bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unveiling sustainable service innovations: exploring segmentation patterns in Ecuadorian restaurant sector
Authors: Montesdeoca Calderon María Gabriela , Gil-Saura Irene , Ruiz-Molina María-Eugenia , Martin-Rios Carlos
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the relationship between sustainability practices and the degree of innovation in the service provided by restaurants. The study identifies relevant restaurant segments in relation to sustainable practice-based service innovation so that effective actions to raise awareness and train managers and staff may be developed. Segmentation has been identified as a key tool when designing strategies and proposing actions. Yet, the use of segmentation techniques is still scarce regarding service innovation and sustainability in restaurants.

Design/methodology/approach

A segmentation analysis was carried out applying the CHAID algorithm from 300 valid questionnaires completed by restaurant owners or managers from coastal Ecuador, where tourism and gastronomy may be drivers of service innovation.

Findings

A typology of restaurants based on the sustainability-service innovation interrelation suggests three final segments: sustainable innovators focused on the value chain, moderate innovators focused on saving resources and restaurants with a low innovative profile.

Practical implications

The three segments derived from the analysis present differences in terms of the degree of implementation of sustainability practices, as well as in terms of the demographic profile of the restaurant manager. These segments are measurable, substantial, accessible and actionable, so that tailored initiatives to raise awareness and boost sustainability-oriented innovativeness among restaurant owners/managers may be targeted to each group of establishments.

Originality/value

The present research provides evidence of the positive relationship between sustainability practices and service innovation in foodservices. The segments of restaurants identified enable the design and implementation of actions that facilitate the transition of less sustainability-oriented restaurants towards more innovative and sustainable business models.
Identifying the factors influencing enterprise digital transformation intention: an empirical study based on net effects and joint effects
Authors: Zhang Wenkun , Chu Jinhua , Zhang Tao , Wang Yanan
Published: September 2023

Purpose

In contrast to existing studies, this paper aims to propose that digital transformation does not depend on a single condition; rather, it depends on the interaction between internal and external factors of a firm. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to examine the effect of a combination of internal and external factors on a firm's digital transformation intention.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical analysis on a sample of 112 Chinese small- and medium-sized firms was conducted by applying smart-PLS and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA).

Findings

The results of smart PLS show that external pressures (institutional and market pressures) and human capital have a positive impact on corporate digital transformation intentions. From a combination perspective, the results of the fsQCA show that there are five causal conditions that lead to high digital transformation intention. In contrast to the net effect, the results of fsQCA show that different combinations of states of internal (human capital, organizational culture and technological capital) and external elements (institutional and market pressures) of the firm are likely to stimulate digital transformation intention.

Originality/value

This study provides empirically based insights into firms' digital transformation intentions and advances the current understanding of the drivers and inhibitors of digital transformation. Unlike most current research, which tends to focus on the net effect of factors influencing the digital transformation of enterprises, this study focuses on identifying the core elements influencing enterprises' digital transformation intention, especially the joint effect of different factors, both internal and external to the enterprise. The combined SEM and fsQCA findings of this paper not only enrich the existing theories on digital transformation but also have high value in guiding the digital transformation of firms.
Loss of organic cattle to the conventional value chains in Ireland: what are the economic and environmental impacts?
Authors: Jin Yan
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to quantify the loss (or leakage) of organic cattle to conventional value chains in Ireland and assess its economic and environmental impacts.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a Bio-economy Input-Output (BIO) model, a quantitative economic model representing the interdependencies between different sectors of the economy, to assess the economic and environmental impacts of organic leakage in the Irish beef sector.

Findings

The study reveals that 17% of organic cattle aged under 1 year old leave the organic value chain, leaking to the conventional market as a result of imbalances in the development of the beef value chain. The economic cost of this organic leakage is 5.66 million euros. Leakage also has environmental effects because of changes in lifecycle methane and nitrogen emissions based on longer finishing times on organic farms and chemical fertilisers applied on conventional farms. The organic leakage results in a reduction of 82 tons of methane emission and 52 additional tons of nitrogen emission, which leads to 11,484 tons of net global warming potential (GWP) for a 100-year time horizon.

Research limitations/implications

Because of data availability, the research focussed on the baseline year 2015, which had national data available for disaggregation in Ireland. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to assess the economic and environmental impacts when more recent data are available and to analyse the change in the impacts over the years.

Practical implications

This study contributes to the discussion on organic conversion and provides valuable insights for stakeholders, especially policymakers, for the design of future organic schemes.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to assess organic leakage in the beef sector.
Decoupling institutional pressure: how and why academic journals do it
Authors: Silva Altieres de Oliveira , Avrichir Ilan
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to verify empirically that when a group of isomorphic organisations is subjected to institutional pressure that conflicts with their technical efficiency or interests, this group will embrace opaqueness and decoupling.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a multiple case study of 16 Brazilian academic journals. The authors analyse whether the editorial boards of these journals play an effective or merely ceremonial role in the administration of the journals.

