transcription Project for Japanese Historical Documents
Authors: Kano Yasuyuki , Hashimoto Yuta
Published: December 2024

Minna de Honkoku began as an online citizen science project to transcribe earthquake-related historical materials from the Earthquake Research Institute Library of the University of Tokyo. In Japan, almost all the documents are written in kuzushiji (old-style Japanese cursive script), a writing style used before ∼1900. Because the style of writing is different modern Japanese, transcription is necessary to use the historical documents as data for earthquake research. The workspace of Minna de Honkoku consists of a viewer of a document image and a vertical (Japanese-style) editor for transcription. Users can input transcribed text while viewing its image. The ranking of characters transcribed is displayed to keep users motivated. As of October 2024, more than 9,700 people were registered for the project, with the total number of characters transcribed at about 41 million. The text generated by Minna de Honkoku can be used for various academic research fields including seismology and can be used to enhance citizens’ disaster awareness. The paired kuzushiji characters and text data generated by Minna de Honkoku are beginning to be used as training data for artificial intelligence.

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Minna de Honkoku is an online citizen science project aimed at deciphering historical documents.

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The total number of participants is 9,700, and characters transcribed by Minna de Honkoku reaches 41 million.

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Minna de Honkoku began as a project to transcribe earthquake-related historical materials.

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The text generated by Minna de Honkoku is used in seismology and various research fields and for building artificial intelligence–based kuzushiji recognition.
DNCCLA: Discrete New Caledonian Crow Learning Algorithm for Solving Traveling Salesman Problem
Authors: Alsaidi Ali H. , Al-Sorori Wedad , Mohsen Abdulqader M.
Published: December 2024

The development of metaheuristic algorithms has led to the solution of various optimization problems. Bioinspired optimization algorithms like the New Caledonian crow learning algorithm (NCCLA) are primarily designed to address continuous problems. As most real‐world problems are discrete, some operators have been proposed to convert continuous algorithms into discrete ones to address these problems. These operators include evolutionary operators such as crossover and mutation, transformation operators such as symmetry, swap, and shift, and K‐opt algorithms such as 2‐opt, 2‐opt and a half, and 3‐opt. Employing some of these operators usually accompanies changing the algorithm’s rules or the movement patterns of its search agents. However, mathematical operators such as modular arithmetic and set theory and random permutation provide an ability to keep the same algorithm’s agent proposed in its continuous version and K‐opt algorithms usually balance the algorithm’s exploration and exploitation capabilities. Thus, this paper converts the NCCLA into a discrete version by utilizing a combination of those mathematical operators and the 3‐opt algorithm. This combination allows the algorithm to maintain a balance between exploration and exploitation. The resulting algorithm, called the discrete New Caledonian crow learning algorithm (DNCCLA), is employed to solve the traveling salesman problem (TSP). In addition, the paper investigates the best combination of mathematical operators with K‐opt algorithms or the symmetry operator. The performance results demonstrate that DNCCLA outperforms state‐of‐the‐art discrete algorithms, exhibiting a good balance between exploration and exploitation. The algorithm successfully solves 20 TSP instances of varying scales, and it consistently achieved the top rank among the tested algorithms.
Utilizing Additive Manufacturing for Fabricating Energy Storage Components From Graphene‐Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites
Authors: Subramani Raja , Yishak Simon
Published: December 2024

