bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Method for Creating Impact-Induced Intra-Articular Fractures in a Rabbit Model Induces Severe Post-traumatic Osteoarthritis
Authors: Goetz Jessica E. , Brouillette Marc J. , Sakyi Maxwell Y. , Paulsen Danielle P. , Petersen Emily B. , Fredericks Douglas C.
Published: January 2024

Objectives:

The objective of this work was to develop a model of intra-articular fracture in a rabbit and document the speed and severity of degenerative joint changes after fracture fixation.

Methods:

With IACUC approval, impact-induced intra-articular fractures were created in the distal tibia of 16 New Zealand White rabbits. Fractures were fixed with a plate and screws. Pain and function were monitored at regular postoperative intervals with limb loading analysis. 12 or 26 weeks after fracture, animals were euthanized for histological assessment of cartilage degeneration and micro-CT analysis of bone histomorphometry.

Results:

Eleven animals successfully completed the study. Maximum foot force in the fractured limb was 41±21% lower than preoperative values (p=0.006) 12 weeks after fracture and remained 25±13% lower (p=0.081) after 26 weeks. Cortical bone mineral density in micro-CT images was 34±13% lower 12 weeks after fracture (p<0.001) and remained (42±8%) lower 26 weeks after fracture (p<0.001). Twelve weeks after fracture, Mankin scores of cartilage degeneration were significantly higher in the medial talus (p=0.007), lateral talus (p<0.001), medial tibia (p=0.017), and lateral tibia (p=0.002) of the fractured limb compared to the uninjured contralateral limb. Average Mankin scores in the talus increased from 12 to 26 weeks (5.9±0.9 to 9.4±0.4; p<0.001 lateral; 5.4±1.8 to 7.8±2.0; p=0.043 medial), indicating substantial and progressive joint degeneration.

Conclusions:

The ankle joint of the New Zealand White rabbit provides the smallest available model of impact-induced intra-articular fracture that can be treated with clinically relevant techniques and replicates key features of healing and degeneration found in human patients.
Early acetabular fracture repair through an anterior approach is associated with increased blood loss
Authors: Ambrose Michael , Schulman Jeff E. , Kuenze Christopher , Hymes Robert A. , Holzman Michael , Malekzadeh A. Stephen , Ray-Zack Mohamed , Gaski Greg E.
Published: January 2024

OBJECTIVES:

To determine whether the timing of acetabular fracture fixation through an anterior approach influences estimated and calculated perioperative blood loss.

METHODS:

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

Level 1 trauma center from 2013 to 2021.

Patient Selection Criteria:

Patients age >18 treated with acetabular fracture fixation through an anterior-based approach.

Outcome Measures and Comparisons:

The primary outcome was calculated blood loss (CBL). Secondary outcomes were estimated blood loss (EBL) reported by surgeon and anesthesia, and blood transfusion requirements. Comparisons of blood loss were made at discrete post-injury time thresholds (24, 36, and 48 hours) and on a continuous basis.

RESULTS:

108 patients were studied. The mean age was 65 and 73% of patients were male. Earlier fixation of acetabular fractures resulted in greater CBL and EBL (surgeon and anesthesia) compared to later fixation when analyzed on a continuum and at specific time points (24, 36, and 48 hours). Mean CBL in patients treated earlier (< 48hrs, 2539 ml +/-1194) was significantly greater than those treated later (>48 hrs, 1625 ml +/-909; p<0.001). Fracture repair before 48 hours post-injury was associated with a 3 times greater risk of >2000 ml of CBL (p=0.006). This did not result in differences in transfusion rates between groups at 24 hours (p=0.518), 36 hours (p=1.000) or 48 hours (p=0.779).

CONCLUSIONS:

Delaying fixation of acetabular fractures treated through an anterior approach for 48 hours post-injury may significantly reduce perioperative blood loss.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Risk factors for spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality in trauma cases at a single trauma center
Authors: Taira Takayuki , Morita Seiji , Miyakawa Sachiko , Nakagawa Yoshihide , Umemura Takehiro , Inokuchi Sadaki
Published: January 2024

Background

Cervical injury due to blunt trauma requires emergency responses; however, few studies have investigated risk factors based on spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality (SCIWORA). Therefore, this study determined the risk factors for cervical spinal cord injury with radiographic abnormality and SCIWORA.

Materials and Methods

This study included 4923 trauma cases transferred to a Japanese trauma center between 2007 and 2013. We analyzed risk factors for cervical spinal cord injury with radiographic abnormality and SCIWORA using a logistic regression model. The coefficient factors considered for this study were Revised Trauma Score, age at arrival, and cause of injury (traffic accident, ground-level fall, low- and high-level fall, or other injury).

Results

Significant independent risk factors of cervical spinal cord injury varied based on the presence or absence of radiographic abnormality. The risk factors for SCIWORA were male (odds ratio [OR], 2.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21–3.95), age 65 to 79 years (OR, 1.71; CI, 1.06–2.78), Revised Trauma Score <7.8408 (OR, 4.98; CI, 2.42–10.26), Injury Severity Scale (OR, 1.07; CI, 1.06–1.09), other injuries (OR, 2.64; CI, 1.11–6.30), low- and high-level fall (OR, 2.18; CI, 1.24–3.83), and ground-level fall (OR, 10.35; CI, 5.65–18.95).

