bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial Intelligence-based Segmentation of Residual Pancreatic Cancer in Resection Specimens Following Neoadjuvant Treatment (ISGPP-2)
Authors: Janssen Boris V. , Oteman Bart , Ali Mahsoem , Valkema Pieter A. , Adsay Volkan , Basturk Olca , Chatterjee Deyali , Chou Angela , Crobach Stijn , Doukas Michael , Drillenburg Paul , Esposito Irene , Gill Anthony J. , Hong Seung-Mo , Jansen Casper , Kliffen Mike , Mittal Anubhav , Samra Jas , van Velthuysen Marie-Louise F. , Yavas Aslihan , Kazemier Geert , Verheij Joanne , Steyerberg Ewout , Besselink Marc G. , Wang Huamin , Verbeke Caroline , Fariña Arantza , de Boer Onno J. ,   for the International Study Group of Pancreatic Pathologists (ISGPP),   the Pancreatobiliary and Hepatic Artificial Intelligence Research (PHAIR) consortium
Published: July 2024

Neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) has become routine in patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer. Pathologists examine pancreatic cancer resection specimens to evaluate the effect of NAT. However, an automated scoring system to objectively quantify residual pancreatic cancer (RPC) is currently lacking. Herein, we developed and validated the first automated segmentation model using artificial intelligence techniques to objectively quantify RPC. Digitized histopathological tissue slides were included from resected pancreatic cancer specimens from 14 centers in 7 countries in Europe, North America, Australia, and Asia. Four different scanner types were used: Philips (56%), Hamamatsu (27%), 3DHistech (10%), and Leica (7%). Regions of interest were annotated and classified as cancer, non-neoplastic pancreatic ducts, and others. A U-Net model was trained to detect RPC. Validation consisted of by-scanner internal-external cross-validation. Overall, 528 unique hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) slides from 528 patients were included. In the individual Philips, Hamamatsu, 3DHistech, and Leica scanner cross-validations, mean F1 scores of 0.81 (95% CI, 0.77-0.84), 0.80 (0.78-0.83), 0.76 (0.65-0.78), and 0.71 (0.65-0.78) were achieved, respectively. In the meta-analysis of the cross-validations, the mean F1 score was 0.78 (0.71-0.84). A final model was trained on the entire data set. This ISGPP model is the first segmentation model using artificial intelligence techniques to objectively quantify RPC following NAT. The internally-externally cross-validated model in this study demonstrated robust performance in detecting RPC in specimens. The ISGPP model, now made publically available, enables automated RPC segmentation and forms the basis for objective NAT response evaluation in pancreatic cancer.
Cold atmospheric plasma inactivates Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium keratoplasticum biofilms and conidia in vitro
Authors: Roberts Darby , Thomas Jonathan , Salmon Jacklyn , Cubeta Marc A. , Stapelmann Katharina , Gilger Brian C.
Published: July 2024

Introduction.
Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium keratoplasticum are common causative pathogens of fungal keratitis (FK), a severe corneal disease associated with significant morbidity and vision loss. Escalating incidence of antifungal resistance to available antifungal drugs poses a major challenge to FK treatment. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a pioneering nonpharmacologic antimicrobial intervention that has demonstrated potential as a broad-spectrum antifungal treatment.

Gap statement. Previous research highlights biofilm-associated resistance as a critical barrier to effective FK treatment. Although CAP has shown promise against various fungal infections, its efficacy against biofilm and conidial forms of FK pathogens remains inadequately explored.

Aim. This study aims to investigate the antifungal efficacy of CAP against clinical fungal keratitis isolates of A. flavus and F. keratoplasticum in vitro.

Methodology. Power parameters (22–27 kVpp, 300–400 Hz and 20–80 mA) of a dielectric barrier discharge CAP device were optimized for inactivation of A. flavus biofilms. Optimal applied voltage and total current were applied to F. keratoplasticum biofilms and conidial suspensions of A. flavus and F. keratoplasticum. The antifungal effect of CAP treatment was investigated by evaluating fungal viability through means of metabolic activity, c.f.u. enumeration (c.f.u. ml−1) and biofilm formation.

Results. For both fungal species, CAP exhibited strong time-dependent inactivation, achieving greater than 80 % reduction in metabolic activity and c.f.u. ml−1 within 300 s or less, and complete inhibition after 600 s of treatment.

