bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why Were They Kept Alive? Explaining the Nazi Treatment of Jewish POWs
Authors: Linenberg Yorai
Published: November 2023

Chapter 4 reviews the Wehrmacht’s approach to Jewish POWs and describes the involvement that different levels in the Wehrmacht’s chain of command, starting with its Commander-in-Chief, Adolf Hitler, through to the German High Command and the POW Office, had with setting POW policies, both in the East and in the West. It also looks at the level of influence that state bodies such as the RSHA and the NSDAP had on POW policies. The chapter reviews the role played by the OKW’s POW Office in the treatment of Jewish POWs, analyses the way that POW policies were reflected in the orders issued by the POW Office which related to Jewish POWs, and suggests several explanations as to why these policies resulted in American and British Jewish POWs—and in fact, non-Soviet Jewish POWs in general—being treated in most cases in accordance with the 1929 Geneva Convention, despite the radicalization that took place throughout the war in Germany’s anti-Semitic and POW policies.
Conclusion
Authors: Schaefer Stephan M.
Published: November 2023

This chapter summarizes the main argument and the theoretical framework of the book and discusses its purpose to build, enrich, and extend an interpretive repertoire of how to understand key dimensions, research findings and critiques related to the subject of organizational creativity. It further explicates how the multidimensional framework of the book provides a basis for analyzing varying configurations of organizational creativity. The theoretical framing can be considered a conceptual contribution to the field of organizational creativity studies as it provides an analytical framework which combines various established perspectives on the subject of organizational creativity. It allows scholars and practitioners alike to assess different configurations of organizational creativity and to make sense of situations when attempting to organize creativity. Overall, it is suggested that the neologism ‘organizating creativity creatively’ may be an apt way of capturing the essence of the book’s arguments.
Toyota
Authors: Brooker Paul , Hayward Margaret
Published: November 2023

Taiichi Ohno was never CEO of Japanese car company, Toyota (he was instead a partner with CEOs in dual-leadership teams), but his innovative ‘lean’-production system made a key contribution to Toyota’s development into a globally iconic corporation. The chapter begins by describing the pioneering contribution of Toyota founder, Kiichiro Toyoda, who invented the notion of just-in-time production in the 1930s. In the 1950s, Ohno’s emphasis on innovative adaptation to Japan’s (distinctive) car market and factory environment led to a new production system. It included just-in-time, continuous-flow, and kanban aspects that would soon be internationally famous. Ohno also used both quantitative and strategic calculation, particularly in his grand strategy of reducing cost/waste in production. The chapter’s final section looks at Toyotaism versus Fordism: the rivalry between American and Japanese production systems.
McDonald’s
Authors: Brooker Paul , Hayward Margaret
Published: November 2023

Ray Kroc established a globally iconic corporation by franchising the fast-food-restaurant operation invented by the McDonald brothers. Kroc used an innovative franchising system plus a family-oriented marketing strategy that stressed the formula QSC&V (Quality, Service, Cleanliness, and Value). Kroc in fact used all six rational methods and also used dual-leadership teams, comprising company chairman Kroc and a subordinate CEO as the junior member of the team. After McDonald’s became a public company in the 1960s, it continued to expand throughout America and then worldwide. Its global expansion was thanks largely to a pioneering joint-venture system that is described in the chapter’s final section. This international joint-venture system helped McDonald’s to adapt to different cultures and markets around the world, even communist China.
Leaders Rationally Redeveloping Corporations
Authors: Brooker Paul , Hayward Margaret
Published: November 2023

This is an introduction to the chapters of Part II, where the focus is shifting to a special form of development: remedial renewal of a corporation by redevelopment. A successful redevelopment solves the problems of a troubled, stagnating, or declining corporation and gives it a bright new future—perhaps even iconic status. Rational redeveloping leaders use specialized rational means, namely a ‘tool kit’ of five change-making organizational processes. They are cultural or structural transformation, a diversifying or prioritizing reorientation of the product range, and a hybridizing merger with another company. The appropriate tools are discerningly selected and capably used by rational leaders. Five classic cases of this rational redeveloping will be presented in the Part II chapters, including autobiographical leader’s-eye views. The remainder of this chapter illustrates the use of individual redeveloping tools. Satya Nadella is shown culturally transforming Microsoft, Risto Siilasmaa prioritizing Nokia’s product range, and Carly Fiorina hybridizing Hewlett-Packard.
Apple
Authors: Brooker Paul , Hayward Margaret
Published: November 2023

Steve Jobs, the departed co-founder of Apple Computer, returned to the corporation in 1996/7 and led a three-stage redevelopment that culminated in the late 2000s diversification into mobile phones. Apple was in decline when Jobs became CEO in 1997, so he had to finish a cost-cutting turnaround while beginning the redevelopment. The first stage of the redevelopment used both a cultural and a structural transformation. The second stage was an early 2000s diversification into mobile-tech music, specifically the iPod mobile music-player, iTunes software, and the cyberspace iTunes Music Store. The third stage of Apple’s redevelopment was the diversification into mobile phones. With the 2007/8 arrival of the iPhone and cyberspace App Store, Apple had completed its reorienting renewal: the corporation was now a largely mobile-tech firm. The chapter’s final and comparative section examines the Google corporation’s developmental diversification into mobile-phone software, starting with the 2005 acquisition of Android.
General Electric
Authors: Brooker Paul , Hayward Margaret
Published: November 2023

