bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement of the Pion Form Factor with CMD-3 Detector and Its Implication to the Hadronic Contribution to Muon (
g−2
)
Authors: Ignatov F. V. , Akhmetshin R. R. , Amirkhanov A. N. , Anisenkov A. V. , Aulchenko V. M. , Bashtovoy N. S. , Berkaev D. E. , Bondar A. E. , Bragin A. V. , Eidelman S. I. , Epifanov D. A. , Epshteyn L. B. , Erofeev A. L. , Fedotovich G. V. , Gorkovenko A. O. , Grancagnolo F. J. , Grebenuk A. A. , Gribanov S. S. , Grigoriev D. N. , Ivanov V. L. , Karpov S. V. , Kasaev A. S. , Kazanin V. F. , Khazin B. I. , Kirpotin A. N. , Koop I. A. , Korobov A. A. , Kozyrev A. N. , Kozyrev E. A. , Krokovny P. P. , Kuzmenko A. E. , Kuzmin A. S. , Logashenko I. B. , Lukin P. A. , Lysenko A. P. , Mikhailov K. Yu. , Obraztsov I. V. , Okhapkin V. S. , Otboev A. V. , Perevedentsev E. A. , Pestov Yu. N. , Popov A. S. , Razuvaev G. P. , Rogovsky Yu. A. , Ruban A. A. , Ryskulov N. M. , Ryzhenenkov A. E. , Semenov A. V. , Senchenko A. I. , Shatunov P. Yu. , Shatunov Yu. M. , Shebalin V. E. , Shemyakin D. N. , Shwartz B. A. , Shwartz D. B. , Sibidanov A. L. , Solodov E. P. , Talyshev A. A. , Timoshenko M. V. , Titov V. M. , Tolmachev S. S. , Vorobiov A. I. , Yudin Yu. V. , Zemlyansky I. M. , Zhadan D. S. , Zharinov Yu. M. , Zubakin A. S. ,   CMD-3 Collaboration
Published: June 2024

The cross section of the process e+e−→π+π− has been measured in the center-of-mass energy range from 0.32 to 1.2 GeV with the CMD-3 detector at the electron-positron collider VEPP-2000. The measurement is based on an integrated luminosity of about 88  pb−1, of which 62  pb−1 represent a complete dataset collected by CMD-3 at center-of-mass energies below 1 GeV. In the dominant region near the ρ resonance a systematic uncertainty of 0.7% was achieved. The implications of the presented results for the evaluation of the hadronic contribution to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon are discussed.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Rydberg-atom experiment for the integer factorization problem
Authors: Park Juyoung , Jeong Seokho , Kim Minhyuk , Kim Kangheun , Byun Andrew , Vignoli Louis , Henry Louis-Paul , Henriet Loïc , Ahn Jaewook
Published: June 2024

The task of factoring integers poses a significant challenge in modern cryptography, and quantum computing holds the potential to efficiently address this problem compared to classical algorithms. Thus, it is crucial to develop quantum computing algorithms to address this problem. This study introduces a quantum approach that utilizes Rydberg atoms to tackle the factorization problem. Experimental demonstrations are conducted for the factorization of small composite numbers such as 6=2×3, 15=3×5, and 35=5×7. This approach involves employing Rydberg-atom graphs to algorithmically program binary multiplication tables, yielding many-body ground states that represent superpositions of factoring solutions. Subsequently, these states are probed using quantum adiabatic computing. Limitations of this method are discussed, specifically addressing the scalability of current Rydberg quantum computing for the intricate computational problem.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Crystal structures of 1,1′-bis(carboxymethyl)-4,4′-bipyridinium derivatives
Authors: Kumagai Hitoshi , Kawata Satoshi , Ogihara Nobuhiro
Published: June 2024

