bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trade union and Industry 4.0 implementation: two polar cases in Brazilian trucks manufacturing
Authors: Muniz Jr. Jorge , Ramalho Martins Fernando , Wintersberger Daniel , Oliveira Santos João Paulo
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss how trade union leaders deal with the implementation of Industry 4.0 (I4.0). The study is circumscribed to the Brazilian automotive sector and came from a human-centric (Industry 5.0) concern related to issues such as organisational learning, knowledge, innovation and workplace learning.

Design/methodology/approach

Case studies in two truck plants related to union participation during new product and process implementation based on Industry 4.0. Semi-structured interviews with union leaders from both plants were conducted to determine the subtle similarities and differences between the two polar types.

Findings

The findings pointed out that human resources and workplace learning must be reviewed to prepare workers to face I4.0. Four themes are explored: modernisation origins; negotiation process; workers’ concerns; and results and lessons learned. The findings highlight concerns about employees and job loss; replacement of workers by technological devices; workplace learning and the trade union perspective; and influence of the country’s economic situation on I4.0 implementation in social systems dependent on worker tacit knowledge.

Originality/value

This paper presents labour union leaders’ perspectives related to the impact of I4.0 and contributes to a better understanding of industry-worker workplace learning.
CEO stability and enterprise total factor productivity from the perspective of dual carbon: a mechanism test based on green innovation
Authors: Sun Huanan , Li Chenhao , Zhang Qian , Zhu Yanling
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Through this study, the aim is to provide reference for the improvement of CEO related theories, the reform of internal governance mechanisms and compensation systems in enterprises, and ultimately contribute to economic and social development and the achievement of dual carbon goals.

Design/methodology/approach

In the context of accelerating the implementation of the “dual carbon” goal and promoting sustainable economic and social development, this paper builds a panel data model based on the panel data of 31 provinces in China from 2011 to 2019 to empirically test the impact of CEO stability on green innovation and total factor productivity of enterprises.

Findings

The results show that CEO stability has a positive role in promoting enterprise total factor productivity and green innovation and enterprise green innovation also has a positive role in promoting total factor productivity; Heterogeneity testing found that CEO stability has no significant impact on green innovation in state-owned enterprises. Corporate green innovation has a partial mesomeric effect between CEO stability and total factor productivity; The proportion of independent directors has a negative moderating effect on CEO stability and corporate green innovation, while equity incentive has a positive moderating effect on the relationship between CEO stability, corporate total factor productivity and green innovation.

Originality/value

First, it develops the research on CEO stability and its economic consequences. Second, it expands the impact of CEO stability on heterogeneous enterprises. Third, provides new ideas for the reform of internal governance mechanism and salary system of enterprises.
Multidimensional stimulation response RTP micron fiber thin film
Authors: Lu Junjian , Zhong Hongbin , Luo Fei
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this research is as follows: DPP-BOH-PVA has been synthesized from 1,1′:3′,1″-terphenyl-5'-boronic acid (DPP-OH) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The afterglow lifetime of DPP-BOH-PVA was studied by changing contents of DPP-OH (1, 2 and 4 Wt.%). These films were characterized with Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction as structural analysis and DSC as thermal analysis. Afterglow lifetimes were evaluated as time-resolved emission decay profile analysis. Fiber films of DPP-BOH-PVA-2-E have been prepared by electrospinning method with the diameter of 5 μm and afterglow life time of 2.1 s (@ 535 nm) under ambient conditions. Stimulus responsive properties with afterglow emission for fiber film were investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

During the synthesis of the polymer, modification was carried out using DPP-OH/PVA with a molar ratio of 1/4, under an alkalinity medium with ammonium hydroxide and with a temperature of 80°C.

Findings

XRD results indicate that DPP-BOH-PVA film had high crystallinity, which is crucial for preparing organic room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials.

Research limitations/implications

The reaction mixture must be stirred continuously. Temperature should be controlled to prevent the rapid evaporation of ammonium hydroxide.

Practical implications

This study provides technical information for the synthesis of multidimensional stimulation response RTP micron fiber thin film. The electrospinning technology may also promote the applications of the large areas of RTP films.

Social implications

This resin will be used for the multidimensional stimulation response RTP fiber thin film.

Originality/value

The diameter of fiber film of PP-BOH-PVA-2-E by electrospinning method was in the range of 5 μm, and its afterglow lifetime decayed to be 2.1 s.
Identifying critical success factors of total quality management via comprehensive assessment of soft and hard factors
Authors: Chen Jih Kuang
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Effective total quality management (TQM) practices rely on the accurate classification of critical success factors (CSFs). The impact matrix cross-reference multiplication technique for classification (MICMAC) or/and fuzzy MICMAC (FMICMAC) can be used to identify key factors in the complex set. However, TQM includes both “hard” and “soft” factors, limiting application of the traditional MICMAC/FMICMAC method.

Design/methodology/approach

Previous literature on TQM was reviewed, CSFs were identified, and factors were sorted into soft and hard categories. The combined fuzzy integration and dual-aspect MICMAC (fuzzy dual-aspect MICMAC approach) was then applied to identify, cluster and prioritize the CSFs of TQM.