Findings

The authors find indications that isomorphic organisations revert to decoupling when the pressures they are subjected to are in conflict with their technical efficiency or interests. The authors also find indications of an inverted U-shaped relationship between the collaboration recruiting power of a journal in an academic field and decoupling. This collaboration recruiting power is closely related to the journal’s position in academic rankings.

Practical implications

The authors have shown that, although some scientific journals can deal with internationalisation pressures, for others, this is difficult and leads to decoupling and opaqueness. This is not a desirable situation. It can be counterproductive and draw attention to bureaucratic procedures.

Originality/value

This relation between opaqueness and institutional pressure for a group of organisations within the context of neo-institutional theory has not yet been verified empirically. This study’s results show how institutional pressure and organisational opaqueness are related in an organisational field. This theoretical contribution has practical implications because of decoupling’s potentially negative effects.
Making a digital and financial leap towards sustainable tourism in Ghana
Authors: Musah Alhassan , Yakubu Ibrahim Nandom , Shaibu Abdul-Fatawu
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The study investigates the impact of information and communications technology (ICT) and financial development on tourism development in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers employ data covering from 1995Q1 to 2020Q4 and apply the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) estimation technique.

Findings

The findings reveal that ICT exerts a positive significant impact on tourism development in both long- and short-term periods. The authors find that financial development has a negative significant effect on tourism development in the long run. However, financial development significantly increases tourism revenue in the short term. The results further reveal a significant positive link between infrastructure development and tourism receipts in the long run.

Originality/value

This study is a pioneering effort to investigate the impact of ICT and financial development on tourism development in Ghana, as far as the researchers are aware. Additionally, the use of an index of ICT adds novelty to the literature. In terms of policy, the findings of this study can inform policymakers on the importance of investing in ICT and financial development to boost the tourism industry in Ghana.
Paying attention in metaverse: an experiment on spatial attention allocation in extended reality shopping
Authors: Chen Juan , Xi Nannan , Pohjonen Vilma , Hamari Juho
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Metaverse, that is extended reality (XR)-based technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), are increasingly believed to facilitate fundamental human practice in the future. One of the vanguards of this development has been the consumption domain, where the multi-modal and multi-sensory technology-mediated immersion is expected to enrich consumers' experience. However, it remains unclear whether these expectations have been warranted in reality and whether, rather than enhancing the experience, metaverse technologies inhibit the functioning and experience, such as cognitive functioning and experience.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilizes a 2 (VR: yes vs no) × 2 (AR: yes vs no) between-subjects laboratory experiment. A total of 159 student participants are randomly assigned to one condition — a brick-and-mortar store, a VR store, an AR store and an augmented virtuality (AV) store — to complete a typical shopping task. Four spatial attention indicators — visit shift, duration shift, visit variation and duration variation — are compared based on attention allocation data converted from head movements extracted from recorded videos during the experiments.

Findings

This study identifies three essential effects of XR technologies on consumers' spatial attention allocation: the inattention effect, acceleration effect and imbalance effect. Specifically, the inattention effect (the attentional visit shift from showcased products to the environmental periphery) appears when VR or AR technology is applied to virtualize the store and disappears when AR and VR are used together. The acceleration effect (the attentional duration shift from showcased products to the environmental periphery) exists in the VR store. Additionally, AR causes an imbalance effect (the attentional duration variation increases horizontally among the showcased products).

Originality/value

This study provides valuable empirical evidence of how VR and AR influence consumers' spatial bias in attention allocation, filling the research gap on cognitive function in the metaverse. This study also provides practical guidelines for retailers and XR designers and developers.
Innovative attributes, brand reputation and behavioral consequences in the clothing industry: the roles of self-congruity and value consciousness
Authors: Nik Hashim Nik Mohd Hazrul , Khalid Nor Rahimy , Mokhtaruddin Suraya Akmar , Al Mamun Abdullah , Razzaque Mohammed Abdur
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Researchers have paid little attention to elucidating how customer-perceived innovative apparel attributes are linked to brand reputation and consumer buying behaviors. This study intends to bridge that gap by providing empirical evidence on the effects of product novelty, product difference and product inimitability on brand reputation and behavioral intentions in the context of garment purchasing. We also investigate the moderating effects of self-congruity and value consciousness on the attribute‒brand reputation linkages, as well as their immediate influence on the domain variables.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model was estimated using data from a web-based survey of 299 female apparel customers. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the relationships between variables.

Findings

The results indicate that product novelty, product inimitability, self-congruity and value consciousness significantly influence brand reputation. The results also demonstrate that self-congruity, value consciousness and brand reputation have direct effects on behavioral intention, while self-congruity and value consciousness appear to moderate the relationship between innovative product attributes and brand reputation.