The crystal structures of 2-[1′-(carboxymethyl)-4,4′-bipyridine-1,1′-diium-1-yl]acetate tetrafluoroborate, C14H13N2O4
+·BF4
− or (Hbcbpy)(BF4), and neutral 1,1′-bis(carboxylatomethyl)-4,4′-bipyridine-1,1′-diium (bcbpy), C14H20N2O8, are reported. The asymmetric unit of the (Hbcbpy)(BF4) consists of a Hbcbpy+ monocation, a BF4
− anion, and one-half of a water molecule. The BF4
− anion is disordered. Two pyridinium rings of the Hbcbpy+ monocation are twisted at a torsion angle of 30.3 (2)° with respect to each other. The Hbcbpy monocation contains a carboxylic acid group and a deprotonated carboxylate group. Both groups exhibit both a long and a short C—O bond. The cations are linked by intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions between the carboxylic acid and the deprotonated carboxylate group to give one-dimensional zigzag chains. The asymmetric unit of the neutral bcbpy consists of one-half of the bcbpy and two water molecules. In contrast to the Hbcbpy+ monocation, the neutral bcbpy molecule contains two pyridinium rings that are coplanar with each other and a carboxylate group with similar C—O bond lengths. The molecules are connected by intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions between water molecules and carboxylate groups, forming a three-dimensional hydrogen-bonding network.
A novel similarity measure SF-IPF for CBKNN with implicit feedback data
Authors: Sivanaiah Rajalakshmi , T T Mirnalinee , Milton R Sakaya
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The increasing popularity of music streaming services also increases the need to customize the services for each user to attract and retain customers. Most of the music streaming services will not have explicit ratings for songs; they will have only implicit feedback data, i.e user listening history. For efficient music recommendation, the preferences of the users have to be infered, which is a challenging task.

Design/methodology/approach

Preferences of the users can be identified from the users' listening history. In this paper, a hybrid music recommendation system is proposed that infers features from user's implicit feedback and uses the hybrid of content-based and collaborative filtering method to recommend songs. A Content Boosted K-Nearest Neighbours (CBKNN) filtering technique was proposed, which used the users' listening history, popularity of songs, song features, and songs of similar interested users for recommending songs. The song features are taken as content features. Song Frequency–Inverse Popularity Frequency (SF-IPF) metric is proposed to find the similarity among the neighbours in collaborative filtering. Million Song Dataset and Echo Nest Taste Profile Subset are used as data sets.

Findings

The proposed CBKNN technique with SF-IPF similarity measure to identify similar interest neighbours performs better than other machine learning techniques like linear regression, decision trees, random forest, support vector machines, XGboost and Adaboost. The performance of proposed SF-IPF was tested with other similarity metrics like Pearson and Cosine similarity measures, in which SF-IPF results in better performance.

Originality/value

This method was devised to infer the user preferences from the implicit feedback data and it is converted as rating preferences. The importance of adding content features with collaborative information is analysed in hybrid filtering. A new similarity metric SF-IPF is formulated to identify the similarity between the users in collaborative filtering.
Investigation of the influence of plane strain constrained anisotropic plastic flow on the localized necking prediction
Authors: Şener Bora
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this manuscript is to investigate the influence of the satisfying of plane strain conditions on the prediction of the localized necking and to evaluate this effect by the different hardening models.

Design/methodology/approach

High-order anisotropic Drucker yield function, two types of hardening models, namely Hollomon power and Voce saturated, and the modified maximum force criterion (MMFC) are employed to predict the forming limit strains of AA3104-H19 alloy. Two identification methods, namely conventional and plane strain constrained, are applied and forming limit diagrams of the material are predicted by the incorporation of the anisotropic Drucker criterion and the hardening models into the MMFC for both calibration methods.

Findings

The enhancement in the prediction accuracy of the forming limits provided by the implementation of the plane strain constrained method is strongly dependent upon the selected hardening model type in the MMFC. About 18% improvement in the prediction of the biaxial limit strains is provided via Hollomon power law hardening, whereas the opposite result is occurred in case that the Voce saturated hardening law is used, and the predictions match with the experimental data only in the plane strain point and its surroundings.

Originality/value

The plane strain constrained identification method precisely predicts the location of the plane strain point on the yield locus and also any yield stress or anisotropy coefficient in the plane strain state is not required during the calibration, therefore the method can reduce the number of the required experiments for the constitutive characterization, and it will be attractive for both academy and industry. Additionally, the improvement in the prediction of the biaxial forming limits can be provided by applying of this method along with the appropriate hardening law.
Board gender diversity and corporate cash holdings: evidence from Australia
Authors: Ahmed Ammad , Hussain Atia
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to understand the dynamics of Australian boards by focusing on the influence of board gender diversity on firms' cash holdings, within the distinctive Australian “if not, why not” regulatory framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses ordinary least squares (OLS), fixed effects, generalized method of moments (GMM) and quasi-experimental methods such as difference-in-differences and propensity score matching to analyze the data.