Conclusions

The risk factors for SCIWORA are male, age 65 to 79 years, and ground-level fall. Therefore, careful neurologic examination and magnetic resonance imaging studies are necessary in the examination of these at-risk patients.
Efficacy and safety of biologics in primary sclerosing cholangitis with inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shah Ayesha , Jones Michael P. , Callaghan Gavin , Fairlie Thomas , Ma Xiaomin , Culver Emma L. , Stuart Katherine , De Cruz Peter , O’Beirne James , Tabibian James H. , Dignass Axel , Canbay Ali , Gores Gregory J. , Holtmann Gerald J.
Published: January 2024

Background:

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is an immune-mediated, chronic cholestatic liver disease. Currently, liver transplantation is the only established life-saving treatment. Several studies have evaluated the effect of different biologic therapies on PSC with inconclusive findings. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effects of biologics in PSC and associated inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods:

MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase were searched up to July 31, 2023, for studies reporting the effects of biologics in patients with PSC-IBD. Effects of biologic therapy on alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, ulcerative colitis response score, and adverse events were calculated and expressed as standardized difference of means (SMD), proportions, and 95% CI using a random-effects model.

Results:

Six studies, including 411 PSC-IBD patients who received biologics, were included. Biologic treatment was associated with no change in alkaline phosphatase (SMD: 0.1, 95% CI: −0.07 −0.17, p=0.43), but a small and statistically significant increase in total bilirubin (SMD: 0.2, 95% CI: 0.05–0.35, p<0.01). 31.2% (95% CI: 23.8–39.7) of patients with IBD achieved endoscopic response, and there was a significant improvement in ulcerative colitis response score (SMD: −0.6,95% CI: −0.88 to 0.36, p<0.01). Furthermore, 17.6% (95% CI: 13.0–23.5) of patients experienced adverse events severe enough to discontinue therapy, and 29.9% (95% CI: 25.2–34.8) had a loss of response to biologics.

Conclusions:

Treatment of patients with PSC-IBD with biologics (vedolizumab, infliximab, and adalimumab) was not associated with improvement of biochemical markers of cholestasis. Biologics are effective in treating the colitis associated with PSC. Vedolizumab was associated with worsening liver enzymes in contrast to other biologics, a finding that warrants further study.
Variation in Lymph Node Assessment for Colon Cancer at the Tumor, Surgeon, and Hospital Level
Authors: Egger Michael E , Feygin Yana , Kong Maiying , Poddar Triparna , Ghosh Indranil , Xu Qian , McCabe Ryan M , McMasters Kelly M , Ellis C Tyler
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

We hypothesized that tumor- and hospital-level factors, compared with surgeon characteristics, are associated with the majority of variation in the 12 or more lymph nodes (LNs) examined quality standard for resected colon cancer.

STUDY DESIGN:

A dataset containing an anonymized surgeon identifier was obtained from the National Cancer Database for stage I to III colon cancers from 2010 to 2017. Multilevel logistic regression models were built to assign a proportion of variance in achievement of the 12 LNs standard among the following: (1) tumor factors (demographic and pathologic characteristics), (2) surgeon factors (volume, approach, and margin status), and (3) facility factors (volume and facility type).

RESULTS:

There were 283,192 unique patient records with 15,358 unique surgeons across 1,258 facilities in our cohort. Achievement of the 12 LNs standard was high (90.3%). Achievement of the 12 LNs standard by surgeon volume was 88.1% and 90.7% in the lowest and highest quartiles, and 86.8% and 91.6% at the facility level for high and low annual volume quartiles, respectively. In multivariate analysis, the following tumor factors were associated with meeting the 12 LNs standard: age, sex, primary tumor site, tumor grade, T stage, and comorbidities (all p < 0.001). Tumor factors were responsible for 71% of the variation in 12 LNs yield, whereas surgeon and facility characteristics contributed 17% and 12%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

Twenty-nine percent of the variation in the 12 LNs standard is linked to modifiable factors. The majority of variation in this quality metric is associated with non-modifiable tumor-level factors.
Primary subacute talus osteomyelitis caused by Pasteurella canis: literature review and case report
Authors: Shah Sohaib , Donnachie Douglas , Niazi Noman , Conyers Russell , Dartnell Jo , Katchburian Marcos , Ayodele Oluwarantimi
Published: January 2024

In this review, we would like to demonstrate the case of a 6-year-old girl who presented with progressive ankle pain and eventual inability to weight bear. She was shown to have primary acute osteomyelitis of the talus caused by