Findings

A total of 20 factors (10 soft and 10 hard) were identified and isolated to assess the manufacturing- and service-related TQM practices of the Pearl River Delta Region of China. Seven driver factors and one linkage factor emerged as the key CSFs that managers should prioritize.

Research limitations/implications

A major limitation of this study is the dependency of the results on the definitions of linguistic labels. If the linguistic definitions of TQM CSFs do not closely correspond to the expert opinion data, then the analysis results may be inaccurate. Additionally, although expert opinions are utilized in the proposed method for comprehensive assessments, these opinions may influence the final results due to their inherent subjectivity.

Originality/value

A novel fuzzy dual-aspect MICMAC approach was developed to identify and classify CSFs for optimal TQM practices. This approach allows clustering of CSFs so that decision-makers can prioritize factors according to their dependence and driving powers. Practitioners should concentrate on the CSFs with higher driving powers for successful TQM.
The interplay of sensory and non-sensory factors in food tourism experiences
Authors: Muskat Birgit , Prayag Girish , Hosany Sameer , Li Gang , Vu Quan , Wagner Sarah
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Food is a key element in tourism experiences. This study aims to investigate the interplay of sensory and non-sensory factors in food tourism experiences and models their influence on satisfaction and behavioural intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study focuses on the culinary experiences of 304 tourists dining at ethnic restaurants and uses causal relationship discovery modelling to analyse data.

Findings

Sensory factors are important in tourists’ culinary experiences with cleanliness, noise levels and room temperature at the top of the causal chain. Results also indicate the interplay between sensory and non-sensory factors to explain overall satisfaction, intention to return and intention to say positive things.

Originality/value

Using embodied cognition theory, the study offers novel insights into the role of senses in food tourism experiences at rural destinations.
José Martí and Antonio Gramsci: The World as a Radical Geography
Authors: Vegliò Simone
Published: September 2023

This paper lays the ground for a novel discussion on the encounter between José Martí and Antonio Gramsci. It argues that Martí and Gramsci can be profitably and innovatively read together when interrogating the profound “spatial articulations” that animate their political vision. The discussion principally focuses on Martí's concept of Our America and Gramsci's Southern Question. Methodologically, the article deploys a “diachronic tactic” that mobilises a broad body of literature that emerged long after Martí's and Gramsci's lives, particularly considering contributions within Radical Geography and Postcolonial Studies.
Review article: The complex interplay between diet and Escherichia coli in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Faqerah Nojoud , Walker Daniel , Gerasimidis Konstantinos
Published: September 2023

Background

Although no causative microbe has been yet identified or successfully targeted in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the role of Escherichia coli in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease has attracted considerable interest.

Aim

In this review, we present a literature overview of the interactions between diet and E. coli and other Proteobacteria in the aetiology, outcomes and management of IBD and suggest future research directions.

Methods

An extensive literature search was performed to identify in vitro studies and research in animal models that explored mechanisms by which dietary components can interact with E. coli or Proteobacteria to initiate or propagate gut inflammation. We also explored the effect diet and dietary therapies have on the levels of E. coli or Proteobacteria in patients with IBD.

Results

Preclinical data suggest that the Western diet and its components influence the abundance, colonisation and phenotypic behaviour of E. coli in the gut, which may in turn initiate or contribute to gut inflammation. In contrast, the Mediterranean diet and specific dietary fibres may abrogate these effects and protect from inflammation. There are limited data from clinical trials, mostly from patients with Crohn's disease during treatment with exclusive enteral nutrition, with findings often challenging observations from preclinical research. Data from patients with ulcerative colitis are sparse.

Conclusions

Preclinical and some clinical trial data suggest that E. coli and other Proteobacteria interact with certain dietary components to promote gut inflammation. Well‐designed clinical trials are required before dietary recommendations for disease management can be made.
The potential for bluetongue virus serotype 16 to cause disease in sheep in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Gestier S , Finlaison DS , Parrish K , Kirkland PD
Published: September 2023

Bluetongue virus serotype 16 detection in NSW

In coastal New South Wales (NSW), bluetongue virus (BTV) serotypes 1 and 21 are endemic and transmitted in most years without evidence of disease. However, serotype 16 (BTV‐16) infection was detected for the first time in NSW in November 2016 in cattle undergoing testing for export. Retrospective testing of blood samples collected from sentinel cattle as part of the National Arbovirus Monitoring Program (NAMP) established that the first detected transmission of BTV‐16 in NSW occurred in April 2016 in sentinel cattle on the NSW North Coast. Subsequently, until 2022, BTV‐16 has been transmitted in most years and was the predominant serotype in the 2018–2019 transmission season. The data available suggests that BTV‐16 may have become endemic in NSW.

Experimental studies

During experimental infection studies with BTV‐16, all sheep were febrile, with the peak of viremia occurring 6–10 days after inoculation. There was nasal and oral hyperaemia in most sheep with several animals developing a nasal discharge and nasal oedema. All sheep developed coronitis of varying severity, with most also developing haemorrhages along the coronary band. There was a high incidence of haemorrhage in the pulmonary artery, epicardial petechiae, extensive pericardial haemorrhages and moderate body cavity effusions including pericardial effusions.

