bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing a data-driven operational guide for the texturized yarn production process: data mining and intelligence approach
Authors: Sareminia Saba , Ghayoumian Zahra , Haghighat Fatemeh
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The textile industry holds immense significance in the economy of any nation, particularly in the production of synthetic yarn and fabrics. Consequently, the pursuit of acquiring high-quality products at a reduced cost has become a significant concern for countries. The primary objective of this research is to leverage data mining and data intelligence techniques to enhance and refine the production process of texturized yarn by developing an intelligent operating guide that enables the adjustment of production process parameters in the texturized yarn manufacturing process, based on the specifications of raw materials.

Design/methodology/approach

This research undertook a systematic literature review to explore the various factors that influence yarn quality. Data mining techniques, including deep learning, K-nearest neighbor (KNN), decision tree, Naïve Bayes, support vector machine and VOTE, were employed to identify the most crucial factors. Subsequently, an executive and dynamic guide was developed utilizing data intelligence tools such as Power BI (Business Intelligence). The proposed model was then applied to the production process of a textile company in Iran 2020 to 2021.

Findings

The results of this research highlight that the production process parameters exert a more significant influence on texturized yarn quality than the characteristics of raw materials. The executive production guide was designed by selecting the optimal combination of production process parameters, namely draw ratio, D/Y and primary temperature, with the incorporation of limiting indexes derived from the raw material characteristics to predict tenacity and elongation.

Originality/value

This paper contributes by introducing a novel method for creating a dynamic guide. An intelligent and dynamic guide for tenacity and elongation in texturized yarn production was proposed, boasting an approximate accuracy rate of 80%. This developed guide is dynamic and seamlessly integrated with the production database. It undergoes regular updates every three months, incorporating the selected features of the process and raw materials, their respective thresholds, and the predicted levels of elongation and tenacity.
“Village market” formation and livelihood conundrums among displaced rural Zimbabwean flood victims
Authors: Mudefi Elmon , Akpan Wilson , Kwizera Alice Stella
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The primacy of commerce in livelihood security cannot be overstated. However, in a rural context defined by involuntary socio-ecological displacement, commerce can assume a sociologically distinct character, with far-reaching implications. Based on first-hand encounters with victims of the devastating 2014 flood in Tokwe-Mukorsi, Zimbabwe, this paper analyses how the processes of “recreating” village markets in the resettlement site of Chingwizi impacted the victims’ experiences of resource provisioning and livelihood security.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data were collected through 10 in-depth interviews, 10 key informant interviews and two focus group discussions, five years into the flood victims’ resettlement in Chingwizi. The data analysis focused on the dynamics around the recreation of village markets, and the consequences of this on the household economic standing of the resettled flood victims.

Findings

The paper reveals how the formation of village markets in Chingwizi was influenced not primarily by the ethno-commercial and ethno-economic impulses reminiscent of life in their ancestral home but mostly by new, disruptive dynamics and challenges unique to the resettlement site. The paper elucidates the constellation of factors that, together, exacerbated the flood victims’ overall socio-economic dislocation and disadvantage.

Originality/value

The study provides a systematic understanding of the dynamics of ethno-commerce, particularly on the evolution of village market activities and livelihoods, among Zimbabwe’s Chingwizi community over a period of five years into their resettlement. It brings to the fore, the often ignored, but significant nuances that 'village market' formation and livelihoods recreation takes in a resettlement context.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-09-2023-0682
Service quality in cloud gaming: instrument development and validation
Authors: Su Winston T. , Lee Zach W.Y. , He Xinming , Chan Tommy K.H.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The global market for cloud gaming is growing rapidly. How gamers evaluate the service quality of this emerging form of cloud service has become a critical issue for both researchers and practitioners. Building on the literature on service quality and software as a service, this study develops and validates a gamer-centric measurement instrument for cloud gaming service quality.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-step measurement instrument development process, including item generation, scale development and instrument testing, was adopted to conceptualize and operationalize cloud gaming service quality.

Findings

Cloud gaming service quality consists of two second-order constructs of support service quality and technical service quality with seven first-order dimensions, namely rapport, responsiveness, reliability, compatibility, ubiquity, smoothness and comprehensiveness. The instrument exhibits desirable psychometric properties.

