bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depressed mood as a transdiagnostic target relevant to anxiety and/or psychosis: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Dambi Jermaine , Mavindidze Edwin , Nyamayaro Primrose , Beji-Chauke Rhulani , Tunduwani Tariro Dee , Shava Beatrice K , Mavhu Webster , Abas Melanie , Chibanda Dixon , Nhunzvi Clement
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Depressed mood is a psychological state characterised by sadness or loss of interest in activities. Depressed mood is a highly prevalent symptom across major mental disorders. However, there is limited understanding of the burden and management of comorbid depressed mood across major mental disorders. Therefore, this scoping review aims to summarise knowledge on depressed mood among persons with anxiety and/or psychosis. The specific aims are to describe the epidemiology and risk factors of depressed mood as a transdiagnostic target among persons with anxiety and/or psychosis, to identify commonly used outcome measures for depressed mood and to outline initial evidence of psychometric robustness and to identify and summarise the effectiveness of commonly applied depressed mood modification interventions. Our hope is that the proposed review will provide insights into the burden of depressed mood in persons with anxiety and psychosis and help to identify evidence gaps and recommendations for future research.

Methods and analysis

This scoping review will be conducted per Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. We will first search for peer-reviewed articles and grey literature published from 2004 to 2023 in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Africa-Wide Information, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Academic Search Premier, Humanities International Complete, Sabinet, SocINDEX, Open Grey and Google Scholar. We will include articles reporting depressed mood (subthreshold depression) among persons with anxiety and/or psychosis. Studies recruiting participants meeting depression diagnostic criteria and those published in non-English languages will be excluded. Two independent researchers will extract the data. We will analyse and chart data collaboratively with researchers with lived experiences of depressed mood.

Ethics and dissemination

This study does not require ethical approval as it is a literature review. The results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
Qualitative study exploring the views of patients and healthcare providers on current rehabilitation practices after lumbar fusion surgery
Authors: Thys Tinne , Bogaert Liedewij , Dankaerts Wim , Depreitere Bart , Van Wambeke Peter , Brumangne Simon , Bultheel Michael , Vanden Abeele Vero , Moke Lieven , Spriet Ann , Schelfaut Sebastiaan , Janssens Lotte , Swinnen Thijs Willem
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To explore the views of patients and healthcare providers on current rehabilitation after lumbar fusion surgery (LFS) to fuel the development of a novel rehabilitation care pathway.

Design

A cross-sectional, qualitative study with an interpretive descriptive design.

Setting

Academic and non-academic hospital setting in Belgium.

Participants

31 caregivers from (non)-academic settings and 5 patients with LFS were purposefully sampled and in-depth interviewed.

Results

Out of the data of all interviews, participants reported opinions on 23 thematic clusters that were expressed in a time-contingent manner from the preoperative, perioperative to postoperative phase. Afterwards, themes were mapped to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, with a larger role for concepts related to the innovation, inner and individual domain. As an overarching theme, the importance of an ‘individualised, patient-centred rehabilitation built on a strong therapeutic alliance with an accessible interprofessional team’ was stressed for patients undergoing LFS. Specifically, participants stated that a biopsychosocial approach to rehabilitation should start in the preoperative phase and immediately be continued postoperatively. No consensus was observed for movement restrictions postoperatively. Uniform communication between the involved caregivers was considered essential for optimal therapeutic alliance and clinical outcome. The precise role and competence of each member of the interprofessional team needs, therefore, to be clearly defined, respected and discussed. An accessible case manager to guide the patient trajectory and tackle problems could further support this. Interestingly, only patients, psychologists and physiotherapists addressed return to work as an important outcome after LFS.

Conclusions

This qualitative study identified key experiences and points to consider in the current and future rehabilitation pathway for LFS. Future research should incorporate these findings to build a novel rehabilitation pathway for LFS and evaluate its feasibility and cost-effectiveness.

Trial registration number

This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03427294).
Electronic health record-based behaviour change interventions aimed at general practitioners in the UK: a mixed methods systematic review using behaviour change theory
Authors: Soames Jamie , Pettigrew Luisa M
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Electronic health record (EHR) systems are used extensively in healthcare; their design can influence clinicians’ behaviour. We conducted a systematic review of EHR-based interventions aimed at changing the clinical practice of general practitioners in the UK, assessed their effectiveness and applied behaviour change theory to identify lessons for other settings.

Design

Mixed methods systematic review.

Data sources

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and APA PsycINFO were searched up to March 2023.

Eligibility criteria

Quantitative and qualitative findings from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) controlled before-and-after studies and interrupted time series of EHR-based interventions in UK general practice were included.

Data extraction and synthesis

Quantitative synthesis was based on Cochrane’s Synthesis without Meta-analysis. Interventions were categorised using the Behaviour Change Wheel and MINDSPACE frameworks and effectiveness determined by vote-counting using direction of effect. Inductive thematic synthesis was used for qualitative studies.