Conclusion

Overall, experimental pathogenicity findings suggest moderate disease may occur in sheep in the field. These findings, when combined with climatic variability that could result in an expansion of the range of Culicoides brevitarsis into major sheep‐producing areas of the state, suggest that there is an increasing risk of bluetongue disease in NSW.
A chat about bipolar disorder
Authors: Parker Gordon , Spoelma Michael J.
Published: September 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the capabilities of ChatGPT (Chat Generative Pre‐Trained Transformer) in generating informative content related to bipolar disorders. The objectives were to evaluate its ability to provide accurate information on symptoms, classification, causes, and management of bipolar disorder and to explore its creativity in generating topic‐related songs.

Methods

ChatGPT3 was used for the study, and a series of clinically relevant questions were asked to test its knowledge and creativity. Questions ranged from common symptom descriptions to more artistic requests for songs related to bipolar disorder.

Results

ChatGPT demonstrated the capacity to provide basic and informative material on bipolar disorders, including descriptions of symptoms, classification types, causes, and treatment options. It also showed creativity in generating songs that capture the nuances of bipolar symptoms, both during high and low states.

Conclusions

While ChatGPT3 can offer superficial information on psychiatric topics like bipolar disorder, its inability to provide accurate and up‐to‐date references limits its utility for creating a comprehensive review article for scientific journals. However, it may be helpful in generating educational material and assisting in component tasks for those with bipolar disorder or other psychiatric conditions. As newer versions of AI models are continually developed, their capabilities in producing more accurate and advanced content will need further evaluation.
Noninvasive diagnosis of pulmonary nodules using a circulating tsRNA‐based nomogram
Authors: Wang Qinglin , Song Xuming , Zhao Feng , Chen Qiang , Xia Wenjie , Dong Gaochao , Xu Lin , Mao Qixing , Jiang Feng
Published: September 2023

Evaluating the accuracy of pulmonary nodule diagnosis avoids repeated low‐dose computed tomography (LDCT)/CT scans or invasive examination, yet remains a main clinical challenge. Screening for new diagnostic tools is urgent. Herein, we established a nomogram based on the diagnostic signature of five circulating tsRNAs and CT information to predict malignant pulmonary nodules. In total, 249 blood samples of patients with pulmonary nodules were selected from three different lung cancer centers. Five tsRNAs were identified in the discovery and training cohorts and the diagnostic signature was established by the randomForest algorithm (tRF‐Ser‐TGA‐003, tRF‐Val‐CAC‐005, tRF‐Ala‐AGC‐060, tRF‐Val‐CAC‐024, and tiRNA‐Gln‐TTG‐001). A nomogram was developed by combining tsRNA signature and CT information. The high level of accuracy was identified in an internal validation cohort (n = 83, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.930, sensitivity 100.0%, specificity 73.8%) and external validation cohort (n = 66, AUC = 0.943, sensitivity 100.0%, specificity 86.8%). Furthermore, the diagnostic ability of our model discriminating invasive malignant ones from noninvasive lesions was assessed. A robust performance was achieved in the diagnosis of invasive malignant lesions in both training and validation cohorts (discovery cohort: AUC = 0.850, sensitivity 86.0%, specificity 81.4%; internal validation cohort: AUC = 0.784, sensitivity 78.8%, specificity 78.1%; and external validation cohort: AUC = 0.837, sensitivity 85.7%, specificity 84.0%). This novel circulating tsRNA‐based diagnostic model has potential significance in predicting malignant pulmonary nodules. Application of the model could improve the accuracy of pulmonary nodule diagnosis and optimize surgical plans.
Has the risk of liver re‐transplantation improved over the two decades?
Authors: Akabane Miho , Bekki Yuki , Imaoka Yuki , Inaba Yosuke , Esquivel Carlos O. , Kwong Allison , Melcher Marc L. , Sasaki Kazunari
Published: September 2023

Background

Despite advancements in liver transplantation (LT) over the past two decades, liver re‐transplantation (re‐LT) presents challenges. This study aimed to assess improvements in re‐LT outcomes and contributing factors.

Methods

Data from the United Network for Organ Sharing database (2002–2021) were analyzed, with recipients categorized into four‐year intervals. Trends in re‐LT characteristics and postoperative outcomes were evaluated.

Results

Of 128,462 LT patients, 7254 received re‐LT. Graft survival (GS) for re‐LT improved (91.3%, 82.1%, and 70.8% at 30 days, 1 year, and 3 years post‐LT from 2018 to 2021). However, hazard ratios (HRs) for GS remained elevated compared to marginal donors including donors after circulatory death (DCD), although the difference in HRs decreased in long‐term GS. Changes in re‐LT causes included a reduction in hepatitis C recurrence and an increase in graft failure post‐primary LT involving DCD. Trends identified included recent decreased cold ischemic time (CIT) and increased distance from donor hospital in re‐LT group. Meanwhile, DCD cohort exhibited less significant increase in distance and more marked decrease in CIT. The shortest CIT was recorded in urgent re‐LT group. The highest Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score was observed in urgent re‐LT group, while the lowest was recorded in DCD group. Analysis revealed shorter time interval between previous LT and re‐listing, leading to worse outcomes, and varying primary graft failure causes influencing overall survival post‐re‐LT.