CEO Jeff Immelt used too few redeveloping tools when he unsuccessfully redeveloped the huge General Electric (GE) corporation in the 2010s. This venerable corporation had been famously redeveloped in the 1980s by CEO Jack Welch, who became the most celebrated business leader of the 1990s. But in 2001 he left a problematic cultural and product-range legacy to his successor, Immelt. In particular, Welch’s culture inhibited innovation, as is described in a book about innovation by ex-GE marketer Beth Comstock. GE needed an innovation-encouraging cultural transformation, to encourage employees to come up with a breakthrough product that would revive stagnant GE. Yet the cultural-transformation tool was not used by Immelt when he finally—in the 2010s—tried to redevelop GE. His tools were a small-scale diversification and a prioritizing that had turned sour by the time he retired in 2017. This is a classic case of insufficiently rational, failed redevelopment.
A Phenomenological Approach to Quantum Mechanics
Authors: French Steven
Published: November 2023

The measurement problem remains one of the outstanding issues in the foundations of quantum theory: how do we go from the multiple options encoded in the wave-function to the definite outcome that we observe? One of the most well-known solutions to this problem maintained that it is the observer’s consciousness that somehow causes the wave-function to collapse. Now widely dismissed for introducing an irreducible element of subjectivity into science, both advocates and critics cited a ‘little book’, La Théorie de L’Observation en Mécanique Quantique, by Edmund Bauer and Fritz London (1938; English trans. 1983) as giving the clearest presentation of this solution. However, as well as being an extremely accomplished physicist, London was also trained in the phenomenological tradition that was initiated by the philosopher Edmund Husserl. This casts his work with Bauer in an entirely new and different light, and by assigning a very different and more profound role to consciousness in resolving the measurement problem, yields an understanding of quantum theory that has not hitherto been fully explored. The aim of this book is to initiate just such an exploration. It begins by setting London and Bauer’s ‘little book’ in its historical and philosophical context and then draws out the implications for not only quantum physics but our view of science and the world more generally.
The Orthodox Solution, Its History and Multiplicity
Authors: French Steven
Published: November 2023

The orthodox solution to the measurement problem is often presented in terms of ‘consciousness causes collapse’. It is widely taken to have been developed and presented by the mathematician von Neumann in his classic book, Mathematical Foundations of Quantum Mechanics (1932/1955) which lays down the core theoretical framework of quantum mechanics. However, the ‘problem’ was not even presented as such until the 1950s, which is when von Neumann’s book was finally translated into English, and there is barely any mention of consciousness in it. It is partly for this reason that London and Bauer are typically regarded as having clearly articulated what von Neumann only hinted at. This chapter examines what von Neumann actually wrote about measurement in quantum mechanics. It presents his ‘psychophysical parallelism’ and the famous ‘chain’ argument which concludes that something non-physical must induce the wave-function to collapse. The chapter concludes with brief comments on von Neumann’s later thoughts concerning the comparison between computers and the human brain.
Many Worlds, Many Minds, and (Many) Relations
Authors: French Steven
Published: November 2023

Accounts of quantum theory that bring to the fore the relationship between the system and the observer, or measuring device, include Everett’s ‘Many Worlds’ interpretation and Rovelli’s ‘Relational Quantum Mechanics’, both of which are considered in Chapter 9. The former understands the state of a system as relative to that of the observer and in Everett’s original formulation, the definite outcomes obtained through measurement were manifested via the observer’s memory sequences. The subjectivist aspect of this interpretation is made even more explicit in the so-called ‘Many Minds’ variant. Relational Quantum Mechanics likewise adopts a relational or perspectival approach to the states of the system under observation. In this chapter both approaches are considered as offering a way of aligning quantum theory with the correlationist feature of phenomenology. Both are then compared with QBism and the pros and cons of all three are considered in terms of possible avenues for developing a phenomenological form of quantum theory.
Witch Crafts
Authors: Webster Jane
Published: November 2023

Chapter 6 considers the reception of the British slave ship on the African coast. It asks: how did the communities supplying the slave trade conceptualize the enormous wooden vessels anchored off their coastlines? And in what ways did African understandings of European slave ships and their sailors change over time? While images of European ships were not a common feature of African representational practices, the contexts in which ships do appear are very significant, being produced mainly by coastal communities directly involved in trade with Europeans and occurring principally in courtly and ritual settings. It is argued that, in such contexts, Africans controlled and manipulated the European ship image for their own purposes. This chapter also examines African understandings of the slave trade as a form of witchcraft, and of the slave ship as a ‘witch craft’.
Other Cargoes
Authors: Webster Jane
Published: November 2023