Findings

There is a significantly negative relationship between board gender diversity and corporate cash holdings. This relationship is more pronounced when two or more female directors are on the board, supporting the critical mass theory. The results also reveal that the observed pattern can be attributed to the heightened monitoring intensity of female independent directors. Our quasi-experimental methods and pre-post analysis reveal that the observed effects are genuinely attributable to the increase in board gender diversity following regulatory reforms in Australia.

Practical implications

The findings provide practical insights for companies and policymakers, emphasizing the tangible effects of gender diversity on a company's financial strategy and corporate cash holdings. This information is crucial for organizations aiming to make informed decisions regarding board compositions and governance structures.

Originality/value

This research offers fresh insights into an important relationship between gender diversity on boards and corporate financial strategies in the Australian context, enriching the global conversation on the significance of gender diversity in corporate leadership.
Customer experience of video teller machine service: drivers and behavioural outcomes
Authors: Hoang Dung Phuong
Published: June 2024

Purpose

We respond to the existing gaps regarding the drivers and outcomes of customer experience quality in the context of bank marketing by examining the interrelationships between distinct dimensions of VTM service quality, customer experience quality and customer loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

This research follows the Stimulus-Organism-Response theory to examine the antecedents and behavioural outcomes of customer experience quality during their journeys with video teller machine (VTM) services in the banking industry (also known as LiveBank or SmartBank). First, we conducted in-depth interviews with 34 bank customers to develop distinct measurement scales for customer experience quality and VTM service quality. A structural equation model linking six dimensions of VTM service quality, including tangibles, interaction quality, empathy, reliability, user’s friendliness and efficiency with the affective-sensory and intellectual values of customer experience quality and customer loyalty to VTM service is tested using data obtained from 405 individual customers.

Findings

The findings reveal that tangibles, interaction quality, reliability, user-friendliness and efficiency contribute to customer experience quality, which, in turn, drives customers’ intention to use VTM again. This research provides crucial theoretical background and practical implications to accelerate the penetration of VTM among bank customers and hence, foster financial inclusion among societies.

Originality/value

This paper presents the first research that empirically employs the value-based approach to measure customer experience quality in the banking service industry and examine its linkages to service quality and customer loyalty. Moreover, given the emergence of VTM, this is also among the pioneering studies which validate measurement scales for VTM service quality. This could be either reused or revisited for further research about VTM. Overall, our study contributes to the literature about customer retention in the banking service industry from not only the customers’ backwards-looking evaluations of service performance (i.e. service quality) but also their forward-looking evaluations (i.e. their own experience).
Recognising the need for biodiversity knowledge for engineering students – a case study in Norway
Authors: Cantillo Javier , Natchiyar B. , Michelsen Ottar
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand how to improve the recognition of biodiversity knowledge for engineering students, using a case study in the context of Norway.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study based on an elective course for engineering students was carried out. The course is related to sustainability and also explicitly focuses on biodiversity topics and causality for loss of biodiversity. Data was collected through questionnaires to students to understand their motivations and perceptions about the course, and through interviews with study programme coordinators, to understand their perspectives regarding sustainability and biodiversity education for engineering programmes.

Findings

Three main conclusions are established: the best approach is to incorporate biodiversity content into existing courses, rather than having a specific course dedicated to biodiversity; more knowledge on biodiversity is seemingly increasing the understanding of its importance, thus, students should be exposed to these topics early in their studies; and some strategies to improve the current course are related to being more specific on how to deal with biodiversity in different contexts (such as working life and different industries), offering a higher number of examples, and linking biodiversity with other environmental impacts.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to address the recognition of biodiversity knowledge in engineering programmes at a Norwegian university. The case study provides valuable insights that can be used to improve the integration of biodiversity knowledge into engineering programmes. Moreover, the methods used provide innovative and more reliable tools to better address the perceptions of stakeholders.
Reporting of and policy on greenhouse gas emissions from air travel at Canadian universities
Authors: Hall Derek
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the extent and characteristics of Canadian university reporting of and policy regarding greenhouse gas emissions from air travel. It identifies current approaches’ details and limits and recommends improvements.