Conclusion. Our findings indicate that CAP is a promising broad-spectrum antifungal intervention. CAP treatment effectively reduces fungal viability in both biofilm and conidial suspension cultures of A. flavus and F. keratoplasticum, suggesting its potential as an alternative treatment strategy for fungal keratitis.
The Molecular Mechanisms of Defensive-Grade Organic Acid Biosynthesis In Ground Beetles
Authors: Rork Adam M. , Xu Sihang , Attygalle Athula , Renner Tanya
Published: July 2024

Insects are known to synthesize and secrete hundreds of unique defensive chemicals, including caustic acids, pungent phenolics, and citrusy terpenes. Despite efforts to characterize the defensive chemistry of ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae), our knowledge of semiochemical evolution within the family and how these compounds are biosynthesized remains limited. Few studies have demonstrated the likely biosynthetic precursors of select compounds in certain taxa, and only one has demonstrated which genes may be involved in the biosynthesis of formic acid. Here, we characterize the defensive chemistry and generate defensive gland transcriptomes for ground beetle species representing two defensive chemical classes: the formic acid producerPlatynus angustatusand the methacrylic acid producerPterostichus moestus. Through comparative transcriptome analyses, we demonstrate that co-option of distinct primary metabolic pathways may be involved in formic acid and methacrylic acid biosynthesis in the defensive glands of these taxa. These results expand our knowledge of ground beetle defensive chemistry and provide additional evidence that co-option of existing primary metabolic pathways plays a major role in the evolution of ground beetle chemical defense.
Wide-field bond-selective fluorescence imaging: from single-molecule to cellular imaging beyond video-rate
Authors: Lee Dongkwan , Wang Haomin , Kocheril Philip A. , Bi Xiaotian , Naji Noor , Wei Lu
Published: July 2024

Wide-field (WF) imaging is pivotal for observing dynamic biological events. While WF chemical microscopy offers high molecular specificity, it lacks the sensitivity for single-molecule detection. In contrast, WF fluorescence microscopy provides live-cell dynamic mapping but fails to leverage the rich chemical information necessary for functional interpretations. To address these limitations, we introduce Wide-Field Bond-selective Fluorescence-detected Infrared-Excited (WF-BonFIRE) spectro-microscopy. This technique combines rationally optimized imaging speed and field-of-view (FOV) to achieve single-molecule sensitivity with bond-selective contrast. WF-BonFIRE outperforms its point-scanning counterpart, enhancing frame acquisition up to 10,000 times. We demonstrate WF-BonFIRE’s capabilities in imaging cells, astrocytes, and live neurons, capturing single FOVs up to 50 µm × 50 µm, with further expansion via multi-FOV mosaicking. Additionally, we have implemented a temporal-delay modulation scheme that allows real-time kilohertz imaging speeds up to 1500 Hz. This enables millisecond temporal resolution while monitoring random motion of live Escherichia coli. Overall, WF-BonFIRE significantly broadens the possibilities for chemical imaging, enabling high-speed observations at unparalleled sensitivity levels.

One-Sentence Summary

Wide-field bond-selective fluorescence imaging pushes chemical-sensitive microscopy platform into a new regime, achieving single-molecule sensitivity and speeds up to kilohertz.
TLFT: Transfer Learning and Fourier Transform for ECG Classification
Authors: Wang Erick , Lee Sarah
Published: July 2024

Electrocardiogram (ECG) provides a non-invasive method for identifying cardiac issues, particularly arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats. In recent years, the fields of artificial intelligence and machine learning have made significant inroads into various healthcare applications, including the development of arrhythmia classifiers using deep learning techniques. However, a persistent challenge in this domain is the limited availability of large, well-annotated ECG datasets, which are crucial for building and evaluating robust machine learning models. To address this limitation, we propose a novel deep transfer learning framework designed to perform effectively on small training datasets. Our approach involves fine-tuning ResNet-18, a general-purpose image classifier, using the MIT-BIH arrhythmia dataset. This method aims to leverage the power of transfer learning to overcome the constraints of limited data availability. Furthermore, this paper conducts a critical examination of existing deep learning models in the field of ECG analysis. Our investigation reveals that many of these models suffer from methodological flaws, particularly in terms of data leakage. This issue potentially leads to overly optimistic performance estimates and raises concerns about the reliability and generalizability of these models in real-world clinical applications. By addressing these challenges, our work contributes to the advancement of more robust and reliable ECG analysis techniques, potentially improving the accuracy and applicability of automated arrhythmia detection in clinical settings.
A snapshot love story: what serial crystallography has done and will do for us
Authors: Henkel Alessandra , Oberthür Dominik
Published: July 2024

