bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taming Brillouin Optomechanics Using Supermode Microresonators
Authors: Wang Min , Hu Zhi-Gang , Lao Chenghao , Wang Yuanlei , Jin Xing , Zhou Xin , Lei Yuechen , Wang Ze , Liu Wenjing , Yang Qi-Fan , Li Bei-Bei
Published: March 2024

Electrostrictive Brillouin scattering provides a ubiquitous mechanism to optically excite high-frequency (>10  GHz), bulk acoustic phonons that are robust to surface-induced losses. Resonantly enhancing such photon-phonon interactions in high-Q microresonators has spawned diverse applications spanning microwave to optical domains. However, tuning both the pump and scattered waves into resonance usually comes with the cost of photon confinement or modal overlap, leading to limited optomechanical coupling. Here, we introduce Bragg scattering to realize strong bulk optomechanical coupling in the same spatial modes of a micron-sized supermode microresonator. A single-photon optomechanical coupling rate up to 12.5 kHz is demonstrated, showing more than 10 times improvement than other devices. Low-threshold phonon lasing and optomechanical strong coupling are also observed for the 10.2-GHz mechanical mode. Our work establishes a compact and efficient paradigm to optically control bulk acoustic phonons, paving the way toward optomechanical coupling at the single-photon level and providing a powerful engine for large-scale integration of quantum networks in which quantum states are massively transferred and stored.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 8-benzyl-1-[(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]-2,7,8,9-tetrahydro-1H-3,6:10,13-diepoxy-1,8-benzodiazacyclopentadecine ethanol hemisolvate
Authors: Burkin Gleb M. , Kvyatkovskaya Elizaveta A. , Khrustalev Victor N. , Hasanov Khudayar I. , Sadikhova Nurlana D. , Akkurt Mehmet , Bhattarai Ajaya
Published: March 2024

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, 2C31H28N2O4S·C2H6O, contains a parent molecule and a half molecule of ethanol solvent. The main compound stabilizes its molecular conformation by forming a ring with an R
1
2(7) motif with the ethanol solvent molecule. In the crystal, molecules are connected by C—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network. In addition, C—H...π interactions also strengthen the molecular packing.
How trustful are food safety control measures – insight into their validation
Authors: Djekic Ilija , Smigic Nada
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper was to evaluate the validation process of food safety control measures.

Design/methodology/approach

The validation of control measures has been analyzed at 50 food companies in Serbia. The sample included companies that produce food of both plant and animal origin and have certified food safety management systems. A total of 156 control measures that combat physical hazards (41.6%), followed by microbial hazards (34.0%) and chemical hazards (24.4%), have been analyzed. To enable quantification of the validation protocols, each control measure was assigned a score.

Findings

The validation scores showed that the highest level of validation was observed in large companies, as opposed to small and medium-sized companies (p < 0.05). The type of food safety hazards and the food sector did not reveal any statistical differences in-between the scores. The main approach to validating control measures was referring to the technical documentation of equipment used (52.6%), followed by scientific and legal requirements (30.7%). Less than 20% of the analyzed control measures were validated with operational data collected on-site. No mathematical modeling was observed for the sampled food companies. Future steps should include the development of validation guides for different types of control measures and training modules.

Practical implications

This study can serve as an improvement guide for food safety consultants, food safety auditors, certification bodies, inspection services, food technologists and food managers.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to provide an insight into how food companies validate their control measures to combat microbial, chemical and physical food safety hazards.
The impact of customer pressures and government regulations on the implementation of socio-environmental practices in organic certification in the Amazon region
Authors: Martins Cyntia Meireles , Pereira Susana Carla Farias , Scarpin Marcia Regina Santiago , Queiroz Maciel M. , Cavalcante Mariana da Silva
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This research analyses the impact of customers and government regulations on the implementation of socio-environmental practices in certifying organic agricultural products. It explores the dyad’s relationship between the focal company and its suppliers in the application of socio-environmental practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a quantitative methodology through a survey approach, with a sample of 206 agro-extractivists from the acai berry supply chain. The data are evaluated using regression analysis.

Findings

The main results reveal that customer pressure positively influences the implementation of social and environmental practices, but suggest a non-significant relationship between government regulations and the impact on environmental practices implementation. Social and environmental practices are positively related to operational performance. A moderating effect of organic certification is found in the relationship between customer pressure and the application of environmental practices.

Originality/value

The main contributions are exploring the use of socio-environmental practices in an emerging economy and organic certification as a moderating variable, revealing an “institutional void” that may hamper the enforcement of government regulations.
Key performance indicators of construction companies in branding products and construction projects for success in a competitive environment in Iran
Authors: Anjomshoa Erfan
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Key performance indicators (KPIs) play a pivotal role in evaluating the level of success of an organization in achieving its business objectives. The objective of the current research is to identify and prioritize effective KPIs in branding products and construction projects, which contribute to the success of construction companies in a competitive environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The present research is of an inferential, descriptive and survey nature. In this study, we identified the influential key performance indicators of construction companies in branding products and construction projects for success in a competitive environment through a literature review and expert opinions. The data were collected using a questionnaire, and a combination of the one-sample t-test method with a 95% confidence level and the fuzzy multiple attribute decision-making (FMADM) method was employed for analysis.