Pasteurella canis

, a commensal organism usually found in the oropharynx of dogs, despite the absence of any history of a dog bite or other zoonotic risk factors. We characterise the symptoms, signs, radiographic appearances and result of both the medical and surgical management, including a review of the literature. This review aims to increase awareness of this rare pathology and help guide other clinicians in accurately diagnosing and managing the condition.
Diagnostic utility of in vivo expressed mycobacterial RNA transcripts in pleural fluid for the differential diagnosis of tuberculous pleuritis
Authors: Kaur Prabhdeep , Sharma Sumedha , Sinha Sudhanshu Abhishek , Aggarwal Ashutosh N. , Kaur Khushpreet , Yadav Rakesh , Sethi Sunil , Bal Amanjit , Verma Indu
Published: January 2024

Background

Tuberculous pleuritis (TBP), the extra-pulmonary manifestation of tuberculosis, is the second most common after TB lymphadenitis. Histopathology using biopsy samples is the most sensitive diagnostic procedure for TBP, however the biopsy acquisition is invasive. Therefore, better screening markers for diagnosis using pleural fluid are required. The pathogen biomarkers expressed at the site of infection may play a potential role in designing a newer diagnostic assay. Thus, the current study was planned to look for mycobacterial RNA biomarkers in TBP and to assess their diagnostic utility in pleural fluid.

Methods

TBP suspects (n=261) were recruited in the current study. Out of these 45 suspects were excluded and the remaining (n=216) were divided into TBP (n=54) and non-TBP (n=162) groups based on composite reference standard. A whole genome microarray was carried usingM.tbRNA from pleural biopsies of TB patients. The data was validated using qRT-PCR and the diagnostic utility of top two highly expressed genes was assessed in pleural fluid of using a real time RT-PCR assay.

Results

Overall, 1856 genes were differentially expressed in microarray of which 1365 were upregulated and 491 were downregulated. After validation of microarray gene expression, two genes namelyRv1586andRv2543were selected for assessment of their diagnostic utility in TBP. The combined analysis for the presence of either of genes in the pleural fluid led to identification of pleural TB patients with 79.6% sensitivity and 93.28% specificity.

Conclusion

The transcripts of genesRv1586andRv2543holds potential for the development of a RNA based molecular diagnostic assay in pleural fluid of TBP patients.
ClonalParabacteroidesfrom Gut Microfistulous Tracts as Transmissible Cytotoxic Succinate-Commensal Model of Crohn’s Disease Complications
Authors: Singh Vaidhvi , West Gail , Fiocchi Claudio , Good Caryn E. , Katz Jeffry , Jacobs Michael R , Dichosa Armand Earl Ko , Flask Chris , Wesolowski Mathew , McColl Cassidy , Grubb Brandon , Ahmed Sadia , Bank Nicholas C. , Thamma Kavitha , Bederman Ilya , Erokwu Bernadette , Yang Xinlin , Sundrud Mark S. , Menghini Paola , Basson Abigail Raffner , Ezeji Jessica , Viswanath Satish E , Veloo Alida , Sykes David B. , Cominelli Fabio , Rodriguez-Palacios Alex
Published: January 2024

Crohn’s disease (CD) has been traditionally viewed as a chronic inflammatory disease that cause gut wall thickening and complications, including fistulas, by mechanisms not understood. By focusing onParabacteroides distasonis(presumed modern succinate-producing commensal probiotic), recovered from intestinal microfistulous tracts (cavernous fistulous micropathologies CavFT proposed as intermediate between ‘mucosal fissures’ and ‘fistulas’) in two patients that required surgery to remove CD-damaged ilea, we demonstrate that such isolates exert pathogenic/pathobiont roles in mouse models of CD. Our isolates are clonally-related; potentially emerging as transmissible in the community and mice; proinflammatory and adapted to the ileum of germ-free mice prone to CD-like ileitis (SAMP1/YitFc) but not healthy mice (C57BL/6J), and cytotoxic/ATP-depleting to HoxB8-immortalized bone marrow derived myeloid cells from SAMP1/YitFc mice when concurrently exposed to succinate and extracts from CavFT-derivedE. coli, but not to cells from healthy mice. With unique genomic features supporting recent genetic exchange withBacteroides fragilis-BGF539, evidence of international presence in primarily human metagenome databases, these CavFTPdisisolates could represent to a new opportunisticParabacteroidesspecies, or subspecies (‘cavitamuralis’) adapted to microfistulous niches in CD.
Blocker-SELEX: A Structure-guided Strategy for Developing Inhibitory Aptamers Disrupting Undruggable Transcription Factor Interactions
Authors: Li Tongqing , Liu Xueying , Zhang Sheyu , Hou Yu , Zhang Yuchao , Luo Guoyan , Zhu Xun , Tao Yanxin , Fan Mengyang , Sha Chulin , Lin Ailan , Qin Jingjing , Chen Weichang , Fu Ting , Wei Yong , Wu Qin , Tan Weihong
Published: January 2024