Serial crystallography, born from groundbreaking experiments at the Linac Coherent Light Source in 2009, has evolved into a pivotal technique in structural biology. Initially pioneered at X-ray free-electron laser facilities, it has now expanded to synchrotron-radiation facilities globally, with dedicated experimental stations enhancing its accessibility. This review gives an overview of current developments in serial crystallography, emphasizing recent results in time-resolved crystallography, and discussing challenges and shortcomings.
Understanding banking experiences of autistic adults: an inquiry into inclusive banking
Authors: Cai Ru Ying , Love Abigail , Haas Kaaren , Gallagher Emma , Gibbs Vicki
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Navigating the banking world may be overwhelming and intimidating for autistic people due to the generally poor accessibility of banks. Banks around the world are starting to improve the accessibility of their services and products to meet the needs of autistic customers better. However, no empirical research has explored autistic adults’ banking experiences and needs. This study aims to determine what banks can do to make banking more inclusive and accessible for autistic people through understanding the banking experiences of autistic adults living in Australia and identifying the factors that shape these experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 57 autistic adults aged 18–67 years (Mage = 33.00, SDage = 11.03) and 29 caregivers of autistic adults aged 32–70 years (Mage = 52.24, SDage = 7.88) completed an online survey about the banking experiences of the autistic adults. In addition, 14 of the 57 autistic adults were interviewed.

Findings

Almost all autistic participants had a bank account, and online banking was the preferred way of banking for most autistic adults. The factor most often raised by participants that influenced the banking experiences of autistic adults was supportive and helpful bank staff. Other identified factors included autistic adults’ lack of financial and banking knowledge and banks’ poor understanding of autism. The majority of autistic adults felt that banks could become more autism-friendly and provided suggestions.

Practical implications

Given that most autistic adults are likely to access financial products and services, banks must become more autism-friendly to cater to the diverse needs of autistic customers. Recommendations for how financial institutions can become more inclusive were provided.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first detailed examination of the banking experiences of autistic adults. Practical implications of the research were also provided.
Retractions in academic publishing: insights from highly ranked global universities
Authors: Khan Rahat , Joshi Abhinav , Kaur Khushdeep , Sinhababu Atasi , Chakravarty Rupak
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The study aims to profile the scientific retractions in the top five global universities and provide descriptive statistics on specific subjects.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for reasons behind retractions is manually extracted from the Retraction Watch Database. The top five global universities according to the Times Higher Education global ranking of 2024 are selected for this study.

Findings

The study found that Stanford University emerged with the highest number of retractions in the assessment across institutions in the field of basic life sciences and health sciences. Notably, the predominant reasons for these retractions were identified, with “unreliable results” being the most prevalent, accounting for 53 retractions. Following closely was the category of “errors in results and/or conclusions”, contributing to 51 retractions. MIT has the longest time between publication and retraction of any subject group, with an average of 1,701 days.

Research limitations/implications

This study has some limitations, as it only analysed the retractions of the top five global universities.

Originality/value

The study provides a comprehensive analysis of retractions in academic publishing, focusing on reasons, time gaps, article types and accessibility categories across prestigious universities. The paper underscores the critical role of retractions in maintaining the integrity of scientific literature, emphasizing the importance of transparent correction and responsible peer review to ensure the reliability and trustworthiness of published research. Results show that common reasons for retractions include duplication, fake peer review and plagiarism, underlining the need for ethical research standards.
Numerical simulation of natural convection in a differentially heated cubical cavity with solid fins
Authors: Le Xuan Hoang Khoa , Öztop Hakan F. , Sheremet Mikhail A.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The performance of solid fins inside a differentially heated cubical cavity is numerically studied in this paper. The main purpose of the study is to make an optimization to reach the maximum heat transfer in the enclosure having the solid fins with studied parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

The considered domain of interest is a differentially heated cube having heat-conducting solid fins placed on the heated wall while an opposite wall is a cooled one. Other walls are adiabatic. Governing equations describing natural convection in the fluid filled cube and heat conduction in solid fins have been written using non-dimensional variables such velocity and vorticity taking into account the Boussinesq approximation for the buoyancy force and ideal solid/fluid interfaces between solid fins and fluid. The formulated equations with appropriate initial and boundary conditions have been solved by the finite difference method of the second of accuracy. The developed in-house computational code has been validated using the mesh sensitivity analysis and numerical data of other authors. Analysis has been performed in a wide range of key parameters such as Rayleigh number (Ra = 104–106), non-dimensional fins length (l = 0.2–0.8), non-dimensional location of fins (d = 0.2–0.6) and number of fins (n = 1–3).