Findings

The results indicate that the most influential key performance indicators for construction companies in branding products and construction projects for success in a competitive environment are, in order of significance, the following indices: “Marketing and Advertising,” “Financial,” “Creativity,” “Technical and Operational” and “Social and Political.”

Originality/value

The present research examines the importance of branding construction products and projects for the success of construction companies by improving their business objectives and utilizing key performance indicators throughout the product lifecycle (production and construction). This study provides solutions on how construction companies can increase their competitive advantage through branding and achieve long-term success in the global construction industry.
An impact of ternary nanofluid on a micropolar fluid with inclined MHD, slip flow and heat transfer
Authors: Mahabaleshwar U.S. , Rudraiah Mahesh , Huang Huang , Sunden Bengt Ake
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of inclined magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) and thermal radiation on the flow of a ternary micropolar nanofluid on a sheet that is expanding and contracting while applying mass transpiration and velocity slip conditions to the flow. The nanofluid, which is composed of Au, Ag and Cu nanoparticles dispersed in water as the base fluid, possesses critical properties for increasing the heat transfer rate and is frequently used in manufacturing and industrial establishments.

Design/methodology/approach

The set of governing nonlinear partial differential equations is transformed into a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The outcome of this differential equation is solved and obtained the closed-form solution and energy equation in the form of hypergeometric functions.

Findings

The velocity, micro-rotation and temperature field are investigated versus a parametric variation. The physical domains of mass suction or injection and micropolar characteristics play an important role in specifying the presence, singleness and multiplanes of exact solutions. In addition, many nondimensional characteristics of the profiles of temperature, angular velocity and velocity profiles are graphically shown with substantial consequences. Furthermore, adding nanoparticles increases the heat transfer rate of the fluid used in manufacturing and industrial establishments. The current findings may be used for better oil recovery procedures, smart materials such as magnetorheological fluids, targeted medicine administration and increased heat transmission. Concerning environmental cleanup, nanomaterial fabrication and biomedical devices, demonstrate their potential influence in a variety of disciplines.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper is to analyze the impact of inclined MHD at an angle with the ternary nanofluid on a micropolar fluid over an expanding and contracting sheet with thermal radiation effect.
Assessing impacts of emergency industry demonstration on firm profitability: the role of blockchain strategies and technologies
Authors: Ju Yingjie , Yang Jianliang , Ma Jingping , Hou Yuehang
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The objective of this study is to explore the impact of a government-supported initiative for operational security, specifically the establishment of the national security emergency industry demonstration base, on the profitability of local publicly traded companies. Additionally, the study investigates the significance of firms' blockchain strategies and technologies within this framework.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the differences-in-differences (DID) approach, this study evaluates the impact of China's national security emergency industry demonstration bases (2015–2022) on the profitability of local firms. Data from the China Research Data Service (CNRDS) platform and investor Q&As informed our analysis of firms' blockchain strategy and technology, underpinned by detailed data collection and a robust DID model.

Findings

Emergency industry demonstration bases have notably boosted enterprise profitability in both return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE). Companies adopting blockchain strategies and operational technology see a clear rise in profitability over non-blockchain peers. Additionally, the technical operation of blockchain presents a more pronounced advantage than at the strategic level.

Originality/value

We introduced a new perspective, emphasizing the enhancement of corporate operational safety and financial performance through the pathway of emergency industry policies, driven by the collaboration between government and businesses. Furthermore, we delved into the potential application value of blockchain strategies and technologies in enhancing operational security and the emergency industry.
Intellectual capital and competitiveness improvement among micro-small-medium enterprises: a resource orchestration view
Authors: Rahman Syed Abidur , Taghizadeh Seyedeh Khadijeh , Khan Golam Mostafa , Radomska Malgorzata
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The study aims to test the framework that proposes the role of resources (intellectual capital) in mobilizing entrepreneurial orientation that influences the competitiveness improvement of micro-small-medium enterprises (MSMEs) under the lens of resource orchestration theory.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, 347 respondents from the MSMEs participated through a structured questionnaire. For the data analysis purpose, the structural equation modeling technique was employed using SmartPLS software.

Findings

The results suggest human, structural, and relational capital are significant antecedents of entrepreneurial orientation, which leads to competitiveness improvement. The findings also indicate the mediation role of entrepreneurial orientation between intellectual capital and competitiveness improvement.

Practical implications

The current study presumably will supplement the promising research effort to progress the research orchestration theory and also could be a strategic guideline for the managers/owners of the MSMEs.