Discussion

While short‐term re‐LT outcomes improved, challenges persist compared to DCD. Further enhancements are required, with ongoing research focusing on optimizing risk stratification models and allocation systems for better LT outcomes.
SEEING SPATIAL STRUCTURES: ON THE ROLE OF VISUAL MATERIAL IN THE MAKING OF THE EARLY QUANTITATIVE REVOLUTION IN GEOGRAPHY
Authors: Michel Boris
Published: September 2023

This article examines the role that visual material played in the early years of the quantitative revolution in Anglophone geography. It is part of a larger project that attempts to write a history of geography's scopic regimes in the twentieth century and draws on post‐positivist approaches to the history of science. It is argued that there are a number of strategic as well as theoretical reasons for such a reliance on images in the quantitative revolution. Some reasons are unique to the quantitative revolution in geography, some resemble a more general way in which paradigm shifts take place in science and some are located outside of academia. This article is primarily interested in the internal view on the geography of the quantitative revolution and its rationalities. The paper departs from Christaller's hexagon, as one of the most influential and iconic. It then broadens the view to include a much wider range of visual material, arguing for some more general observations on the use of images in geography during the early quantitative revolution. It is argued that there was a significant shift of forms and functions of visual material. Overall, it is argued, visual material gained in importance and while geography was getting “thinner” and more abstract, its role in making visual arguments became stronger. From being merely an aid for seeing, visual material became a prime carrier of knowledge.
INFORMALITY AND LAND DEVELOPMENT IN ALBANIA: LAND REFORMS AND SOCIOECONOMIC DYNAMICS IN A COASTAL SETTLEMENT
Authors: Triantis Loukas , Vatavali Fereniki
Published: September 2023

Informality is a significant aspect of the recent processes of land development, which has attracted the interest of academics and policy‐makers, in the context of the crucial role that land has acquired for the global economy and the prevalent trends of capitalist activity. A wide variety of reforms and policies for dealing with informality have been adopted in many countries worldwide, often under the guidance of supranational organisations, though with contradictory impacts.

The objective of this article is the critical appraisal of informality in land development processes in Albania, a former socialist country in “transition”, by exploring links with land reforms and socioeconomic dynamics, as well as the interaction of various actors from the global to the local level. We argue that, through multiple synergies and conflicts, informal practices serve a wide variety of interests, while informality in itself, as well as the policies for controlling it, may also lead to the intensification of socio‐spatial inequalities and exclusions

Our approach is based on the analysis of the land development processes in the coastal settlement of Jal as a case study. The article focuses on an incident of demolitions of informal constructions in Jal in 2007, which was associated with a World Bank's development project, as well as on the land development dynamics prior to and after this incident. We employed a mixed‐method approach, based on qualitative tools, which combined fieldwork in Jal, semi‐structured interviews in Jal, Tirana and Athens, evaluation of land reforms and review of official reports and articles in the local and national press.
NEIGHBOURHOOD TRAJECTORIES IN THE INNER CITIES OF PRAGUE AND TALLINN: WHAT AFFECTS THE SPEED OF SOCIAL AND DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGE?
Authors: Temelová Jana , Novák Jakub , Kährik Anneli , Tammaru Tiit
Published: September 2023

This paper explores neighbourhood trajectories in the inner cities in terms of social and demographic change in a comparative perspective, and analyses the role of in situ change and residential mobility in this change. The research is based on a quantitative census‐based study of Prague (the Czech Republic) and Tallinn (Estonia) at a detailed neighbourhood level. The study shows that in spite of many political and historical similarities, the differences in local regulatory mechanisms and local contexts have led to different urban outcomes. Institutional rigidity and long‐term resistance to adjusting physical structures to a new social system have restrained change in Prague. The inner city of Tallinn has experienced much more social restructuring, replacements and displacements. High home‐ownership rates, early rent de‐regulation and no major public involvement in housing all contribute to the market‐led urban change in Tallinn.
The relationship between working status in old age and cause‐specific disability in Japanese community‐dwelling older adults with or without frailty: A 3.6‐year prospective study
Authors: Fujiwara Yoshinori , Seino Satoshi , Nofuji Yu , Yokoyama Yuri , Abe Takumi , Yamashita Mari , Hata Toshiki , Fujita Koji , Murayama Hiroshi , Shinkai Shoji , Kitamura Akihiko
Published: September 2023

Aim

To examine the effects of employment engagement, classified by frailty and working status, on the incidence of disability in urban community‐dwelling older adults.

