bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation in Hospital Performance for General Surgery in Younger and Older Adults
Authors: Brooks Ezra S. , Wirtalla Christopher J. , Rosen Claire B. , Finn Caitlin B. , Kelz Rachel R.
Published: December 2023

Objective:

To compare hospital surgical performance in older and younger patients.

Background:

In-hospital mortality after surgical procedures varies widely among hospitals. Prior studies suggest that failure-to-rescue rates drive this variation for older adults, but the generalizability of these findings to younger patients remains unknown.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients ≥18 years undergoing one of 10 common and complex general surgery operations in 16 states using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Projects State Inpatient Databases (2016–2018). Patients were split into 2 populations: patients with Medicare ≥65 (older adult) and non-Medicare <65 (younger adult). Hospitals were sorted into quintiles using risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality rates for each age population. Correlations between hospitals in each mortality quintile across age populations were calculated. Complication and failure-to-rescue rates were compared across the highest and lowest mortality quintiles in each age population.

Results:

We identified 579,582 patients treated in 732 hospitals. The mortality rate was 3.6% among older adults and 0.7% among younger adults. Among older adults, high- relative to low-mortality hospitals had similar complication rates (32.0% vs 29.8%; P = 0.059) and significantly higher failure-to-rescue rates (16.0% vs 4.0%; P < 0.001). Among younger adults, high-relative to low-mortality hospitals had higher complications (15.4% vs 12.1%; P < 0.001) and failure-to-rescue rates (8.3% vs 0.7%; P < 0.001). The correlation between observed-to-expected mortality ratios in each age group was 0.385 (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

High surgical mortality rates in younger patients may be driven by both complication and failure-to-rescue rates. There is little overlap between low-mortality hospitals in the older and younger adult populations. Future work must delve into the root causes of this age-based difference in hospital-level surgical outcomes.
The Impact of Portal Hypertension Assessment Method on the Outcomes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Resection
Authors: Aliseda Daniel , Zozaya Gabriel , Martí-Cruchaga Pablo , Herrero Ignacio , Iñarrairaegui Mercedes , Argemí Josepmaría , Martínez De La Cuesta Antonio , Blanco Nuria , Sabatella Lucas , Sangro Bruno , Rotellar Fernando
Published: December 2023

Objective:

Examine PHT impact on postoperative and survival outcomes in HCC patients after LR, specifically exploring distinctions between indirect signs and invasive measurements of PHT.

Summary Background Data:

PHT has historically discouraged LR in individuals with HCC, due to the elevated risk of morbidity, including liver decompensation (LD).

Methods:

A systematic review was conducted using 3 databases to identify prospective controlled and matched cohort studies until December 28, 2022. Focus on comparing postoperative outcomes (mortality, morbidity, and liver-related complications) and OS in HCC patients with and without PHT undergoing LR. Three meta-analysis models were utilized: For aggregated data (fixed-effects inverse variance model), for patient-level survival data (one-stage frequentist meta-analysis with gamma-shared frailty Cox proportional hazards model), and for pooled data (Freeman-Tukey exact and double arcsine method).

Results:

Nine studies involving 1,124 patients were analyzed. Indirect signs of PHT were not significantly associated with higher mortality, overall complications, PHLF or LD. However, LR in patients with HVPG ≥10 mmHg significantly increased the risk of overall complications, PHLF and LD. Despite elevated risks, the procedure resulted in a 5-year OS rate of 55.2%. Open LR significantly increased the risk of overall complications, PHLF and LD. Conversely, PHT did not show a significant association with worse postoperative outcomes in MILR.

Conclusions:

LR with indirect PHT signs poses no increased risk of complications. Yet, in HVPG ≥10 mmHg patients, LR increases overall morbidity and liver-related complications risk. Transjugular HVPG assessment is crucial for LR decisions. MI approach seems to be vital for favorable outcomes, especially in HVPG ≥10 mmHg patients.
A rare non-coding enhancer variant inSCN5Acontributes to the high prevalence of Brugada syndrome in Thailand
Authors: Walsh Roddy , Mauleekoonphairoj John , Mengarelli Isabella , Verkerk Arie O. , Bosada Fernanda M. , van Duijvenboden Karel , Poovorawan Yong , Wongcharoen Wanwarang , Sutjaporn Boosamas , Wandee Pharawee , Chimparlee Nitinan , Chokesuwattanaskul Ronpichai , Vongpaisarnsin Kornkiat , Dangkao Piyawan , Wu Cheng-I , Tadros Rafik , Amin Ahmad S. , Lieve Krystien V.V. , Postema Pieter G. , Kooyman Maarten , Beekman Leander , Sahasatas Dujdao , Amnueypol Montawatt , Krittayaphong Rungroj , Prechawat Somchai , Anannab Alisara , Makarawate Pattarapong , Ngarmukos Tachapong , Phusanti Keerapa , Veerakul Gumpanart , Kingsbury Zoya , Newington Taksina , Maheswari Uma , Ross Mark T. , Grace Andrew , Lambiase Pier D. , Behr Elijah R. , Schott Jean-Jacques , Redon Richard , Barc Julien , Christoffels Vincent M. , Wilde Arthur A.M. , Nademanee Koonlawee , Bezzina Connie R. , Khongphatthanayothin Apichai
Published: December 2023