Originality/value

This study is possibly a novel attempt to divulge the association between intellectual capital (tripartite model) and competitiveness improvement of firms under the lens of resource orchestration theory.
Social enterprise growth by design: using design to incubate and accelerate social enterprises
Authors: Kwon Hyejin , Choi Youngok , Hazenberg Richard
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The paper aims to explore the roles and impact of design in incubating and accelerating social enterprises. It aims to understand design’s influence on social enterprise ecosystems and in improving outcomes for social enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used an exploratory, qualitative approach, using case studies and interviews. The comparative case-study methodology was applied to evaluate the influence of design on the development of social enterprises in the UK and South Korea and identify critical issues in their utilisation of design. Empirical data included: in-depth case studies of design utilisation practices (UK = 6; South Korea = 15) and design applications (UK = 2; South Korea = 2) for the growth of social enterprise and its ecosystem; 27 social enterprise/design experts (UK = 17; South Korea = 10); and 22 social enterprises (UK = 12; South Korea = 10). Content and thematic analysis were used to synthesise the findings.

Findings

Findings demonstrate the differing influences of design on social enterprise, from improving products/services and business models to enhancing social enterprise ecosystem support and networks. Future directions are suggested for applying design for social enterprise growth, business stage development and systematising interactions between the social enterprise and design sectors.

Research limitations/implications

The research is based on case studies from only two countries. Further, the adoption of working definitions of social enterprise in the countries may result in the research underestimating the heterogeneity of social enterprise.

Practical implications

The findings contribute to optimising efficient ecosystem development to improve social enterprise competitiveness and innovation.

Originality/value

This paper establishes a research foundation on design for social enterprise, offering theoretical and practical insights into its impact on growth.
Understanding Chinese tourists’ changing shopping experience in Macao: pre and in COVID-19 via user generated content
Authors: Li Xiaojuan , Feng Yanping , Wong Cora Un In , Ren Lianping
Published: March 2024

This paper aims to understand Chinese tourists’ changing shopping experience in Macao. In scrutinizing reviews posted in the pre-COVID and during COVID eras, the study has identified changing patterns in Chinese tourists’ shopping experiences, including increased leisure components while shopping, decreased luxury pursuits and an improved overall leisure and shopping experience because of decreased prices in accommodation and a less crowded retail and leisure environment. An emergent opportunity to provide “retail-tainment” experience is discussed.
Chinese young consumers’ response to negative brand information of electric vehicles – do personal cultural values matter?
Authors: Shen Xiaoting , Zhao Yimeng , Yu Jia , Yu Mingzhou
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the responses of young Chinese consumers with different cultural characteristics to negative brand information about electric vehicles.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study is quantitative research with an experimental method. It shows two different levels of severity for negative publicity and asks participants to self-report through questionnaires.

Findings

Chinese young consumers, being collectivist and of high uncertainty avoidance, tend to search for and spread information; consumers with low power distance search and share information more under low information severity. In addition, information search positively affects brand attitude under lower severity; negative word-of-mouth intention negatively affects brand attitudes at both severity levels.

Research limitations/implications

The current study examines the influence of personal cultural values on information searching and negative information dissemination among young consumers, providing insights to complement previous studies. Furthermore, it explores how such exposure influences young consumers’ brand attitude and intention to purchase. Limitations include simple sample scopes and single-product stimuli.

Practical implications

This research highlights the importance of cultural dimensions in shaping young consumers’ responses to negative publicity. Marketers worldwide should consider cultural influence and develop specific strategies to address negative information about different products. Understanding customers’ unique characteristics and preferences can help marketers effectively tailor their approaches to counter negative publicity.

Originality/value

This study originally provides a supplement to prior studies on cultural dimensions and consumer behavior and provides suggestions to marketers on young Chinese consumers.
Research note: A comparison between normalized controlled‐source electromagnetic field components and transfer functions as input data for three‐dimensional non‐linear conjugate gradient inversion
Authors: Rulff Paula , Kalscheuer Thomas
Published: March 2024

Controlled‐source electromagnetic methods are applied to survey the electrical resistivity distribution of the subsurface. This work compares normalized electromagnetic field components and transfer functions such as impedance tensors and vertical magnetic transfer functions generated by two independent source polarizations as input data for three‐dimensional inversion. As most other available inversion codes allow for inverting only one of the mentioned input data types, it is unclear which data type is preferable for controlled‐source electromagnetic inversion. Our three‐dimensional non‐linear conjugate gradient inversion code can handle both input data types, facilitating a comparison of normalized electromagnetic field components and transfer functions inversion. Examining inversion results for a three‐dimensional synthetic model with two anomalies, we infer that the transfer functions inversion is favourable for recovering the overall resistivity distribution below the receiver sites in fewer iterations. The inversion of normalized electromagnetic field components produces a sharper image of the anomalies and may be capable of detecting the resistivity distribution below the extended sources, which comes at the price of introducing a more heterogeneous background resistivity in the model.
Exploring the role of palliative care occupational therapists in supporting compassionate communities in end‐of‐life care
Authors: Smith Samantha , Lowrie Daniel , Dawes Nathan
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The compassionate communities' movement is a public health approach to end‐of‐life care that emphasises the integral role of communities in supporting and caring for dying persons and their informal carers. Although occupational therapists have well‐established roles in palliative care teams, little is known about their potential in assisting in the formation and maintenance of compassionate communities.