Methods

We used data from 6386 initially nondisabled residents aged 65–84 years from Ota City, Tokyo, Japan, in 2016. The observation duration was 3.6 years. Self‐administered questionnaires applied the Cox proportional hazard model by assessing the existence of frailty through Check‐List 15 (with a score ≥4 indicating the state of frailty), controlling for age, sex, living situation, education level, equivalent income, chronic conditions, body mass index, instrumental activities of daily living, self‐rated health, drinking and smoking status, and social activities. We evaluated the predictive value of working status (full‐time, part‐time, temporary, or nonworker) at baseline for cause‐specific disability (dementia‐type vs. non–dementia‐type) incidence, identified using the long‐term care insurance system's nationally unified database.

Results

Of the 6386 participants, 806 (63/1134 full‐time workers; 58/1001 part‐time workers; 61/547 temporary workers; 624/3704 nonworkers) presented with disabilities during the 3.6‐year‐long duration. Adjustments for conventional covariates showed that nonfrail full‐time and part‐time workers, as well as frail full‐time workers, had significantly lower risks of all‐cause disability incidence. Furthermore, nonfrail and frail full‐time workers had significantly lower risks of dementia‐type and nondementia‐type disabilities, respectively.

Conclusions

The incidence of disability in older adults was influenced by working and frailty status. Engaging in full‐time work thus prevents disabilities in older adults, regardless of their frailty status. Meanwhile, nonfrail older adults are able to avoid disabilities even when engaging in part‐time work. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 855–863.
Writing touch, writing (epistemic) vulnerability
Authors: Kaasila‐Pakanen Anna‐Liisa , Jääskeläinen Pauliina , Gao Grace , Mandalaki Emmanouela , Zhang Ling Eleanor , Einola Katja , Johansson Janet , Pullen Alison
Published: September 2023

Touch mediates relations between self‐other, writers, and readers; it is material and affective. This paper is the outcome of writing touch as a collaborative activity between eight women writers across different times and locals. In sharing experiences of touch during and beyond the pandemic, we engage with collaborative writing articulated here as colligere, involving the assembling of writing in a holding space. The meanings and feelings of touch arise from our distinct writer positionalities as we think, work, and write in and about life, research, organizations, and organizing. We suggest that writing that reflects on/through touch presents epistemic vulnerability and openness to unknowing in the nexus of intercorporeal relationships. Writing touch contributes to writing and doing academia differently, particularly by offering sensorial encounters that reframe the ethico‐political conditions of academic knowledge creation.
Treatment of pulpal and apical disease: The European Society of Endodontology (ESE) S3‐level clinical practice guideline
Authors: Duncan Henry F. , Kirkevang Lise‐Lotte , Peters Ove A. , El‐Karim Ikhlas , Krastl Gabriel , Del Fabbro Massimo , Chong Bun San , Galler Kerstin M. , Segura‐Egea Juan J. , Kebschull Moritz ,   ESE Workshop Participants and Methodological Consultant
Published: September 2023

Background

The ESE previously published quality guidelines for endodontic treatment in 2006; however, there have been significant changes since not only in clinical endodontics but also in consensus and guideline development processes. In the development of the inaugural S3‐level clinical practice guidelines (CPG), a comprehensive systematic and methodologically robust guideline consultation process was followed in order to produce evidence‐based recommendations for the management of patients presenting with pulpal and apical disease.

Aim

To develop an S3‐level CPG for the treatment of pulpal and apical disease, focusing on diagnosis and the implementation of the treatment approaches required to manage patients presenting with pulpitis and apical periodontitis (AP) with the ultimate goal of preventing tooth loss.

Methods

This S3‐level CPG was developed by the ESE, with the assistance of independent methodological guidance provided by the Association of Scientific Medical Societies in Germany and utilizing the GRADE process. A robust, rigorous and transparent process included the analysis of relevant comparative research in 14 specifically commissioned systematic reviews, prior to evaluation of the quality and strength of evidence, the formulation of specific evidence and expert‐based recommendations in a structured consensus process with leading endodontic experts and a broad base of external stakeholders.

Results

The S3‐level CPG for the treatment of pulpal and apical disease describes in a series of clinical recommendations the effectiveness of diagnosing pulpitis and AP, prior to investigating the effectiveness of endodontic treatments in managing those diseases. Therapeutic strategies include the effectiveness of deep caries management in cases with, and without, spontaneous pain and pulp exposure, vital versus nonvital teeth, the effectiveness of root canal instrumentation, irrigation, dressing, root canal filling materials and adjunct intracanal procedures in the management of AP. Prior to treatment planning, the critical importance of history and case evaluation, aseptic techniques, appropriate training and re‐evaluations during and after treatment is stressed.