Results

Database searching identified 3824 unique articles; 10 were included (from 2002 to 2021), comprising eight RCTs and two associated qualitative studies. Four of seven quantitative studies showed a positive effect on clinician behaviour and three on patient-level outcomes. Behaviour change techniques that may trigger emotions and required less cognitive engagement appeared to have positive effects. Qualitative findings indicated that interventions reassured clinicians of their decisions but were sometimes ignored.

Conclusion

Despite widespread use, there is little high quality, up-to-date experimental evidence evaluating the effectiveness of EHR-based interventions in UK general practice. The evidence suggested EHR-based interventions may be effective at changing behaviour. Persistent, simple action-oriented prompts appeared more effective than complex interventions requiring greater cognitive engagement. However, studies lacked detail in intervention design and theory behind design choices. Future research should seek to optimise EHR-based behaviour change intervention design and delineate limitations, providing theory-based justification for interventions. This will be of increasing importance with the growing use of EHRs to influence clinicians’ decisions.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022341009.
Exploring what GP registrars consider distinctive to consultations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Brumpton Kay , Woodall Hannah , Evans Rebecca , Neill Henry , Sen Gupta Tarun , McArthur Lawrie , Ward Raelene
Published: May 2024

Background and objective

Understanding what general practice (GP) registrars consider as distinctive in their consultations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients may help bridge the gap between patient-determined cultural safety and current medical and behavioural practice. This project seeks to explore what GP registrars perceive as distinctive to their consultations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.

Methods

This mixed-methods study involved a survey considering demographic details of GP registrars, questionnaire regarding attitude and cultural capability, and semistructured interviews.

Results

26 registrars completed the survey. 16 registrars completed both the survey and the interview. Despite recognising a need to close the gap on health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and wanting to do things differently, most registrars adopted a generic approach to all consultations.

Discussion

This study suggests that overall, GP registrars want to improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, but do not want their consultations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients to be distinctive. Registrars appeared to approach all consultations in a similar manner using predominantly patient-centred care principles. Given the importance of a culturally safe consultation, it is important for us to consider how to increasingly transform these learners and teach cultural safety in this context.
Characterising incident opioid use among incident users of prescription sedative hypnotics: A national cohort study
Authors: Thornton James Douglas , Varisco Tyler , Patel Harshil , Shrestha Mina , Wanat Matthew , Schaefer Eric , Leslie Douglas , Zhao Hui , Saadi Randa Al , Shen Chan
Published: May 2024

Objective

To evaluate co-prescribing of sedatives hypnotics and opioids.

Design

Retrospective study evaluating the association of patient characteristics and comorbidities with coprescribing.

Setting and participants

Using the national Merative MarketScan Database between 2005 and 2018, we identified patients who received an incident sedative prescription with or without subsequent, incident opioid prescriptions within a year of the sedative prescription in the USA.

Outcome measures

Coprescription of sedative-hypnotics and opioids.

Results

A total of 2 632 622 patients (mean (SD) age, 43.2 (12.34) years; 1 297 356 (62.5%) female) received incident prescriptions for sedatives over the course of the study period. The largest proportion of sedative prescribing included benzodiazepines (71.1%); however, z-drugs (19.9%) and barbiturates (9%) were also common. About 557 845 (21.2%) patients with incident sedatives also received incident opioid prescriptions. About 59.2% of these coprescribed patients received opioids coprescription on the same day. Multivariate logistic regression findings showed that individuals with a comorbidity index score of 1, 2 or ≥3 (aOR 1.19 (95% CI 1.17 to 1.21), 1.17 (95% C 1.14 to 1.19) and 1.25 (95% C 1.2 to 1.31)) and substance use disorder (1.21 (95% C 1.19 to 1.23)) were more likely to be coprescribed opioids and sedatives. The likelihood of receiving both opioid and sedative prescriptions was lower for female patients (aOR 0.93; 95% CI 0.92 to 0.94), and those receiving a barbiturate (aOR 0.3; 95% CI 0.29 to 0.31) or z-drugs (aOR 0.67; 95% CI 0.66 to 0.68) prescriptions at the index date.

Conclusions

Coprescription of sedatives with opioids was associated with the presence of comorbidities and substance use disorder, gender and types of sedatives prescribed at the index date. Additionally, more than half of the coprescribing occurred on the same day which warrants further evaluation of current prescribing and dispensing best practice guidelines.
Abnormal uterine bleeding and associated factors: a cross-sectional study in high-performance Peruvian athletes
Authors: Querevalú-Pancorbo Ivanna , Rojas-Cama Luis F , Soncco-Llulluy Fernando , Li Jair , Rosales-Rimache Jaime
Published: May 2024

Background

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a problem that affects women and can cause outcomes such as anaemia, affecting women’s quality of life. In high-performance athletes, this problem can be further exacerbated by intense physical activity, strict nutritional regimens and physical stress.

Hypothesis

There are factors that increase the risk of occurrence of AUB in high-performance Peruvian athletes.

Study design

Cross-sectional study.

Level of evidence

Level 4.