The quest for efficient and sustainable energy storage solutions has prompted exploration into advanced materials that meet stringent mechanical and thermal requirements. This study investigates graphene‐reinforced thermoplastic polymers specifically polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), and polylactic acid (PLA) fabricated through additive manufacturing techniques. Traditional materials often suffer from limitations in structural integrity, flexibility, and thermal stability, presenting challenges for their application in energy storage. This research aims to evaluate the mechanical properties of these graphene‐reinforced polymers to assess their suitability for energy storage components. Using additive manufacturing, test samples were fabricated, and mechanical testing was conducted to evaluate tensile, flexural, and compression strengths. The results indicate that graphene‐reinforced PEEK (G‐PEEK) exhibits superior mechanical performance, with an ultimate tensile strength of 120 MPa, Young’s modulus of 1700 MPa, ultimate flexural strength of 160 MPa, and ultimate compression strength of 200 MPa, making it an ideal candidate for applications requiring high structural integrity. Graphene‐reinforced PETG (G‐PETG) offers a balance of strength and flexibility, with an ultimate tensile strength of 55 MPa, while graphene‐reinforced PLA (G‐PLA) serves as a cost‐effective option, despite lower mechanical properties (ultimate tensile strength of 45 MPa).
Cartilaginous Choristoma of the Oral Cavity: A Rare Presentation in the Nasopharynx
Authors: Al-Ali Maryam , Hantzakos Anastasios
Published: December 2024

Objective: This case report describes a rare presentation of a cartilaginous choristoma of the oral cavity within the tonsillar fossa, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and differentiating this uncommon entity from more frequently encountered oral lesions.

Methods: A comprehensive clinical and histopathological examination was conducted on a 30‐year‐old male patient who presented with a painless mass in the nasopharynx. An excisional biopsy was carried out, and a histopathological analysis was conducted to establish a definitive diagnosis.

Results: Histopathological examination demonstrated a cartilaginous choristoma, characterized by the presence of mature hyaline cartilage surrounded by the connective tissue. The patient underwent surgical excision of the lesion, and follow‐up assessments indicated a favorable postoperative outcome without recurrence.

Conclusion: Cartilaginous choristomas in the oral cavity are exceedingly rare. Awareness of this entity is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management, as it can mimic other more common oral lesions. This case report contributes to the limited literature on oral cartilaginous choristomas and underscores the significance of considering this entity in the differential diagnosis of oral mucosal masses.
Spontaneous Hepatic Rupture Complicating Preeclampsia and HELLP Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Dabi Bezza Kedida , Mohammed Ahmed Siraj , Disasa Fanta Asefa , Merga Osias Tilahun
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Spontaneous hepatic rupture is a rare complication that occurs in pregnant mothers with HELLP syndrome, or preeclampsia with severe features, or eclampsia. The most common symptom of hepatic rupture/hematoma is right upper quadrant pain or epigastric pain, which is similar to the presentation of preeclampsia with severe features. Therefore, the absence of specific signs and symptoms leads to a diagnostic dilemma and a delay in management. The objective of this index study is to report available evidence on incidence, clinical presentation, pathophysiology, diagnosis, maternal and perinatal outcome, challenges, and best experiences in the management of hepatic rupture.

Case History: A 38‐year‐old G3P1A1 kaffa mother whose gestational age was 30 weeks plus 4 days from reliable last normal menstrual period had three ANCs. She presented with right upper quadrant pain of 3 days duration and severe global headache and blurring of vision of 5 days duration. Abdominal ultrasound showed a well‐defined hyperechoic mass measuring 6 cm by 8 cm on the subcapsular area of the left lobe of the liver, as well as free intra‐abdominal fluid. A diagnosis of ruptured hepatic subcapsular hematoma associated with preeclampsia with severe features was made, and an emergency laparotomy was done. Intraoperatively, 2500 mL of hemoperitoneum, a large hematoma (9 × 10 cm) on the left lobe of the liver, and active bleeding from the right lobe of the liver were found. Surgicell was applied to the actively bleeding site, and the right hepatic artery was ligated, along with perihepatic packing and a subhepatic drainage tube. Cesarean delivery was made to effect a delivery of a freshly dead male fetus weighing 1.4 kg. Despite this management, after 6 h of admission to the ICU, she passed away with a possible cause of death of multiorgan failure (liver, kidney, respiratory, and heart) secondary to underlying illness.