Design/methodology/approach

The study developed questions and considerations for analysing reporting and policy, reviewed university documents and webpages and contacted university staff.

Findings

Roughly 20% of Canadian universities report flight emissions. Figures vary by factors of over 100 even when normalized or expressed as a percentage of institutional emissions. Inter-university differences in data collection and emissions calculation practices shape reporting. Canadian university air travel emissions cannot be meaningfully compared. Few universities have flight emissions reduction policies; those that do leave relevant decisions to individuals. These approaches do not respond adequately to the emissions reduction challenge.

Originality/value

This study is the first comprehensive survey of university flight emissions reporting for any country. Its original framework highlights calculation’s complexities. It recommends standardizing reporting process information disclosure, reporting flight emissions as a range and faculty leadership of emissions reduction efforts.
Pre-owned housing price index forecasts using Gaussian process regressions
Authors: Jin Bingzi , Xu Xiaojie
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to make property price forecasts for the Chinese housing market that has grown rapidly in the last 10 years, which is an important concern for both government and investors.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines Gaussian process regressions with different kernels and basis functions for monthly pre-owned housing price index estimates for ten major Chinese cities from March 2012 to May 2020. The authors do this by using Bayesian optimizations and cross-validation.

Findings

The ten price indices from June 2019 to May 2020 are accurately predicted out-of-sample by the established models, which have relative root mean square errors ranging from 0.0458% to 0.3035% and correlation coefficients ranging from 93.9160% to 99.9653%.

Originality/value

The results might be applied separately or in conjunction with other forecasts to develop hypotheses regarding the patterns in the pre-owned residential real estate price index and conduct further policy research.
Exploring Chinese passenger switching intentions toward airline self-service technology from a push–pull–mooring perspective
Authors: Lee Jung-Chieh
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Airline self-service technology (SST) has attracted attention from both the academic and aviation sectors. As the use of SST can reduce airlines’ operating costs, investigating SST usage at airports is particularly important for the aviation sector. The extant literature has explored users’ SST usage intention, but users’ switching intentions from traditional manual counter services to SST is still limited. Therefore, to address this issue, we used the push–pull–mooring (PPM) theoretical framework to develop a research model to explore user switching intention.

Design/methodology/approach

We utilized a mixed-methods approach. A qualitative approach (i.e., semistructured interviews) was first employed to recognize and choose the candidate factors. Then, we collected 450 valid responses through an online survey to test the model. The partial least squares method was used for data analysis.

Findings

We found that several push (perceived dissatisfaction and perceived inconvenience), pull (perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and service process fit), and mooring (personal innovativeness and inertia) factors significantly influence switching intention. Additionally, mooring factors exert contextual effects on the relationships between push and switching intentions and between pull factors and switching intentions.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by further increasing our understanding of user switching intentions regarding SSTs from the PPM perspective and offering guidance for the aviation sector to attract and retain customers.
AI development in financial markets: a balanced scorecard analysis of its impact on sustainable development goals (February 2024)
Authors: Aysan Ahmet , Dincer Hasan , Unal Ibrahim Musa , Yüksel Serhat
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The primary purpose is to empower financial institutions in AI integration decisions. By combining QSFS and the Golden Cut technique, the study establishes a robust foundation for assessing AI progress effects, aligning implementation with performance goals, and promoting technical innovation. Dimensions explored include AI-related workforce competency, technological adaption, and ethical AI practices, crucial components within the BSC framework for technological innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a distinctive approach, integrating the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) framework with Quantum Spherical Fuzzy Sets (QSFS) and the Golden Cut approach to explore the dynamic landscape of AI deployment. The integration addresses uncertainties, enhancing impact assessment accuracy amid ambiguity associated with AI outcomes. QSFS and the Golden Cut technique together facilitate precise identification of thresholds and crucial values.

Findings

The research delves into the intricate relationship between enduring financial stability and AI progress, recognizing technology's crucial influence on financial decision-making. Findings underscore technology's significant impact on financial institutions' AI integration decisions. This novel approach provides a strong quantitative basis, offering insights into workforce competency, technological adaption, and ethical AI practices.