Practical implications

Practitioners can use this new measurement instrument to evaluate gamers' perceptions toward their service and to identify areas for improvement.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the service quality literature by utilizing qualitative and quantitative approaches to develop and validate a new measurement instrument of service quality in the context of cloud gaming and by identifying new dimensions (compatibility, ubiquity, smoothness and comprehensiveness) specific to it.
Attitude towards entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial intentions among generation Z: unleashing the roles of entrepreneurial self-efficacy and social norms in Pakistani context
Authors: Munir Hina , Nauman Shazia , Ali Shah Farough , Zahid Umair
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Drawing on social cognitive career theory (SCCT), this study aims to examine how university students’ attitude towards entrepreneurship education (ATEE) consists of affective, cognitive and behavioral components influences their entrepreneurial intentions. It further examines the role of entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) as a mediator and social norms as a moderator in the ATEE – entrepreneurial intentions and – ESE relationships, respectively.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 428 university students from the new generational cohort entering workforce now (i.e. generation Z) from the four main cities of the province of Punjab, Pakistan, were considered using an online administered questionnaire. The study analyzes data using SPSS v25 and AMOS v22 and presents descriptive statistics, reliability, validity analysis and linear regression analysis. Furthermore, to test mediation and moderation hypotheses, Hayes’ PROCESS macro v3.0 was used.

Findings

The results confirm that individuals’ ATEE based on affective, cognitive and behavioral components have significant influence on entrepreneurial intentions. The findings also confirm the strong mediating role of ESE between the components of ATEE and entrepreneurial intentions. Furthermore, the conditional effects results confirm that social norms strengthened the positive relationships between the affective, behavioral and cognitive components of ATEE – ESE at three levels (low, medium and high).

Originality/value

This study is the first of its nature to unlock the missing link between ATEE’s components and entrepreneurial intentions using the theoretical foundations of SCCT. Furthermore, this study provides theoretical and practical implications specifically considering a developing country – Pakistan.
Dynamic capabilities and family businesses: a perspective article
Authors: Bohorquez-Lopez Victor Wilfredo , García-Ortiz Paula Andrea , Méndez-Lazarte Christiam
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The individual perspective of dynamic capabilities and family firms could be useful to shed light on the relationship between these topics, considering not only the heterogeneity of family businesses but above all the diversity of their collaborators, highlighting the underlying elements through which these firms are sustained.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on systematic research, considering the most relevant literature about dynamic capabilities and family firms.

Findings

Findings highlight the individual perspective of dynamic capabilities and family firms, where we identify the main elements that family businesses must be aware of to be more innovative: high knowledge management/social capital, high entrepreneurial mindset/orientation, high tradition (retrospective and prospective), high empowering leadership, high next generation involvement, extended SEW (long-term perspective), risk-neutral, low conservative/inertia/paternalism and low emotionally attached.

Originality/value

The paper analyzes relevant studies on dynamic capabilities and family firms, proposing a research agenda with questions for further inquiries that cover inertia, paternalism, digital transformation and the individual perspective of dynamic capabilities and family firms. In addition, the authors provide practical implications for these topics.
Practical wisdom in the workplace: conceptualization, instrument development, and predictive power
Authors: Serenko Alexander
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this Real Impact Research Article is to empirically explore one of the most controversial and elusive concepts in knowledge management research – practical wisdom. It develops a 10-dimensional practical wisdom construct and tests it within the nomological network of counterproductive and productive knowledge behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey instrument was created based on the extant literature. A model was developed and tested by means of Partial Least Squares with data obtained from 200 experienced employees recruited from CloudResearch Connect crowdsourcing platform.

Findings

Practical wisdom is a multidimensional construct that may be operationalized and measured like other well-established knowledge management concepts. Practical wisdom guides employee counterproductive and productive knowledge behavior: it suppresses knowledge sabotage and knowledge hiding (whether general, evasive, playing dumb, rationalized or bullying) and promotes knowledge sharing. While all proposed dimensions contribute to employee practical wisdom, particularly salient are subject matter expertise, moral purpose in decision-making, self-reflection in the workplace and external reflection in the workplace. Unexpectedly, practical wisdom facilitates knowledge hoarding instead of reducing it.

Practical implications

Managers should realize that possessing practical wisdom is not limited to a group of select, high-level executives. Organizations may administer the practical wisdom questionnaire presented in this study to their workers to identify those who score the lowest, and invest in employee training programs that focus on the development of those attributes pertaining to the practical wisdom dimensions.

Originality/value

The concept of practical wisdom is a controversial topic that has both detractors and supporters. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first large-scale empirical study of practical wisdom in the knowledge management domain.
Holistic implementations of green supply chain management practices in Thai entrepreneurial ventures
Authors: Bandoophanit Thianthip
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To critically examine the holistic implementation of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices in entrepreneurial ventures in Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

The study observed 121 organizations (or respondents) covering 13 industries from both the public and private sectors. The research process started with a semi-structured interview and observation, followed by focus group interviews. The data collected were then analyzed using content and thematic analysis methods.

Findings

Respondents (chiefly entrepreneurial ventures) have good eco-knowledge. Most have more than 3–10 years of experience implementing eco practices that have significantly reduced their eco-impacts and costs. The study also revealed that firms’ directors developed environmental management systems (EMS) and cultures of their firms. This study rejected previously held beliefs that factors including country, firm size, industry type, years of activity and certification, impact both positively and negatively on green performance. However, the influence of top management, green entrepreneurial orientation (GEO), respondents’ different perceptions of the GSCM boundary and the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted the success of GSCM’s implementation.