Conclusion: A high index of suspicion, multidisciplinary approach, and urgent laparotomy to secure hemostasis could prevent maternal death and perinatal loss due to hepatic rupture in preeclamptic mothers. The absence of specific signs and symptoms and a high case fatality rate mandate standardized protocols of management for hepatic rupture during pregnancy.
Intraoperative Hemodynamic Instability in a Patient With Ebstein’s Anomaly Complicated With Eisenmenger Syndrome
Authors: Marquez Roa Leonardo A. , Araujo-Duran Jorge , Hofstra Richard , Ikram Jibran , Ayad Sabry
Published: December 2024

Ebstein’s anomaly is a rare congenital displacement of the tricuspid valve resulting in atrialization of the right ventricle. About half of the patients with Ebstein’s anomaly also have atrial septal defects, which may lead to chronic shunting and development of Eisenmenger syndrome. We describe a case of a sexagenarian male patient with a history of Ebstein’s anomaly complicated with Eisenmenger syndrome undergoing robotic laparoscopic adrenalectomy who presented hemodynamic instability, hypoxemia, and likely right‐to‐left shunting intraoperatively, as well as the actions taken to correct it and have a successful outcome. Perioperative management of adult patients with congenital heart defects is complex and requires careful monitoring. When available, intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography is strongly recommended. To prevent right‐to‐left shunting, maintaining elevated systemic vascular resistance with the use of vasopressors and low positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP) ventilation is critical.
Relationship Between Perceived Organizational Support, Work Well‐Being, and Medical Narrative Ability Among Nurses: A Cross‐Sectional Multicenter Study
Authors: Li Yanjia , Kang Limei , Zhang Rong , Hu Yanli , Zhang Limei , Zeng Xiaoying , Wu Fengju , He Xiao , Zhang Yiying , Liu Jing , Tang Shurong
Published: December 2024

Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between nurses’ perceived organizational support, work well‐being, and medical narrative ability.

Background: With the proposed bio‐psycho‐social medical model, nurses’ medical narrative ability is closely related to patients’ health problems and quality of life. Nurses’ perceived organizational support and work well‐being can improve nurses’ empathy and reflection ability to a certain extent and promote patients’ rehabilitation. However, the relationship between nurses’ perceived organizational support, work well‐being, and medical narrative ability is unclear.

Methods: A total of 1831 nurses from 8 hospitals in China were surveyed using an online questionnaire that included nurses’ sociodemographic, perceived organizational support, work well‐being, and medical narrative ability. IBM SPSS 27.0 was used for Pearson’s correlation analysis, one‐way ANOVA, t‐test, and mediation effect analysis using Model 4 in PROCESS (5000 resamples).

Results: The total mean score of perceived organizational support (46.68 ± 11.00), work well‐being (53.09 ± 10.81), and medical narrative ability (154.48 ± 22.93) among nurses was found to be moderate. The relationship between perceived organizational support, work well‐being, and medical narrative ability was significant, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.348 to 0.685 (p < 0.01). The relationship between perceived organizational support and medical narrative ability is partially mediated by work well‐being. The intermediate effect accounted for 52.36% of the total effect.

Conclusion: This study found that nurses’ work well‐being mediated the relationship between perceived organizational support and medical narrative ability.

Implications for Nursing Management: This study evaluated nurses’ medical narrative ability and explored the relationship between nurses’ perceived organizational support, work well‐being, and medical narrative ability. The results of this study can help nursing managers and educators to take appropriate measures to intervene nurses’ perceived organizational support and work well‐being, so as to improve nurses’ medical narrative ability and optimize nursing quality.
Recreational and Occupational Physical Activity and Risk of Adverse Events in Truncating
MYBPC3
Founder Variant Carriers
Authors: Hassanzada Fahima , Jansen Mark , van Lint Freyja H.M. , Bosman Laurens P. , Schmidt Amand F. , Dooijes Dennis , van de Sande Danny , Miah Bristi , van der Crabben Saskia N. , Wilde Arthur A.M. , Lekanne Deprez Ronald H. , de Boer Rudolf A. , Christiaans Imke , Jongbloed Jan D.H. , Jorstad Harald T. , Asselbergs Folkert W. , van Tintelen J. Peter , Baas Annette F. , te Riele Anneline S.J.M.
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND:

MYBPC3
founder variants cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy leading to heart failure and malignant ventricular arrhythmias. Exercise is typically regarded as a risk factor for disease expression although evidence is conflicting. Stratifying by type of exercise may discriminate low- from high-risk activities in these patients. Here, we evaluate the effects of exercise, stratified by high-static and high-dynamic components, on the risk of major cardiomyopathy-related events (MCEs) and cardiomyopathy penetrance among
MYBPC3
founder variant carriers.