Methods

We applied an online questionnaire with questions to identify AUB according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics criteria, demographic characteristics, sport practised and evaluation of the risk of an eating disorder using the Eating Attitudes Test questionnaire. We used a generalised linear model to identify factors associated with AUB.

Results

We evaluated 101 participants whose mean age was 22.3±4.3 years. The body mass index had a mean of 22.6±2.4 kg/m2. From the total of athletes, 68.3% (95% CI 58.6% to 76.7%) presented AUB. The bivariate analysis showed that the type of sport and the duration of the sporting activity were associated (p<0.05) with AUB, with AUB frequencies of 76.5% observed in athletes who practised anaerobic sports. The multivariate analysis did not report factors significantly associated with AUB.

Conclusion

We found a high frequency of AUB in high-performance Peruvian athletes, especially in those who practice anaerobic and resistance sports.

Clinical relevance

High-performance female athletes health must be evaluated periodically, and immediate actions are taken to control and treat AUB.
Human enteric nervous system progenitor transplantation improves functional responses in Hirschsprung disease patient-derived tissue
Authors: Jevans Benjamin , Cooper Fay , Fatieieva Yuliia , Gogolou Antigoni , Kang Yi-Ning , Restuadi Restuadi , Moulding Dale , Vanden Berghe Pieter , Adameyko Igor , Thapar Nikhil , Andrews Peter W , De Coppi Paolo , Tsakiridis Anestis , McCann Conor J
Published: May 2024

Objective

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a severe congenital disorder affecting 1:5000 live births. HSCR results from the failure of enteric nervous system (ENS) progenitors to fully colonise the gastrointestinal tract during embryonic development. This leads to aganglionosis in the distal bowel, resulting in disrupted motor activity and impaired peristalsis. Currently, the only viable treatment option is surgical resection of the aganglionic bowel. However, patients frequently suffer debilitating, lifelong symptoms, with multiple surgical procedures often necessary. Hence, alternative treatment options are crucial. An attractive strategy involves the transplantation of ENS progenitors generated from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs).

Design

ENS progenitors were generated from hPSCs using an accelerated protocol and characterised, in detail, through a combination of single-cell RNA sequencing, protein expression analysis and calcium imaging. We tested ENS progenitors’ capacity to integrate and affect functional responses in HSCR colon, after ex vivo transplantation to organotypically cultured patient-derived colonic tissue, using organ bath contractility.

Results

We found that our protocol consistently gives rise to high yields of a cell population exhibiting transcriptional and functional hallmarks of early ENS progenitors. Following transplantation, hPSC-derived ENS progenitors integrate, migrate and form neurons/glia within explanted human HSCR colon samples. Importantly, the transplanted HSCR tissue displayed significantly increased basal contractile activity and increased responses to electrical stimulation compared with control tissue.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate, for the first time, the potential of hPSC-derived ENS progenitors to repopulate and increase functional responses in human HSCR patient colonic tissue.
Use of artificial intelligence chatbots in clinical management of immune-related adverse events
Authors: Burnette Hannah , Pabani Aliyah , von Itzstein Mitchell S , Switzer Benjamin , Fan Run , Ye Fei , Puzanov Igor , Naidoo Jarushka , Ascierto Paolo A , Gerber David E , Ernstoff Marc S , Johnson Douglas B
Published: May 2024

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots have become a major source of general and medical information, though their accuracy and completeness are still being assessed. Their utility to answer questions surrounding immune-related adverse events (irAEs), common and potentially dangerous toxicities from cancer immunotherapy, are not well defined.

Methods

We developed 50 distinct questions with answers in available guidelines surrounding 10 irAE categories and queried two AI chatbots (ChatGPT and Bard), along with an additional 20 patient-specific scenarios. Experts in irAE management scored answers for accuracy and completion using a Likert scale ranging from 1 (least accurate/complete) to 4 (most accurate/complete). Answers across categories and across engines were compared.

Results

Overall, both engines scored highly for accuracy (mean scores for ChatGPT and Bard were 3.87 vs 3.5, p<0.01) and completeness (3.83 vs 3.46, p<0.01). Scores of 1–2 (completely or mostly inaccurate or incomplete) were particularly rare for ChatGPT (6/800 answer-ratings, 0.75%). Of the 50 questions, all eight physician raters gave ChatGPT a rating of 4 (fully accurate or complete) for 22 questions (for accuracy) and 16 questions (for completeness). In the 20 patient scenarios, the average accuracy score was 3.725 (median 4) and the average completeness was 3.61 (median 4).