British slave ships leaving Africa transported supplementary cargoes ranging from gold and pepper to parakeets and ivory—all shipped home to Britain at the end of the voyage. These cargoes are the focus of Chapter 8, which outlines their impact on daily life in Britain. It is argued that the home reception of these goods facilitates an analysis of the role of the slave ship in the circum-Atlantic movement of things, as well as of people. Ethnographic and natural ‘curios’ from Africa were in some demand at home, and Chapter 8 also considers the activities of sailors who contributed to the development of British collections. The final section turns to the wooden chest in which the abolitionist Thomas Clarkson housed his own collection of the ‘productions of Africa’, exploring its use and purpose.
Discipline and Punish
Authors: Webster Jane
Published: November 2023

Chapter 10 identifies the daily routines that, for some three hundred years, facilitated the shipping of human cargoes across the Atlantic. By the mid-eighteenth century, these routines, and their associated assemblages, had standardized to an extraordinary degree. The outcome was an assemblage of practice evidenced in many of the primary sources central to this book and collated here. It is argued that the routines of surveillance, discipline, and punishment on British slave ships shared much with those of the prison and convict transport systems. It is also argued that exposure to these practices gave captives an initial familiarity with many aspects of the plantation regimes they would later encounter in the Americas.
Surviving the Middle Passage
Authors: Webster Jane
Published: November 2023

Like Chapter 10, this chapter considers the daily regimes of the slave ship, but Chapter 11 explores them from the perspective of the ship’s African captives. Overt resistance (‘insurrections’) are considered here, as is suicide. It is argued that greater attention needs to be paid to coping mechanisms and small-scale acts of resistance (infrapolitics) through which the majority of Africans were able both to challenge and to survive their captive passage. Particular attention is paid to women and boys, who had greater freedom of movement than other captives on a British vessel, and often played key roles in acts of resistance. This chapter also asks whether it was possible for small personal possessions to cross the Atlantic on African bodies and explores the role of artefacts in shipboard resistance.
Nutrients and River Ecosystems
Authors: Mallin Michael A.
Published: November 2023

Streams and rivers carry nutrients (nitrogen [N] and phosphorus [P]) and transform nutrients, and in turn the nutrients strongly impact the growth and composition of bacteria, phytoplankton, benthic microalgae, macroalgae, and macrophyte vegetation. N exists in organic and inorganic forms and has complex cycles and “spirals” between dissolved inorganic ammonium and nitrate, and labile and refractory organic forms, which also can be dissolved or structurally part of organisms. P is either inorganic or organic, with less complex cycling, but critical as well. Too much N or P (or N and P) causes algal blooms and oxygen demands, and high N inorganic concentrations can be toxic. Sources of nutrients are discussed, as is how and why N or P (or both) can limit (or stimulate) the growth of phytoplankton to bloom conditions. The various concentrations of N and P that characterize eutrophic, mesotrophic, and oligotrophic waters is discussed in regulatory and nonregulatory situations.
Stream and River Invertebrate Communities
Authors: Mallin Michael A.
Published: November 2023

The invertebrate communities (crustaceans, molluscs, and insects) in running water systems are vital to all parts of the ecosystem. Shredders process fallen leaves and vegetation debris, which in turn are processed and enriched by bacteria and fungi. Filter-feeders in flowing water downstream collect the small particles from upstream, while other collectors mine atop and within sediments for organic food particles. Other organisms feed directly upon living macrophyte tissue. Periphytic microalgae are grazed on the surfaces of larger macrophytes, and on rocks and other solid surfaces as well by snails and other organisms. Always there are predatory insects and crustaceans that feed on smaller organisms; in turn these predators are eaten by fish, including prized sportfish. Far downstream in lower rivers and in estuaries large zooplankton communities form in response to developed phytoplankton communities, and plankton-based food webs are formed. Here commercial fisheries may develop for finfish, large motile crustaceans, and shellfish.
Floods, Hurricanes, and Climate Change
Authors: Mallin Michael A.
Published: November 2023

Flooding of river ecosystems is natural and occurs acutely after storms and seasonally due to changes in evapotranspiration or timing of snowmelt. Stream biota are adapted to flooding and generally recover in weeks to months to normal conditions; in some cases, the flood pulse is a driving force for fisheries productivity. Hurricanes cause a multitude of impacts beyond flooding, including wind and tide damage, massive rainfall, and stormwater runoff. When hurricanes hit land areas that are intensely used for urban life, certain industries, and concentrated livestock production there is large-scale pollution by fecal microbes, nutrients, suspended solids, BOD, and chemical pollutants that cause hypoxia and anoxia, and massive fish and invertebrate kills. Climate change is enhancing the destructive power of hurricanes. Climate change is also variably impacting river systems by severe drought through reduced snowpack melting, regular flooding in other areas, and altering of river biota by rising water temperatures; these impacts will continue to increase.
MicroRNA397 promotes rice flowering by regulating the photorespiration pathway
Authors: Lian Jian-Ping , Yuan Chao , Feng Yan-Zhao , Liu Qing , Wang Cong-Ying , Zhou Yan-Fei , Huang Qiao-Juan , Zhu Qing-Feng , Zhang Yu-Chan , Chen Yue-Qin , Yu Yang
Published: November 2023