Research limitations/implications

Despite valuable contributions, the study acknowledges limitations, such as potential biases and generalizability concerns, emphasizing the need for cautious interpretation and suggesting future research directions. Recognizing the research's boundaries and complexities in studying AI deployment in financial institutions underscores the need for ongoing exploration.

Originality/value

The research's originality lies in presenting an innovative methodology, integrating BSC, QSFS, and the Golden Cut, providing a unique perspective for decision-making. Contributions extend beyond academia, offering practical insights to enhance AI strategic implementation in the financial industry. This novel approach enriches the technology and finance discourse, fostering theoretical and practical advancements.
The impact of ESG performance on intangible assets and intellectual capital in the food and beverage industry
Authors: Lanzalonga Federico , Oppioli Michele , Calandra Davide , Secinaro Silvana
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study investigates how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors influence intangible asset and intellectual capital valuation within the food and beverage (F&B) industry. By examining and contrasting global and European contexts, the research highlights ESG’s critical role in shaping the economic dimensions of sustainability across different regulatory environments. The results provide essential insights for stakeholders aiming to enhance corporate value through responsible business practices.

Design/methodology/approach

We adopt a quantitative fixed-effects panel regression analysis for ESG performance and intangible asset and intellectual capital values. The correlations between these variables are explored both globally and in the European Union using 1,034 observations from 502 F&B companies.

Findings

Globally, higher ESG performance corresponds to lower intangible asset values, a trend not observed in the European Union. Further, high ESG performance is associated with a decrease in intellectual capital value, suggesting that internal organisational efforts in this area should be rewarded in terms of short-term value.

Originality/value

This study provides a new understanding of the relationship between ESG performance, intellectual capital, and the F&B industry operating environment, highlighting the complexity and challenges associated with integrating ESG practices.
A systematic approach to manual calibration and validation of building energy simulation
Authors: Tomrukcu Gokce , Kizildag Hazal , Avgan Gizem , Dal Ozlem , Ganic Saglam Nese , Ozdemir Ece , Ashrafian Touraj
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to create an efficient approach to validate building energy simulation models amidst challenges from time-intensive data collection. Emphasizing precision in model calibration through strategic short-term data acquisition, the systematic framework targets critical adjustments using a strategically captured dataset. Leveraging metrics like Mean Bias Error (MBE) and Coefficient of Variation of Root Mean Square Error (CV(RMSE)), this methodology aims to heighten energy efficiency assessment accuracy without lengthy data collection periods.

Design/methodology/approach

A standalone school and a campus facility were selected as case studies. Field investigations enabled precise energy modeling, emphasizing user-dependent parameters and compliance with standards. Simulation outputs were compared to short-term actual measurements, utilizing MBE and CV(RMSE) metrics, focusing on internal temperature and CO2 levels. Energy bills and consumption data were scrutinized to verify natural gas and electricity usage against uncertain parameters.

Findings

Discrepancies between initial simulations and measurements were observed. Following adjustments, the standalone school 1’s average internal temperature increased from 19.5 °C to 21.3 °C, with MBE and CV(RMSE) aiding validation. Campus facilities exhibited complex variations, addressed by accounting for CO2 levels and occupancy patterns, with similar metrics aiding validation. Revisions in lighting and electrical equipment schedules improved electricity consumption predictions. Verification of natural gas usage and monthly error rate calculations refined the simulation model.

Originality/value

This paper tackles Building Energy Simulation validation challenges due to data scarcity and time constraints. It proposes a strategic, short-term data collection method. It uses MBE and CV(RMSE) metrics for a comprehensive evaluation to ensure reliable energy efficiency predictions without extensive data collection.
Effects of Affordable Care Act on uninsured hospitalization: Evidence from Texas
Authors: Khodakarami Nima , Ukert Benjamin
Published: June 2024

Objective

To examine the impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance exchanges (Marketplace) on the rate of uninsured discharges in Texas.

Data Source and Study Setting

Secondary discharge data from 2011 to 2019 from Texas.

Study Design

We conducted a retrospective study estimating the effects of the ACA Marketplace using difference‐in‐difference regressions, with the main outcome being the uninsured discharge rate. We stratified our sample by patient's race, age, gender, urbanicity, major diagnostic categories (MDC), and emergent type of admissions.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

We used Texas hospital discharge records for non‐elderly adults collected by the state of Texas and included acute care hospitals who reported data from 2011 to 2019.