Originality/value

This study is the first to present a conceptual model that systematically encompasses product innovation, brand perceptions and behavioral links in the field of women's clothing. The findings have important implications for both academics and practitioners in the field of fashion marketing.
How to talk (and not to talk) about school shootings
Authors: Scheper‐Hughes Nancy
Published: September 2023

In this guest editorial, the author addresses the latest school shootings at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. This event is weighed up against reports written by prominent academics, including anthropologists, during previous school shootings.
Filiation as a crossroads in Bahia
Authors: de Pina‐Cabral João
Published: September 2023

Drawing on ethnographic material collected in Bahia (Brazil) between 2004 and 2011, this article presents an alternative account of the notion of ‘filiation’ that avoids the equivoques concerning this concept that are dominant within contemporary anthropological discourses on kinship. The story of a lay preacher whose faith responds to her lack of a father figure illuminates how the constitution of personhood is based on filiation as a triangulation.
A pretext for plunder? Environmental change and state‐led redevelopment in the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Kawa Nicholas C. , Ulmer Gordon L. , Silverstein Sydney M.
Published: September 2023

In 2014, the Peruvian federal government declared the low‐income neighbourhood of Pueblo Libre de Belén in the Amazonian city of Iquitos to be in a state of emergency. A federal decree stated that ‘constant inundation’ from the Itaya River had put residents and their homes in jeopardy. Following this declaration, the federal government proposed to resettle residents in a planned community, 13 km outside the city. Drawing from interviews with 77 households in the neighbourhood, this article examines residents' responses to the relocation plan as well as their deep scepticism over the motivations driving it. Considering the state's plans for redeveloping the area as a tourist zone, this case study illustrates how concerns about the future impacts of environmental change – and flooding specifically – can be exploited by state actors for economic and political gain while further disenfranchising vulnerable urban populations.
The enhanced recovery after surgery program in elderly patients over 75 years of age undergoing elective colorectal cancer surgery
Authors: Hung Dorothy Sze Wing , Chu Colin Wai Ho , Kwok Kam Hung
Published: September 2023

Aim

The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program has been well established for patients undergoing colorectal surgery. However, there has been a lack of studies on its use for elderly patients. Our unit implemented the ERAS program in September 2018. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcome of the ERAS program in patients over 75 years who are undergoing colorectal surgery.

Patients and Methods

In this retrospective study, we compared all patients aged 75 and above who were admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for elective colorectal cancer surgery before the implementation of the ERAS program (1 January 2016 to 31 August 2018) with those treated after its implementation (1 April 2019 to March 2022). The primary end point was the post‐operative length of stay. The secondary end points were wound infection, retention of urine, pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, use of total parenteral nutrition, acute coronary syndrome, blood transfusion, reoperation, in‐hospital mortality, unplanned readmission within 28 days and Clinical Fragility Score.

Results

A total of 258 patients were included. The median length of stay was 8.4 days in the pre‐ERAS group vs 6.8 days in the ERAS group. In‐patient death (1.4% in the pre‐ERAS group vs 0.9% in the ERAS group) and readmission rate (7.7% in the pre‐ERAS group vs 12.2% in the ERAS group) were similar between the two groups. About 31.5% of patients in the pre‐ERAS group had higher Clinical Fragility Scale post‐operatively as compared with 7.8% in the ERAS group.

Conclusion

The ERAS program shortened the length of hospital stay by 1.6 days, and patients had lower Clinical Fragility Scale post‐operatively. Adverse events were not increased. The ERAS program can be safely applied to elderly patients with colorectal cancer.
Comparative outcomes of hemodialysis patients facing pre‐Omicron and Omicron COVID‐19 epidemics
Authors: Beppu Hiroko , Fukuda Tatsuya , Otsubo Naoya , Akihisa Taro , Kawanishi Tomoko , Ogawa Toshie , Abe Yasutomo , Endo Mariko , Hanawa Tomohide , Sugita Chise , Kikkawa Yoshiaki , Yamada Tetsuya , Wakai Sachiko
Published: September 2023

Introduction

This study elucidates factors affecting the severity and mortality in pre‐Omicron and Omicron strains of SARS‐CoV‐2 and vaccination impact.

Methods

This single‐center retrospective observational study included 1598 hospitalized COVID‐19 patients. Patients were grouped into “pre‐Omicron” and “Omicron” periods. The endpoint was severe COVID‐19 (oxygen saturation [SpO2] < 94%). Logistic regression examined associations between clinical factors, including hemodialysis (HD), and the endpoint.