Conclusion

The first S3‐level CPG in endodontics informs clinical practice, health systems, policymakers, other stakeholders and patients on the available and most effective treatments to manage patients with pulpitis and AP in order to preserve teeth over a patient's lifetime, according to the best comparative evidence currently available.
Multidisciplinary team discussion: the emerging gold standard for management of cardiopulmonary complications of connective tissue disease
Authors: Fairley Jessica L. , Ross Laura , Burns Andrew , Prior David , Conron Matthew , Rouse Hannah , McDonald Julie , MacIsaac Andrew , La Gerche André , Morrisroe Kathleen , Ferdowsi Nava , Quinlivan Alannah , Brown Zoe , Stevens Wendy , Nikpour Mandana
Published: September 2023

Cardiopulmonary complications of connective tissue diseases (CTDs), particularly pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and interstitial lung disease (ILD), are major determinants of morbidity and mortality. Multidisciplinary meetings may improve diagnostic accuracy and optimise treatment. We review the literature regarding multidisciplinary meetings in CTD‐ILD and PAH and describe our tertiary centre experience of the role of the multidisciplinary meeting in managing CTD‐PAH.
Cognition ability, financial advice seeking, and investment performance: New evidence from China
Authors: Yang Ziying , Gao Jie , Yu Du
Published: September 2023

This paper examines how cognitive ability affects households' demand for financial advice and whether households with financial advisors reap better investment returns in China. Using data from the nationally representative China Household Finance Survey (CHFS) and China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), we find that math ability (i.e., one domain of cognitive ability) has a significant and negative effect on households' propensity to hire financial advisors, whereas the impact of verbal ability (i.e., another domain of cognitive ability) on seeking financial advice is insignificant. The analysis also suggests that the influence of cognitive limitation is larger for less educated and financially literate households. We conduct a regression discontinuity based on the Huai River policy, supporting the causal influence of cognitive ability on financial advice seeking. Furthermore, we find no evidence that financial advice improves investors' investment performance.
The Founder certification effect, firm disclosures, and the cost of SEO financing
Authors: Fan Yun , Gu Xiaozhe , Nagarajan Nandu J.
Published: September 2023

We investigate the effect of founder control on firms’ financing costs for seasoned equity offerings (SEOs). Firms issuing SEOs are subject to increased information asymmetry and associated agency conflicts. We hypothesize that founder control has a certification effect that mitigates such problems, and consequently, reduces the cost of issuing SEOs. Consistent with our prediction, firms with founder control enjoy higher abnormal announcement returns and lower SEO gross spreads. We also show that founder firms have better post‐SEO operating performance than non‐founder firms. Additionally, we document that the founder certification effect is more salient among firms with poorer pre‐SEO operating performance and those that do not disclose specific use of the SEO proceeds. Finally, we show that founder firms do not increase the frequency of management earnings forecasts as much as non‐founder firms prior to the SEO. Our results are robust to a battery of sensitivity analyses, and our conclusions are consistent with the founder certification effect.
Island biogeography of birds in the South West Pacific: Direct and indirect effects of physical geography and co‐occurring vegetation
Authors: Ciarle Riccardo , Burns K. C.
Published: September 2023

Aim

The distribution of birds among islands is thought to be regulated by island physical geography (i.e. island area, isolation and latitude). In contrast, work on continents indicates that bird diversity is often regulated by plant diversity. Consequently, the (statistical) direct and indirect effects of physical geography on island bird distribution are poorly understood. We investigated the relative roles of physical geography and vegetation in determining island bird diversity in the South West Pacific at two taxonomic scales of resolution: total bird diversity and bird diversity within functional guilds.

Location

Eleven archipelagos in the South West Pacific.

Taxon

Land birds.

Methods

We created a dataset characterising total and functional guild diversity for land birds and seed plants (i.e. Spermatophytes) among archipelagos. We then used mediation analysis to disentangle the direct and indirect (i.e. mediated) effects of physical geography and vegetation on bird diversity.

Results

On a broad taxonomic scale, total bird diversity was directly determined by total plant diversity, not the area, isolation or latitude of islands. On a fine taxonomic scale results differed between functional guilds. The diversity of herbivorous and frugivorous birds was directly determined by physical geography rather than plant total and trait diversity. Woody and herbaceous plant species diversity mediated the effect of physical geography on forest‐dwelling, above ground nesting and ground nesting bird diversity. Granivorous, nectarivorous and grassland‐dwelling bird diversities were unrelated to both physical geography and herbaceous plant diversity.

Main Conclusions

Physical geography and vegetation can have both direct and indirect effects on island bird diversity. Furthermore, relationships between physical geography, vegetation and bird diversity can vary markedly among functional guilds.
Artificial intelligence in logistics and supply chain management: A primer and roadmap for research
Authors: Richey Robert Glenn , Chowdhury Soumyadeb , Davis‐Sramek Beth , Giannakis Mihalis , Dwivedi Yogesh K.
Published: September 2023

The dawn of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform logistics and supply chain management radically. However, this promising innovation is met with a scholarly discourse grappling with an interplay between the promising capabilities and potential drawbacks. This conversation frequently includes dystopian forecasts of mass unemployment and detrimental repercussions concerning academic research integrity. Despite the current hype, existing research exploring the intersection between AI and the logistics and supply chain management (L&SCM) sector remains limited. Therefore, this editorial seeks to fill this void, synthesizing the potential applications of AI within the L&SCM domain alongside an analysis of the implementation challenges. In doing so, we propose a robust research framework as a primer and roadmap for future research. This will give researchers and organizations comprehensive insights and strategies to navigate the complex yet promising landscape of AI integration within the L&SCM domain.
Evaluation of the relationship among gene expressions and enzyme activities with antioxidant role and presenilin 1 expression in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Işık Mesut , Tunç Abdullah , Duran Hatice Esra , Naldan Muhammet Emin , Yılmaz Aslan , Koçak Mehmet Nuri , Beydemir Şükrü
Published: September 2023