Brugada syndrome (BrS) is a cardiac arrhythmia disorder that causes sudden death in young adults. Rare genetic variants in theSCN5Agene, encoding the Nav1.5 sodium channel, and common non-coding variants at this locus, are robustly associated with the condition. BrS is particularly prevalent in Southeast Asia but the underlying ancestry-specific factors remain largely unknown. Here, we performed genome sequencing of BrS probands from Thailand and population-matched controls and identified a rare non-coding variant in anSCN5Aintronic enhancer that is highly enriched in BrS cases (3.9% in cases, odds ratio 20.2-45.2) and predicted to disrupt a Mef2 transcription factor binding site. Heterozygous introduction of the enhancer variant in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) caused significantly reducedSCN5Aexpression from the variant-containing allele and a 30% reduction in Nav1.5-mediated sodium-current density compared to isogenic controls. This is the first example of a validated rare non-coding variant at theSCN5Alocus and partly explains the increased prevalence of BrS in this geographic region.
Machine learning approaches to assess microendemicity and conservation risk in cave-dwelling arachnofauna
Authors: Steiner Hugh G , Aharon Shlomi , Ballesteros Jesús , Gainett Guilherme , Gavish-Regev Efrat , Sharma Prashant P
Published: December 2023

The biota of cave habitats faces heightened conservation risks, due to geographic isolation and high levels of endemism. Molecular datasets, in tandem with ecological surveys, have the potential to delimit precisely the nature of cave endemism and identify conservation priorities for microendemic species. Here, we sequenced ultraconserved elements ofTegenariawithin, and at the entrances of, 25 cave sites to test phylogenetic relationships, combined with an unsupervised machine learning approach to delimit species. Our data identified clear species limits, as well as the incidence of previously unidentified, potential cryptic species. We employed the R package canaper and Categorical Analysis of Neo- and Paleo-Endemism (CANAPE) to generate conservation metrics that are informative for future policy, in tandem with conservation assessments for the troglobitic Israeli species of this genus.
A unified data infrastructure to support large-scale rare disease research
Authors: Johansson Lennart F. , Laurie Steve , Spalding Dylan , Gibson Spencer , Ruvolo David , Thomas Coline , Piscia Davide , de Andrade Fernanda , Been Gerieke , Bijlsma Marieke , Brunner Han , Cimerman Sandi , Yavari Dizjikan Farid , Ellwanger Kornelia , Fernandez Marcos , Freeberg Mallory , van de Geijn Gert-Jan , Kanninga Roan , Maddi Vatsalya , Mehtarizadeh Mehdi , Neerincx Pieter , Ossowski Stephan , Rath Ana , Roelofs-Prins Dieuwke , Stok-Benjamins Marloes , van der Velde K. Joeri , Veal Colin , van der Vries Gerben , Wadsley Marc , Warren Gregory , Zurek Birte , Keane Thomas , Graessner Holm ,   Solve-RD consortium, Beltran Sergi , Swertz Morris A. , Brookes Anthony J.
Published: December 2023

The Solve-RD project brings together clinicians, scientists, and patient representatives from 51 institutes spanning 15 countries to collaborate on genetically diagnosing (“solving”) rare diseases (RDs). The project aims to significantly increase the diagnostic success rate by co-analysing data from thousands of RD cases, including phenotypes, pedigrees, exome/genome sequencing and multi-omics data. Here we report on the data infrastructure devised and created to support this co-analysis. This infrastructure enables users to store, find, connect, and analyse data and metadata in a collaborative manner. Pseudonymised phenotypic and raw experimental data are submitted to the RD-Connect Genome-Phenome Analysis Platform and processed through standardised pipelines. Resulting files and novel produced omics data are sent to the European Genome-phenome Archive, which adds unique file identifiers and provides long-term storage and controlled access services. MOLGENIS “RD3” and Café Variome “Discovery Nexus” connect data and metadata and offer discovery services, and secure cloud-based “Sandboxes” support multi-party data analysis. This proven infrastructure design provides a blueprint for other projects that need to analyse large amounts of heterogeneous data.
SPPiDDRs: a new gene family in dicot plants involved in DNA-Damage Response
Authors: Hammoudi Valentin , Goldbecker Elisa , Herbst Josephine , Linnenbrügger Loreen , von Schaewen Antje , Kunze Reinhard
Published: December 2023