Results

The HD patient mortality rate dropped from 16% pre‐Omicron to 4% during the Omicron epidemic. HD was significantly associated with the study endpoint in both epidemics. Unvaccinated patients had a greater risk of reaching the study endpoint among patients receiving HD.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the Omicron variant, alongside vaccination and healthcare innovations, led to improved prognoses for HD patients with COVID‐19. However, HD patients remain at a greater risk for severe COVID‐19. Increased vaccination rates and optimized healthcare resources can improve this vulnerable population's prognoses.
Verification of the efficacy of deciduae for determining the genetic type of mouse embryos
Authors: Imai Hiroyuki , Iwamori Naoki , Iwamori Tokuko , Matsuya Sumito , Kano Kiyoshi , Kusakabe Ken Takeshi
Published: September 2023

Mouse embryos in the early‐implantation stage require manipulation under a microscope. While the extraction of DNA, RNA and proteins from a single sample allows for both determination of genetic type and analysis of gene expression, whole mount analysis is not possible. In this study, we explored the applicability of PCR using extraembryonic tissues, especially the decidual side tissue after isolating the embryos from implantation sites to establish a method for determining the genetic type of embryos. The implantation site was resected at each day from the date of vaginal plug confirmation, separated into embryos and deciduae. Genomic DNA were isolated separately from the embryos and the deciduae. PCR was performed using these genomic DNA, and the band patterns were compared after electrophoresis. As a result, we demonstrated that detecting embryo‐derived cells in the decidua allows determination of the sex and presence of transgenes without harming the mouse embryos themselves, from 8.5 days of age. This method enables the determination of the genetic type of mouse embryos without damaging. This technique would expand the adaptations for analysis of mouse implanted embryos.
International responses addressing the under‐representation of older people in clinical research
Authors: Markham Susan C. , McNab Justin , O'Loughlin Kate , Clemson Lindy
Published: September 2023

Older people (aged 65 years +) are under‐represented in clinical research across many disease areas. Such exclusions limit the generalisability of trial results and can lead to a gap in critical knowledge regarding the efficacy and safety of interventions in older age groups. International bodies and regulators have addressed this issue to varying degrees. The USA's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has produced regular non‐binding guidance about the inclusion of older trial participants, while the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) binding regulations mean that those seeking research funding must include participants of all ages unless there are scientific or ethical reasons to exclude them. European regulations governing clinical trials of new medications require that participants represent the population groups that are likely to use the product being tested, while Britain highlights the need to improve trial participation of under‐served groups, which include older people. Australian clinical trial guidelines point to the potential problem of excluding some groups from research but do not specifically address older participants. While current international approaches may provide some improvements in trial representation, additional strategies are required to promote clinical research that better reflects populations seen in clinical practice. Australia could benefit from clinical trial guidance that highlights the specific issue of the under‐representation of older participants and outlines strategies to facilitate greater inclusion. This article provides an overview and critique of the current approaches to the inclusion of older people in clinical research and highlights policy gaps and limitations of current strategies.
Exploring patient experiences of participating in digital cardiac rehabilitation: A qualitative study
Authors: Kenny Eanna , Byrne Molly , McEvoy John W. , Connolly Susan , McSharry Jenny
Published: September 2023

Objective

Digital cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has emerged as a promising alternative to in‐person CR. Understanding patients' experiences and perceptions can provide valuable insights into what makes these programmes successful and identify opportunities for improvement. This study aimed to explore patients' experiences of digital CR and to understand the factors that make these programmes successful.

Design

A qualitative approach was taken.

Methods

From March to August 2022, we conducted semi‐structured interviews with patients who were referred to one of two digital CR programmes offered on the island of Ireland. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. A public and patient involvement panel guided the recruitment strategy and assisted with data analysis.

Results

Eleven patients, predominantly male (82%) and with a mean age of 64 (range 50–75), participated in the study. Five themes were developed: (1) Empowered patients; (2) Controlling the recovery; (3) At home but not alone; (4) The world at your (digital) doorstep and; (5) Challenges of interacting online. Participants reported that digital CR equipped them with the necessary tools and support to modify their lifestyle and effectively manage their recovery. However, the opportunities for social interaction were limited and communicating online was not always straightforward.

Conclusions

Participants reported that digital CR guided them towards recovery and improved their sense of empowerment and control. However, the limited opportunities for social interaction may represent a challenge for patients seeking social support.
Development and evaluation of the Family Needs Questionnaire for Pediatric Rehabilitation
Authors: Gan Caron , Chernodon Kristina , Wright F. Virginia
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To develop the Family Needs Questionnaire—Pediatric Rehabilitation (FNQ‐PR) version and evaluate the reliability and concurrent validity of this self‐report measure for caregivers of children with disabilities who receive pediatric rehabilitation services.

Materials/Methods

The 39‐item FNQ‐PR was developed through a modified Delphi Technique. For test–retest evaluation, parents completed the FNQ‐PR twice through an online REDCap survey, 1–3 weeks apart. Concurrent validity data (parent‐report Impact on Family Scale [IFS‐15] and Measure of Processes of Care [MPOC‐20]) were collected at baseline. Reliability analyses included ICCs (95%CI) and internal consistency evaluation.