Findings

From numerical methods point of view the used non-primitive variables allows to perform numerical simulation of convective heat transfer in three-dimensional (3D) regions with two advantages, namely, excluding difficulties that can be found using vector potential functions and reducing the computational time compared to primitive variables and SIMPLE-like algorithms. From a physical point of view, it has been shown that using solid fins can intensify the heat transfer performance compared to cavities without any fins. Fins located close to the bottom wall of the cavity have a better heat transfer rate than those placed close to the upper cavity surface. At high Rayleigh numbers, increasing the fins length beyond 0.6 leads to a reduction of the average Nusselt number, and one solid fin can be used to intensify the heat transfer.

Originality/value

The present numerical study is based on hybrid approach for numerical analysis of convective heat transfer using velocity and vorticity that has some mentioned advantages. Obtained results allow intensifying the heat transfer using solid fins in 3D chambers with appropriate location and length.
Time savings associated with lights and siren use by ambulances: a scoping review
Authors: Shekhar Aditya , Clement Jeffrey
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Many studies have suggested the use of lights and siren by ambulances has the potential to save time, which can be clinically beneficial for certain patients. However, other studies suggest lights and siren use increases an emergency vehicle’s crash risk. In the absence of a comprehensive multi-center trial, a meta-analysis of prior studies can offer insight into this topic. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the extent to which the use of lights and siren decreases response and transport times nationally.

Design/methodology/approach

We searched PUBMED, EBSCO Academic Search Ultimate, Google Scholar and the premier EMS journals for potential articles identifying time savings associated with lights and siren use and augmented the search results with other relevant studies. Studies were included if they compared time involved with driving a given route using lights and siren with the time required to drive the same route without lights and siren.

Findings

Nine studies were included. Across these studies, lights and siren use was associated with a weighted average time savings of 159 s or 2.7 min (95% CI: 100–219 s, p < 0.0001).

Originality/value

Our analysis of the previously-published literature reveals that lights and siren use is associated with time savings across geographies; however, the precise difference may only be beneficial to certain patients. Most studies are small and relatively dated, so individual EMS systems ought to study their specific geography to inform policies that maximize the beneficial impact of lights and siren use and minimize unnecessary risk.
Sustainable development through service learning and community engagement in higher education: a systematic literature review
Authors: Rodríguez-Zurita Denise , Jaya-Montalvo Maria , Moreira-Arboleda Jerry , Raya-Diez Esther , Carrión-Mero Paul
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to delve into the evolution, trends and implications of scientific production related to service learning (SL) and community engagement for sustainability in higher education institutions (HEIs). Because HEIs play a crucial role in achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs), experiential learning approaches are needed to actively involve students in sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 869 publications from Web of Science and Scopus databases were analysed using a bibliometric approach that included performance analysis and science mapping. Subsequently, a systematic literature review was conducted on 118 publications, focusing on their contribution to SDGs and alignment with United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s fields of expertise.

Findings

The findings reveal two significant trends: a substantial shift from curriculum development (2000–2010) to education for sustainable development (2011–2022), and the effectiveness of experiential learning teaching approaches, such as the integration of SL with community engagement and the use of innovative research methods in promoting the acquisition of sustainable development competencies. Additionally, community-based research, participatory action research and capacity development emerged as the primary topics.

Research limitations/implications

While this research is based on publications from two prominent databases, it may not include significant studies published in other databases.

Practical implications

These findings suggest that stakeholders should incorporate experiential learning activities and innovative research approaches to enhance education in, for and from sustainability.

Originality/value

This study offers a fresh perspective on the intellectual framework of experiential learning teaching approaches concerning sustainability in HEIs.
Ultimate resistance and fatigue performance predictions of woven-based fiber reinforced polymers using a computational homogenization method
Authors: Li Junqiang , Xin Haohui , Zhang Youyou , Gao Qinglin , Zhang Hengyu
Published: July 2024

Purpose

In order to achieve the desired macroscopic mechanical properties of woven fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) materials, it is necessary to conduct a detailed analysis of their microscopic load-bearing capacity.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing the representative volume element (RVE) model, this study delves into how the material composition influences mechanical parameters and failure processes.

Findings

To study the ultimate strength of the materials, this study considers the damage situation in various parts and analyzes the stress-strain curves under uniaxial and multiaxial loading conditions. Furthermore, the study investigates the degradation of macroscopic mechanical properties of fiber and resin layers due to fatigue induced performance degradation. Additionally, the research explores the impact of fatigue damage on key material properties such as the elastic modulus, shear modulus and Poisson's ratio.