Method

Data were gathered via semi‐structured interviews with nine Australian occupational therapists with experience in specialist palliative care. Interview questions were based around the British Columbia Compassionate Community Ideal framework. Key themes were derived through qualitative descriptive analysis, blending deductive, and inductive reasoning.

Findings

Interviewees indicated that occupational therapists have a role in supporting compassionate communities that centres on the facilitation of networks and connections between palliative care professionals and in the promotion of informal care networks. The importance of education and awareness raising were also discussed as valuable to the development of community capacity. It was also suggested that occupational therapists have important skills to support dying persons and their caregivers to remain engaged and safe in their homes and communities, in a meaningful and sustainable way. However, many interviewees maintained a profession‐centric view on control within compassionate communities, as opposed to approaches that are community led.

Conclusion

Findings offer early insights into the promise and potential of occupational therapists in supporting the compassionate communities' movement. However, education regarding the ethos of the compassionate communities' movement so as to facilitate a shift away from professionally oriented modes of practice may be needed to maximise success.
Democracies use more renewable energy
Authors: Uzar Umut , Eyuboglu Kemal
Published: March 2024

In his groundbreaking study titled ‘Democracies Pay Higher Wages’, Rodrik emphasized that democracies provide higher wage levels. So, can democracies also be functional in solving other problems that benefit society? In recent years, the aggravation of the environmental crisis has made the use of renewable energy more important. Although there has been an increasing interest in the determinants of renewable energy, the theoretical connections and empirical evidence between democracy and renewable energy are almost nonexistent. With this motivation, this study examines the main determinants of renewable energy in the United States during 1970–2020, assigning a specific role to democracy. The main finding of the study indicates that democracy promotes the widespread use of renewable energy. Similarly, economic growth increases renewable energy. Otherwise, the effects of both CO2 emissions and trade openness on renewable energy are negative. Policymakers have the opportunity to improve both democracy and renewable energy.
A component of high‐grade fetal lung adenocarcinoma diagnosed as the cause of lymph node metastasis
Authors: Ishii Daichi , Aoyama Satoshi , Arai Wataru , Hasegawa Masaru , Tanaka Akihiko , Sakuraba Motoki
Published: March 2024

High‐grade fetal lung adenocarcinoma (H‐FLAC) is a rare type of tumor. There have been no reports demonstrating the degree of metastatic susceptibility of this tumor type. In this report, we describe a case in which 15% of the adenocarcinoma components were H‐FLAC diagnosed as the cause of lymph node metastasis. A 75‐year‐old man presented with suspected primary lung cancer (clinical stage IIA, T2bN0M0) and underwent left upper lobectomy and superior mediastinal lymph node dissection. Postoperative histopathology revealed lung cancer with only lobar bronchial lymph node (#11) metastasis. Approximately 60% of the invasive adenocarcinoma showed a papillary morphology, 25% showed a lepidic morphology, and 15% showed a fetal morphology. The histomorphological and immunohistological features of #11 metastasis were similar to those of H‐FLAC. Herein, we report a rare and important case of H‐FLAC with proven lymph node metastasis, showing that even a small amount of H‐FLAC tissue can cause metastasis.
Young adult migrants' social experiences in Sweden: ‘Melting pot’ and ‘salad bowl’ perspectives on social integration
Authors: Qamar Azher Hameed
Published: March 2024

Framed within the social constructionist interpretive phenomenological approach, I explore the perceptions and social experiences of two Arab girls living in Sweden. A phenomenological interpretive analysis was used to examine the unstructured in‐depth interviews. The research focuses on the migrants' perceptions of social integration framed as a ‘melting pot’ to a ‘salad bowl’ integration. The ‘melting pot’ is a metaphor for assimilationists' perspectives on integration which means melting down into a new identity while losing oneself. This was expressed as submission, drawing a line of ‘differences’ between ‘successful’ and ‘unsuccessful’ integration. Contrary, ‘salad bowl’ is a metaphor for social integration as a process of creating and nurturing social connections that lead to co‐existence with trust, reciprocity, and a sense of belonging. I present a two‐fold argument connecting social resilience and social integration as the foundation of migrants' social experiences in the host country: (1) the visibility of migrants as ‘beings’ rather than ‘becomings’ should guide the pragmatic approach to integration; and (2) the social and political space for migrants should include their voices and engagement in right‐based policies, as well as a shared sense of responsibilities, connectedness, and co‐existence.
The use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography in borderline personality disorder compared to health control subjects
Authors: Xu Bei , Li Fangling , Zhang Zhejia , Xiao Qian
Published: March 2024

Background

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) or OCT angiography (OCTA) has been investigated in few research studies of psychiatric disorders. No research has been done using OCT or OCTA in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD).