Results

Twenty‐five caregivers of children ages 2–18 years (mean age 12.2 years) with a disability completed the FNQ‐PR at baseline, and 21 completed the retest. FNQ‐PR total score demonstrated excellent test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.84); internal consistency was high. The FNQ‐PR total score was strongly negatively associated with IFS‐15 total score (r = −0.62) and showed fair to strong association with MPOC subscale scores (0.45 ≤ r ≤ 0.70). Participants did not identify issues with the online format or FNQ‐PR item rating.

Conclusions

The FNQ‐PR demonstrated excellent overall reliability and strong evidence of validity. It fills a gap in clinical care of families of children with disabilities, providing a systematic way for families to identify the extent to which their needs are perceived to have been met. Clinicians can use this tool to target unmet needs that are most important to families. FNQ‐PR use in future research will support exploration of the impact of specific child and family factors on family needs.
The relationship of children's dental clinical status with school performance and school attendance in the Kingdom of Bahrain: A life‐course approach
Authors: Mohamed Seham A. S. , Baker Sarah R. , Deery Christopher , Vettore Mario V.
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To examine the association between dental clinical status and school performance and school attendance in the Kingdom of Bahrain (KoB) using a life‐course framework.

Methods

This time‐ordered cross‐sectional study included 466 school children in Grade 2 (aged 7–8 years) and their parents in the KoB. Data were collected through parents' self‐administered questionnaires, children's face‐to‐face interviews and dental clinical examinations. Data on children's school performance and school attendance were gathered from parents and school records. Structural equation modelling (SEM) examined the direct and indirect pathways between variables.

Results

Children born in families with high socio‐economic status (SES) were less likely to have dental caries and more likely to have better school performance at 7–8 years of age. Dentine caries was directly linked with poor school performance. Treated teeth directly predicted high school performance. The presence of dentine caries mediated the relationship of SES with school performance.

Conclusions

Birth and current socio‐economic factors were significant predictors of dental clinical conditions and school performance. Dental caries and fewer treated teeth directly predicted poor school performance.
PCV‐VG combined individualized PEEP determination in one‐lung ventilated patients with PEEP step change direction: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Guowei , Ma Saixian , Shu Qian , Fang Zhuhong , Yan Zhiwen , Si Bo
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The efficacy of pressure‐controlled volume‐guaranteed ventilation (PCV‐VG) combined with a gradient‐directional change in positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP) during one‐lung ventilation (OLV) in patients who underwent thoracoscopic surgery was investigated.

Methods

Ninety patients were randomly divided into the PC (PCV‐VG + 5 cm H2O fixed PEEP), PI (PCV‐VG + incremental PEEP titration), and PD (PCV‐VG + decremental PEEP titration) groups. Hemodynamic (heart rate [HR] and mean arterial pressure [MAP]), respiratory mechanics (Ppeak, Pmean, and Cdyn), and arterial blood gas (pH, PaCO2, PaO2, and PaO2/FiO2) indices were evaluated at T1 (10 min of two‐lung ventilation [TLV]), T2 (10 min of OLV), and T3 (10 min of recovery, TLV). Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was performed to detect neutrophil elastase (NE), clara cell secretory protein (CC16), and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) levels at T1 and T3.

Results

At T2 and T3, Ppeak was lower in the PI and PD groups than in the PC group, while Pmean and Cdyn were higher than in the PC group. Ppeak in the PD group was lower than that in the PI group; however, Pmean was higher at T2 and T3 (P < 0.05). At T2, PaO2 and PaO2/FiO2 were higher, but PaO2/FiO2 and VD/VT were lower in the PD and PI groups than in the PC group (P < 0.05). NE, CC16, IL‐6, and IL‐8 levels were elevated in all three groups at T3, but the PI and PD groups had lower levels than the PC group (P < 0.05). The incidences of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) and surgical intensive care unit hospitalizations in the PD and PI groups were much lower.

Conclusion

Gradient‐directed altered PEEP titration could improve respiratory mechanics, arterial blood gases, and inflammatory responses and reduce the incidence of PPCs in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery.
Do outcomes for heart transplantation differ based on donor and recipient race?
Authors: Blitzer David , Pegues J'Undra N. , Lirette Seth T. , Baran David A. , Colvin Monica , Hayanga Awori , Copeland Hannah
Published: September 2023

Purpose

There are limited data examining the impact of both donor and recipient race on outcomes following orthotopic heart transplant (OHT). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between donor and recipient race and OHT outcomes.