Originality/value

By studying the load-bearing mechanisms at different scales, a direct correlation is established between the macroscopic mechanical behavior of the material and the microstructure of woven FRP materials. This comprehensive analysis ultimately elucidates the material's mechanical response under conditions of fatigue damage.
The impact of behavioral biases on investment decisions: a serial mediation analysis
Authors: Shunmugasundaram V , Sinha Aashna
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of behavioral biases on investment decisions through a serial mediation of overconfidence and disposition effects.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors assess the behavioral biases affecting the investment decisions of life insurance policyholders through the serial mediation of overconfidence and disposition effects using a structured questionnaire. The study included 501 life insurance policyholders who were selected using a snowball sampling technique.

Findings

The results of this study revealed that behavioral biases influence the investment decisions of life insurance policyholders. The results also support the serial mediation model, where behavioral biases influence the investment decisions of life insurance policyholders via overconfidence and disposition effects.

Research limitations/implications

This study makes a theoretical contribution to the field of behavioral finance by exploring the influences of behavioral biases on investment decisions. It also introduces overconfidence and disposition effects as serial mediators between behavioral biases and investment decisions. The study will be helpful for researchers, academicians and policymakers in the development of a more comprehensive model in the area of behavioral finance and in raising awareness regarding those biases among policyholders in order to improve their investment strategy.

Originality/value

This study has extended the ongoing simple mediation model by integrating overconfidence and disposition effects in a serial mediation model between behavioral biases and investment decisions. The study will contribute to the area of behavioral finance, as it is the first time this particular study has been conducted according to the authors’ knowledge.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on commercial housing demand in Vietnam
Authors: Hue Nguyen Thi , Nam Pham Phuong
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The study aimed to determine the impact rate of the COVID-19 pandemic on Vietnam’s commercial housing demand as compared to other factors and proposes several policies to increase housing demand as a result of the pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The study randomly investigated 400 homebuyers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The structural equation model, SPSS20.0 and AMOS24.0 software were used to determine the impact of factor groups on housing demand.

Findings

The COVID-19 pandemic has a second impact after housing prices on commercial housing demand, followed by 10 other factors. The impact rates of factors range from 3.45% to 15.74%.

Research limitations/implications

The study has only determined the extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on housing demand in Hanoi city, so it is necessary to continue to study this issue in other provinces and cities of Vietnam. The proposed research method would be consulted when it is necessary to determine the factors affecting housing demand in other countries around the world.

Practical implications

The study proposes some implications related to commercial housing demand in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic such as fighting the epidemic, supporting housing investors; reducing loan interest rates; increasing the time to pay for housing; supporting enterprises to stabilize production; strengthening real estate brokerage and carrying out administrative procedures online.

Social implications

Investors and the State can use the implications to make the right housing decisions to provide housing for people and maintain social stability.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper presents for the first time a method to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on commercial housing demand in Vietnam. The paper also points out some specific factors affecting commercial housing demand that are different from those shown in previous research.
Coordinated replenishment policies for a single-supplier multi-retailer cold chain for fresh produce
Authors: Chen Guo , Mohamed Ismail Mohamed Wahab , Fang Liping
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The single-supplier multi-retailer cold chain is a widely adopted type of supply chain in the real-world food industry. This paper aims to consider the problem of effectively designing and managing a single-supplier multi-retailer cold chain for fresh produce with deterministic demand to minimize the total cost, which includes cooling, loss of value and carbon emission costs.

Design/methodology/approach

The global stability index (GSI) method and the non-Arrhenius model are integrated to describe the behavior of food quality degradation. The power-of-two (PoT) policy is adopted in determining the coordinated replenishment policies for the suppliers and retailers, and an appropriate wholesale price structure that can achieve the coordination of the chain is presented.

Findings

The properties of the cold chain are uncovered, and an appropriate wholesale price scheme that achieves chain coordination with the optimal PoT decision is provided. In the numerical examples, different scenarios are investigated, and it is found that the cold chain parameters influence the optimal decisions in certain ways.

Originality/value

The PoT policy – an efficient policy to determine the replenishment strategy – has not been adopted in finding the solution of a single-supplier multi-retailer cold chain in the literature. Also, no study has compared the uncoordinated and coordinated cold chain. Moreover, in the existing literature, the wholesale price is usually a constant rather than having a coordinated scheme. This research aims to fill these research gaps.
Procurement practices and operational performance: a study of linear and curvilinear relationships in a developing economy
Authors: Agbeka Eugene Kafui , Quagrainie Fanny Adams , Kabalan Alan Anis Mirhage
Published: July 2024

Purpose

While operational performance is important for a company's competitiveness and profitability, this study claims that procurement may be required to drive operational performance. This study aims to focus on how procurement practices is related to operational performance among selected manufacturing firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The model was tested on a sample of 329 manufacturing firms in clothing and textiles, chemicals and plastics, food and beverages processing, wood processing, metal processing and pharmaceutical manufacturing industries in a developing economy.