Conclusions

AI chatbots provided largely accurate and complete information regarding irAEs, and wildly inaccurate information (“hallucinations”) was uncommon. However, until accuracy and completeness increases further, appropriate guidelines remain the gold standard to follow
Equitable resource allocation in health emergencies: addressing racial disparities and ethical dilemmas
Authors: Zhang Chloe
Published: May 2024

This paper explores resource allocation complexities during health emergencies, focusing on pervasive racial disparities, notably affecting black communities. It aims to investigate alternatives to the Most Lives Saved approach, particularly its potential to exacerbate disparities. To analyse resource allocation strategies, the essay reviews the Dual-Principled System proposed by Bruce and Tallman (B+T) in 2021. B+T’s proposal critiques previous methods like the Area Deprivation Index and First Come First Serve while seeking to balance equity and utility by adjusting triage scores based on diseases displaying racial disparities. However, the study identifies inherent challenges in subjectivity, complexity and fairness, necessitating a careful examination and potential innovative solutions. The examination of the Dual-Principled System uncovers challenges, leading to the identification of three main issues and potential solutions. Furthermore, to address subjectivity concerns, it is necessary to adopt objective disease selection criteria through data analysis. Moreover, proposed solutions for complexity include real-time data updates, adaptability and regional considerations. Fairness concerns can be mitigated through educational campaigns and a lottery system integrated with triage score adjustments. The study emphasises nuanced resource allocation with objective disease selection, adaptable strategies and educational initiatives, including a lottery system, aligning with fairness, equity and practicality. As healthcare evolves, resource allocation must align with justice, fostering inclusivity and responsiveness for all.
Data-driven sequence of cognitive decline in people with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Petkus Andrew John , Donahue Erin , Jakowec Michael W , Bayram Ece , Van Horn John Darrell , Litvan Irene , Petzinger Giselle M , Schiehser Dawn M
Published: May 2024

Background

Understanding the sequential progression of cognitive impairments in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is crucial for elucidating neuropathological underpinnings, refining the assessment of PD-related cognitive decline stages and enhancing early identification for targeted interventions. The first aim of this study was to use an innovative event-based modeling (EBM) analytic approach to estimate the sequence of cognitive declines in PD. The second aim was to validate the EBM by examining associations with EBM-derived individual-specific estimates of cognitive decline severity and performance on independent cognitive screening measures.

Methods

This cross-sectional observational study included 99 people with PD who completed a neuropsychological battery. Individuals were classified as meeting the criteria for mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI) or subtle cognitive decline by consensus. An EBM was constructed to compare cognitively healthy individuals with those with PD-MCI or subtle cognitive disturbances. Multivariable linear regression estimated associations between the EBM-derived stage of cognitive decline and performance on two independent cognitive screening tests.

Results

The EBM estimated that tests assessing executive function and visuospatial ability become abnormal early in the sequence of PD-related cognitive decline. Each higher estimated stage of cognitive decline was associated with approximately 0.24 worse performance on the Dementia Rating Scale (p<0.001) and 0.26 worse performance on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (p<0.001) adjusting for demographic and clinical variables.

Conclusion

Findings from this study will have important clinical implications for practitioners, on specific cognitive tests to prioritise, when conducting neuropsychological evaluations with people with PD. Results also highlight the importance of frontal–subcortical system disruption impacting executive and visuospatial abilities.
What can art history offer medical humanities?
Authors: Biernoff Suzannah , Johnstone Fiona
Published: May 2024

This article charts the emergence of visual medical humanities as a space of academic research, creative practice and lively critical debate, with a focus on how art historical scholarship has influenced the field’s formation. Concentrating on developments over the past decade, it offers an overview of current scholarship while highlighting opportunities and challenges for the future. We begin with a survey of medical and health humanities handbooks and readers, noting that their engagement with art and visual culture is predominately limited to the contexts of therapy, clinical pedagogy and medical history. The main part of the article explores art historical scholarship in relation to three areas of significance for the medical humanities. First, we address art historical research that engages with medical history, identifying major
topoi
including the anatomical body, the doctor-patient encounter and the close relationship between clinical and artistic vision; we argue that this work has tended to presume, rather than explicitly articulate, its relationship to medical humanities and recommend that art historians wishing to engage more deeply with the medical humanities need to clearly communicate what their work brings to wider debates in the field. Second, we explore contemporary arts practices that mobilise health-related experiences, forms of care and practical activism: medical humanities, we argue, has much to gain from a critical engagement with contemporary (as well as historical) art. Third, we review three art history-led projects that are redefining the field and promoting new models for collaborative ‘entanglement’ across disciplines:
Art HX: Visual and Medical Legacies of British Colonialism; Visualizing the Virus
; and
Confabulations: Art Practice, Art History, Critical Medical Humanities
. By arguing for the vital importance of attending to the critical complexities of art and visual culture, this article aims to enrich existing debates and provoke a new wave of visually engaged medical humanities scholarship.
Strategies to alleviate Canada’s impending construction labour shortage: a critical review
Authors: Kumarage Nipun , Mian Haroon R. , Perera Piyaruwan , Silva Lahiru , Ruwanpura Janaka , Sadiq Rehan , Hewage Kasun
Published: May 2024