The precise timing of flowering plays a pivotal role in ensuring successful plant reproduction and seed production. This process is intricately governed by complex genetic networks that integrate internal and external signals. This study delved into the regulatory function of microRNA397 (miR397) and its target gene LACCASE-15 (OsLAC15) in modulating flowering traits in rice (Oryza sativa). Overexpression of miR397 led to earlier heading dates, decreased number of leaves on the main stem, and accelerated differentiation of the spikelet meristem. Conversely, overexpression of OsLAC15 resulted in delayed flowering and prolonged vegetative growth. Through biochemical and physiological assays, we uncovered that miR397-OsLAC15 had a profound impact on carbohydrate accumulation and photosynthetic assimilation, consequently enhancing the photosynthetic intensity in miR397-overexpressing rice plants. Notably, we identified that OsLAC15 is at least partially localized within the peroxisome organelle, where it regulates the photorespiration pathway. Moreover, we observed that a high CO2 concentration could rescue the late flowering phenotype in OsLAC15-overexpressing plants. These findings shed valuable insights into the regulatory mechanisms of miR397-OsLAC15 in rice flowering and provided potential strategies for developing crop varieties with early flowering and high-yield traits through genetic breeding.
Data-driven multimodal fusion: approaches and applications in psychiatric research
Authors: Sui Jing , Zhi Dongmei , Calhoun Vince D
Published: November 2023

In the era of big data, where vast amounts of information are being generated and collected at an unprecedented rate, there is a pressing demand for innovative data-driven multi-modal fusion methods. These methods aim to integrate diverse neuroimaging perspectives to extract meaningful insights and attain a more comprehensive understanding of complex psychiatric disorders. However, analyzing each modality separately may only reveal partial insights or miss out on important correlations between different types of data. This is where data-driven multi-modal fusion techniques come into play. By combining information from multiple modalities in a synergistic manner, these methods enable us to uncover hidden patterns and relationships that would otherwise remain unnoticed. In this paper, we present an extensive overview of data-driven multimodal fusion approaches with or without prior information, with specific emphasis on canonical correlation analysis and independent component analysis. The applications of such fusion methods are wide-ranging and allow us to incorporate multiple factors such as genetics, environment, cognition, and treatment outcomes across various brain disorders. After summarizing the diverse neuropsychiatric magnetic resonance imaging fusion applications, we further discuss the emerging neuroimaging analyzing trends in big data, such as N-way multimodal fusion, deep learning approaches, and clinical translation. Overall, multimodal fusion emerges as an imperative approach providing valuable insights into the underlying neural basis of mental disorders, which can uncover subtle abnormalities or potential biomarkers that may benefit targeted treatments and personalized medical interventions.
Improved Comfortability and Satisfaction of Hybrid-mesh Casts in the Conservative Management of Pediatric Supracondylar Humeral Fractures: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ong Eric Jia Yong , Lee Nicole Kim Luan , Mishra Neeraj , Ng Stacy Wei Ling , Chua Zackary Kerk Hsiang , Yet Lam Kai , bin Zainuddin Mohammad Ashik , Lim Kevin Boon Leong , Mahadev Arjandas , Wong Kenneth Pak Leung
Published: November 2023

Background:

Cast immobilization is the mainstay of treatment for stable pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures (SCHFs). In recent years, a waterproof and breathable hybrid-mesh (HM) cast has emerged and been marketed to address common complaints such as itch, skin irritation, and malodor. Hence, this randomized controlled trial seeks to assess the overall satisfaction, comfort, and clinical outcomes of using HM casts in the conservative treatment of stable pediatric SCHF.

Methods:

Seventy-nine patients (age range: 1 to 10 y) with modified Gartland’s classification Type I and Type IIa SCHF were recruited and randomized for immobilization with either fiberglass or HM long-arm cast for 3 weeks. During follow-up visits, patients were assessed for any loss of reduction and skin rash. The weight of casts, the presence of cast breakage, the duration of cast application, and removal were recorded. A self-reported patient comfort and satisfaction questionnaire was also administered during the same visit.

Results:

The final analysis included 38 patients immobilized with fiberglass casts and 39 patients with HM casts. Despite the significantly longer duration required for HM cast removal (4.18±1.25 min vs. 2.25±0.55 min, P<0.001), the HM cast was significantly lighter than its fiberglass counterpart (162.82±23.94 g vs. 203.95±36.52 g, P<0.001). The HM casts have better comfort (4.05±0.887 vs. 3.47±0.951, P=0.007) and satisfaction (3.69±1.055 vs. 3.11±0.953, P=0.012) scores as compared to fiberglass casts for immobilizing pediatric SCHF without compromising clinical outcome.

Conclusions:

HM casts have better comfort and overall satisfaction as compared to conventional fiberglass casts for immobilizing pediatric SCHF without compromising clinical outcomes.