Findings

The results indicate that firms with higher and optimal level of procurement practices achieve higher levels of operational performance. Regardless of the H1 rationale, this study suggests that increasing procurement techniques has a limit in terms of improving operational performance. This study establishes that extreme level of procurement practices is associated with decreasing operational performance.

Practical implications

This study calls attention to how managers can guide organizations in refining their procurement strategies and practices; there is the need to strive to strike a balance between diversification and efficiency in procurement.

Social implications

Manufacturing firms are often integral parts of local communities. The decisions they make regarding procurement practices can impact the economic health of these communities. Striking a balance between diversification and efficiency can contribute to sustainable business practices that benefit both the company and the local community.

Originality/value

As the main contribution, this study brings the additional perspective that extreme level of procurement practices is associated with decreasing operational performance.
A novel framework inspired by human behavior for peg-in-hole assembly
Authors: Guo Peng , Si Weiyong , Yang Chenguang
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to enhance the performance of robots in peg-in-hole assembly tasks, enabling them to swiftly and robustly accomplish the task. It also focuses on the robot’s ability to generalize across assemblies with different hole sizes.

Design/methodology/approach

Human behavior in peg-in-hole assembly serves as inspiration, where individuals visually locate the hole firstly and then continuously adjust the peg pose based on force/torque feedback during the insertion process. This paper proposes a novel framework that integrate visual servo and adjustment based on force/torque feedback, the authors use deep neural network (DNN) and image processing techniques to determine the pose of hole, then an incremental learning approach based on a broad learning system (BLS) is used to simulate human learning ability, the number of adjustments required for insertion process is continuously reduced.

Findings

The author conducted experiments on visual servo, adjustment based on force/torque feedback, and the proposed framework. Visual servo inferred the pixel position and orientation of the target hole in only about 0.12 s, and the robot achieved peg insertion with 1–3 adjustments based on force/torque feedback. The success rate for peg-in-hole assembly using the proposed framework was 100%. These results proved the effectiveness of the proposed framework.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a framework for peg-in-hole assembly that combines visual servo and adjustment based on force/torque feedback. The assembly tasks are accomplished using DNN, image processing and BLS. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no similar methods were found in other people’s work. Therefore, the authors believe that this work is original.
Most donor‐conceived people have good psychological health
Authors: Copp Tessa , Hammarberg Karin
Published: July 2024

Linked article: This is a mini commentary on Talbot et al., pp. 1747–1759 in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/1471‐0528.17892.
How does energy intensity impact economic growth for the case of a small island country
Authors: Janahi Fatema , Hamdi Helmi , Mili Mehdi
Published: July 2024

In this article, we explore the relationships between economic growth and energy intensity in Bahrain, and we analyse how energy intensity, population, and other macroeconomic variables are associated with each in the short and long run. In the empirical section we use data span from 1980 to 2019 and we perform a vector error correction model and cointegration technique to detect causality between the variables used in the model. The main findings of this article show that economic growth, population and FDI increased energy intensity in Bahrain in the short run. Therefore, an urgent need to be embedded in the sustainable energy action plan to limit the harmful effects of economic activity on the environmental quality in Bahrain and to ensure environmental sustainability.
Capitalizing on natural resources rent and renewable energy in enhancing economic growth—New evidence with MMQR method
Authors: Kadir Musbau Omotola , Deka Abraham , Seraj Mehdi , Ozdeser Huseyin
Published: July 2024

Natural resources are vital resources given by nature and are responsible for promoting a nation's economic development. However, with the existence of two opposing theories, it is essential to provide state‐of‐the‐art research that ascertains the association between natural resources and economic growth. The Rostow hypothesis presents the importance of natural resources in promoting economic growth, while the resources curse hypothesis alludes that natural resources, in the developing countries, reduce economic growth. The present research uses the contemporary Methods of Moments Quantile Regression method to explore on this relationship in the fifteen natural resources‐rich African countries. The data used are annual data for the period 1990 to 2021. The major results presented in this research show that natural resources rent significantly promotes economic growth in this region, supporting the postulations of Rostow's hypothesis. Renewable energy is also observed to play a significant role in raising economic growth of this region. However, labor force participation rate is determined to reduce economic growth and this can be explained by high levels of unemployment in this region. Capital provides a positive but insignificant effect on economic growth of the natural resources‐rich African countries. The study results also show that economic growth, capital, trade openness, and labor force enhance natural resources rent. The study calls for the improvement in the use of renewable energy and natural resources in order to attain sustainable economic development in this region.
Surveillance of respiratory viruses by aerosol screening in indoor air as an early warning system for epidemics
Authors: Eren Zeynep Bengi , Vatansever Cansel , Kabadayı Berk , Haykar Bedirhan , Kuloğlu Zeynep Ece , Ay Sedat , Nurlybayeva Kamila , Eyikudamacı Gül , Barlas Tayfun , Palaoğlu Erhan , Beşli Yeşim , Kuşkucu Mert Ahmet , Ergönül Önder , Can Fusun
Published: July 2024