Living organisms must maintain the integrity of their genome, and plants are not exempt. In plants, recognition of DNA damage converges at the transcription factor SOG1, a functional homolog of the animal p53 protein. SOG1 directly controls the expression of hundreds of genes and orchestrates a sophisticated network of signaling pathways termed DNA-damage response (DDR). Only recently, several long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) loci were identified to be upregulated by DNA damage, and only a handful have been confirmed to actively contribute to DDR. In this study, we focused on one locus annotated as lncRNA and found that it is strongly and quickly upregulated upon DNA damage and is a direct target of SOG1. Combiningin silicoand experimental analyses, we demonstrate that this locus was wrongly annotated as lncRNA and is in fact a gene coding for a short protein that targets peroxisomes. Consequently, we renamed this locusSHORTPEROXISOMALPROTEIN INDUCED INDNA-DAMAGERESPONSE1(SPPiDDR1).SPPiDDRsare well conserved and present in multiple copies across dicot genomes, with Arabidopsis containing two additional copies,SPPiDDR2andSPPiDDR3. TheAtSPPiDDRparalogs differ on the transcriptional level,SPPiDDR3being the least active.SPPiDDR1andSPPiDDR2are both also induced by salt, a stress treatment known to indirectly induce DNA damage via oxidative stress. We show that these two genes act redundantly and inhibit plant growth in response to salt stress.
Bidirectional substrate shuttling between the 26S proteasome and the Cdc48 ATPase promotes protein degradation
Authors: Li Hao , Ji Zhejian , Paulo Joao A. , Gygi Steven P. , Rapoport Tom A.
Published: December 2023

Most eukaryotic proteins are degraded by the 26S proteasome after modification with a polyubiquitin chain. Substrates lacking unstructured segments cannot be degraded directly and require prior unfolding by the Cdc48 ATPase (p97 or VCP in mammals) in complex with its ubiquitin-binding partner Ufd1-Npl4 (UN). Here, we use purified yeast components to reconstitute Cdc48-dependent degradation of well-folded model substrates by the proteasome. We show that a minimal system consists of the 26S proteasome, the Cdc48-UN ATPase complex, the proteasome cofactor Rad23, and the Cdc48 cofactors Ubx5 and Shp1. Rad23 and Ubx5 stimulate polyubiquitin binding to the 26S proteasome and the Cdc48-UN complex, respectively, allowing these machines to compete for substrates before and after their unfolding. Shp1 stimulates protein unfolding by the Cdc48-UN complex, rather than substrate recruitment.In vivoexperiments confirm that many proteins undergo bidirectional substrate shuttling between the 26S proteasome and Cdc48 ATPase before being degraded.
The preparation and corrosion resistance of superhydrophobic coating on Cu plate via two-step electrodeposition
Authors: Song Zhengwei , Zhang Shengjian , Ding Lifeng , Wu Xuejing , Long Ning
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was prepared a Ni-based superhydrophobic coating on the surface of copper to enhence its corrosion resistance. The superhydrophobic coating (SHPC) has proven to be an effective surface treatment in corrosion protection. In this paper, a Ni-based SHPC was prepared on the surface of copper (Cu) to enhance its corrosion resistance.

Design/methodology/approach

The coating was prepared through a two-step electrodeposition process. The first step involves the formation of a micro-nano structure Ni layer formed by an electrodeposition process. Subsequently, the polysiloxane layer was deposited on the Ni surface to create an SHPC. The morphology, composition, structure, wettability and corrosion resistance of the coating were characterized and discussed.

Findings

The results show that the water contact angle of the as-prepared coating reaches 155.5°±1.0°. The corrosion current density (icorr = 3.90 × 10−9 A·cm−2) decreased by three orders of magnitude compared to the substrate, whereas |Z|f = 0.01 Hz (2.40 × 106 Ω·cm2) increased by three orders of magnitude. It indicated that the prepared coating has excellent superhydrophobicity and high corrosion resistance, which can provide better protection for the substrate.

Originality/value

The prepared coating provides long-lasting protection for Cu and other metals and offers valuable data for developing SHPCs.
Balancing the environment and customer value: evaluation of the attractiveness of label-free plastic bottles for green tea
Authors: Kato Takumi , Endo Yuko , Fujiwara Sayu , Zhu Yu , Umeyama Takahiko , Kamei Susumu
Published: December 2023

Purpose

As a measure against plastic waste, Coca-Cola and Evian have begun introducing label-free plastic bottles. Food labels have long been recognized as an important marketing tool, but there is a lack of research on label-free products. To address this gap, this study examined the influence of label-free design on product attractiveness in the Japanese green tea market.

Design/methodology/approach

If existing products are used in an experiment, respondents would be subject to brand image bias. Hence, by mechanically combining the main design elements (cap shape, bottle style, decoration line, logo and label) with an orthogonal array, the conditions for bottles with and without labels are completely aligned. The authors conducted an online survey and applied the chi-square test to the attractiveness of 18 designs presented in random order.