Research limitations/implications

The COVID-19 pandemic obstructed observing GSCM implementation at the respondents’ workplaces. This could reduce the validity of the research, as all evidence obtained was selectively provided by the respondents, not the researchers.

Practical implications

New practitioners are encouraged to focus on green logistics (GL) at a firm level as opposed to the broader supply chain. Effective GL practices recommended utilities usage reduction, reuse/recycle waste and green procurement.

Originality/value

GSCM researchers should focus on patterns of over-consumption, over-trading and relevant institutions that cause environmental unsustainability, rather than specific units in supply chains. The Buddhist sustainable sufficiency concept should be considered as a viable lens to analyze GSCM as it complements existing theories.
Food insecurity in Malaysia: assessing the impact of movement control order during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Dauda Goni Mohammed , Aroyehun Abdulqudus Bola , Abdul Razak Shariza , Drammeh Wuyeh , Abbas Muhammad Adamu
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to assess the household food insecurity in Malaysia during the initial phase of the movement control order (MCO) to provide insights into the prevalence and predictors of food insecurity in this context.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used an online cross-sectional survey between March 28 and April 28, 2020. The study collected data from the Radimer/Cornell Hunger Scale and a food insecurity instrument. Analytical tools included chi-square and logistic regression models.

Findings

Of the 411 participating households, 54.3% were food-secure, while 45.7% experienced varying food insecurity. Among these, 29.9% reported mild hunger-associated food insecurity, 8.5% experienced individual food insecurity and 7.3% reported child hunger. The study identified predictors for food insecurity, including household income, as those with total income of < RM 2,300 had 13 times greater odds (odds ratio [OR] 13.8; confidence interval [CI] 5.9–32.1; p < 0.001) than those with income of RM 5,600, marital status as divorced (OR 4.4; 95% CI 1.0–19.9; p-value = 0.05) or married (OR 1.04; 95% CI 0.52–2.1) compared to those who are single. Self-employed respondents had three times greater odds of living in a household experiencing food insecurity (OR 3.58; 95% CI 1.6–7.7; p-value = 0.001) than those in the private sector (OR 1.48; 95% CI 0.85–2.61) or experiencing job loss (OR 1.39; 95% CI 0.62–3.1) compared with those who reported being in full-time government employment.

Research limitations/implications

This study acknowledged limitations, such as not considering various dimensions of food insecurity, such as coping strategies, nutritional support, diet quality and well-being, due to the complexity of the issue.

Practical implications

The study underscores the importance of targeted support for vulnerable groups and fostering collaborative efforts to address household food insecurity during crises like the MCOs.

Social implications

The research offers insights into how to address household food insecurity and its impact on society.

Originality/value

It identifies predictors, quantifies increased odds and emphasizes the necessity of targeted policies and collaborative approaches for fostering resilient recovery and promoting well-being in vulnerable populations.
Designing an optimised formulation for in situ emulsion polymerization: printing ink production by response surface methodology
Authors: Babaie Bahareh , Najafi Mohsen , Ataeefard Maryam
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Toner is a crucial dry colorant composite used in printing based on the electrophotographic process. The quality of printed images is greatly influenced by the toner production method and material formulation. Chemically in situ polymerization methods are currently preferred. This paper aims to optimize the characteristics of a composite produced through emulsion polymerization using common raw materials for electrophotographic toner production.

Design/methodology/approach

Emulsion polymerization provides the possibility to optimize the physical and color properties of the final products. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize variables affecting particle size (PS), PS distribution (PSD), glass transition temperature (Tg°C), color properties (ΔE) and monomer conversion. Box–Behnken experimental design with three levels of styrene and butyl acrylate monomer ratios, carbon black pigment and sodium dodecyl sulfate surfactant was used for RSM optimization. Additionally, thermogravimetric analysis and surface morphology of composite particles were examined.

Findings

The results indicated that colorants with small PS, narrow PSDs, spherical shape morphology, acceptable thermal and color properties and a high percentage of conversion could be easily prepared by optimization of material parameters in this method. The anticipated outcome of the present inquiry holds promise as a guiding beacon toward the realization of electrographic toner of superior quality and exceptional efficacy, a vital factor for streamlined mass production.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, for the first time, material parameters were evaluated to determine their impact on the characteristics of emulsion polymerized toner composites.
Episodic organizational learning in system development
Authors: Williamsson Ia , Askenäs Linda
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to understand how practitioners use their insights in software development models to share experiences within and between organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative study of practitioners in software development projects, in large-, medium- or small-size businesses. It analyzes interview material in three-step iterations to understand reflexive practice when using software development models.

Findings

The study shows how work processes are based on team members’ experiences and common views. This study highlights the challenges of organizational learning in system development projects. Current practice is unreflective, habitual and lacks systematic ways to address recurring problems and share information within and between organizations. Learning is episodic and sporadic. Knowledge from previous experience is individual not organizational.