Methods

OCTA measured foveal avascular zone (FAZ), macular vessel density (MVD), and peripapillary vessel density (PVD). OCT measured the peripapillary retinal fiber layer (RNFL) and central retinal thickness (CRT). The study utilized the Ottawa Self‐Injury Inventory, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) to assess the symptom characteristics of individuals with BPD.

Results

Fifty‐nine eyes of BPD patients and 58 eyes of normal subjects were analyzed, MVD of the superficial retinal capillary plexus declined noticeably in most subfields (p < 0.05). Significant differences were observed in the whole inner ring and outer ring index between BPD and HC groups (p < 0.05). The patients with BPD exhibited lower RNFL and CRT, the difference was significant (p < 0.05). CRT indicated a significant negative correlation with the Ottawa Self‐Injury Inventory (p < 0.05). In addition, we observed that there was a negative correlation identified between the MVD of the inner ring and HAMA (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the MVD of the outer ring was positively correlated with GAF (p < 0.05). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCs) for distinguishing BPD and HC eyes in OCTA were the highest for fovea MVD (0.679), followed by outer ring MVD (0.669), inner ring MVD (0.641), FAZ (0.579). In OCT, CRT was highest for BPD (0.711), followed by RNFL (0.625).

Conclusion

The OCT and OCTA can non‐invasively detect microvascular and morphology changes of the retina in BPD patients compared to healthy control subjects.
Looking at Mental Images: Eye‐Tracking Mental Simulation During Retrospective Causal Judgment
Authors: Krasich Kristina , O'Neill Kevin , De Brigard Felipe
Published: March 2024

How do people evaluate causal relationships? Do they just consider what actually happened, or do they also consider what could have counterfactually happened? Using eye tracking and Gaussian process modeling, we investigated how people mentally simulated past events to judge what caused the outcomes to occur. Participants played a virtual ball‐shooting game and then—while looking at a blank screen—mentally simulated (a) what actually happened, (b) what counterfactually could have happened, or (c) what caused the outcome to happen. Our findings showed that participants moved their eyes in patterns consistent with the actual or counterfactual events that they mentally simulated. When simulating what caused the outcome to occur, participants moved their eyes consistent with simulations of counterfactual possibilities. These results favor counterfactual theories of causal reasoning, demonstrate how eye movements can reflect simulation during this reasoning and provide a novel approach for investigating retrospective causal reasoning and counterfactual thinking.
Can Infants Retain Statistically Segmented Words and Mappings Across a Delay?
Authors: Karaman Ferhat , Lany Jill , Hay Jessica F.
Published: March 2024

Infants are sensitive to statistics in spoken language that aid word‐form segmentation and immediate mapping to referents. However, it is not clear whether this sensitivity influences the formation and retention of word‐referent mappings across a delay, two real‐world challenges that learners must overcome. We tested how the timing of referent training, relative to familiarization with transitional probabilities (TPs) in speech, impacts English‐learning 23‐month‐olds’ ability to form and retain word‐referent mappings. In Experiment 1, we tested infants’ ability to retain TP information across a 10‐min delay and use it in the service of word learning. Infants successfully mapped high‐TP but not low‐TP words to referents. In Experiment 2, infants readily mapped the same words even when they were unfamiliar. In Experiment 3, high‐ and low‐TP word‐referent mappings were trained immediately after familiarization, and infants readily remembered these associations 10 min later. In sum, although 23‐month‐old infants do not need strong statistics to map word forms to referents immediately, or to remember those mappings across a delay, infants are nevertheless sensitive to these statistics in the speech stream, and they influence mapping after a delay. These findings suggest that, by 23 months of age, sensitivity to statistics in speech may impact infants’ language development by leading word forms with low coherence to be poorly mapped following even a short period of consolidation.
Pleural fluid characteristics of patients with COVID‐19 infection
Authors: Denu Ryan A. , Forth Victoria , Shafiq Majid
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Pleural effusions are known to occur in many cases of COVID‐19. Data on typical characteristics of COVID‐19‐associated pleural effusions are limited. The goal of this project was to characterize the pleural fluid from patients with COVID‐19.

Methods

We retrospectively collected electronic medical record data from adults hospitalized at a large metropolitan hospital system with COVID‐19 infection who had a pleural effusion and a thoracentesis performed. We assessed pleural fluid characteristics and applied Light's criteria.