The development of effective methods for the surveillance of seasonal respiratory viruses is required for the timely management of outbreaks. We aimed to survey Influenza‐A, Influenza‐B, RSV‐A, Rhinovirus and SARS‐CoV‐2 surveillance in a tertiary hospital and a campus over 5 months. The effectiveness of air screening as an early warning system for respiratory viruses was evaluated in correlation with respiratory tract panel test results. The overall viral positivity was higher on the campus than in the hospital (55.0% vs. 38.0%). Influenza A was the most prevalent pathogen in both locations. There were two influenza peaks (42nd and 49th weeks) in the hospital air, and a delayed peak was detected on campus in the 1st‐week of January. Panel tests indicated a high rate of Influenza A in late December. RSV‐A‐positivity was higher on the campus than the hospital (21.6% vs. 7.4%). Moreover, we detected two RSV‐A peaks in the campus air (48th and 51st weeks) but only one peak in the hospital and panel tests (week 49). Although rhinovirus was the most common pathogen in panel tests, rhinovirus positivity was low in air samples. The air screening for Influenza‐B and SARS‐Cov‐2 revealed comparable positivity rates with panel tests. Air screening can be integrated into surveillance programs to support infection control programs for potential epidemics of respiratory virus infections except for rhinoviruses.
Avoid non‐probability sampling to select population monitoring sites: Comment on McClure and Rolek (2023)
Authors: Perret Jan , Laroche Fabien , Papuga Guillaume , Besnard Aurélien
Published: July 2024

Population monitoring programmes typically rely on sampling because it is impossible to survey all the sites within the study area. In such a situation, the general recommendation to obtain unbiased estimates of population trends is to select monitoring sites using probability sampling. However, site selection not based on probability sampling, such as selecting sites with the largest abundance of individuals at the beginning of the monitoring programme, is common in practice. Nevertheless, these methods carry the risk of obtaining biased trend estimates.

Using simulations, McClure & Rolek (2023) investigated whether three non‐probability sampling site selection methods can yield unbiased trend estimates under some specific conditions. For two of these methods, that is selecting high quality sites and selecting sites known to be occupied, the authors conclude that there is a major risk of obtaining biased trend estimates. For the third method, that is selecting sites with the largest initial abundance, they found conditions in which unbiased estimates can be obtained. They conclude that the general recommendation to use probability sampling should be revised. Here, we show that the authors' results, although perfectly correct, do not invalidate this recommendation.

First, we point out that the authors made strong assumptions about the populations' functioning in their simulations, especially that inter‐annual variance in abundance is similar for all sites, which is unlikely in most real populations. We show through simple simulations that even slightly relaxing this assumption invalidates the authors' results. We also point out that for most of the hypotheses made by the authors, it is generally not known at the beginning of a study whether they will be respected. Furthermore, the authors did not provide evidence that selecting sites based on high initial abundance leads to more precise trend estimates than probability sampling methods. Therefore, neither the benefits nor the risks of this method are known.

We conclude that until evidence is provided that abundance‐based site selection improves estimate precision and the situations in which it provides unbiased estimates are clearly identified, using probability sampling should remain the rule.
Routine transabdominal cervical length screening in mid‐pregnancy for the prevention of preterm birth: Is it good enough to use as a screening test?
Authors: Pedretti Michelle K , Dickinson Jan E. , Doherty Dorota A. , Newnham John P.
Published: July 2024

Background

Preterm birth (PTB) is a major pregnancy complication. There is evidence that a short cervical length in mid‐pregnancy may predict women at increased risk of PTB.

Aims

To evaluate the utility of population‐based, transabdominal cervical length (TACL) measurement screening in mid‐pregnancy for PTB prediction in women.

Materials and Methods

A transabdominal approach was initially performed, with a transvaginal (TVCL) approach offered when the TACL was <35 mm, could not be accurately measured, or the pregnancy had risk factors for PTB. TACL was compared to the directly related TVCL, when both were performed at the same assessment. Women with risk factors of PTB were included when they had both TACL and TVCL measurements performed at the same visit.