Originality/value

Software development teams and organizations tend to learn about, and adopt, software development models episodically. This research expands understanding of how organizational learning takes place within and between organizations with practitioners who participate in teams. Learnings show the potential for further research to determine how new curriculums might be formed for teaching software development model improvements.
The democratization of tourism distribution: a Horizon 2050 paper
Authors: O’Connor Peter
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Emphasizing the critical role of technology-enabled distribution in tourism, this study, a viewpoint, aims to highlight the potential of democratized technologies in readdressing the competitive imbalance between small- and medium-sized tourism enterprises (SMTEs) and their larger peers in today’s online marketplace. By enhancing competitiveness and performance, democratized technologies can strengthen the resilience, sustainability and competitive position of the SMTEs on which tourism depends, helping to support the Horizon 2050 agenda and UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Design/methodology/approach

Examining the development of online and electronic distribution in tourism, the viewpoint identifies the key challenges to the successful use of technology-based distribution systems by SMTEs, as well as highlights the trend toward democratized technologies as a potential solution to help improve technology take-up and performance.

Findings

With no/low initial capital or operating costs, and little need for technical expertise, democratized technologies have the potential to overcome two of the three key challenges limiting the successful adoption and use of distribution technologies by SMTES. The key blockage remains one of managerial awareness and acceptability. With informal organization structures, little managerial or technical training and an ingrained reluctance to change, SMTE managers remain unfamiliar of the possibilities offered by this developing trend. While this challenge could be addressed by awareness building and training, in the longer run, it is likely that more substantial progress will arise from generational change in SMTE management, with digitally native successors more likely to exploit this development to improve competitiveness and performance.

Originality/value

Emphasizing the pivotal role that democratized technology can potentially play in redressing the competitive imbalance between SMTEs and their larger peers in the distribution space, this viewpoint serves as a call for action for tourism businesses to re-examine their approach to technology adoption and leverage democratized technologies to address current deficiencies in their distribution approach, helping to improve competitiveness and performance, thus supporting the Horizon 2050 initiative and furthering the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Histone deacetylase inhibitor decreases hyperalgesia in a mouse model of alcohol withdrawal‐induced hyperalgesia
Authors: Aguilar Jhoan , De Carvalho Luana Martins , Chen Hu , Condon Ryan , Lasek Amy W. , Pradhan Amynah A.
Published: February 2024

Background

Alcohol withdrawal‐induced hyperalgesia (AWH) is characterized as an increased pain sensitivity observed after cessation of chronic alcohol use. Alcohol withdrawal‐induced hyperalgesia can contribute to the negative affective state associated with abstinence and can increase susceptibility to relapse. We aimed to characterize pain sensitivity in mice during withdrawal from two different models of alcohol exposure: chronic drinking in the dark (DID) and the Lieber–DeCarli liquid diet. We also investigated whether treatment with a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), could ameliorate AWH in mice treated with the Lieber–DeCarli diet.

Methods

Male and female C57BL/6J mice were used for these studies. In the DID model, mice received bottles of 20% ethanol or water during the dark cycle for 4 h per day on four consecutive days per week for 6 weeks. Peripheral mechanical sensitivity was measured weekly the morning of Day 5 using von Frey filaments. In the Lieber–DeCarli model, mice received ethanol (5% v/v) or control liquid diet for 10 days, along with a single binge ethanol gavage (5 g/kg) or control gavage, respectively, on Day 10. Peripheral mechanical sensitivity was measured during the liquid diet administration and at 24 and 72 h into ethanol withdrawal. An independent group of mice that received the Lieber–DeCarli diet were administered SAHA (50 mg/kg, i.p.) during withdrawal.

Results

Male mice exhibited mechanical hypersensitivity after consuming ethanol for 5 weeks in the DID procedure. In the Lieber–DeCarli model, ethanol withdrawal led to hyperalgesia in both sexes. Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid treatment during withdrawal from the ethanol liquid diet alleviated AWH.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate AWH in mice after chronic binge drinking in males and after Lieber–DeCarli liquid diet administration in both sexes. Like previous findings in rats, HDAC inhibition reduced AWH in mice, suggesting that epigenetic mechanisms are involved in AWH.
Longitudinal examination of alcohol demand and alcohol‐related reinforcement as predictors of heavy drinking and adverse alcohol consequences in emerging adults
Authors: Bird Brian M. , Belisario Kyla , Minhas Meenu , Acuff Samuel F. , Ferro Mark A. , Amlung Michael T. , Murphy James G. , MacKillop James
Published: February 2024

Background and Aims

Behavioral economic theory predicts that high alcohol demand and high proportionate alcohol‐related reinforcement are important determinants of risky alcohol use in emerging adults, but the majority of research to date has been cross‐sectional in nature. The present study investigated prospective and dynamic relationships between alcohol demand and proportionate alcohol‐related reinforcement in relation to heavy drinking days and alcohol problems.