Findings

Label-free designs were more attractive to consumers than labeled designs. The effect was higher among female, middle-aged and older adults; those with higher annual income and low-frequency purchasers.

Practical implications

Practitioners should adopt a label-free design that can satisfy both environmental considerations and customer value. It would be a formidable challenge to change the longstanding emphasis placed on label design, but this study demonstrates the value of doing so.

Originality/value

This is the first study in the package design literature on the advantages of label-free plastic bottles. The authors also applied an orthogonal array used for many years to optimize objective numerical values in marketing research.
A multi-level tool to support the circular economy decision-making process in agri-food entrepreneurship
Authors: Coluccia Benedetta , Palmi Pamela , Krstić Mladen
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The present study is aimed at developing a multi-level framework for assessing circularity in agri-food industries by providing the user with a step-by-step approach and selecting a customized set of indicators capable of accurately assessing the circular economy (CE) level.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework is composed of four stages. In the first stage, a CE theoretical model based on operations, product and services, culture, organization and ecosystem criteria has been implemented and adapted to the agri-food sector. In the second stage, users are required to collect a set of indicators capable of measuring each criterion. In the third stage, a weight is assigned to each indicator using analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Lastly, a geometric multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model, called axial distance-based aggregated measurement (ADAM) model, is used to normalize, assess and aggregate the results and produce final scores for the different alternatives to be ranked based on their final circularity scores.

Findings

The model can be a useful tool to support corporate decisions in the CE, making entrepreneurs aware of their starting level. It indicates the extent to which companies are implementing circular business models across different dimensions and, thus, where they are still lacking.

Originality/value

Beyond the attempts to measure the circularity of corporate performance from a purely environmental perspective, the study adopts a holistic view, considering the complexity and disruption of all the principles of the CE.
Board gender diversity and firm performance: the moderating role of financial technology
Authors: Sanad Zakeya , Al Lawati Hidaya
Published: December 2023

Purpose

In recent years, the field of financial technology (Fintech) has garnered significant attention due to advancements in technology, evolving consumer preferences and the growing need for financial services that are more accessible and user-friendly. The exponential expansion of Fintech is presenting novel prospects and obstacles for business. This study aims to investigate the relationship between gender diversity on corporate boards and firms’ performance, with a particular focus on the moderating role of Fintech.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample consisted of financial sector firms listed on the Bahrain Bourse (banks and insurance firms) during the period 2016–2022. The data were gathered primarily from annual reports and the Bahrain Bourse website. The independent variable represents the percentage of female directors on corporate boards while firms’ accounting and market-based performance were measured using return on assets and Tobin’s Q variables. The moderating variable, Fintech, was measured using a checklist developed using the Global Fintech Adoption Index. Fixed effect (FE) regression was used to analyze the study data. An alternative gender diversity measure was used to test the reliability of the main regression analysis.

Findings

The results of the study indicate a positive relationship between gender diversity on corporate boards and financial performance. Additionally, the findings of the study highlighted the positive impact of Fintech practices on firms’ performance. Nevertheless, the impact of Fintech on the relationship between board gender diversity and corporate performance was found to be insignificant.

Research limitations/implications

The study sample included a particular sector in a single country, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Also, the current study applied FE regression to analyze the data; however, other econometric approaches could be used to overcome the endogeneity issue.

Practical implications

The findings of this study may have implications for policymakers and society, particularly in terms of promoting gender diversity and Fintech innovation.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing body of research by examining the potential impact of the percentage of female directors and the utilization of Fintech on firms’ performance in Bahrain. Given the ongoing endeavors to provide advanced Fintech solutions in the financial sector and the increasing focus on enhancing gender diversity in Bahraini corporate boards, this research aims to provide additional evidence in this domain. Moreover, this study stands out as one of the limited number of research endeavors that use Fintech as a moderating variable in the investigation of the impact of female directors on firms’ performance.
Lean Six Sigma, effectiveness, and efficiency of internal auditing
Authors: Asnaashari Hamideh , Khodabandehlou Fatemeh
Published: December 2023

Purpose

In light of the recent changes in the internal audit (IA) landscape, the role of auditors has undergone a significant transformation. This paper aims to investigate the effects of applying Lean Six Sigma (LSS) techniques on the effectiveness and efficiency of IA.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a quantitative approach, surveying Iranian internal auditors with a sample size of 384 participants. Data analysis involved confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling.

Findings

The analyses demonstrate a significant association between LSS application and IA effectiveness and efficiency. In addition, an exploratory analysis indicates that the application of LSS techniques by less experienced internal auditors had a reverse effect on IA function quality as a component of IA competency. However, IA motivation factors, including education and position, did not mediate the impact of LSS on IA effectiveness and efficiency.

Research limitations/implications

This study was conducted with Iranian internal auditors, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other countries. However, the primary academic implication of this research lies in its novel perspective on emphasizing the concept of continuous improvement in IA through the use of LSS techniques. By focusing on the need for internal auditors to add value to the business in new ways, this research contributes to the literature on IA quality.