It is known that oxidative stress originating from reactive oxygen species plays a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. In this study, the role of antioxidant status associated with oxidative stress in Alzheimer's disease was investigated. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 28 healthy individuals (as control) and 28 Alzheimer's patients who met the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Diseases and Stroke/Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association criteria. Catalase, glutathione S‐transferase and paraoxonase 1 enzyme activities in blood plasma and glutathione S‐transferase enzyme activities in erythrocytes were determined by spectrophotometer. Catalase, glutathione S‐transferase and presenilin 1 gene expressions in leukocytes were determined using qRT‐PCR. Data were analysed with SPSS one‐way anova, a LSD post hoc test at p < 0.05. The activity of each enzyme was significantly reduced in Alzheimer's patients compared to control. The catalase gene expression level did not change compared to the control. Glutathione S‐transferase and presenilin 1 gene expression levels were increased compared to the control.
Five‐year follow‐up of a clinic‐based sleep intervention for paediatric epilepsy: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Tsai Shao‐Yu , Lee Wang‐Tso , Lee Chien‐Chang , Jeng Suh‐Fang , Weng Wen‐Chin
Published: September 2023

Sleep disturbances in children with epilepsy are prevalent, and are associated with substantial adverse medical and psychosocial consequences. This study is a 5‐year follow‐up of a clinic‐based sleep intervention study that randomized 100 toddlers and preschool‐age children with epilepsy to a usual care group or a sleep intervention group. The intervention group received standard paediatric neurology care plus three education sessions during the child's routine clinic visit. The outcomes measured were: (1) child sleep by actigraphy and parental report; and (2) maternal sleep and depression. We aimed to evaluate the long‐term benefits of a clinic‐based sleep intervention for paediatric epilepsy. In total, 42 families (42.0%) participated. The average child's age at follow‐up was 9.55 years. Thirty‐eight (90.5%) children were not obtaining sufficient sleep at baseline, and 40 (95.2%) at the 5‐year follow‐up. The numbers of children with clinically significant sleep disturbances were 40 (95.2%) at baseline and 36 (85.7%) at the 5‐year follow‐up. Fourteen mothers (33.3%) had poor sleep quality and high depressive symptoms at both assessment time points. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in the child and maternal outcomes between the two trial arms. Overall, there was no evidence that a clinic‐based sleep intervention that effectively improved multiple aspects of sleep in toddlers and preschool‐age children with epilepsy had long‐lasting beneficial effects. Our findings suggest that sleep interventions for families of children with epilepsy require ongoing reinforcement and monitoring during routine paediatric neurology care to prevent sleep problems from persisting or recurring.
High precision triple oxygen isotope composition of small size urban micrometeorites indicating constant influx composition in the early geologic past
Authors: Zahnow Fabian , Stracke Tido , di Rocco Tommaso , Hasse Thilo , Pack Andreas
Published: September 2023

In this study, we present a method for high precision Δ′17O (Δ′17ORL = ln(δ17O + 1) – λRL ln(δ18O + 1)) analysis of small mass silicate and oxide materials. The analyses were conducted by laser fluorination in combination with gas chromatography and continuous flow isotope ratio monitoring gas spectrometry. We could analyze the oxygen isotope composition of samples down to 1 μg, which corresponded to about 13 nmol O2. The analytical error (we report the 1σ external reproducibility of a single analysis) in δ18O increases with decreasing sample sizes from ~0.2‰ for ~20 μg samples to ~0.9‰ for 1 μg samples. For Δ′17O, we achieved an external reproducibility of 0.04‰ for a sample mass range between 1 and 27 μg. The uncertainty in Δ′17O is smaller than the uncertainty in δ18O due to the correlated errors in δ17O and δ18O. We applied the method to urban micrometeorites, that is, small meteorites (<2 mm) that were sampled from a rooftop in Berlin, Germany. A total of 10 melted micrometeorites (S‐type cosmic spherules, masses between 11 and 22 μg) were analyzed. The oxygen isotope compositions are comparable to that of modern Antarctic collections, indicating that the urban micrometeorites sample the same population. No indication for terrestrial weathering had been identified in the studied set of urban micrometeorites making them suitable materials for the study of micrometeorite origins.
Benefits of Early Surgical Treatment for Patients with Multilevel Cervical Canal Stenosis of Acute Traumatic Central Cord Syndrome
Authors: Zhou Quan , He Wei , Lv Jiaheng , Liu Hao , Yang Huilin , Zhang Junxin , Liu Tao
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Currently, there exists considerable debate surrounding the optimal treatment approaches for different subtypes of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). The purpose of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the benefits associated with conservative treatment and treatments with different surgical periods for patients diagnosed with acute traumatic central cord syndrome (ATCCS) and multilevel cervical canal stenosis (CCS).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted, and 93 patients who met inclusion and exclusion criteria in our hospital between 2015 and 2020 were followed for a minimum duration of 2 years. Among them, 30 patients (Group A) received conservative treatment, 18 patients (Group B) received early surgery (≤7 days), and 45 patients (Group C) received late surgery (>7 days). The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grade, Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, and recovery rate (RR) were evaluated. Multivariate linear regression was used to analyze prognostic determinants. Cost‐utility analysis was performed based on the EQ‐5D scale.