Design

Longitudinal cohort with assessments every 4 months for 20 months.

Setting

Ontario, Canada.

Participants

Emerging adults reporting regular heavy episodic drinking (n = 636, Mage = 21.44; 55.8% female).

Measurements

Heavy drinking days (HDD; Daily Drinking Questionnaire), alcohol problems (Brief Young Adult Alcohol Consequences Questionnaire), alcohol demand (Alcohol Purchase Task) and proportionate alcohol‐related reinforcement (Activity Level Questionnaire).

Findings

Linear mixed effects models revealed that behavioral economic indicators and alcohol‐related outcomes significantly decreased over the study, consistent with ‘aging out’ of risky alcohol use. Random intercept cross‐lagged panel models revealed significant between‐person relationships, such that higher alcohol demand and alcohol‐related reinforcement were positively associated with HDD and alcohol problems (random intercepts = 0.187–0.534, Ps < 0.01). Moreover, alcohol demand indicators (particularly the rate of change in elasticity of the demand curve, as measured by α, and the maximum expenditure, Omax) and proportionate alcohol‐related reinforcement significantly forecasted changes in HDD at all time points (|βs| = 0.063–0.103, Ps < 0.05) in cross‐lagged relationships, with bidirectional associations noted for the rate of change in elasticity (βs = −0.085 to −0.104, Ps < 0.01). Proportionate alcohol‐related reinforcement also significantly forecasted changes in alcohol problems at all time points (βs = 0.072–0.112, Ps < 0.01).

Conclusions

Multiple behavioral economic indicators (demand elasticity, maximum expenditure and reinforcement ratio) forecast changes in heavy episodic drinking and alcohol problems over the course of emerging adulthood. These results further implicate alcohol demand and proportionate alcohol‐related reinforcement as etiologically and developmentally important mechanisms in alcohol use trajectories.
Episodic future thinking and delay of gratification in children: Is imagining reward pay‐off helpful?
Authors: Canning Ciarán , McCormack Teresa , Clifford Eirinn , Donnelly Ciara , Duffy Erinn , Hickland Samuel , Graham Agnieszka J.
Published: February 2024

Previous studies have failed to show an effect of episodic future thinking (EFT) on children's delay of gratification (DoG), contrasting strikingly with adult findings. Recent findings from a sample of 8–11‐year‐old children by Canning et al. (J. Exp. Child Psychol., 228, 2023, 105618) indicate that EFT cueing is not effective compared to a no‐cue control even when it is reward related. Canning et al. suggest children's DoG performance, unlike that of adults, may be negatively affected by the cognitive load of cueing, but this leaves unexplained why EFT reward‐related cueing produced significantly better performance than cueing that did not involve EFT in their study. The current study attempted to further delineate the importance of linking future thinking cues to rewards. A reward‐related EFT condition was compared to a reward‐unrelated EFT condition and a no‐cue control on a delay choice task. No significant differences were observed between the three conditions. This suggests that even reward‐related future thinking is ineffective at improving children's delayed gratification. Further research is needed to determine why children struggle to benefit from EFT cues.
Vasculitic neuropathy: Therapeutic progress and prospects
Authors: Koga Michiaki
Published: February 2024

Vasculitic neuropathy has a broad range of etiologies, and roughly comprises nonsystemic vasculitic neuropathy and neuropathies accompanied by antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated vasculitis (AAV). Recent morphological analyses of sural nerve specimens from patients with vasculitic neuropathy showed some distinct pathogeneses within vasculitic neuropathy. Several randomized, controlled studies and updated practice guidelines cover immunotherapies for AAV, whereas there is a paucity of evidence for vasculitic neuropathy, including neuropathies associated with AAV. Corticosteroids have been the mainstay of immunotherapy for vasculitic neuropathy, and cyclophosphamide is indispensable for refractory cases. Recent AAV guidelines are shifting their recommendations toward minimizing the harm caused by corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide with a reduced‐dose corticosteroid regimen and the recent advent of various optional drugs, especially molecular‐targeted agents. Clinicians expect the efficacy of reduced‐dose corticosteroid regimens and molecular‐targeted agents in treating vasculitic neuropathy to be verified, and clarification of the mechanism of vasculitic neuropathy might lead to the development of the best treatment based on the background pathogenesis of individual cases.
Real‐Time Polygonal Lighting of Iridescence Effect using Precomputed Monomial‐Gaussians
Authors: Liu Zhengze , Huo Yuchi , Yang Yinhui , Chen Jie , Wang Rui
Published: February 2024