METHODS:

We interviewed 188 carriers (57.4% male; aged 43.0±15.0 years) on exercise participation since the age of 10 years. The exercise was quantified as the metabolic equivalent of task-h/wk before the presentation. MCE was defined as a composite of malignant ventricular arrhythmia (sustained ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation), heart failure (heart failure hospitalizations or transplantation), and septal reduction therapy. Static and dynamic exercises were defined per the Bethesda classification. Associations of exercise with MCE and cardiomyopathy penetrance were adjusted for sex and assessed using Cox regression.

RESULTS:

Overall, 43 (22.9%) subjects experienced MCE and 139 (73.9%) were diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. No association was found between overall physical activity and high-static activity with MCE (
P
=0.587 overall;
P
=0.322 high static) or cardiomyopathy penetrance (
P
=0.317 overall;
P
=0.623 high static). In contrast, high-dynamic activity was associated with malignant ventricular arrhythmia (dichotomized at the 75th percentile: adjusted hazard ratio, 3.26 [95% CI, 1.26–8.44];
P
=0.015).

CONCLUSIONS:

Overall exercise participation does not generally increase the risk of adverse events among
MYBPC3
founder variant carriers. Nonetheless, an increased risk of malignant ventricular arrhythmia was observed among those engaged in the highest quartile of high-dynamic sports, suggesting that high-level high-intensity exercise activities should be entertained with caution.
Real Marriages, Fake Marriages, and Marriages for Fun
Authors: Alfieri Fernanda , Vargiu Riccardo James
Published: December 2024

This essay addresses the topic of “true marriage” by referring especially to a historiographical tradition that in Italy has examined the impact of the norms of the Council of Trent on the sacrament, measuring the effectiveness of their application in the early modern age. After a survey of the studies that, over the course of the 20th century, have observed the nuptial institution from the perspective of social, legal, and cultural history, a series of cases preserved in the Archives of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith are analyzed. These include a register dedicated to “matrimonia ficta” (fake marriages) involving a diverse set of situations, documented between the late sixteenth and the late eighteenth centuries, in which a wedding-like ritual was enacted, sometimes with both parties being aware of the fictitious nature of the ceremony but more often with one being kept in the dark, to achieve a union that appeared to be a marriage, at once bypassing and moving within the rules. Two cases from the fonds of the Inquisition of Siena complete the body of documents analyzed, paying particular attention to the meaning assigned “from below” to gestures (such as ring exchange or kissing) and to gender relations in the ritual performance.
The Roman Inquisition as a Potential Archive for the History of Emotions
Authors: Lavenia Vincenzo
Published: December 2024

The essay explores the possibility of examining history of emotions through the documents of the Holy Office, providing a series of examples through the analysis of a number of sources: the letters of the local inquisitors, the biographies and autobiographies of the judges, the trial depositions of the accused, the manuals for the magistrates, and literary representation.
Enslaved Muslims on the Early Modern Italian Peninsula
Authors: Colombo Emanuele
Published: December 2024

This article analyzes Italian historiography’s recent contributions to the study of Mediterranean slavery in the early modern period, focusing primarily on Muslim enslavement across the Italian Peninsula through the late nineteenth century. Following a brief examination of Italian Christian redemption practices in Islamic territories, the study investigates three critical dimensions: Muslim-Christian interactions in urban settings, religious orders’ pastoral care of enslaved individuals, and the dynamics of religious conversion. To illustrate these historiographical trends, the article examines the case of Baldassarre Loyola (1631–1667), a purported Muslim prince who embraced Catholicism and entered the Society of Jesus.