Results

Data were provided for 9355 singleton pregnancies from 13 participating imaging centres. A transabdominal approach was used in 9006 (96.3%), including 682 (7.3%) TVCL combined with TACL. There were 349 (3.7%) women who had TVCL only. The median TACL was longer (40 mm) than the TVCL (38 mm). In 682 paired TACL and TVCL measurements, TACL <35 mm correctly identified 96.2% of pregnancies with TVCL <25 mm, compared with 65.4% of cases when using a TACL <30 mm. A TVCL <25 mm occurred in 59 (0.6%) women. A TACL <35 mm was associated with birth <37 weeks of gestation in 12.1% of women and birth <32 weeks of gestation in 3.9%.

Conclusions

Universal TACL is a feasible option for population screening of cervical length in a low‐risk population, progressing to TVCL if the TACL is <35 mm or the cervix cannot be transabdominally accurately measured.
How international guidelines recommend treating children who have severe COVID‐19 or risk disease progression
Authors: Mańdziuk Joanna , Kuchar Ernest , Okarska‐Napierała Magdalena
Published: July 2024

Aim

This study reviewed the current knowledge and guidelines on managing COVID‐19 in children and proposed a practical approach to drug treatment.

Methods

We analysed international guidelines from four prominent scientific bodies on treating COVID‐19 in children. These were the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, the American National Institutes of Health, the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the Australian National Clinical Evidence Taskforce COVID‐19.

Results

Most paediatric patients with COVID‐19 only require symptomatic treatment. There was limited evidence on treatment recommendations for children with severe COVID‐19 or at risk of disease progression. However, several drugs are available for children and we have summarised the guidelines, in order to provide a concise, practical format for clinicians. All the guidelines agree that nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir or remdesivir can be used as prophylaxis for severe COVID‐19 in high‐risk patients. Remdesivir can also be used for severe COVID‐19 cases. Glucocorticosteroids are recommended, particularly in patients requiring oxygen therapy. Tocilizumab or baricitinib should be reserved for patients with progressive disease and/or signs of systemic inflammation.

Conclusion

The guidelines provide useful advice and a degree of consensus on specific drug treatment for children with severe COVID‐19 or at risk of progression.
Performance pressure and annual report text manipulation: Evidence from China
Authors: Li Yanxi , Meng Delin , Wang Lan
Published: July 2024

Building on attribution theory, this study investigates the antecedents of corporate annual report text manipulation from the perspective of managerial performance pressure. Using a data set comprising 15,076 samples from companies listed on China's Shanghai and Shenzhen A‐share markets between 2009 and 2021, we reveal that as management faces performance pressure, they tend to increase content about external environmental risk and policy uncertainty in annual reports due to actor–observer bias. When incorporating Confucian cultural factors into the research framework, the study found that the strength of Confucian culture mitigates the correlation between the pressure of management performance and annual report manipulation. However, the level of marketization where a corporation is located can undermine the ethical norms upheld by Confucian culture. In additional analysis, we also discovered that the longer the duration of performance pressure, the greater the extent of manipulation within the annual reports initiated by the management. Interestingly, the social performance pressure generated from ESG performance also positively influences annual report textual manipulation, compared to operational performance pressure. This study explores the impact of management performance pressure on information disclosure decisions from the perspective of performance attribution, not only extending the boundaries of attribution theory but also providing guidance for policymakers to enhance the supervision of annual report disclosures and for capital market investors to optimize investment decisions.
Making the case for a new typology of dental care systems
Authors: Guarnizo‐Herreño Carol C. , Singh Ankur , Mathur Manu Raj , Sarawagi Shilpa , Peres Marco A.
Published: July 2024

Background and Rationale

Dental care systems have the potential to influence population oral health and patterns of socioeconomic inequalities. Therefore, understanding the impact of the ways in which countries fund, provide, and organize their dental care services is key in the analysis of determinants of oral health. In this commentary we offer a synopsis of recent typologies of healthcare systems, based on a rapid review, and highlight that none of them fit dental care services given the separation of dental care from general healthcare provision in many countries. The paper also summarizes evidence on dental care systems as determinants of population oral health and argues why a new typology of dental care systems is needed.

Challenges and Ways Forward

We argue that a typology must consider institutional arrangements, structures, and processes behind the provision of dental care, and that specific dimensions/variables that inform the typology should result from a process of discussion and consensus. Some methodological considerations for developing typologies are also discussed, including the challenges in the collection and analysis of data followed by an advanced cluster analysis. Despite their limitations, typologies have evolved into an essential tool for comparing the similarities and differences of healthcare systems across countries. Therefore, a dental specific typology for health systems will be useful for researchers, policymakers, and dental professionals to characterize the provision of dentalcare services in different countries. This will also enable examining their potential role as determinants of population oral health and inequalities.