Results

We identified 128 effusions from 106 unique patients; 45.4% of the effusions had fluid/serum protein ratio greater than 0.5, 33.9% had fluid/serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) greater than 0.6, and 56.2% had fluid LDH greater than 2/3 of the serum upper limit of normal. Altogether, 68.5% of effusions met at least one of these three characteristics and therefore were exudative by Light's criteria. The white blood cell (WBC) differential was predominantly lymphocytic (mean 42.8%) or neutrophilic (mean 28.7%); monocytes (mean 12.7%) and eosinophils (mean 2.5%) were less common.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that 68.5% of pleural effusions in patients with COVID‐19 infection were exudative and hypothesize that COVID‐19‐associated pleural effusions are likely to be exudative with WBC differential more likely to be predominantly lymphocytic.
Clinical comparison of HMPV and RSV infections in hospitalised Malaysian children: A propensity score matched study
Authors: Ng David Chun‐Ern , Liew Chuin‐Hen , Tan Kah Kee , Awang Elida Hanan binti , Nazri Farah Nuruliayana binti Ahmad , Maran Asuwani K. Tamil , Mohan Vishnu Arvindran a/l Chandra , Ramachandran Durairaaj , Chok Michelle , Teh Cheah Hooi , Mohamad Nor Airena , Baharuddin Suhaila bt , Khoo Erwin Jiayuan
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are significant contributors to the burden of acute respiratory infections in children, but data on hMPV from Southeast Asia are limited despite its potential for serious disease. This study aimed to compare the clinical presentation, resource utilisation and outcomes between hMPV and RSV infections in hospitalised Malaysian children.

Methods

This retrospective, observational study included children aged ≤12 years old hospitalised with hMPV or RSV, confirmed via direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) methods, between 1 July to 30 October 2022 at Hospital Tuanku Ja'afar Seremban, Malaysia. Demographic, clinical presentation, resource utilisation and outcome data were analysed. Propensity score matching was used to balance cohorts based on key demographic and clinical characteristics.

Results

This study included 192 patients, comprising 112 with hMPV and 80 with RSV. hMPV patients were older (median age 20.5 vs. 9.4 months, p < 0.001) and had a higher incidence of comorbidities (24.1% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.003). Fever was more common in the hMPV group (97.3% vs. 73.8%, p < 0.001), but the other clinical manifestations were similar. Postmatching analysis showed higher corticosteroid use in the hMPV group (p = 0.01). No significant differences were observed in the use of other resources, PICU admissions, duration of hospitalisation or mortality rates between both groups.

Conclusion

hMPV and RSV infections in children share similar clinical manifestations and outcomes, with hMPV affecting older children and showing higher corticosteroid usage. These findings emphasise the need for equal clinical vigilance for both hMPV and RSV in paediatric respiratory infections.
Effect of tirzepatide on body fat distribution pattern in people with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Cariou Bertrand , Linge Jennifer , Neeland Ian J. , Dahlqvist Leinhard Olof , Petersson Mikael , Fernández Landó Laura , Bray Ross , Rodríguez Ángel
Published: March 2024

Aims

To describe the overall fat distribution patterns independent of body mass index (BMI) in participants with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the SURPASS‐3 MRI substudy by comparison with sex‐ and BMI‐matched virtual control groups (VCGs) derived from the UK Biobank imaging study at baseline and Week 52.

Methods

For each study participant at baseline and Week 52 (N = 296), a VCG of ≥150 participants with the same sex and similar BMI was identified from the UK Biobank imaging study (N = 40 172). Average visceral adipose tissue (VAT), abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (aSAT) and liver fat (LF) levels and the observed standard deviations (SDs; standardized normal z‐scores: z‐VAT, z‐aSAT and z‐LF) were calculated based on the matched VCGs. Differences in z‐scores between baseline and Week 52 were calculated to describe potential shifts in fat distribution pattern independent of weight change.

Results

Baseline fat distribution patterns were similar across pooled tirzepatide (5, 10 and 15 mg) and insulin degludec (IDeg) arms. Compared with matched VCGs, SURPASS‐3 participants had higher baseline VAT (mean [SD] z‐VAT +0.42 [1.23]; p < 0.001) and LF (z‐LF +1.24 [0.92]; p < 0.001) but similar aSAT (z‐aSAT −0.13 [1.11]; p = 0.083). Tirzepatide‐treated participants had significant decreases in z‐VAT (−0.18 [0.58]; p < 0.001) and z‐LF (−0.54 [0.84]; p < 0.001) but increased z‐aSAT (+0.11 [0.50]; p = 0.012). Participants treated with IDeg had a significant change in z‐LF only (−0.46 [0.90]; p = 0.001), while no significant changes were observed for z‐VAT (+0.13 [0.52]; p = 0.096) and z‐aSAT (+0.09 [0.61]; p = 0.303).