Despite the well-established significance of transcription factors (TFs) in pathogenesis, their utilization as pharmacological targets has been limited by the inherent challenges associated with modulating their protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions. The lack of defined small-molecule binding pockets and the nuclear localization of TFs do not favor the use of small-molecule inhibitors, or neutral antibodies, in blocking TF interactions. Aptamers are short oligonucleotides exhibiting high affinity and specificity for a diverse range of targets. Large molecular weights, expansive blocking surfaces and efficient cellular internalization make aptamers a compelling molecular tool for use as traditional TF interaction modulators. Here, we report a structure-guided design strategy called Blocker-SELEX to develop inhibitory aptamers (iAptamer) that selectively block TF interactions. Our approach led to the discovery of iAptamers that cooperatively disrupts SCAF4/SCAF8-RNA Polymerase II (RNAP2) interactions, thereby dysregulating RNAP2-dependent gene expression and splicing and, in turn, leading to the impairment of cell proliferation. This approach was further applied to develop iAptamers to efficiently block WDR5-MYC interaction with a nexus in cancer. Taken together, our study highlights the potential of Blocker-SELEX in developing iAptamers that effectively disrupt potentially pathogenic TF interactions with attendant implications for iAptamers as chemical tools for use in the study of biological functions of TF interactions, but also for potential use in nucleic acids drug discovery.
The Uptake of Critical Perspectives in the Field of Global Mental Health: A Critical Interpretive Synthesis
Authors: Limenih Gojjam , Nouvet Elysee
Published: January 2024

An emancipatory movement is surging within the of global mental health (GMH) field, advancing the groundwork laid by scholars who champion a more critical, self-reflective, decolonized, and socially responsive discipline. As GMH enters its second decade, there have been numerous critiques of its origins and underlying paradigms, with increasing emphasis on critical approaches in recent publications. However, there is no comprehensive synthesis has yet been undertaken to understand how critical perspectives have been integrated into the GMH literature. To contribute to the ongoing discourse aimed at cultivating GMH as a critical and socially responsive discipline, this article employed the critical interpretive synthesis method. critical interpretive synthesis is designed to navigate the synthesis of extensive and diverse literature while actively engaging with the foundational assumptions that shape and inform the body of research via employing a critical lens to scrutinize the data. We conducted searches using PubMed, MEDLINE(OVID), PsycINFO, Scopus and EMBASE data bases; published between 2007 and February 2023. We included 58 articles that have embraced critical perspectives, whether explicitly or implicitly. Through this iterative process, five distinct themes or “four turns” emerge: (1) the inward turn, focusing on the “local” as a source of alterity, resistance, and critique; (2) turning the critical lens outward or political turn; (3) the push for a broader agenda; and (4) the reflexive turn. This article discusses the implications of four “turns” in how critical perspectives have been and are being used, in relation to the goal of developing as a socially responsive discipline.
PTEN inhibition promotes robust growth of bulbospinal respiratory axons and partial recovery of diaphragm function in a chronic model of cervical contusion spinal cord injury
Authors: Michel-Flutot Pauline , Cheng Lan , Thomas Samantha J , Lisi Brianna , Schwartz Harrison , Lam Sandy , Lyttle Megan , Jaffe David A , Smith George , Li Shuxin , Wright Megan C , Lepore Angelo C
Published: January 2024

High spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to persistent and debilitating compromise in respiratory function. Cervical SCI not only causes the death of phrenic motor neurons (PhMNs) that innervate the diaphragm, but also damages descending respiratory pathways originating in the rostral ventral respiratory group (rVRG) located in the brainstem, resulting in denervation and consequent silencing of spared PhMNs located caudal to injury. It is imperative to determine whether interventions targeting rVRG axon growth and respiratory neural circuit reconnection are efficacious in chronic cervical contusion SCI, given that the vast majority of individuals are chronically-injured and most cases of SCI involve contusion-type damage to the cervical region. We therefore employed a clinically-relevant rat model of chronic cervical hemicontusion to test therapeutic manipulations aimed at reconstructing damaged rVRG-PhMN-diaphragm circuitry to achieve recovery of respiratory function. At a chronic time point post-injury, we systemically administered: an antagonist peptide directed against phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), a central inhibitor of neuron-intrinsic axon growth potential; an antagonist peptide directed against receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatase sigma (PTPσ), another important negative regulator of axon growth capacity; or a combination of these two peptides. PTEN antagonist peptide (PAP4) promoted partial recovery of diaphragm motor activity out to nine months post-injury, while PTPσ peptide did not impact diaphragm function after cervical SCI. Furthermore, PAP4 promoted robust growth of descending bulbospinal rVRG axons caudal to the injury within the denervated portion of the PhMN pool, while PTPσ peptide did not affect rVRG axon growth at this location that is critical to control of diaphragmatic respiratory function. In conclusion, we find that, when PTEN inhibition is targeted at a chronic time point following cervical contusion that is most relevant to the SCI clinical population, our non-invasive PAP4 strategy can successfully promote significant regrowth of damaged respiratory neural circuitry and also partial recovery of diaphragm motor function.

HIGHLIGHTS

PTEN antagonist peptide promotes partial diaphragm function recovery in chronic cervical contusion SCI.

PTPσ inhibitory peptide does not impact diaphragm function recovery in chronic cervical contusion SCI.

PTEN antagonist peptide promotes growth of bulbospinal rVRG axons in chronic cervical contusion SCI.