Practical implications

This study has significant implications for the effective management of IA departments. By promoting the application of LSS techniques in IA, lean auditing is enhanced, and IA can create value by improving the quality of its functions. Moreover, IA regulators can benefit from this study as it emphasizes providing guidance and training on LSS techniques to enhance IA skills.

Originality/value

This research is pioneering in applying LSS methodology to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of internal auditing. It also considers the integration of lean thinking into current audit practices, making it unique and valuable in internal auditing research.
International evidence on the monitoring role of foreign institutional investors in corporate investment efficiency
Authors: Ilyas Muhammad , Mian Rehman Uddin , Mian Affan
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study examines whether and how the legal origin of foreign institutional investors (FIIs) impacts corporate investment efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a large panel dataset of firms from 32 non-USA countries from 2005 to 2018. Financial and institutional ownership data are obtained from the COMPUSTAT Global and Public Ownership databases in S&P Capital IQ, respectively. The study employed ordinary least squares (OLS) regression with year and firm fixed effects. In addition, two-stage least squares with instrumental variable regression (2SLS-IV) and propensity score matching (PSM) approaches were employed to address the potential endogeneity.

Findings

The findings of this study suggest that common- and civil-law FIIs differ in their monitoring capabilities to promote investment efficiency. The authors find evidence that increased equity ownership by common-law FIIs, not civil-law investors, strengthens the investment-Q sensitivity, resulting in higher investment efficiency. Consistent with the monitoring and information channel, the results further indicate that the positive impact of common-law FIIs on investment efficiency is stronger in host environments susceptible to agency conflicts and information asymmetry.

Originality/value

This study offers novel evidence on the heterogeneous monitoring role of FIIs with regard to their home countries' legal origins and their impact on investment efficiency in an international context.
Achieving carbon neutrality for the improvement of the business performance: a systematic literature review and future research directions
Authors: Mukherjee Subhodeep , Baral Manish Mohan , Singh Rajesh Kumar , Chittipaka Venkataiah , Kamble Sachin S.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

With the change in climate and increased pollution, there has been a need to reduce environmental carbon emissions. This research aims to develop a framework for reducing environmental carbon footprints to improve business performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses Scientific Procedures and Rationales for the Systematic Literature Reviews (SPAR-4-SLR) approach. Articles are searched in the Scopus database using various keywords and their combinations. It resulted in 651 articles initially. After applying different screening criteria, 61 articles were considered for the final study.

Findings

This study provided four themes and sub-themes within each category. This research also used theories, methodologies and context (TMC) framework to provide future research questions. This study used the antecedents, decisions and outcomes (ADO) framework for synthesising the findings. The ADO framework will help to achieve carbon neutrality and improve firms' supply chain (SC) performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides theoretical implications by highlighting the various theories that can be used in future research. This study also states the practical implications for the achievement of carbon neutrality by the firms.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature linking carbon neutrality with business performance.
Dividend policy and shareholders’ wealth. A comparative analysis of Shariah-compliant and noncompliant nonfinancial firms in Pakistan
Authors: Akbar Saeed , Khan Shehzad , Haq Zahoor Ul , Amin Muhammad Yusuf
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to comparatively analyze the effect of dividend policy on shareholders’ wealth in Shariah-compliant (SC) and noncompliant (NC) nonfinancial firms in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

All the nonfinancial firms listed on the Pakistan stock exchange have been taken as a sample for 2016–2021. The Karachi Meezan index screening criteria were applied to screen SC firms. Based on the BPLM and Hausman test results, the authors used the fixed-effect and pooled OLS model for SC and NC firms, respectively. The F-test was used to compare the effect of each dividend policy variable on shareholders’ wealth for both firm types.

Findings

The findings reveal that the dividend policy does affect the shareholders’ wealth in both firm types. Dividend per share (DPS), dividend yield (DY) and earnings per share significantly affect the shareholders’ wealth in SC firms. For NC firms, the dividend payout, DPS and DY are critical. Moreover, the F-test results show that the DPS, DY and leverage effect on the shareholders’ wealth significantly differ for both firm types.

Research limitations/implications

This study fills the research gap in the Pakistani context specifically as well as globally by providing important insights into the relationship between a firm’s dividend policy and shareholders’ wealth for SC and NC firms. In addition, this study comprehensively compares the results for both firm types, which is also lacking in the existing literature. Because this study is based in Pakistan, the generalizability of the results would be limited.