Conclusion

In this exploratory analysis, treatment with tirzepatide in people with T2D resulted in a significant reduction of z‐VAT and z‐LF, while z‐aSAT was increased from an initially negative value, suggesting a possible treatment‐related shift towards a more balanced fat distribution pattern with prominent VAT and LF loss.
Exploring the impact of punishments on employee effort and performance in the workplace: Insights from England's premier league
Authors: Gligor David , Gölgeci Ismail , Garg Vipul , Idug Yavuz , Ekezie Uchenna , Feiz Abadi Javad , Caliskan Ferhat
Published: March 2024

Despite the prevalence of punishment as a method of enforcing organizational policies, management literature provides little guidance on the impact of punishment on individuals' work performance. A sample of 412 professional soccer players in England's Premier League was utilized to collect unobtrusive, longitudinal data to better understand how individuals react to punishments in their workplace. Our findings indicate that individuals deploy significantly more effort (run more kilometers) following a punishment. However, the findings also indicate that individuals do not perform better following the administration of punishment. In fact, their performance is significantly lower than before the punishment. Although individuals work harder, they actually perform weaker. Further, we found that, when punished more than their team members, individuals deploy significantly more effort than individuals who get punished less than their team members but perform significantly weaker than those individuals.
Maximising the use of point‐of‐care ultrasonography of the adult equine abdomen and thorax
Authors: Norman Tracy E.
Published: March 2024

Point‐of‐care ultrasonography is a powerful tool for the practitioner in determining diagnosis and prognosis in unwell horses. Proper case selection and patient preparation are keys to successful ultrasonographic examinations of the equine thorax and abdomen. Practitioners can expand the use of their equipment to augment evaluations for multiple clinical complaints. The most common application for body cavity ultrasonography in the adult horse is acute abdominal pain.
Creep‐fatigue deformation characteristics and life prediction model of Inconel 718 superalloy under hybrid stress–strain‐controlled mode
Authors: Kang Zitong , Wang Xiaowei , Zhou Weitao , Zhang Tianyu , Zhou Dewen , Zhao Yuchen , Wen Jianfeng , Gong Jianming
Published: March 2024

In this paper, the creep‐fatigue responses of the nickel‐based superalloy Inconel 718 have been investigated by conducting hybrid stress–strain‐controlled creep‐fatigue interaction (HCFI) loading experiments at 650°C with different dwell stresses and dwell periods. Deformation responses demonstrate that stress dwell leads to complex cyclic responses, such as an increase in softening rate and changes in inelastic strain rate. Then, a novel creep equivalent stress determination method is proposed based on stress relaxed characteristics. After modifying the continuum damage mechanics (CDM) model with this method, accurate prediction results of the creep‐fatigue cyclic life under strain‐controlled creep‐fatigue loading and HCFI loading can be obtained. Finally, the damage evolutions of Inconel 718 under HCFI loading are analyzed by CDM model. The results of damage evolution indicate that the trend of damage accumulation under different test conditions is consistent with the trend of inelastic strain in the material.
‘Either something's wrong, or I'm a terrible parent’: A systematic review of parent experiences of illness‐related interpretations for unsettled babies
Authors: Dobson Amy , Hornsey Samantha , Ghio Daniela , Latter Susan , Santer Miriam , Muller Ingrid
Published: March 2024

Aims

To explore parents' experiences of unsettled babies and medical labels.

Design

Qualitative systematic review, thematic synthesis and development of a conceptual model.

Review Methods

Systematic review and thematic synthesis of primary, qualitative research into parents' experiences of unsettled babies <12 months of age. ‘Unsettled’ was defined as perception of excessive crying with additional feature(s) such as vomiting, skin or stool problems. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist was used to assess trustworthiness.

Data Sources

Structured searches completed in CINAHL, Medline, Embase, PsychINFO and CochraneCT on 23 March 2022 and rerun on 14 April 2023.

Results

Ten eligible studies were included across eight countries contributing data from 103 mothers and 24 fathers. Two analytical themes and eight descriptive themes were developed.

Firstly, parents expressed fearing judgement, feeling guilty and out of control as a result of babies' unsettled symptoms and seeking strategies to construct an ‘Identity as a “Good Parent”’.

This desire for positive parenting identity underpinned the second analytical theme ‘Searching for an explanation’ which included seeking external (medical) causes for babies' unsettled behaviours.

Conclusion

Parents can become trapped in a cycle of ‘searching for an explanation’ for their baby's unsettled behaviours, experiencing considerable distress which is exacerbated by feelings of guilt and failure.

Impact and Implications for Patient Care

Insight gained from this review could inform interventions to support parents, reducing inaccurate medicalization.

Health visiting teams supporting parents with unsettled baby behaviour could focus on supporting a positive parenting identity by managing expectations, normalizing the continuum of infant behaviours, reducing feelings of guilt or uncertainty and helping parents regain a feeling of control.

Reporting Method

ENTREQ guidelines were adhered to in the reporting of this review.