PTPσ peptide does not affect rVRG axon growth in chronic cervical contusion SCI.
Approximate entropy analysis for nonlinear beam dynamics
Authors: Li Yongjun , Rainer Robert
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we applied an approximate entropy (ApEn) analysis to nonlinear beam dynamics. Due to the presence of strong nonlinear magnets, the degree of chaos in beam motion gradually increases proportionally with its amplitude. Such chaos can be quantitatively characterized with ApEn of beam turn-by-turn readings. ApEn analysis is a technique used to quantify the amount of regularity and the unpredictability of fluctuations with respect to time-series data. The ApEn, when applied as a chaos indicator, can then be used for nonlinear lattice optimization and analysis. The National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) electron storage ring lattice was used as an example of a real-world application of our technique.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
1D and 2D coordination polymers with a new rigid chelating linker: diacetylenedisalicylic acid
Authors: Naifert Sergei A. , Osipov Artem A. , Efremov Andrey N. , Rajakumar Kanthapazham , Uchaev Daniil A. , Zherebtsov Dmitry A. , Belov Kirill N.
Published: January 2024

Diacetylenedisalicylic acid is a new rigid linker molecule, capable of forming strong chelate bonds with metal cations. Its monosubstituted salts with dimethylamine and sodium form 1D and 2D coordination polymers, whose structures were solved from single crystals, along with the dimethyl ester of diacetylenedisalicylic acid. The structure of the dimethyl ester is characterized by a dense co-facial π-stacking of molecules with a dominance of van der Waals interactions between the stacks. The angle between the stack direction and the butadiyne groups does not meet the Enkelmann criterion for polymerization in a crystal. In contrast to the dimethyl ester, both salts have a rigid framework with channels filled with disordered solvent molecules. Photoluminescence spectra of the acid and its dimethyl ester have been studied. Thermal analysis of the acid confirms its high thermal stability to 286°C. The acid and its dimethyl ester are prone to polymerization on further heating followed by 50–52% mass loss, forming an amorphous carbon residue at 1000°C.
Comparing the homogeneity and genotypes of large and small-scale coliving buildings in the modern Western world
Authors: Alyedreessy Emad , Dalton Ruth
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Contemporary coliving is a rapidly developing housing typology, characterised by high-density private living spaces integrated with various shared, mixed-use amenities. The purpose of this research is to quantitatively examine the spatial configurations of coliving building systems, and the integration of programmatic space labels, to provide insights for architects and researchers into the homogeneity and genotypical patterns embedded within these contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

Coliving buildings of various scales from the United Kingdom and the USA were examined using small graph matching and inequality genotypes. The former was adopted to identify a genotype signature and assess homogeneity levels, whilst the latter provided a comparative analysis of the ranked integration values for space labels within these building systems.

Findings

Although local samples exhibited superior levels of homogeneity compared to the sample population (n = 18), the latter still evinced a marked homogeneity and no statistical difference in building system integration (mean real relative asymmetry (RRA)). Local large-scale samples showed the greatest homogeneity and building system integration of all sample groups, whilst a statistically significant distinction in building system integration was evident between large- and small-scale samples. However, a comparison of space label integration (RRA) across different building scales demonstrated that a potential genotypical pattern exists between small- and large-scale samples.

Originality/value

Through the identification of homogeneity and integration values related to scale and location, this research establishes an empirical, methodological framework for the generalisable spatial analysis of contemporary coliving buildings. Furthermore, genotypical patterns provide insights into space labels that are most likely to encourage copresence and social encounters between residents.
The effect of sponsored video customization on video shares: the critical moderating role of influencer and brand characteristics
Authors: Chen Li , Chen Yiwen , Pan Yang
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to empirically test how sponsored video customization (i.e. the degree to which a sponsored video is customized for a sponsoring brand) affects video shares differently depending on influencer characteristics (i.e. mega influencer and expert influencer) and brand characteristics (i.e. brand establishment and product involvement).

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a unique real-world data set that combines coded variables (e.g. customization) and objective video performance (e.g. sharing) of 365 sponsored videos to test the hypotheses. A negative binomial model is used to analyze the data set.

Findings

This study finds that the effect of video customization on video shares varies across contexts. Video customization positively affects shares if they are made for well-established brands and high-involvement products but negatively influences shares if they are produced by mega and expert influencers.