Canada’s construction industry is on the brink of a significant labour shortage crisis. This paper critically reviews this impending challenge by analyzing various literature and statistical reports. It identifies the provinces most at risk for labour shortages. Furthermore, the study highlights the construction trades with the highest risk of labour shortages. Notably, this paper underscores the underrepresentation of certain groups within the construction industry, particularly women and indigenous youth. Building upon these findings, the paper proposes a comprehensive labour shortage mitigation strategy at three levels: labour and managerial, organizational, and provincial and state levels. This strategy offers a roadmap for implementing initiatives addressing the impending labour shortage. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers and government entities seeking to tackle the impending labour shortage in Canada’s construction sector. The proposed strategy can also serve as a model for other countries facing similar challenges on construction labour shortage.
On the hyperbolic imbeddedness modulo a closed subset of complex spaces
Authors: Trang Pham Nguyen Thu , Thai Do Duc , Trao Nguyen Van , Duc Pham Viet
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we will focus on characterizing the hyperbolic imbeddedness modulo a closed subset of complex spaces, hoping that our results will be useful to people working on that subject. Firstly, we give criteria of the hyperbolic imbeddedness modulo a closed subset of (singular) complex spaces. Secondly, we study the hyperbolic imbeddedness modulo a closed subset of some classes of (singular) complex spaces.
Some examples of Finsler metrics with special curvature properties
Authors: Guo Shunzi , Liu Zhishuai , Mo Xiaohuan , Yang Chunhong
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we give a lot of new non-projectively flat Finsler warped product metrics with zero flag curvature. We also manufacture new generalized Douglas–Weyl (GDW) metrics which are nontrivial in the sense that these metrics are neither Douglas metrics nor Weyl metrics via hyperbolic spaces.
Modulation instability analysis and optical solitary waves solutions of high-order dispersive parabolic Schrödinger–Hirota equation
Authors: Khan Aizaz , Fahad Aldosary Saud , Ali Khan Meraj , ur Rahman Mati , Ahmad Shabir
Published: May 2024

The balance of nonlinearity and dispersion in optical fiber medium gives rise to a constantly propagating pulse. Such distortion less waves have attracted potential interest. The dynamics of optical solitons are governed by the nonlinear Schrödinger’s equation (NLSE). A modified form of NLSE which incorporates group velocity dispersion (GVD) and the Kerr law nonlinearity is recently adopted for the study of such waves. Here, we investigate the nonlinear Schrödinger–Hirota’s equation (NLSHE) using the Sardar subequation approach. Some novel solutions to the NLSHE corresponding to the bright, dark, kink, and cusp solitons have been reported. Additionally, the spatial and temporal dynamics of these solitons provide deep insight into the behavior of these solutions. The stability study is carried out via modulation instability (MI) concept. Our work might have benefits in the propagation of these pulses in the optical fiber for communication.
Enhanced nonlinear optical responses of doped superalkali metal salts with fluorinated/non-fluorinated planar boron sheets: A theoretical study
Authors: Ul Hassan Abrar , Sumrra Sajjad H. , Zafar Wardha , Nkungli Nyiang K. , Alhokbany Norah
Published: May 2024

The widespread use of nonlinear optical (NLO) materials for contemporary technologies has sparked intense interest in their production with the creation of materials with a continuous endeavor. In this theoretical study, we investigate the NLO responses of doped superalkali (SA) metal salts with planar boron sheets (PBSs). We consider four different substrates (B[Formula: see text], B[Formula: see text]F3, B[Formula: see text], and B[Formula: see text]F3) to create 12 new surfaces (1-12) by doping SAs (Li2F, Li2OF, Li2O2) with them. We optimize the geometries of these surfaces and analyze their frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs) and natural bond orbitals (NBO) to obtain insights into their global chemical reactivity. We also examined their NLO responses ranging as 1.22–[Formula: see text], 3.39–[Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]e.s.u. Our results reveal that the doped surfaces exhibit stronger NLO responses compared to the undoped surfaces, and that the strongest NLO response is found in the B[Formula: see text]F3-doped surface. The role of various segments in FMOs is investigated using the TDOS and PDOS spectral analyses. To comprehend the relationship between the SA and the B[Formula: see text]F3 substrates molecule more effectively, non-covalent interaction (NCI) investigation is carried out. Additionally, Time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) simulations are done for UV–Vis analysis to observe significant redshifts up to 1050[Formula: see text]nm. All the SA-doped surfaces are thermodynamically stable NLO materials with improved NLO responses, so these materials are proposed to be used during the construction of advanced NLO responses.
Share Repurchases and Investor Preferences
Authors: Amira Khaled , Muzere Mark L.
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we construct a market equilibrium model to explain why firms repurchase their shares, the popularity of share repurchases compared to dividends, and the preference of share repurchases by institutions and corporate investors despite their tax disadvantage to corporate investors. Share repurchases help shareholders diversify their portfolios, provide firms with flexibility in distributing cash to their shareholders, help institutions and corporate investors take controlling positions in firms, and lead to a rise in share price, benefiting both selling and not selling shareholders through a rise in share price and firms through a low cost of capital.
Volatility Spillover from the Chinese Stock Market to the G20 Stock Markets in the Wake of the Pandemic COVID-19
Authors: Lohana Sarika , Yadav Miklesh Prasad , Rekha A. G.
Published: May 2024