Results

The ASIA grade, JOA score, and RR of all three groups improved compared with the previous evaluation (P < 0.05). During follow‐up, the ASIA grade, JOA score, and RR of Group B were all better than for Group A and Group C (P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference between Group A and C (P > 0.05). The EQ‐5D scale in Group B was optimal at the last follow‐up. The incremental cost‐utility ratio (ICUR) of Group A was the lowest, while that of Group B compared to Group A was less than the threshold of patients’ willingness to pay. Age, initial ASIA grade, and treatment types significantly affected the outcomes.

Conclusions

Both conservative and surgical treatments yield good results. Compared with patients who received conservative treatment and late surgery, patients who received early surgery had better clinical function and living quality. Despite the higher cost, early surgery is cost‐effective when compared to conservative treatment. Younger age, initial better ASIA grade, and earlier surgery were associated with better prognosis.
Hot town, corruption in the city: Assessing the impact of form of government on corruption using propensity scores
Authors: Afonso Whitney , Nelson Kimberly
Published: September 2023

This research explores the relationship between form of government and corruption using national municipal level data (1990–2020) using competing theoretical models; the principal–agent model and the professionalism–performance model. The principal–agent model suggests that the additional scrutiny provided by the electoral process will lead to a lower risk of corruption under the mayor–council form of government. The professionalism–performance model suggests that the professional training and incentives in place in the council–manager form will lead to a lower risk of corruption. However, it is difficult to examine the impact of the form of government on the incidence of corruption because there may be underlying community characteristics, such as population and poverty levels, that drive both the selection of form and corruption. Using propensity score matching and other propensity score methods to reduce the impact of confounding factors, this analysis finds robust evidence that the council–manager form reduces the risk of corruption, supporting the professionalism–performance model.
Identification of the novel HLA‐DPA1*01:149 allele by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Galluccio Tiziana , Cerretti Raffaella , Guagnano Annalisa , Bianculli Antonio Giuseppe , Andreani Marco
Published: September 2023

The novel HLA‐DPA1*01:149 allele differs from HLA‐DPA1*01:03:01:05 by one nucleotide substitution in exon 2.
Discovery of an HLA‐C*07 variant, HLA‐C*07:1083 in a Russian individual
Authors: Loginova Maria , Obukhov Ivan , Paramonov Igor
Published: September 2023

Characterization of the novel HLA‐C*07:1083 allele in a Russian bone marrow donor.
Optimal Hardy‐weights for elliptic operators with mixed boundary conditions
Authors: Pinchover Yehuda , Versano Idan
Published: September 2023

We construct families of optimal Hardy‐weights for a subcritical linear second‐order elliptic operator with degenerate mixed boundary conditions. By an optimal Hardy‐weight for a subcritical operator we mean a nonzero nonnegative weight function W such that is critical, and null‐critical with respect to W. Our results rely on a recently developed criticality theory for positive solutions of the corresponding mixed boundary value problem.
Proper Orthogonal Decomposition-Based Surrogate Modeling Approximation for Aeroengines Nonlinear Unbalance Responses
Authors: D'Alessandro Francesco , Festjens Hugo , Chevallier Gael , Cogan Scott , Benamara Tariq , Sainvitu Caroline
Published: September 2023

Finite element (FE) models to simulate aeroengines rotordynamics become more and more complex thanks to the improvement of computational resources. Numerical simulations for industrial scale applications are nevertheless expensive in terms of computational effort because of their size and the presence of nonlinearities. In many-query frameworks (sensitivity or reliability analysis, model calibration, etc.), parametric studies have to be performed and the FE models are generally simplified or strongly reduced with a consequent loss of accuracy. Recent machine learning methods can be employed to build faster-to-evaluate surrogates of the original model. Nevertheless, this type of offline approach can be very demanding in terms of number of full order evaluations to reach a sufficient accuracy. The challenge is therefore to control the burden associated with the evaluation of the design of experiments (DoE) and the surrogate model training phase. This work presents a surrogate modeling technique to quickly and accurately reproduce the nonlinear unbalance responses of industrial scale rotor-dynamical models submitted to rotor–stator contact. About 20DOFs of the industrial FEM are considered in this work and a proper orthogonal decomposition (POD)-based approximation (surrogate modeling technique known as POD-SM or nonintrusive POD in the literature) of their frequency dependent unbalance response are presented. In order to analyze the modeling uncertainties of a specific shaft's support of a modern aeroengine, its dynamical parameters (stiffness, damping, nonlinear contact parameters) are studied within a specific variation range, defining the design space covered by this study.