The real world consists of mass phenomena, such as iridescence on thin film and metal oxide layers, that is only explicable by wave optics. Existing research can reproduce such effects with simple point lights or low‐frequency environmental lighting. However, it remains a difficult task to efficiently rendering these effects when near‐field, high‐frequency area lights are involved. This paper presents a high‐fidelity, real‐time rendering algorithm for the iridescence effect under polygonal lights. We introduce a novel set of spherical functions, Monomial‐Gaussians, to accurately fit iridescent materials' reflectance. With a precomputed lookup table, the Monomial‐Gaussians are easily integrated over spherical polygons in linear time. Importance sampling of Monomial‐Gaussians is also supported to efficiently reduce Monte‐Carlo error. Our approach produces accurate renderings of the iridescence effect while still preserving high frame rates.
Is extended venous thromboprophylaxis required in patients undergoing ileal pouch procedure for ulcerative colitis?
Authors: Gomez Javier , Theodosopoulos Evangelia , MacRae Helen , Brar Mantaj S. , de Buck van Overstraeten Anthony , O'Connor Brenda , Huang Harden , Kennedy Erin
Published: February 2024

Aim

Venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) are relatively common adverse surgical complications. Extended VTE prophylaxis for 4 weeks is recommended after colorectal cancer surgery, but its use in inflammatory bowel disease surgery lacks high‐quality evidence. This retrospective study aimed to assess and characterize VTEs within the first 30 days after ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (IPAA) procedures and subtotal colectomies (STCs) for ulcerative colitis (UC).

Methods

All patients who underwent IPAA for UC between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2021 were included. VTE rates after IPAA, in‐hospital or at‐home occurrences, utilization of in‐hospital thromboprophylaxis, and prescribed anticoagulant treatment were evaluated. Retrospectively, the same variables were analysed if patients of the cohort underwent STC before the IPAA construction.

Results

In all, 204 patients underwent IPAA (61.8% men, 73% laparoscopic), with an average hospital stay of 6.8 days. Among them, 116 patients underwent STC prior to IPAA. Thirteen patients (6.3%) experienced VTEs after IPAA, with 76.9% (10/13) of cases occurring during hospitalization and under adequate thromboprophylaxis. The VTE rate after STC was 10.3% (12/116), with 58.2% (7/12) occurring in hospital and under appropriate thromboprophylaxis. No reoperations or mortality were attributed to thrombotic events. The type and duration of anticoagulant treatment varied considerably.

Conclusion

The VTE rate after IPAA for UC was 6.3%, with the majority of events occurring in hospital and under adequate thromboprophylaxis. These findings suggest that routine use of extended VTE prophylaxis in our cohort may not be supported. Further research is needed to clarify the optimal VTE prophylaxis strategy for inflammatory bowel disease surgery.
Reversal of stoma with biosynthetic mesh fascial reinforcement: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Dewantoro Dickson , Manson Paul , Brazzelli Miriam , Ramsay George
Published: February 2024

Aim

Temporary stoma formation remains a common part of modern‐day colorectal surgical operations. At the time of reversal, a second procedure is required when the bowel is anastomosed and the musculature is closed. The rate of incisional hernia at these sites is 30%–35% with conventional suture closure. Mesh placement at this site is therefore an attractive option to reduce hernia risk, particularly as new mesh types, such as biosynthetic meshes, are available. The aim of this work was to conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis assessing the use of mesh for prophylaxis of incisional hernia at stoma closure and to explore the outcome measures used by each of the included studies to establish whether they are genuinely patient‐centred.

Method

This is a systematic review and meta‐analysis assessing the published literature regarding the use of mesh at stoma site closure operations. Comprehensive literature searches of major electronic databases were performed by an information specialist. Screening of search results was undertaken using standard systematic review principles. Data from selected studies were input into an Excel file. Meta‐analysis of the results of included studies was conducted using RevMan software (v.5.4). Randomized controlled trial (RCT) and non‐RCT data were analysed separately.

Results

Eleven studies with a total of 2008 patients were selected for inclusion, with various mesh types used. Of the included studies, one was a RCT, seven were nonrandomized comparative studies and three were case series. The meta‐analysis of nonrandomized studies shows that the rate of incisional hernia was lower in the mesh reinforcement group compared with the suture closure group (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.12–0.37) while rates of infection and haematoma/seroma were similar between groups (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.41–1.21 and OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.63–1.80, respectively). The results of the RCT were in line with those of the nonrandomized studies.