Level of Evidence:

Level II—therapeutic studies—investigating the results of treatment.
Bilateral Spontaneous Retrobulbar Hemorrhage due to Warfarin Misuse After Sinus Lavage
Authors: Kates Malcolm M. , McNelly Calvin L. , Fischer Nathan A. , Vicinanzo Matthew G.
Published: November 2023

While warfarin has historically played an important role in anticoagulation, direct oral anticoagulants have largely supplanted warfarin due to their improved safety profile and reduced need for monitoring. Herein, the authors report the case of a 64-year-old male who developed severe, bilateral retrobulbar hemorrhage following aggressive nasal lavage due to a supratherapeutic international normalized ratio from warfarin misuse. Visual acuity on arrival was hand-motion OD and no-light-perception OS. He underwent bilateral canthotomy with upper and lower lid cantholysis before transfer to a trauma center where his international normalized ratio was greater than 12. Reversal with vitamin K and prothrombin complex concentrate was initiated. Over the course of hospitalization, vision and swelling continued to improve and at 2-month follow-up his visual acuity was 20/20 OD and no-light-perception OS. This case outlines the risk of bleeding associated with warfarin misuse and advocates for the transition of patients to direct oral anticoagulants when possible.
Cutaneous Mucormycosis of the Eyelid Treated With Subcutaneous Liposomal Amphotericin B Injections
Authors: Smith Loreley D. , Ahmad Meleha , Ashraf Davin C. , Kersten Robert C. , Winn Bryan J. , Grob Seanna R. , Vagefi M. Reza
Published: November 2023

Cutaneous mucormycosis is a rare, opportunistic fungal infection that typically affects immunocompromised hosts. Current treatment consists of systemic antifungal therapy, surgical debridement, and when applicable, restoration of immune function. Despite intervention, the morbidity and mortality of invasive fungal disease remains high. There are few reports of primary or secondary cutaneous mucormycosis involving the ocular adnexa. The authors describe the course of 2 children with cutaneous mucormycosis of the eyelid treated with subcutaneous liposomal amphotericin B (LAmB) injections (3.5 mg/ml) in an off-label application as an adjunct to debridement and systemic antifungal therapy. To the authors’ knowledge, these are the first 2 cases of invasive fungal disease involving the eyelid treated with subcutaneous LAmB injections, and the first reported case of disseminated fungal infection with secondary cutaneous involvement of the eyelid.
Development and validation of the PERCEPT-PREVENT tool to determine risk perception and attitudes towards digestive cancer screening
Authors: Silva João Carlos , Santos Cristina , Dinis-Ribeiro Mário , Libânio Diogo
Published: November 2023

Background and aims

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is recommended worldwide, while gastric cancer (GC) screening may also be defendable in some settings. However, adherence rates and factors influencing participation are not well characterized. This study aimed to validate a tool to determine risk perception of CRC and GC and also of endoscopy-related complications.

Methods

A questionnaire in CRC risk perception based on the Health Belief Model was used. Forward/backward translation (English-Portuguese) and cultural adaptation were performed. After revision by a panel of experts, the questionnaire was adapted to target GC risk perception and perceptions towards endoscopy-related complications. The final version of the questionnaire (PERCEPT-PREVENT tool) was applied to 44 individuals, through telephonic interview, at enrolment and at intervals ≤3 weeks. Test–retest reliability and agreement were assessed.

Results

Almost perfect reliability between test and retest was obtained for CRC symptom knowledge score (ICC = 0.88), risk factor knowledge score (ICC = 0.89), and perceived severity (ICC = 0.84). At least moderate agreement between test and retest was obtained for GC symptom knowledge score (ICC = 0.94), risk factor knowledge score (ICC = 0.92), and perceived severity (ICC = 0.58). Test-retest reliability was assessed for barrier domains [faecal occult blood test ICC = 0.63; colonoscopy ICC = 0.79; upper GI endoscopy (UGIE) ICC = 0.83]. A total of 91% and 98% of participants gave the same answer in the test and retest for preferred method of CRC screening and intention to undergo UGIE for GC screening combined with a screening colonoscopy, respectively.

Discussion

PERCEPT-PREVENT is a valid and reliable tool for CRC and GC risk perception evaluation.
The Effects of Silicone Tube Intubation During Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy in Patients With Acute Dacryocystitis With Acquired Skin Fistulization
Authors: Bian Yang , Han Xuemei , Li Shuting , Yu Bo
Published: November 2023

Objective:

This study aimed to determine the silicone tube intubation requirement for endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (En-DCR) in patients with acute dacryocystitis (AD) with acquired skin fistulization.

Methods:

Between September 2012 and October 2020, patients with AD and acquired skin fistulization undergoing En-DCR at the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University were randomized into treatment groups in which silicone tube intubation was carried out or not (groups A and B, respectively). All patients with skin fistulae present for 1+ months at En-DCR underwent fistulectomy. Operative success was assessed at 12 months post En-DCR in both treatment groups. Multiple logistic analyses were performed to assess for influencing factors on surgical success.