Methods

The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database was retrospectively reviewed from January 2000 to March 2018 for donor hearts. A comparison was conducted based on donor and recipient race (White, Black, Hispanic, Other/Unknown). Races for which there were limited numbers were excluded from the analysis (Asian, n = 1292; American Indian, n = 132; Pacific Islander, n = 132, Multiple ethnicities, n = 225). The primary endpoint was survival at 30 days, 1 year survival, and post‐transplant rejection. Logistic and Cox models were used to quantify survival endpoints.

Results

A total of 41 841 OHT were included. Of the recipients, 29 894 (71%) were White, 8475 (20%) were Black, and 3472 (8%) were Hispanic. Of the donors 27 783 (66%) were White, 6277 (15%) were Black, 6576 (16%) were Hispanic, and 1205 (3%) were Unknown/Other race. In a comparison of recipient demographics, White recipients were older (54.09 ± 12.21 years) compared to Black (49.44 ± 12.83 years) and Hispanic (49.97 ± 13.27 years) recipients. All other differences between groups were not clinically significant. Black recipients were more likely to receive a heart with an “urgent” status (probability .80) compared to White (.73) and Hispanic (.75) recipients (p < .001). Hispanic recipients were more likely to receive a transplant when listed as “non‐urgent” (Probability .47) compared to White (.37) and Black (.30) recipients (p < .001). In terms of outcomes, compared to White recipients, Hispanic patients experienced a decreased 30‐day survival (OR 1.27; p = .011) and 1‐year survival (OR 1.17; p = .016). In comparing Donor/Recipient combinations compared to a White Donor/White Recipient combination, overall survival was decreased in White donor/African American recipient (HR 1.36; p < .001), African American donor/African American recipient (HR 1.41; p < .001) and Hispanic donor/African American recipient (HR 1.30; p < .001) combinations (Table 1).

Conclusions

African American and Hispanic recipients have decreased survival compared to White recipients after heart transplant. The African American donor does not decrease survival. Racial differences still exist in donor and recipient characteristics and recipient outcomes after OHT. Increasing the donor pool for all races and ethnicities would potentially benefit all recipients. Continued study is warranted in order to minimize these differences among recipients and identify factors that could be contributing to decreased survival, in order to optimize outcomes for African American and Hispanic recipients post‐transplant and eliminate disparities.
Emotion regulation as a complex system: A multi‐contextual and multi‐ level approach to understanding emotion expression and cortisol reactivity among Chinese and US preschoolers
Authors: Ip Ka I , Miller Alison L. , Wang Li , Felt Barbara , Olson Sheryl L. , Tardif Twila
Published: September 2023

Are children from “Eastern” cultures less emotionally expressive and reactive than children from “Western” cultures? To answer this, we used a multi‐level and multi‐contextual approach to understand variations in emotion displays and cortisol reactivity among preschoolers living in China and the United States. One hundred two preschoolers from China (N = 58; 55% males) and the United States (N = 44, 48% males) completed three (i.e., control, interpersonal‐related, and achievement‐related) emotion‐challenging paradigms over 3 days. Behavioral emotion expressions were coded, and salivary cortisol was sampled 30 minutes before and across 90 minutes post‐task. Without considering context, Chinese preschoolers displayed fewer levels of positive and negative emotion expressions relative to their United States counterparts. However, Chinese preschoolers displayed similar levels of expressions as their United States counterparts during an achievement‐related challenge that is more salient to their sociocultural emphases and showed higher negative emotion expressions in this challenge, relative to other contexts. Moreover, only the achievement‐related challenge elicited increased cortisol levels among Chinese preschoolers, and this was correlated with higher levels of negative expressions. For US preschoolers, no cortisol increase was observed in any challenging paradigms, nor was cortisol associated with emotional expressions. Findings counter prior notions that East Asian children are generally less emotionally expressive. Instead, an achievement‐related challenge elicited higher emotion expression and cortisol reactivity among Chinese preschoolers, suggesting that children's emotion expression and biological reactivity may be most responsive to contexts salient to their socio‐cultural environments. We discuss the importance of considering cultural contexts when studying emotion regulation.

Research Highlights

Chinese preschoolers displayed lower overall positive and negative expressions relative to their US counterparts without considering situational contexts.

Chinese preschoolers displayed similar levels of emotion expressions as their US counterparts during an achievement‐related challenge salient to their social‐cultural environment.

Chinese preschoolers are particularly responsive to achievement‐related challenges, relative to other emotion‐challenging situations that are less culturally salient.

No cortisol increase was observed in any of the emotion‐challenging paradigms among US preschoolers.