Research limitations/implications

This study extends the influencer marketing literature by focusing on a new media modality – sponsored video. Drawing on the multiple inference model and the persuasion knowledge theory, this study teases out different conditions under which video customization is more or less likely to foster audience engagement, which both influencers and brands care about. The chosen research setting may limit the generalizability of the findings of this study.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that mega and expert influencers need to consider if their endorsement would backfire on a highly customized video. Brands that aim to engage customers with highly-customized videos should gauge their decision by taking into consideration their years of establishment and product involvement. For video-sharing platforms, especially those that are planning to expand their businesses to include “matching-making services” for brands and influencers, the findings provide theory-based guidance on optimizing such matches.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an urgent research need to study how brands and influencers should produce sponsored videos to achieve optimal outcomes.
Seasonal electricity consumption forecasting: an approach with novel weakening buffer operator and fractional order accumulation grey model
Authors: Mi Chuanmin , Gou Xiaoyi , Ren Yating , Zeng Bo , Khalid Jamshed , Ma Yuhuan
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Accurate prediction of seasonal power consumption trends with impact disturbances provides a scientific basis for the flexible balance of the long timescale power system. Consequently, it fosters reasonable scheduling plans, ensuring the safety of the system and improving the economic dispatching efficiency of the power system.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a new seasonal grey buffer operator in the longitudinal and transverse dimensional perspectives is designed. Then, a new seasonal grey modeling approach that integrates the new operator, full real domain fractional order accumulation generation technique, grey prediction modeling tool and fruit fly optimization algorithm is proposed. Moreover, the rationality, scientificity and superiority of the new approach are verified by designing 24 seasonal electricity consumption forecasting approaches, incorporating case study and amalgamating qualitative and quantitative research.

Findings

Compared with other comparative models, the new approach has superior mean absolute percentage error and mean absolute error. Furthermore, the research results show that the new method provides a scientific and effective mathematical method for solving the seasonal trend power consumption forecasting modeling with impact disturbance.

Originality/value

Considering the development trend of longitudinal and transverse dimensions of seasonal data with impact disturbance and the differences in each stage, a new grey buffer operator is constructed, and a new seasonal grey modeling approach with multi-method fusion is proposed to solve the seasonal power consumption forecasting problem.

Highlights

The highlights of the paper are as follows:

A new seasonal grey buffer operator is constructed.

The impact of shock perturbations on seasonal data trends is effectively mitigated.

A novel seasonal grey forecasting approach with multi-method fusion is proposed.

Seasonal electricity consumption is successfully predicted by the novel approach.

The way to adjust China's power system flexibility in the future is analyzed.
Investigating online shopping behavior of generation Z: an application of theory of consumption values
Authors: Rana S.M. Sohel , Azim Sheikh Mohammad Fauzul , Arif Arifur Rahman Khan , Sohel Mohammed Sohel Islam , Priya Farhana Newaz
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The tech savvy generation Z consumers constitute a significant market of online shopping. Understanding their shopping behavior is thus a pressing need to expand the e-commerce business. Under this backdrop, the study aims to predict the online shopping behavior of generation Z customers in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the theory of consumption values (TCV) along with shopping enjoyment to understand the online shopping behavior of generation Z. A structured set of questionnaire was used to gather the responses on a five point Likert scale. A total of 411 valid responses were considered after discarding incomplete responses. The collected data were analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach with the help of smart PLS 4.0 software.

Findings

The statistical findings reveal that functional value is the most significant determinant of online shopping behavior among generation Z followed by social value, conditional value and epistemic value. The study also reveals that relationship between emotional value and online shopping behavior and relationship between conditional value and online shopping behavior is moderated by shopping enjoyment.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the consumer behavior literature as the findings provide a comprehensive model from values perspectives to understand online shopping behavior among Gen Z customers in a developing country like Bangladesh. The findings of this study offer important insights to the marketers also since it reveals the values consumers consider while shopping online. The findings might help practitioners develop their online strategies to expand the business.
Investigating nexus between corporate re-branding and stock market performance: a study of Indian service sector
Authors: Kaul Pushpanjali , Arora Sangeeta
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The present study, by using signaling perspective aims to investigate short-term valuation impact of rebranding announcements (with name change) on stock performance of 160 service firms listed on NSE NIFTY-500 over the period of 2000–2019.

Design/methodology/approach

An event study methodology is used to estimate the cumulative abnormal returns (CARs) and its statistical significance is tested with both parametric and non-parametric test-statistics. Separate analysis has been conducted for firms with “major vs minor” and “restructuring vs non-restructuring” name change.

Findings

Findings of the study suggest that rebranding decisions are negatively associated with abnormal returns around the announcement period indicating strong disapproval of name change event. In addition, investors formed strong adverse opinion for major name change firms as compared to minor name change firms. Further, restructured name change sample document larger negative drift than non-restructured sample.

Practical implications

Findings offer substantial repercussions for shareholders who can make informed judgments about name change as a signal of reinventing brand identity. Managers should announce detailed rationale behind name change decision to market for enhancing corporate reputation.

Originality/value

This study contributes to marketing-finance interface literature and is first to examine market reaction to name change of Indian service firms and moreover, made a distinction between major vs minor and restructured vs non-restructured name change events for these firms.
What factors impact debt levels in the health sector? Evidence for a bank system-oriented country
Authors: Neves Maria , Proença Catarina , Cancela Beatriz , Serrasqueiro Zelia
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the determinants of the level of indebtedness in the health sector in Portugal, taking into account the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, an attempt is made to understand whether the effect of a pandemic crisis is similar to that of a financial crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this aim, two subperiods were analyzed: a global period between 2011 and 2020 that includes the pandemic crisis and the period between 2011 and 2014, designated as the financial assistance period by the “Troika” in Portugal. For a sample of 514 companies belonging to the NACE code: 86100 – activities of the health sector with hospitalization, the panel data methodology was applied, specifically, the generalized method of moments system proposed by Arellano and Bover (1995) and Blundell and Bond (1998).