Results:

This study evaluated 94 patients for whom complete postoperative data were available, including 45 in group A and 44 in group B. Overall, 15 patients underwent fistulectomy and En-DCR simultaneously (8 from group A; 7 from group B ). At 12-month follow-up, anatomic and functional success rates were higher for patients in group A (93.3%, 86.7%) relative to those in group B (77.3%, 68.2%) (P<0.05). Intranasal ostium obstruction caused lacrimal passage reconstruction failure in group A. In contrast, intranasal ostium and canalicular obstruction caused it in patients in group B. No significant variations in operation success rates across groups were seen when group B cases with canalicular obstruction were eliminated from the analyses (P=0.070, >0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed operative success was significantly influenced by fistulectomy (OR: 1.641, P<0.05) and intubation (OR: −1.559, P<0.05).

Conclusion:

These findings imply that in patients with AD with skin fistulization undergoing En-DCR, intraoperative intubation is linked with a lower incidence of canalicular obstruction and positive outcomes. Accordingly, intraoperative intubation should be performed when operating on patients with AD with skin fistulization.
It is not all black and white: The effect of increasing severity of frailty on outcomes of geriatric trauma patients
Authors: Alizai Qaidar , Colosimo Christina , Hosseinpour Hamidreza , Stewart Collin , Bhogadi Sai Krishna , Nelson Adam , Spencer Audrey L. , Ditillo Michael , Magnotti Louis J. , Joseph Bellal ,   the AAST Frailty MIT Study Group
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Frailty is associated with poor outcomes in trauma patients. However, the spectrum of physiologic deficits, once a patient is identified as frail, is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the dynamic association between increasing frailty and outcomes among frail geriatric trauma patients.

METHODS

This is a secondary analysis of the American Association of Surgery for Trauma Frailty Multi-institutional Trial. Patients 65 years or older presenting to one of the 17 trauma centers over 3 years (2019–2022) were included. Frailty was assessed within 24 hours of presentation using the Trauma-Specific Frailty Index (TSFI) questionnaire. Patients were stratified by TSFI score into six groups: nonfrail (<0.12), Grade I (0.12–0.19), Grade II (0.20–0.29), Grade III (0.30–0.39), Grade IV (0.40–0.49), and Grade V (0.50–1). Our Outcomes included in-hospital and 3-month postdischarge mortality, major complications, readmissions, and fall recurrence. Multivariable regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

There were 1,321 patients identified. The mean (SD) age was 77 years (8.6 years) and 49% were males. Median [interquartile range] Injury Severity Score was 9 [5–13] and 69% presented after a low-level fall. Overall, 14% developed major complications and 5% died during the index admission. Among survivors, 1,116 patients had a complete follow-up, 16% were readmitted within 3 months, 6% had a fall recurrence, 7% had a complication, and 2% died within 3 months postdischarge. On multivariable regression, every 0.1 increase in the TSFI score was independently associated with higher odds of index-admission mortality and major complications, and 3 months postdischarge mortality, readmissions, major complications, and fall recurrence.

CONCLUSION

The frailty syndrome goes beyond a binary stratification of patients into nonfrail and frail and should be considered as a spectrum of increasing vulnerability to poor outcomes. Frailty scoring can be used in developing guidelines, patient management, prognostication, and care discussions with patients and their families.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level III.
Genetic association study of Preterm birth and Gestational age in a population-based case-control study in Peru
Authors: Juvinao-Quintero Diana L. , Sanchez Sixto E. , Workalemahu Tsegaselassie , Pinto Nelida , Liang Liming , Williams Michelle A. , Gelaye Bizu
Published: November 2023

Preterm birth (PTB) is an adverse pregnancy outcome affecting ∼15 million pregnancies worldwide. Genetic studies have identified several candidate loci for PTB, but results remain inconclusive and limited to European populations. Thus, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of PTB and gestational age at delivery (GA) among 2,212 Peruvian women. PTB cases delivered ≥ 20 weeks’ but < 37 weeks’ gestation, while controls delivered at term (≥ 37 weeks but < 42 weeks). After imputation (TOPMED) and quality control, we assessed the association of ∼6 million SNPs with PTB and GA using multivariable regression models adjusted for maternal age and the first two genetic principal components.In silicofunctional analysis (FUMA-GWAS) was conducted among top signals detected with an arbitraryP< 1.0×10-5in each GWAS. We sought to replicate genetic associations with PTB and GA identified in Europeans, and we developed a genetic risk score for GA based on European markers. Mean GA was 30 ± 4 weeks in PTB cases (N=933) and 39 ± 1 in the controls (N=1,279). PTB cases were slightly older and had higher C-sections and vaginal bleeding than controls. No association was identified at genome-wide level. Top suggestive (P< 1.0×10-5) signals were seen at rs13151645 (LINC01182) for PTB, and at rs72824565 (CTNNA2) for GA. Top PTB variants were enriched for biological pathways associated with polyketide, progesterone, steroid hormones, and glycosyl metabolism. Top GA variants were enriched in intronic regions and cancer pathways, and these genes were upregulated in the brain and subcutaneous adipose tissue. In combination with non-genetic risk factors, top SNPs explained 14% and 15% of the phenotypic variance of PTB and GA in our sample, but these results need to be interpreted with caution. Variants inWNT4associated with GA in Europeans were replicated in our study. The genetic risk score based in European markers, was associated with a 2-day longer GA (R2=0.003,P=0.002) per standard deviation increase in the score in our sample. This genetic association study identified various signals suggestively associated with PTB and GA in a non- European population; they were linked to relevant biological pathways related to the metabolism of progesterone, prostanoid, and steroid hormones, and genes associated with GA were significantly upregulated in relevant tissues for the pathophysiology of PTB based on thein- silicofunctional analysis. None of these top variants overlapped with signals previously identified for PTB or GA in Europeans.
A “suicide” BCG strain provides enhanced immunogenicity and robust protection againstMycobacterium tuberculosisin macaques
Authors: Smith Alexander A , Su Hongwei , Wallach Joshua , Liu Yao , Maiello Pauline , Borish H Jacob , Winchell Caylin , Simonson Andrew W , Lin Philana Ling , Rodgers Mark , Fillmore Daniel , Sakal Jennifer , Lin Kan , Vinette Valerie , Schnappinger Dirk , Ehrt Sabine , Flynn JoAnne L.
Published: November 2023