Children's emotion expression and biological reactivity may be most responsive to challenges relevant to their socio‐cultural environments.
Exploring spatial and temporal patterns of viral infection across populations of the Melissa blue butterfly
Authors: McKeegan Kelli J. , Muchoney Nadya D. , Teglas Mike B. , Forister Matthew L. , Smilanich Angela M.
Published: September 2023

Identifying patterns of pathogen infection in natural systems is crucial to understanding mechanisms of host–pathogen interactions. In this study, we explored how Junonia coenia densovirus (JcDV) infection varies over space and time in populations of the Melissa blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa: Lycaenidae) using two different host plants. Collections of L. melissa adults from multiple populations and years, along with host plant tissue and community samples of arthropods found on host plants, were screened to determine JcDV prevalence and load. Additionally, we sampled at multiple time points within a single L. melissa flight season to investigate intra‐annual variation in infection patterns.

We found population‐specific variation in viral prevalence of L. melissa across collection years, with historical samples potentially having higher viral prevalence than contemporary samples, although host plant diet was not informative for these patterns. Patterns of infection across multiple generations within a flight season showed that late‐season samples had a higher proportion of JcDV‐positive individuals, suggesting an accumulation of virus over the season. Sequence data from a segment of the JcDV capsid gene showed a lack of viral genetic diversity between L. melissa collected from different localities, and little to no viral particles were found in the surrounding environment.

Our discovery of temporal variation in infection suggests that multiple sampling efforts must be made when describing pathogen prevalence in multivoltine hosts. Our findings represent an important first step towards further exploration of the ecological factors mediating disease prevalence and host‐specific variability of infection in wild insect populations.
Convolutional neural networks applied to data organized as OLAP cubes
Authors: Caputo Rodrigo Ribeiro , dos Santos Edimilson Batista , da Rocha Leonardo Chaves Dutra
Published: September 2023

This paper presents a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architecture named OlapNet, which incorporates implicit operations of OLAP cubes (or data cubes). OLAP cubes are produced from database tables or spreadsheets and they allow particular operations that support performing complex queries efficiently. OlapNet permits evaluating various combinations of these OLAP operations in its search space and thus, it enables, in part, to automate the data transformation step in the knowledge discovery process. A sample of data from an actual database containing anonymized data on the debt history of customers of a financial institution has been used to evaluate our proposal. A predictive classification problem to estimate the probability of any given customer contracting new credits in the next three months has been modelled from these data. Then, traditional methods of Machine Learning and CNN were applied. The results showed that CNN, using the OlapNet architecture, outperforms traditional methods in almost all cases, indicating that the proposed architecture is quite promising.
Histological findings associated with treatment response in cutaneous leishmaniasis: a clinicopathological correlation study
Authors: Riyal Hasna , Samaranayake Nilakshi , Amarathunga Priyani , Munidasa Deepani , Karunaweera Nadira D.
Published: September 2023

Background

Treatment responses to cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) observed in Sri Lanka show variability, ranging from quick healing to delayed or failed responses to routine medication. The determinants of these differences in treatment response are not well defined. This study aimed to identify predictive features of treatment response and outcome in localized CL caused by Leishmania donovani, focusing on both clinical and histopathological findings in the patients.

Methods

Tissue sections (n = 103) derived from 3 mm punch biopsies of parasitologically confirmed patients were assessed. Patients were followed up weekly until complete healing of skin lesions and were reviewed at the end of 6 months and 1 year.

Results

Healing required 7–21 weekly doses of intralesional sodium stibogluconate (IL‐SSG) (mean = 12.2 ± 0.622). Twenty‐nine (28.1%) patients were identified as delayed responders. None had recurred at the end of 1 year. The demographic or clinical features (age, gender, lesion type, size, location, and lesion duration) did not significantly influence the treatment response. A heavy parasite load and acanthosis were significant predictors of a delayed response to treatment (P < 0.001). Higher parasite loads were associated with inflammation of the entire dermis (P = 0.008), more intense infiltration of macrophages (p = 0.001), and epidermal atrophy (P = 0.033). Well‐formed granulomas were inversely proportional to parasite loads.

Conclusions

Histology findings proved to be better prognostic markers than clinical features for delayed responders to treatment and will aid in targeted patient management when tissue biopsies are performed in the initial diagnosis of CL.
Fundamental Investors Reduce the Distraction on Management from Random Market “Noise”: Evidence from France
Authors: Garel Alexandre , Rérolle Jean‐Florent
Published: September 2023

The authors find that financial markets have real effects on corporate decisions but that, unfortunately, some temporary market enthusiasm, unrelated to firm intrinsic value, may cause management to make value‐destroying decisions as the result of random and uninformed stock market volatility. In particular, they are prone to making bad decisions after stock market overreactions to “surprise” earnings announcements.