We analyze the volatility spillover effect from the Chinese stock market to different stock markets in the G20 countries. We employ dynamic conditional correlation and vector autoregression (VAR) to analyze adjusted daily closing stock indices extending from 1st October 2019 to 30th June 2020. The result reveals that there is short-run volatility in sample stock return except Australia and South Korea. Similarly, there is long-term volatility persistence in sample countries’ stock exchange except Australia, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and France. However, Australia is only the country where there is no short- and long-run information transmission derived from China. Therefore, there is a portfolio diversification opportunity in this country during COVID-19. Overall, this paper shows significant interdependencies between the Chinese and the G20 markets which furnish momentous implications to the stakeholders of markets.
The Association between Issuance of Mezzanine and Firm Value
Authors: Oh Seul Gi , Lee Ho-Young
Published: May 2024

Some firms issue mezzanine for future growth, while some others abuse it. Using Korean firms during 2015-2018, we examine the association between convertible bonds (CB) bonds with warrants (BW) issuance and firm value. We find that issuing CB (BW) is positively associated with firm value, and for firms growing fast, the positive association is strengthened, consistent with investment expansion theory. For firms with greater ownership by the largest shareholder and affiliated parties, the positive association is attenuated, consistent with the wealth transfer hypothesis. Moreover, when outside directors attend a board meeting to issue CB, it has a positive association with firm value.
Online Shopping and In-store Shopping on COVID-19 for Airline Service Employees
Authors: Li-Ling Liu , Yi-Hsiung Wei
Published: May 2024

This study investigated the relationship between online and in-store shopping for airline service employees by using a quantitative survey method. Purpose sampling was used. This study found that the frequency of online purchases by pilots before and post-pandemic was significantly higher than that by flight attendants. Post-pandemic, the frequency of flight attendants shopping in-store was significantly higher than that of pilots. The frequency of online shopping before-pandemic positively affected the frequency of in-store shopping before-pandemic. The frequency of online shopping post-pandemic negatively affected the frequency of in-store shopping post-pandemic. The results found that online shopping affects users’ willingness to purchase in stores, and suggested that online shopping service providers should build user-friendly and easy-to-access systems. The findings can help retail marketers effectively prioritize the benefits of online shopping, which considerably affects user’s desire to use the Internet.
The structure of filiform Lie algebra Q2m
Authors: Sheng Yuqiu , Yuan Jixia
Published: May 2024

This paper focuses on filiform Lie algebras [Formula: see text] in matrix version. We give the matrix forms of automorphisms (derivations) of [Formula: see text]. We prove that linear 2-local automorphisms (derivations) are automorphisms (derivations). Using the results of derivations of [Formula: see text], we describe biderivations on [Formula: see text]. As application, we characterize linear commuting maps and the commutative Post-Lie algebra structures on [Formula: see text].
BIG DATA GOVERNANCE AND INNOVATION PERFORMANCE: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF BIG DATA ANALYTIC CAPABILITIES AND ORGANISATIONAL AGILITY
Authors: AL KAMZARI MARYAM , ASAD MIR FARZANA , SULIMAN ABUBAKR
Published: May 2024

Big data governance, along with big data analytic capabilities (BDACs) and organisational agility, is expected to increase the organisation’s innovation performance. Drawing on the resource-based view, the dynamic capabilities view, and the literature on big data governance and BDACs, this study examines the relationship between big data governance and innovation performance, while focussing on the mediating roles of BDACs and organisational agility. Using a partial least square- structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach, questionnaire responses from 152 enterprises from various industries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries were analysed to test the hypotheses presented in the study’s conceptual framework. The study’s main findings are that BDACs fully mediate the big data governance relationships with innovation performance and organisational agility. The study also found significant serial mediation by BDACs and organisational agility between big data governance and innovation performance. This study highlights that the ability of management to develop and deploy an appropriate combination of essential resources depends on their resources and capabilities (big data governance, BDACs, and organisational agility), leading toward the improvement of firm innovation performance.
Sm3+-Doped CdFe2O4 Nanocrystals Prepared in Water-Soluble Polymeric Nanoreactors and Their Characterizations
Authors: Zhang Zhenqian , Li Yixing , Yu Xinyue , Fang Bijun
Published: May 2024