Intravenous (IV) BCG delivery provides robust protection againstMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) in macaques but poses safety challenges. Here, we constructed two BCG strains (BCG-TetON-DL and BCG-TetOFF-DL) in which tetracyclines regulate two phage lysin operons. Once the lysins are expressed, these strains are killed in immunocompetent and immunocompromised mice yet induced similar immune responses and provided similar protection against Mtb challenge as wild type BCG. Lysin induction resulted in release of intracellular BCG antigens and enhanced cytokine production by macrophages. In macaques, cessation of doxycycline administration resulted in rapid elimination of BCG-TetOFF-DL. However, IV BCG-TetOFF-DL induced increased pulmonary CD4 T cell responses compared to WT BCG and provided robust protection against Mtb challenge, with sterilizing immunity in 6 of 8 macaques, compared to 2 of 8 macaques immunized with WT BCG. Thus, a “suicide” BCG strain provides an additional measure of safety when delivered intravenously and robust protection against Mtb infection.
Fermented polyherbal formulation restored ricinoleic acid induced diarrhea in Sprague Dawley rats and exhibitedin vitroantibacterial effect on multiple antibiotics resistant gastric pathogens
Authors: Chakraborty Subhanil , Roy Babli , Sen Subhajit , Mandal Santi M. , Chakraborty Ranadhir
Published: November 2023

The involvement of multiple antibiotics resistant gastric pathogens in diarrhea aggravates the disease condition uncontrollably. Current study was aimed at finding and developing a suitable formulation utilizing multiple natural components from known plant sources to augment current therapeutic outcomes. Hydro-ethanolic extraction method was applied through boiling and fermentation, on ancient observation based efficacious plant parts for developing antidiarrheal polyherbal formulation AP-01. Animal study model of diarrhea was used to evaluate safety and efficacy of the formulation. The formulation was testedin vitroon four different multiple antibiotics resistant gastric pathogens collected from national repository. The formulation depicted no cytotoxicity on normal gut cells and was efficacious at 10 ml/Kg single dose in relieving symptoms of diarrhea by 79.71%, in comparison with standard drug showing reduction of symptoms by 83.01%. AP-01 exhibited delaying the gastric motility. Symptoms of diarrhea ceased to occur within 321 minutes with AP-01, where the standard drug took 308 minutes. AP-01 was found successful at a viable dosage regimen of 75 to 100 microliter per ml, in inhibiting growth of different pathogens from Enterobacteriaceae family possessing resistance against several classes of antibiotics, in culture media. Chemical analysis revealed different alkaloids, flavonoids and polyphenols those probably work in unison through multiplex modes of action to arrest diarrhea and inhibit pathogens at the same time. These promising results shown by AP-01 should definitely evoke an effort to dive deep into research and development for better therapeutic formulations for infectious diarrhea by harvesting the arsenal of nature.
Meteorins regulate the formation of the left-right organizer and the establishment of vertebrate body asymmetry
Authors: Eggeler Fanny , Boulanger-Weill Jonathan , De Santis Flavia , Belleri Laura , Duroure Karine , Auer Thomas O. , Albadri Shahad , Del Bene Filippo
Published: November 2023

While the exterior of vertebrate bodies appears bilaterally symmetrical, internal organ positioning and morphology frequently exhibit left-right (L-R) asymmetries. In several vertebrates, including human, mouse, frog and zebrafish, left-right symmetry-breaking during embryonic development is initiated by a ciliated organ called the Node or left-right organizer. Within the Node, a leftward flow of extraembryonic fluid named the Nodal flow mediates the asymmetric expressions of Nodal factors. Although downstream Nodal pathway components leading to the establishment of the embryonic left-right axis are well known, less is known about the development and formation of the embryonic Node itself.

Here we reveal a novel role for the Meteorin protein family in the establishment of the left-right axis and in the formation of the Kupffer’s vesicle, the Node equivalent structure in zebrafish. We show that the genetic inactivation of each or all three members of the zebrafish Meteorin family (metrn,metrn-like aandmetrn-like b) leads to defects in properties of the Kupffer’s vesicle, caused by impaired assembly and migration of the Kupffer’s vesicle forming dorsal forerunner cells. In addition, we demonstrate that Meteorins genetically interact with integrins ItgaV and Itgβ1b regulating the dorsal forerunner cell clustering and thatmeteorinsloss-of-function results in disturbed Nodal factor expression and consequently in randomized or symmetric heart looping and jogging.