Practical implications

The findings of this study are helpful for the management of SC and NC firms in devising their dividend policies that can maximize their shareholders’ wealth. This study also provides guidance and knowledge to investors in choosing companies for their investments that can maximize their wealth.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that analyzes the relationship between dividend policy and shareholders’ wealth for SC firms in Pakistan. It is also the first study that comprehensively compares the dividend policy relationship with shareholders’ wealth for SC and NC firms. In addition, using the F-test for joint hypotheses to compare the specific effect of each dividend policy variable is a methodological contribution of the study.
Dividend announcements and stock returns: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Kumari Vineeta , Kumar Satish , Pandey Dharen Kumar , Gupta Prashant
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to provide insights into different aspects of the extant literature on the effects of dividend announcements. Along with other outputs of a bibliometric study, this study provides deeper insights into the concentration of the extant literature and suggest future research agendas.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the bibliometric, network and content analysis of the dividend announcement literature indexed in Scopus. This study presents the temporal analysis, the network of authors, countries, author citations and the co-occurrence of author keywords. This study provides the concentration of the extant literature in three clusters and unearth some key future research areas. This study uses the latent Dirichlet allocation method for robustness.

Findings

A total of 54 documents examining the US sample have received 1,804 citations. Interestingly, the first article on emerging markets was published in 2002, when at least 34 articles on developed markets had already been published from 1982 to 2001. The content analysis of top-cited literature unveils diverse insights into dividend announcements’ effects on financial markets. Contagion effects negatively impact non-announcing banks, particularly larger ones. Dividend maintenance affects stock market momentum, influencing loser returns. While current dividend/earnings news may not predict future company performance, information content dominates bond market reactions to post-dividend announcements. Concomitantly, while financially constrained firms exhibit short-term gains but worse long-term performance following dividend increases, larger stock dividends send stronger market signals in China.

Originality/value

This study significantly contributes to the bibliometric and content analysis literature by analyzing the sample documents based on the sample examined. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous bibliometric study in this domain has been conducted to explore the markets (developed and emerging) to which the samples examined belong and the quality of publications from developed and emerging markets.
Exploring the value chain of organic pineapple of Assam, India
Authors: Das Naba Kumar , Roy Arup , Srivastava Saurabh Kumar
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The global organic market is expanding, and India is in an advantageous position with the highest number of organic producers worldwide. Although many articles have been published on the value chain of organic products from India, no significant studies were found related to the value chain analysis of organic pineapple. This study aims to know the various aspects of the organic pineapple value chain, i.e. network structure, value addition at various stages of chain actors, value chain upgradation and governance structure.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is explorative in nature, and primary data from various actors involved in the chain is collected and analyzed. Primary data through a structured schedule and interviews are collected from farmers and traders. A multistage sampling plan has been adopted. A sample of 75 farmers was randomly selected from the study area. For traders, snowball sampling is used due to the nonavailability of the sampling frame. A total of 10 commission agents, 10 wholesalers and 20 retailers were thus selected for the study. For objectives 1 and 4, descriptive statistics are used. For objective 2, a modified formula described by (Murthy et al., 2007) is used to calculate farmer’s net price and marketing margin. For objective 3, Garrett’s ranking technique is used to identify various constraints in upgrading the organic pineapple value chain in Assam.

Findings

This study shows that the value chain of organic pineapple is in the initial stage and proper value addition is required to have a complete regulated value chain. Six marketing channel is identified, and products are sold through farmer producer company only in case of export and trade with distant buyers. The marketing efficiency for channels II and III is 1.69 and 0.99, respectively. The degree of value addition for channel II in the hands of the commission agent, wholesaler and retailer is 11.65%, 4.56% and 12.60%, respectively. In the various constraints in upgrading the value chain, farmers rank “policy support” as a major constraint. In the governance structure, trade with distant traders and exports is done formally and through written contracts.

Research limitations/implications

The study performs value chain analysis of organic pineapple in Cachar district of Assam, India for the year January 2022–January 2023. Future studies are encouraged related to various aspects of the supply chain and value chain of organic pineapple from various northeastern states of India and other states.

Practical implications

The study will help policymakers and key actors to know the existing chain and frame a well-coordinated and regulated value chain.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first study to explore the value chain of organic pineapple of Cachar district of Assam, India. Implementation of these findings can help various actors to strengthen the existing value chain.
Rates of subjective and objective cure, satisfaction, and pain 10–20 years after tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT) surgery: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Solhaug Berit Rein , Nyhus Maria Øyasæter , Svenningsen Rune , Volløyhaug Ingrid
Published: December 2023

Objective

To evaluate rates of subjective and objective cure, treatment satisfaction, pain, and the correlation between cure and body mass index (BMI), at 10 and 20 years after tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT) surgery.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Multicentre study including 19 units in Norway.

Population

Women undergoing TVT surgery for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) during 2001–2006 (20‐year cohort) and 2011–2012 (10‐year cohort).

Methods

The Norwegian Female Incontinence Registry was used to identify women eligible for the study, who answered validated questionnaires about urinary incontinence, pain and satisfaction.

Main outcome measures

Subjective cure of SUI (with stress index of <3, range 0–12), objective cure (<3 g on stress test) and persisting pain and satisfaction after TVT (scored on a five‐point Likert scale).