The rare-earth ion doping in nanocrystals has the advantage on improving the interested properties. As one of rare-earths, the trivalent samarium ion (Sm[Formula: see text]) was used as a dopant. The precursor of Sm[Formula: see text]-doped cadmium ferrite (CdFe2O4) nanocrystals was reacted in water-soluble polymeric nanoreactors as a dispersed phase in miniemulsion, and then calcinated to form doped nanocrystals. The 1% Sm[Formula: see text]-doped nanocrystal in small size exhibited the smaller narrow gap energy and weak photoluminescent emission intensity; which attributed to the positive influences on the photocatalytic degradation. The selected Sm[Formula: see text]-doped spinel ferrite nanocrystals provide a unique catalyzer for organic compound photodegradation.
Stochastic analysis of cholera model with Lévy jumps
Authors: Yang Weiming , Gan Lu , Liao Shu
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we propose a stochastic cholera model that incorporates media coverage and two time delays driven by Lévy noise in order to deeply understand the propagation process of cholera in the real world, generalized nonlinear incidence rates [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are also introduced. First, we discuss the existence and uniqueness of the global positive solution of the stochastic model by using the Lyapunov method. Moreover, the dynamic properties of stochastic solution around the disease-free and endemic equilibria are demonstrated. At last, we present numerical simulation results to reveal how Lévy jumps, time delays and media coverage affect the asymptotic properties of the stochastic model.
Spectral codes of real symmetric operators for error correction
Authors: Suresh Babu N. , Ravivarma B. , Elsayed E. M. , Sreekumar K. G.
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we introduce a novel class of real number codes termed as [Formula: see text]-spectral codes, derived from real symmetric operators. Our focus is on addressing the challenges associated with error correction in communication systems utilizing real number codes. Our study initiates with a meticulous definition and analysis of the fundamental properties of [Formula: see text]-spectral codes. These properties serve as the foundation for comprehending the distinctive characteristics that [Formula: see text]-spectral codes offer, ensuring the integrity and reliability of transmitted data. Our exploration extends to the construction of maximum distance separable (MDS) [Formula: see text]-spectral codes, which boast the maximum error correction capability. As a culmination of our research, we present an efficient decoding technique tailored for [Formula: see text]-spectral codes. Leveraging an MDS [Formula: see text]-spectral code and our decoding technique, we achieve optimal error correction and ensure good numerical stability. This innovative approach opens new avenues for enhancing the performance of real-number codes in practical applications.
Enhancing the dielectric and piezoelectric properties of Pb0.99Gd0.01Zr0.53Ti0.47O3 ferroelectric ceramics by Sr-doping
Authors: Wang Xingyu , Li Lingfeng , Chen Yu
Published: May 2024

Recently, high-performance lead zirconate titanate (Pb([Formula: see text]Tix)O3, PZT) ferroelectric ceramics have attracted intensive attention due to their wider operating temperature range, better temperature stability, as well as larger piezoelectric properties and higher energy conversion efficiency. In this study, the perovskite-type ferroelectric ceramics with a chemical formula of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]Srx[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]O3 ([Formula: see text] and 0.02, abbr. PGZT and PGSZT, respectively) were prepared by the traditional solid-state reaction route. The influences of Sr-doping on the phase structure, dielectric properties, ferroelectric properties and piezoelectric properties of the PGZT ceramics were comprehensively investigated. The field-dependent P–E hysteresis loops of PGSZT were measured in the frequency range of 0.05–10[Formula: see text]Hz and temperature range of 20–100∘C. The results show that Sr-doping not only enhances the dielectric permittivity and piezoelectric coefficient of PGZT, but also decreases its dielectric loss tangent, with the [Formula: see text] value of 473[Formula: see text]pC/N, [Formula: see text] value of 1586 and [Formula: see text] value of 0.016 found in PGSZT. Also, PGSZT shows a high Curie temperature ([Formula: see text]) of [Formula: see text]C. The underlying mechanisms of the property enhancement were identified as that the introduced [Formula: see text] replaces the volatile [Formula: see text] located at the A-site of the perovskite structure, thereby reducing the concentration of lead vacancies and promoting the grain growth of the ceramics, consequently enhancing the dielectric and piezoelectric properties of PGZT. On the other hand, the frequency change in the low-frequency range ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]Hz) played a significant impact on the remanent polarization ([Formula: see text]) and internal biased electric field ([Formula: see text]) of PGSZT, but the frequency dependence of coercive field ([Formula: see text]) tends to diminish in the high-frequency range ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]Hz).
Single Source Precursor Synthesis of Lead Titanate (PbTiO3) for the Electrochemical Detection of Nitric Oxide (NO)
Authors: Zaka Alishbah , Liaqat Rimsha , Mehmood Shahid , Haider Ali , Iqbal Mudassir , Mansoor Muhammad Adil
Published: May 2024

Electrochemical detection of Nitric oxide (NO) has attracted considerable attention due to its central role in different processes of mammalian physiology. In this study, NO is electrochemically detected using lead titanate (PbTiO3) as an electrochemical sensor. The lead titanate (PbTiO3) was prepared successfully through thermal decomposition of bimetallic complex [PbTi(O2CCF3)4(THF)3O]2 containing both lead and titanium metals. A phase of synthesized PbTiO3 powder was studied using X-ray diffraction spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy, while the morphology and crystallite size were studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Further, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis was also done to determine the elemental composition along with their oxidation states. Finally, the PbTiO3 powder was coated on GCE (glassy carbon electrode) and then further studied electrochemically for sensing NO in NaNO2 solution at pH = 2.5. Moreover, the detection capability of PbTiO3 was analyzed upon adding different concentrations of 1 to 10 mM of NaNO2. As a result, current and concentration followed a linear response. For the interferent studies, uric acid, glucose, dopamine, and ascorbic acid were used as interferents. It was noted that no signals appeared with these interferents in the voltammogram.
Fluid Physics Impacting Vanadium and Other Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Krowne Clifford M.
Published: May 2024

The Vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) has been intensively examined since the 1970s, with researchers looking at its electrochemical time varying electrolyte concentration time variation equations (both tank and cells, for negative and positive half cells), its thermal time variation equations, and fluid flow equations. Chemical behavior of the electrolyte ions has also been intensively examined. Our focus in this treatment is a completely new approach to understanding the physics, chemistry, and electronics of the VRFB. Here, we develop complete theoretical equations by an analytical treatment affecting the fluid flow in the VRFB as well as all other redox flow batteries, providing background derivations applicable for all of the fundamental concepts required to properly understand flow batteries. With these concepts presented, calculations are done to determine actual values for fluid velocity, strain rate, angular fluid velocity, angular momentum, rotational kinetic energy, and gravity effects on fluid velocity in a redox flow battery.
Influence of Surgery Preparation Time on Patient Outcomes
Authors: Jang Hey-Jin , Lee Sun-Mi
Published: May 2024

Aims. This study aimed to analyze the effects of the surgery preparation time on patient outcomes. Background. Postoperative complications have a decisive effect on postoperative survival. The anesthesia time is a crucial determinant of such complications. Competent operating room nurses can shorten the surgery preparation time, which is the time from when anesthesia is first administered to the making of the surgical incision. The shortening of this preparation time can shorten the anesthesia time and may reduce postoperative complications. However, discussion of this preparation time is insufficient. Therefore, this study analyzed the effect of the surgery preparation time on patient outcomes. Methods. From electronic health records data, this retrospective cohort study used the data of 1,944 patients who had been immediately admitted to the ICU after their surgery between 2017 and 2020. The patients were divided into two groups: ≥30 minutes preparation time and <30 minutes preparation time groups. We performed chi-squared tests and t-tests to determine differences in preoperation, intraoperation, and postoperation characteristics of the patients and patient outcomes based on the surgery preparation time. Furthermore, we performed a multiple logistic regression by including 12 adjusted variables to determine the influence of the surgery preparation time on patient outcomes. Results. Among the 1,944 patients, 820 were in the ≥30 minutes preparation time group and 1,124 in the <30 minutes preparation time group. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the surgery preparation time affects alertness (OR = 1.44; 95% CI: [1.09, 1.90]), ventilator application (OR = 1.32; 95% CI: [1.03, 1.70]), and length of stay in the ICU (OR = 1.69; 95% CI [1.16, 2.47]). Conclusions. The surgery preparation time affects postoperative patient outcomes. The competence of operating room nurses is the most essential aspect of the surgery preparation time. Implications for Nursing Management. It is important to analyze operating room nurses’ tasks, standardize the tasks, and educate nurses according to their experience level to reduce the surgery preparation time and improve patient outcomes.
Supplemental Figure 1 from Pan-Cancer Interrogation of B7-H3 (CD276) as an Actionable Therapeutic Target Across Human Malignancies
Authors: Miller Carly D. , Lozada John R. , Zorko Nicholas A. , Elliott Andrew , Makovec Allison , Radovich Milan , Heath Elisabeth I. , Agarwal Neeraj , Mckay Rana R. , Garje Rohan , Bastos Bruno R. , Hoon Dave S.B. , Orme Jacob J. , Sartor Oliver , VanderWalde Ari , Nabhan Chadi , Sledge George , Shenderov Eugene , Dehm Scott M. , Lou Emil , Miller Jeffrey S. , Hwang Justin H. , Antonarakis Emmanuel S.
Published: May 2024

B7-H3 mRNA expression across cancers stratified by age (>/< 65 years old) and sex (male and female)
FIGURE 6 from Pan-Cancer Interrogation of B7-H3 (CD276) as an Actionable Therapeutic Target Across Human Malignancies
Authors: Miller Carly D. , Lozada John R. , Zorko Nicholas A. , Elliott Andrew , Makovec Allison , Radovich Milan , Heath Elisabeth I. , Agarwal Neeraj , Mckay Rana R. , Garje Rohan , Bastos Bruno R. , Hoon Dave S.B. , Orme Jacob J. , Sartor Oliver , VanderWalde Ari , Nabhan Chadi , Sledge George , Shenderov Eugene , Dehm Scott M. , Lou Emil , Miller Jeffrey S. , Hwang Justin H. , Antonarakis Emmanuel S.
Published: May 2024

Association of B7-H3 expression and common hallmark mRNA signatures. GSEA with functional oncogenic pathways on several tumor types with high and low B7-H3 expression. Normalized enrichment scores are displayed. FDR < 0.05 based on values between −3 and 3. Boxes marked with “X” indicate that the enrichment of the pathway did not meet thresholds of significance in the tumor type.