This study shows a positive effect of greater long‐term ownership on French listed firms. Fundamental investor ownership reduces the degree of market mispricing which serves long‐run shareholder value maximization. A fundamental investor is one that, on average, hold his shares for at least two years, is in the top quartile of a firm ownership, and has an active allocation strategy. They are about 8% of all investors. Compared to non‐fundamental investors, fundamental investors hold their positions on average three times longer and have positions 1.5 times larger. Fundamental investors are more present in firms which have more liquid stocks, which pay dividends, and which are relatively poorer performers and have relatively lower market‐to‐book than their industry peers.
Biomarker of Quality? Venture‐backed Biotech IPOs and Insider Participation
Authors: Jeppsson Hans
Published: September 2023

Corporate financial managers of biotech firms need long‐term financing to reach key milestones, and that requires a long‐ term capital structure. They must balance a mix of investors with different objectives and different investment horizons that includes traditional venture capitalists and also hedge funds and mutual funds. This study helps practitioners understand the complex role of exit decisions, as venture capitalists seek better exit strategies and performance. IPOs are financing but not “exit” moves.

In addition to certifying firm value, insider purchasing of shares in the IPO offering has two major consequences. First, venture capitalists reallocate large sums of capital from early‐stage to late‐stage deals that are expected to have lower risk (but also lower expected return) and shorter time to exit. Second, the speed at which VCs exit after the IPO depends on the firm ownership structure after the IPO and the stock liquidity. Going public with a significant participation by venture capitalists will probably increase the post‐IPO ownership and decrease the free float of the stock, implying a delay of the exit and the realization of the capital gains from the investments.

Although this study has focused exclusively on the biotechnology industry, insider participation is not unique to it. Biotech's venture brethren in the software and technology industries also have insider participation in IPOs. During 2003–2015, approximately 41 venture‐backed firms outside of the biotechnology sector had insider participation.
The levels and related factors of posttraumatic growth among nurses: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Jinfeng , Luo Zhipeng , Liao Xinqi , Zeng Yanli , Zhou Jing , Liu Minyan , Yao Yue , Tian Jie , Luo Wanting
Published: September 2023

Accessible Summary

What is known on the subject?

Nurses often encounter traumatic events in their clinical practice.

Trauma can have both negative effects, such as post‐traumatic stress disorder and positive effects, such as growth and positive emotions.

Posttraumatic growth is beneficial for nurses, as it contributes to positive mental health outcomes and increases life satisfaction.

What the paper adds to existing knowledge?

Our study confirms that nurses commonly experience posttraumatic growth after being exposed to traumatic events, and the level of growth is moderate.

We have identified individual, work‐related, and social and organizational factors that may influence the occurrence of posttraumatic growth among nurses.

What are the implications for practice?

Our findings provide valuable insights for interventions aimed at promoting posttraumatic growth among nurses. It is crucial to consider individual factors, work‐related factors, and social and organizational factors when designing these interventions. By addressing these factors, healthcare professionals can support nurses in coping with trauma and facilitate their posttraumatic growth.

Introduction

While the negative effects of trauma on nurses have been well‐documented, it is equally important to focus on ways to promote posttraumatic growth (PTG) among nurses.

Aim

This study aims to explore the levels and related factors of PTG among nurses.

Method

A comprehensive search was conducted across nine databases up to 26 December 2022. The pooled mean score for PTG was calculated and presented with a 95% confidence interval. Subgroup and meta‐regression analyses were performed to identify potential moderators of PTG among nurses.

Results

A total of 55 studies, involving 35,621 nurses from 11 countries and regions, were included in this review. The pooled scores of the PTG indicated that nurses experienced a moderate level of PTG (55.69, 95% CI: 50.67–60.72).

Discussion

Nurses commonly experience PTG following exposure to traumatic events, with a moderate level of PTG. Our systematic review highlights the potential determinants of PTG among nurses, including individual, work‐related, and social and organizational factors.

Implications for Practice

Targeting these factors in interventions can provide nurses with the necessary resources and support to effectively cope with stress and trauma, and potentially facilitate PTG.
Abnormal prefrontal functional network in adult obstructive sleep apnea: A resting‐state fNIRS study
Authors: Mingming Zhao , Wenhong Chen , Xiaoying Mo , Yang Jianrong , Liu Howe(Hao) , Lingli Shi , Hongwu Ma , Zhirong Jiang
Published: September 2023

To assess prefrontal brain network abnormality in adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), resting‐state functional near infrared spectroscopy (rs‐fNIRS) was used to evaluate 52 subjects, including 27 with OSA and 25 healthy controls (HC). The study found that patients with OSA had a decreased connection edge number, particularly in the connection between the right medial frontal cortex (MFG‐R) and other right‐hemisphere regions. Graph‐based analysis also revealed that patients with OSA had a lower global efficiency, local efficiency, and clustering coefficient than the HC group. Additionally, the study found a significant positive correlation between the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score and both the connection edge number and the graph‐based indicators in patients with OSA. These preliminary results suggest that prefrontal rs‐fNIRS could be a useful tool for objectively and quantitatively assessing cognitive function impairment in patients with OSA.