These results identify a new role for the Meteorin protein family in the left-right asymmetry patterning during embryonic vertebrate development.
Consumer behaviour and household food waste in Greece
Authors: Theodoridis Prokopis , Zacharatos Theofanis , Boukouvala Vasiliki
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the issue of household food waste in Greece, with an emphasis on assessing the level of awareness and key behaviours among consumers. Moreover, the study focuses on examining consumer behaviours related to food waste and identifying distinct consumer profiles that can provide valuable insights into the issue in order to uncover unique behavioural factors and offer targeted interventions to curb food waste in the country.

Design/methodology/approach

A nationwide survey was conducted in Greece using a structured online questionnaire, which was sent to 1,270 participants, through the snowball technique. However, due to some incomplete responses, only 1,238 of the responses were considered suitable for analysis. Common descriptive statistics were used to sketch the respondents' profiles, and a non-hierarchical K-means cluster analysis was performed to identify distinct subgroups in the sample.

Findings

The study revealed a significant level of food waste awareness among Greek consumers. The cluster analysis identified four distinct consumer groups and substantial differences among them. Notably, sociodemographic analysis underscored a pronounced inclination towards food wastage among younger individuals. Additionally, each cluster's attributes, including their environmental awareness, shopping behaviours meal-planning tendencies and propensity for excess purchases, were examined. Consequently, this study underscored the imperative for targeted informational campaigns tailored for consumer segmentation, offering a pathway to identify prospective interventions conducive to the promotion of sustainable food-consumption practices.

Originality/value

The originality and value of this work lie in its unique focus on addressing the significant issue of household food waste within the context of Greece. What sets this study apart is the application of non-hierarchical K-means cluster analysis (which allowed the authors to identify distinct consumer profiles), a method not widely utilised in the Greek context. By filling this knowledge gap, this study offers crucial insights that can inform targeted interventions aimed at reducing food waste, in alignment with global sustainability initiatives such as the United Nations Agenda 2030 and the European Union's “Farm to Fork” strategy. Additionally, this study contributes to the efforts to provide innovative solutions to prevent household food waste and foster a sustainable future in an ever-changing international environment marked by various crises
Competitive strategy and organizational performance: a systematic literature review
Authors: Zairbani Abdulkader , Jaya Prakash Senthil Kumar
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an organizing lens for viewing the distinct contributions to knowledge production from those research communities addressing the impact of competitive strategy on company performance in general, and the influence of cost leadership and differentiation strategy on organizational performance in detail.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology was based on the PRISMA review, and thematic analysis based on an iterative process of open coding was analyzed and then the sample was analyzed by illustrating the research title, objectives, method, data analysis, sample size, variables and country.

Findings

The main factor that influenced the competitive strategy is strategic growth; strategic growth has a significant influence on competitive strategy. Furthermore, competitive strategy will boost firm network, performance measurement and organization behavior. In the same way, the internal goal factor will enhance organizational effectiveness. Also, a differentiation strategy will support management practice factors, strategic positions, product price, product characteristics and company performance.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by identifying a framework of competitive strategy factors, company performance factors, cost leadership strategy factors, differentiation strategy factors and competitive strategy with global market factors. This study provides a complete picture and description of the resulting body knowledge in competitive strategy and organizational performance.
Linking extra-industry network and organization–stakeholder relationships to SMEs performance through absorptive capacity: interaction effect of outsourcing big data analytics
Authors: Jalali Alireza , Al Riyami Said Mohamad , Razzak Mohammad Rezaur , Suleiman Alqam Hanin
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to empirically examine the direct effect of extra-industry network (EIN) and organization–stakeholder relationships (OSR) on absorptive capacity (ACAP). In addition, this study explored indirect effects of EIN and OSR on performance through ACAP among small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Oman by considering the moderating role of big data analytics (BDA) outsourcing.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized quantitative method through survey questionnaire. The hypotheses were tested with a sample size of 202 surveys completed by SME owners. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was administered to analyze data via the SmartPLS 4.0 software.

Findings

The analysis revealed that EIN and OSR had an indirect effect on performance through ACAP, while propensity to outsource BDA was found to have a positive moderating role between EIN and performance. Interestingly, propensity to outsource BDA was found to have a negative moderating influence on the relationship between ACAP and performance.

Practical implications

This research is beneficial for entrepreneurs who wish to learn about the specific intangible resources significant for venture growth, to devise effective strategies to expand their EIN and OSR and to consider the significance of the correlations established in this study through ACAP. The result also assists managers in a way that the propensity to outsource BDA strengthens the positive effect of EIN on performance and weakens the positive effect of ACAP on performance.

Originality/value

This research appears to be among the first empirical studies that attempt to provide insights into the importance of ACAP as the key mechanisms to transform the advantages of EIN and OSR to enhance performance by considering the moderating role of propensity to outsource BDA.