Results

In total, 1210 of 1903 (64%) patients responded. The subjective cure rate was 68% after 10 years, versus 59% after 20 years, and did not significantly differ after adjusting for age, BMI, parity and preoperative stress index (adjusted OR 1.27, 95% CI 0.82–1.94). The objective cure rate was 100% versus 93% (P < 0.001), with 89% versus 76% reporting subjective satisfaction (P < 0.001), and with 4.7% versus 2.7% reporting persisting pain (P < 0.001), after 10 versus 20 years, respectively. Women in obesity classes I and II, compared with women of normal weight, had an increased risk of not being subjectively cured (crude OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.42–2.90; OR 2.95, 95% CI 1.60–5.46, respectively).

Conclusions

Tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT) provided high rates of subjective and objective cure at 10 and 20 years after surgery, with no significant difference between the two cohorts. Although 3%–5% of women experienced persisting pain, most women were satisfied with TVT surgery. Obesity was associated with a lower cure rate.
Efficacy and safety of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics for the prevention of colorectal cancer and precancerous lesion in high‐risk populations: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Kan Hao Xuan , Cao Yang , Ma Ye , Zhang Yue Lun , Wang Jing , Li Ji , Li Jing Nan
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is highly prevalent worldwide and is a leading cause of cancer‐related death. Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics have recently attracted attention as preventive measures against colorectal neoplasms. We aimed to analyze the findings of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics in patients at a high risk of CRC, outlining the challenges and future prospects of using probiotics to prevent colorectal tumors and providing evidence for clinical physicians in particular.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant studies published up to January 7, 2022. RCTs conducted on populations with a high risk of CRC who received probiotics, prebiotics or synbiotics in comparison with placebo, candidate agent or no treatment were included. The primary outcome was the incidence or recurrence of any colorectal neoplasms. Additional outcomes included their effects on the diversity of gut microbiota and relevant inflammatory biomarkers. Safety outcomes were also analyzed. Two authors independently screened and selected studies based on pre‐specified eligible criteria, performed data extraction and risk‐of‐bias assessment independently.

Results

Nine RCTs were included in the systematic review and meta‐analysis. Probiotic supplementation significantly reduced adenoma incidence, but no significant benefit was observed in CRC incidence. Additionally, probiotics modulated gut microbiota and inflammatory biomarkers.

Conclusion

Probiotics may have beneficial effects in the prevention of CRC. More RCTs with larger sample sizes are warranted to further confirm these findings.
Evo‐Scope: Fully automated assessment of correlated evolution on phylogenetic trees
Authors: Godfroid Maxime , Coluzzi Charles , Lambert Amaury , Glaser Philippe , Rocha Eduardo P. C. , Achaz Guillaume
Published: December 2023

Correlated evolution describes how multiple biological traits evolve together. Recently developed methods provide increasingly detailed results of correlated evolution, sometimes at elevated computational costs.

Here, we present evo‐scope, a fast and fully automated pipeline with minimal input requirements to compute correlation between discrete traits evolving on a phylogenetic tree. Notably, we improve two of our previously developed tools that efficiently compute statistics of correlated evolution to characterize the nature, such as synergy or antagonism, and the strength of the interdependence between the traits.

Furthermore, we improved the running time and implemented several additional features, such as genetic mapping, Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo estimation, consideration of missing data and phylogenetic uncertainty.

As an application, we scan a publicly available penicillin resistance data set of Streptococcus pneumoniae and characterize genetic mutations that correlate with antibiotic resistance.

The pipeline is accessible both as a self‐contained Github repository (https://github.com/Maxime5G/EvoScope) and through a graphical galaxy interface (https://galaxy.pasteur.fr/u/maximeg/w/evoscope).
Model‐based and model‐free mechanisms in methamphetamine use disorder
Authors: Robinson Alex H. , Mahlberg Justin , Chong Trevor T.‐J. , Verdejo‐Garcia Antonio
Published: December 2023

People with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) struggle to shift their behaviour from methamphetamine‐orientated habits to goal‐oriented choices. The model‐based/model‐free framework is well suited to understand this difficulty by unpacking the computational mechanisms that support experienced‐based (model‐free) and goal‐directed (model‐based) choices. We aimed to examine whether 1) participants with MUD differed from controls on behavioural proxies and/or computational mechanisms of model‐based/model‐free choices; 2) model‐based/model‐free decision‐making correlated with MUD symptoms; and 3) model‐based/model‐free deficits improved over six weeks in the group with MUD. Participants with MUD and controls with similar age, IQ and socioeconomic status completed the Two‐Step Task at treatment commencement (MUD n = 30, Controls n = 31) and six weeks later (MUD n = 23, Controls n = 26). We examined behavioural proxies of model‐based/model‐free decisions using mixed logistic regression, and their underlying mechanisms using computational modelling. At a behavioural level, participants with MUD were more likely to switch their choices following rewarded actions, although this pattern improved at follow up. At a computational level, groups were similar in their use of model‐based mechanisms, but participants with MUD were less likely to apply model‐free mechanisms and less likely to repeat rewarded actions. We did not find evidence that individual differences in model‐based or model‐free parameters were associated with greater severity of methamphetamine dependence, nor did we find that group differences in computational parameters changed between baseline and follow‐up assessment. Decision‐making challenges in people with MUD are likely related to difficulties in pursuing choices previously associated with positive outcomes.
Satellite‐derived prefire vegetation predicts variation in field‐based invasive annual grass cover after fire
Authors: Anthony Christopher R. , Applestein Cara V. , Germino Matthew J.
Published: December 2023