Findings

The results of the study are in line with the Pecking-order explanatory theory, demonstrating that companies in this sector follow a financing hierarchy, preferentially resorting to internally generated funds and external debt. Additionally, the results reveal that the capital structure of companies has changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As for the period of financial assistance, there are no major differences in evidence when the total debt ratio is considered. The results suggest different impacts when it comes to a bear market period caused by a health crisis or a period of growing economic slowdowns.

Originality/value

As far as we know, this is the first study that analyses the debt levels in the context of the health sector in a country with a financial system based on the bank sector, using short- and long-term debt ratios, taking into account the particularities of two different moments considered to be bear market that may eventually be useful for comparison with other bear market moments in other macroeconomic environments.
Development of a mobile health information application for immigrant women in South Korea
Authors: Jang Sou Hyun , Yi Yong Jeong , Song Yun-Mi
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The primary objective was to develop a user-centered mobile health application (app) tailored to the specific health information needs of among immigrant women from diverse backgrounds in Korea.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth interviews were conducted with 24 immigrant women to gain insights into their health information-seeking behavior. Based on the findings, a mobile app was designed and developed. A beta version of the app underwent validation by an MD and seven expert reviewers who assessed the app for content accuracy and conformance to mobile heuristics. Last, immigrant women (n = 12) evaluated the usability of the app.

Findings

The study revealed that the interviewed immigrant women had strong health information needs related to pregnancy and parenting. Most of them used multiple sources to find and verify health information. Language barriers were identified as a major obstacle to accessing and evaluating health information. The results of the user test indicated that the app effectively facilitated study participants' search for reliable health information, meeting their specific needs.

Research limitations/implications

This research extended the literature by addressing the limited availability of mobile apps tailored to the health information needs of immigrant women in Korea.

Originality/value

By incorporating multilingual support and focusing on pregnancy and parenting information, the health app serves as a valuable tool to bridge the gap in health information access and to facilitate the well-being of immigrant women in the country.
Indoor WiFi path loss model to estimate indoor network coverage considering residential design
Authors: Teo Spencer Ii Ern , Zhou Yuhan , Yeoh Justin Ker-Wei
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Network coverage is crucial for the adoption of advanced Smart Home applications. The commonly used log-based path loss model is not able to accurately estimate WiFi signal strength in different houses, as it does not fully consider the impact of building morphology. To better describe the propagation of WiFi signals and achieve higher estimation accuracy, this paper studies the basic building morphology characteristics of houses.

Design/methodology/approach

A new path loss model based on a decision tree was proposed after measuring the WiFi signal strength passing through multiple housing units. Three types of regression models were tested and compared.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that the log-based path loss model fits small houses well, while the newly proposed nonlinear path loss model performs better in large houses (area larger than 125 m2 and area-to-perimeter ratio larger than 2.5). The impact of building design on path loss has been proven and specifically quantified in the model.

Originality/value

Proposed an improved model to estimate indoor network coverage. Quantify the impacts of building morphology on indoor WiFi signal strength. Improve WiFi signal strength estimation to support Smart Home applications.
The Fundamentals of Public Ownership: Learning from UK Historical Experience and Recent Scottish Policy
Authors: Gibbs Ewan , McCartney Gerard , Phillips Jim
Published: January 2024

Public ownership has emerged as desirable and achievable in the United Kingdom in the 2020s. The ongoing water crisis in England and concerns about ‘greedflation’ in sectors such as electricity and gas following recent price rises have encouraged interest in public ownership. Informed discussion is compromised, however, by a gap in public knowledge. This partly stems from the distance of time, a generation or more, since publicly owned enterprises operated in these sectors across Britain. We argue that public ownership is best understood in terms of fundamentals. Our proposed typology presents the predominant form of public ownership, nationalisation, as a response to fundamental problems, or devised as more efficient management of fundamental sectors, or established to achieve fundamental citizenship values. The typology is developed in dialogue with historical British experiences, then applied to contemporary examples of Scottish government policy, namely shipbuilding, social care and railways.
Informality and the governance dilemma: How institutional inter‐linkages can bridge accountability gaps
Authors: Roger Charles B.
Published: January 2024

States have increasingly relied on informal international organizations (IOs) to govern cross‐border problems. Frequently, however, their accountability has been questioned because they have been created to evade political control and strengthen the hands of executives and bureaucrats vis‐à‐vis legislative actors. This has led some to propose solutions that might address their accountability gaps. In this article, I discuss the role that institutional inter‐linkages may play. Many informal IOs lack capabilities and accountability mechanisms that raise questions about their desirability as standalone institutions. Yet, in practice, by creating links with states and formal IOs, their capabilities and accountability have been augmented. With respect to their accountability, specifically, I argue such linkages can promote reflexivity, policy filtering, and the institutionalization of new procedural norms. While these dynamics cannot fully reduce accountability gaps, recognition of them provides a more balanced picture of the issues at stake and an added rationale for expanding such linkages in the future.
Inhalational volatile anaesthetic agents: the atmospheric scientists' viewpoint
Authors: Nielsen O. J. , Sulbaek Andersen M. P.
Published: January 2024