Conclusion

Current evidence indicates that mesh is safe and reduces incisional hernia. However, this is not commonly adopted into current clinical practice and the literature has minimal patient‐reported outcome measures. Future work should explore the reasons for such slow adoption as well as the preferences of patients in terms of outcome measures that matter most to them.
Advances in the study of soil erosion by water in Mexico published in Spanish
Authors: Varón‐Ramírez Viviana Marcela , Guevara Mario
Published: February 2024

Research on soil erosion by water (SEW) includes studies on different spatial and temporal scales. Nevertheless, in Mexico (as in many countries of the Latin American and the Caribbean Region), a lack of studies on SEW is constantly reported in high‐impact journals. We argue that this lack is mainly due to the language in which the majority of the scientific research about SEW in Mexico is published, which is Spanish. Therefore, the objective is to identify the main trends in SEW research in Mexico, through a review of peer‐reviewed studies published in Spanish. The review is centred on two sources of studies published in Spanish that are relevant to Mexican soil sciences communities: Scielo (Scientific Electronic Library Online) and Redalyc (Diamond Open Access scientific journal network non‐commercial global infrastructure owned by academia). As a result, we identified 37 relevant peer‐reviewed articles about SEW, and the principal article aim of these works is modelling and measuring SEW (45.9 and 29.7% of the total articles compiled, respectively). We observed that research on SEW in Mexico follows the same trends as global reports. For example, the most frequently implemented models are those in the Universal Soil Loss Equation and its variants. We observed no data‐sharing culture in most of the revised articles. Our results suggest that large‐scale studies on SEW are needed in Mexico to better understand its role in large‐scale earth system models. Therefore, we conclude that despite the scarce international visibility of Spanish‐written SEW research, multiple valuable studies have indeed been carried out and they provide relevant information for the development of baseline references towards enabling nationwide soil erosion monitoring programmes in Mexico.
Establishing how much improvement in lung function and distance walked is clinically important for adult patients with Pompe disease
Authors: Lika Aglina , Andrinopoulou Eleni‐Rosalina , van der Beek Nadine A. M. E. , Rizopoulos Dimitris , van der Ploeg Ans T. , Kruijshaar Michelle E.
Published: February 2024

Background and purpose

Pompe disease is a rare, inheritable, progressive metabolic myopathy. This study aimed to estimate the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for an improvement in forced vital capacity in the upright seated position (FVCup) and the 6‐min walk test (6MWT) after a year of treatment with enzyme replacement therapy.

Methods

Data were obtained from two prospective follow‐up studies. Between‐group and within‐group MCIDs were estimated using anchor‐based methods. Additionally, a distribution‐based method was used to generate supportive evidence. As anchors, self‐reported change in health and in physical functioning, shortness of breath and a categorization of the Short‐Form 36 Physical Component Summary score were used. Anchor appropriateness was assessed using Spearman correlations (absolute values ≥0.29) and a sufficient number of observations in each category.

Results

In all, 102 patients had at least one FVCup or 6MWT measurement during enzyme replacement therapy. Based on the anchors assessed as appropriate, the between‐group MCID for an improvement in FVCup ranged from 2.47% to 4.83% points. For the 6MWT, it ranged from 0.35% to 7.47% points which is equivalent to a distance of 2.18–46.61 m and 1.97–42.13 m for, respectively, a man and a woman of age 50, height 1.75 m and weight 80 kg. The results of the distribution‐based method were within these ranges when applied to change in the outcome values.

Conclusion

The MCIDs for FVCup and 6MWT derived in this study can be used to interpret differences between and within groups of patients with Pompe disease in clinical trials and cohort studies.
Recent treatment and prognosis in 643 patients with extramammary Paget's disease
Authors: Hatta Naohito , Ogata Dai , Asai Jun , Maekawa Takeo , Ito Takamichi , Takenouchi Tatsuya , Kiniwa Yukiko , Miyashita Azusa , Miyagawa Takuya , Muto Ikko , Yamamoto Yuki , Nagano Tohru , Kiyohara Yoshio , Nakano Eiji , Ohe Shuichi , Yamaguchi Buntaro , Fukuyama Masahiro , Matsuya Taisuke , Tsutsumida Arata , Namikawa Kenjiro , Yamazaki Naoya
Published: February 2024

Information about extramammary Paget's (EMPD) treatment is limited because of the rarity of the disease. The prognosis differs between in situ EMPD and invasive EMPD; therefore, therapy should be planned according to the disease stage. We collected data on 643 EMPD cases treated between 2015 and 2019 in Japan and assessed recent trends in EMPD treatment and prognosis based on the EMPD‐oriented TNM staging. Among the 643 patients, 317 had stage 0 (49.3%), 185 had stage I (28.8%), 51 had stage II (7.9%), 18 had stage IIIA (2.8%), 48 had stage IIIB (7.5%) and 24 had stage IV (3.7%) disease. Each stage showed a distinct survival curve, with the exception of stages II and IIIA. Curative surgery was most common in patients with stage 0–III disease. Chemotherapy was the first‐line therapy, mainly in patients with stage IIIB and IV disease, most commonly with docetaxel (DTX), followed by DTX + tegafur gimeracil oteracil potassium (TS‐1) and TS‐1. Patients with local disease exhibited a 4.4% recurrence rate. Univariate analysis revealed no prognostic differences according to age, sex or primary tumour site. SLNB was not related to disease‐specific survival. In multivariate analysis, female sex significantly predicted local relapse in stage 0–I (HR 3.09; 95% CI, 1.13–8.43), and initial treatment with curative surgery was significantly protective in terms of disease‐specific survival in stage II–IIIA (HR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.04–0.71) and stage IIIB–IV (HR 0.16; 95% CI, 0.05–0.51). Further clinical studies are needed to improve the prognosis of patients with stage II–IV EMPD.
Investigation of the pathogenesis of ADAR1 gene in dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria
Authors: Zhang Jia , Jiang Chengyi , Wang Zhen , Fang Biqing , He Jin , Li Ming
Published: February 2024