Aims

Invasion by annual grasses (IAGs) and concomitant increases in wildfire are impacting many drylands globally, and an understanding of factors that contribute to or detract from community resistance to IAGs is needed to inform postfire restoration interventions. Prefire vegetation condition is often unknown in rangelands but it likely affects variation in postfire invasion resistance across large burned scars. Whether satellite‐derived products like the Rangeland Analysis Platform (RAP) can fulfill prefire information needs and be used to parametrize models of fire recovery to inform postfire management of IAGs is a key question.

Methods

We used random forests to ask how IAG abundances in 669 field plots measured in the 2‐3 years following megafires in sagebrush steppe rangelands of western USA responded to RAP estimates of annual:perennial prefire vegetation cover, the effects of elevation, heat load, postfire treatments, soil moisture–temperature regimes, and land‐agency ratings of ecosystem resistance to invasion and resilience to disturbance.

Results

Postfire IAG cover measured in the field was % and RAP‐estimated prefire annual herbaceous cover was %. The random forest model had an R2 of 0.36 and a root‐mean‐squared error (RMSE) of 4.41. Elevation, postfire herbicide treatment, and prefire estimates from RAP for the ratio of annual:perennial and shrub cover were the most important predictors of postfire IAG cover. Threshold‐like relationships between postfire IAG cover and the predictors indicate that maintaining annual:perennial cover below 0.4 and shrub cover below <10% prior to wildfire would decrease invasion, at low elevations below 1400 m above sea level.

Conclusion

Despite known differences between RAP and field‐based estimates of vegetation cover, RAP was still a useful predictor of variation in IAG abundances after fire. IAG management is oftentimes reactive, but our findings indicate impactful roles for more inclusively addressing the exotic annual community, and focusing on prefire maintenance of annual:perennial herbaceous and shrub cover at low elevations.
What entrepreneurial skillsets support responsible value creation in health and social care? A mixed methods study
Authors: Lehoux P. , Silva H. P. , Denis J.‐L. , Morioka S. N. , Harfoush N. , Sabio R. P.
Published: December 2023

Although various scholars underscore the importance of innovating responsibly in view of today's societal challenges, less attention has been paid to the entrepreneurial skillset, that is, the range of individual skills and organizational capabilities, that innovation‐based organizations mobilize to deliver new responsible products and services. This paper thus explores the relationships between the entrepreneurial skillsets of 16 Canadian and Brazilian for‐profit and not‐for‐profit organizations producing Responsible Innovations in Health (RIH) and their degree of responsibility. Our mixed methods study includes interviews with entrepreneurs (n = 23) and fieldnotes as well as quantitative results from the RIH Assessment Tool. Our findings identify four skillset orientations—Technical, Technical + Business, Social, and Social + Business—that not only reflect (co)founders' training and entrepreneurial motivations but also a proclivity toward the consolidation of either “Technical” or “Social” skills and capabilities. Such consolidation is made possible by recruiting high‐level executives with diverse backgrounds or by tapping on external knowledge sources (e.g., boards of directors, incubators, or volunteers). As five enterprises had no formal business skills, patterns associated to their overall RIH score (ranging from 1 to 5) reveal intriguing results. Organizations with a Social + Business skillset have a slightly lower RIH score (4.1) than those with a Social skillet (4.4) and those with a Technical + Business skillset have a slightly higher score (3.5) than those with a Technical skillset (3.0). The presence of business skills thus appears to mediate the relationship between entrepreneurial skillsets and the degree of responsibility, which may be linked to the distinct roles of ordinary (“doing things right”) and dynamic capabilities (“doing the right things”). These exploratory findings have scholarly and practical implications. First, the tensions and synergies characterizing responsible value creation should be approached by examining the complementary skills and capabilities that need to be assembled and consolidated. Second, the eight cases with a Social + Business skillset clarify the unique capabilities needed to produce highly responsible health innovations. Third, entrepreneurs with a scientific or engineering background should recognize that a Technical skillset is not enough. Fourth, recognizing that “falling in love with the cause” of RIH is not sufficient, investors and boards of directors should adequately support responsible entrepreneurs towards the proper orchestration of skills and capabilities that can reconcile economic and social goals.