Patient or Public Contribution

Parent input was crucial in the design phase; shaping the language used (e.g., ‘unsettled babies’) and in the analysis sense‐checking findings.
Endoscopic treatment for early duodenal papillary carcinoma: long‐term outcomes
Authors: Wang Yingyu , Khizar Hayat , Zhou Haibin , Jin Hangbin , Lou Qifeng , Zhang Xiaofeng , Yang Jianfeng
Published: March 2024

Background and Aim

This study aims to determine whether endoscopic papillectomy (EP) is a safe and effective treatment for early duodenal papillary carcinoma with long‐term follow‐up.

Methods

From June 2012 to September 2022, 48 patients with early duodenal papilloma carcinoma who received endoscopic treatment were included. The histological types, percentage of complete resections, postoperative residuals, adverse events, and recurrences were evaluated.

Results

EP was successful in all patients; 46 were lumped, and two were fragmented, with a 95.8% intact removal rate (46/48). The preoperative biopsy pathological positive rate was 70.8% (34/48). The incidence of early postoperative adverse events (within 1 month after EP) were 16.7% (8/48), including four cases of acute pancreatitis, three cases of delayed bleeding, and one case of acute cholangitis. In addition, 4.2% (2/48) of the late adverse events were bile duct stenosis. After 6 months, the postoperative residual rate was 0%. The median time to recurrence was 17.5 months, and the postoperative recurrence rate was 16.7% (8/48) in patients treated with radiofrequency ablation. The median progression‐free survival was 18.6 months (95% CI, 12.1–25.1), and the median overall survival was 121.5 months (95% CI, 105.6–120.9).

Conclusions

EP is a safe and efficient alternative therapy for early duodenal papillary carcinoma. Endoscopic follow‐up and treatment are essential because of the potential for recurrence.
Childhood obesity prevention trials: A systematic review and meta‐analysis on trial design and the impact of type 1 error
Authors: Padgett Louise , Stevens June , Summerbell Carolyn , Burton Wendy , Stamp Elizabeth , McLarty Laura , Schofield Holly , Bryant Maria
Published: March 2024

Effect sizes from previously reported trials are often used to determine the meaningful change in weight in childhood obesity prevention interventions because information on clinically meaningful differences is lacking. Estimates from previous trials may be influenced by statistical significance; therefore, it is important that they have a low risk of type 1 error. A systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted to report on the design of child obesity prevention randomized controlled trials and effectiveness according to risk of type 1 error. Eighty‐four randomized controlled trials were identified. A large range of assumptions were applied in the sample size calculations. The most common primary outcome was BMI, with detectable effect size differences used in sample size calculations ranging from 0.25 kg/m2 (followed up at 2 years) to 1.1 kg/m2 (at 9 months) and BMI z‐score ranging from 0.1 (at 4 years) to 0.67 (at 3 years). There was no consistent relationship between low risk of type 1 error and reports of higher or lower effectiveness. Further clarity of the size of a meaningful difference in weight in childhood obesity prevention trials is required to support evaluation design and decision‐making for intervention and policy. Type 1 error risk does not appear to impact effect sizes in a consistent direction.
Histopathology, mRNA expression profile, and donor‐derived cell‐free DNA for assessment of rejection in pediatric heart transplantation
Authors: O'Halloran Conor P. , Tannous Paul , Arva Nicoleta C. , Thrush Philip T. , Monge Michael , Joong Anna , Magnetta Defne A.
Published: March 2024

Background

The relationship between histopathologic and molecular (“MMDx”®) assessments of endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) and serum donor‐derived cell‐free DNA (ddcfDNA) in acute rejection (AR) assessment following pediatric heart transplantation (HT) is unknown.

Methods

EMB sent for MMDx and histopathology from November 2021 to September 2022 were reviewed. MMDx and histopathology results were compared. DdcfDNA obtained ≤1 week prior to EMB were compared with histopathology and MMDx results. The discrimination of ddcfDNA for AR was assessed using receiver‐operating curves.

Findings

In this study, 177 EMBs were obtained for histopathology and MMDx, 101 had time‐matched ddcfDNA values. MMDx and Histopathology displayed moderate agreement for T‐cell‐mediated rejection (TCMR, Kappa = 0.52, p < .001) and antibody‐mediated rejection (ABMR, Kappa = 0.41, p < .001). Discordant results occurred in 24% of cases, most often with ABMR. Compared with no AR, ddcfDNA values were elevated in cases of AR diagnosed by both histopathology and MMDx (p < .01 for all). Additionally, ddcfDNA values were elevated in injury patterns on MMDx, even when AR was not present (p = .01). DdcfDNA displayed excellent discrimination (AUC 0.83) for AR by MMDx and/or histopathology. Using a threshold of ≥0.135%, ddcfDNA had a sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 63%, PPV of 52%, and NPV of 94%.

Conclusions

Histopathology and MMDx displayed moderate agreement in diagnosing AR following pediatric HT, with most discrepancies noted in the presence of ABMR. DdcfDNA is elevated with AR, with excellent discrimination and high NPV particularly when utilizing MMDx. A combination of all three tests may be necessary in some cases.