All sectors of society must reduce their carbon footprint to mitigate climate change, and the healthcare community is no exception. This narrative review focuses on the environmental concerns associated with the emissions of volatile anaesthetic agents, some of which are potent greenhouse gases. This review provides an understanding of the global warming potential metric, as well as the concepts of atmospheric lifetime and radiative efficiency. The state of knowledge of the environmental impact and possible climate forcing of emitted volatile anaesthetic agents are reviewed. Additionally, the review discusses how climate metrics can guide mitigation strategies to reduce emissions and suggests present and future options for mitigating the climate impact.
Anaesthetic subspecialties and sustainable healthcare: a narrative review
Authors: Oliver C. , Charlesworth M. , Pratt O. , Sutton R. , Metodiev Y.
Published: January 2024

The principles of environmentally sustainable healthcare as applied to anaesthesia and peri‐operative care are well documented. Associated recommendations focus on generic principles that can be applied to all areas of practice. These include reducing the use of inhalational anaesthetic agents and carbon dioxide equivalent emissions of modern peri‐operative care. However, four areas of practice have specific patient, surgical and anaesthetic factors that present barriers to the implementation of some of these principles, namely: neuroanaesthesia; obstetric; paediatric; and cardiac anaesthesia. This narrative review describes these factors and synthesises the available evidence to highlight areas of sustainable practice clinicians can address today, as well as posing several unanswered questions for the future. In neuroanaesthesia, improvements can be made by undertaking awake surgery, moving towards more reusables and embracing telemedicine in quaternary services. Obstetric anaesthesia continues to present questions regarding how services can move away from nitrous oxide use or limit its release to the environment. The focus for paediatric anaesthesia is addressing the barriers to total intravenous and regional anaesthesia. For cardiac anaesthesia, a significant emphasis is determining how to focus the substantial resources required on those who will benefit from cardiac interventions, rather than universal implementation. Whilst the landscape of evidence‐based sustainable practice is evolving, there remains an urgent need for further original evidence in healthcare sustainability targeting these four clinical areas.
The Perceived Economic Scarcity Scale: A valid tool with greater predictive utility than income
Authors: Auger Victor , Sommet Nicolas , Normand Alice
Published: January 2024

This article introduces the Perceived Economic Scarcity Scale (PESS), a novel instrument measuring the subjective evaluation and experience of economic scarcity (the feeling of having insufficient financial resources to meet one's needs). We conducted three high‐powered preregistered studies (total N = 1900) to rigorously evaluate the PESS's psychometric properties. In Study 1, we generated a pool of items and used both Principal Component Analysis and Exploratory Factor Analysis to select the most appropriate items. In Study 2, we examined the PESS's construct validity, demonstrating that it measures a distinct construct from related constructs such as subjective social class. In Study 3, we examined the PESS's predictive validity, demonstrating that it is a robust predictor of both affective outcomes (e.g. anxiety‐depressive symptoms) and cognitive outcomes (e.g. economic risk‐taking). Critically, we found that the PESS not only has incremental validity over and above income but also has greater predictive utility than income. We also found that the PESS score varies depending on the distance‐to‐pay and has excellent test–retest reliability. Overall, the PESS appears to be a valid and reliable instrument for assessing perceived economic scarcity, and we encourage researchers to use it to better understand the psychological consequences of ‘not having enough’.
Factors associated with impaired psychophysical gustatory function
Authors: Kim Kyung Soo , Kwak Il‐Youp , Min Hyun Jin
Published: January 2024

Objective

To investigate the clinical characteristics associated with measured gustatory dysfunction in patients with chemosensory (smell and taste) discomfort.

Study design

Retrospective study.

Design

Hospital‐based cohort.

Setting

The clinical characteristics associated with the measured diagnosis of gustatory dysfunction were statistically analysed.

Participants

Patients who underwent all the psychophysical olfactory and chemical gustatory function tests (YSK olfactory function test and chemical gustometry exam) and the subjective questionnaires between October 2021 and February 2023.

Main outcome measures

YSK olfactory function test and chemical gustometry results, subjective questionnaire score about chemosensory (smell and taste) functions. The Medical records of patients who visited the smell and taste centre in a tertiary.

Results

A total of 219 patients were enrolled; 180 were diagnosed as having normal gustatory function, and 39 were diagnosed as having gustatory dysfunction. Subjective recognition of gustatory function was not associated with the measured gustatory function. Age, sex, measured olfactory function and the threshold and discrimination scores for the olfactory function test were significant factors in the multivariate analysis. When the patients were further divided according to age, the threshold test scores rather than other subsets in the olfactory function test were significantly associated with measured gustatory dysfunction in patients 60 and older.

Conclusion

In older adult male patients with olfactory dysfunction, gustatory function should be considered regardless of subjective gustatory dysfunction.