The pathogenesis of dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria (DSH) has not been well defined. In this study, we sought to investigate the influence of the ADAR1 gene on DSH both in vitro and in vivo. Morpholino knockdown of adar1 in zebrafish produced phenotypes characterized by polarity changes, and abnormal migration and distribution of melanocytes. Differential expression of C‐KIT and distinct patterns of apoptosis between hyperpigmented and hypopigmented areas in DSH patient were detected by means of immunohistochemical methods and TUNEL assays, respectively. This study revealed that adar1 knockdown in a zebrafish model resulted in abnormal migration and changes in the cell polarity of melanocytes, and provided novel insight into the mechanism of DSH pathogenesis.
Patient and public involvement and engagement with underserved communities in dementia research: Reporting on a partnership to co‐design a website for postdiagnostic dementia support
Authors: Di Lorito Claudio , Griffiths Sarah , Poole Marie , Kaviraj Chandrika , Robertson Martin , Cutler Neil , Wilcock Jane
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Despite the advancements in Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE), the voices of traditionally underserved groups are still poorly reflected in dementia research. This study aimed to report on a PPIE partnership between academics and members of the public from underserved communities to co‐design Forward with Dementia—Social Care, a resource and information website supporting people receiving a dementia diagnosis.

Methods

The PPIE partnership was set up in four stages: 1–identifying communities that have been under‐represented from PPIE in dementia research; 2—recruiting PPIE partners from these communities; 3—supporting PPIE partners to become confident to undertake their research roles and 4—undertaking research co‐design activities in an equitable fashion.

Results

To address under‐representation from PPIE in dementia research we recruited seven PPIE partners from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic groups; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer+ communities; remote/rural area; religious minorities and partners living with rare forms of dementia. The partners met regularly throughout the project to oversee new sections for the study website, refine existing content and promote the website within their communities.

Conclusion

Strategies can be used to successfully recruit and involve PPIE partners from underserved communities in co‐design activities. These include networking with community leaders, developing terms of reference, setting out ‘rules of engagement’, and investing adequate resources and time for accessible and equitable involvement. These efforts facilitate the co‐design of research outputs that reflect the diversity and complexity of UK contemporary society.

Patient or Public Contribution

This study received support from seven members of the public with lived experience of dementia from communities that have been traditionally underserved in dementia research. These seven members of the public undertook the role of partners in the study. They all equally contributed to the study design, recruitment of participants, development and revision of topic guides for the interviews and development of the website. Three of these partners were also co‐authors of this paper. On top of the activities shared with the other partners, they contributed to write independently of the academic team the section in this paper titled ‘Partners' experiences, benefits and challenges of the partnership’. Further, they provided input in other sections of the paper on a par with the other (academic) co‐authors.
Efficacy of the GentleWave System in the removal of biofilm from the mesial roots of mandibular molars before and after minimal instrumentation: An ex vivo study
Authors: Kim Kwang Ho , Lévesque Céline , Malkhassian Gevik , Basrani Bettina
Published: February 2024

Aim

To compare the efficacy of Enterococcus faecalis biofilm removal using the GentleWave System (GWS) (Sonendo Inc, CA) on non‐instrumented versus minimally instrumented root canal systems.

Methodology

Thirty‐four mandibular molars were autoclaved and allocated to four groups: Negative control (n = 5); positive control (n = 5); Group 1: non‐instrumentation + GWS (NI + GWS) (n = 12); and Group 2: minimal instrumentation + GWS (MI + GWS) (n = 12). Of 34 samples, 24 samples with Vertucci type 2 configuration within the mesial root of each sample were allocated to Groups 1 and 2 and then matched based on the working length and root canal configuration. After inoculation of samples with E. faecalis for 3 weeks, the GWS was used on Group 1 without any instrumentation and Group 2 after instrumentation of mesial canals until size 20/06v. CFU and SEM analysis were used.

Results

Log10 (CFU/mL) from the positive control, and Group 1 and 2 were 7.41 ± 0.53, 3.41 ± 1.54, and 3.21 ± 1.54, respectively. Both groups showed a statistically significant difference in the reduction of viable E. faecalis cells compared to the positive control (Group 1 [p = .0001] and Group 2 [p < .0001]), whilst showing no significant difference between the two tested groups (p < .05).

Conclusion

The use of GWS on the non‐instrumented root canal system could be an effective disinfection protocol in removing the biofilm without dentin debris formation.