Principal Findings

The expansion of insurance through ACA Marketplaces led to reductions in the uninsured discharge rate by 9.9% (95% CI, −17.5%, −2.3%) relative to the baseline mean. The effects of the ACA were felt strongest in counties with any share of Hispanic, in counties with a larger population of Black, and other racial groups, in counties with a significant share of female and older age individuals, in counties considered to be urban, in high‐volume diagnoses, and emergent type of admissions.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that the ACA facilitated a shift in hospital payor mix from uninsured to insured.
Iron Islands: The importance of iron caves in the eastern Amazon for bat conservation
Authors: Torres Dayana Ferreira , Bichuette Maria Elina
Published: June 2024

The Carajás region is home to the largest number of iron caves in Brazil, but studies that integrate elements of biological diversity and landscape characteristics are scarce. We present the first study based on the bat cave vulnerability index (BCVI), which uses bats as a key species for prioritizing caves in South America, whose objective was to assess the biotic potential and vulnerability of caves in the Carajás region, determining priority sites and the most effective conservation actions. The study took place from August 2021 to March 2023, where an inventory of the chiropterofauna of 12 caves was carried out. We recorded 16 bat species, two of which are vulnerable to extinction – Furipterus horrens (Cuvier, 1828) and Natalus macrourus (Gervais, 1856) – and two endemics to the Amazon region – Hsunycteris aff. thomasi (Allen, 1904) and Phyllostomus latifolius (Thomas, 1901); as well as one species with insufficient data to delimit its endemicity or threat status (Lonchophyllinae sp.). Mining is the main anthropogenic activity in the region, but tourism is also present and acts as a potential source of disturbance to the caves. The BCVI revealed three high priority caves for conservation and four with medium priority, indicating that these habitats are vulnerable to species loss and population decline due to exposure to anthropogenic activities and habitat destruction, thus requiring more effective conservation strategies. Considering the uniqueness of the subterranean habitats, we recommend re‐evaluating the proposals for expanding mining activities, implementing controlled tourist visitation plans and conducting ecological studies and long‐term monitoring.
Efficacy of educational stepwise robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy procedure for urology residents
Authors: Fukuta Kyotaro , Fukawa Tomoya , Kobayashi Saki , Shiozaki Keito , Sasaki Yutaro , Seto Kosuke , Nakanishi Ryoichi , Izaki Hirofumi , Takahashi Masayuki , Kanda Kazuya , Kanayama Hiro‐omi , Furukawa Junya
Published: June 2024

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of an educational stepwise robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) procedure for urology residents.

Methods

We performed a detailed evaluation of 42 RARP procedures performed by a single urology resident from July 2019 to February 2022. The RARP procedures were divided into the following nine steps: (1) bladder dissection, (2) endopelvic fascia dissection, (3) bladder neck dissection, (4) seminal vesicle dissection, (5) Denonvilliers' fascia dissection, (6) dorsal vascular complex ligation, (7) dissection of the prostatic apex, (8) posterior anastomosis, and (9) urethro‐vesical anastomosis. The procedures were further subcategorized as anatomical understanding, spatial recognition, and technical skills for evaluation of resident training. The surgeries were divided into first and second halves, and patient characteristics and operative outcomes were statistically analyzed. The operative time of each of the nine steps and the reasons for proctor intervention were compared.

Results

Among 42 patients, there were no significant differences in operative outcomes between the two groups. The median operative time was 169 min (164 vs. 179 min, p = .12), and the median console time was 128 min (127 vs. 130 min, p = .74). Although there were no significant differences in the time of the nine steps, the resident significantly overcame (7) dissection of the prostatic apex and (8) posterior anastomosis based on the evaluation of the proctored reasons for intervention.

Conclusions

Urology residents can safely perform and efficiently learn RARP with this stepwise educational system. This educational stepwise RARP procedure can effectively help residents to develop their skills.
Determinants of the haemoglobin level in patients with sickle cell disease living in sub‐Saharan Africa: Major impact of the country of residence and independent effects of leucocyte and platelet counts and haemolysis
Authors: Rossi Marica , Belinga Suzanne , Tolo Aissata , Diop Saliou , Diagne Ibrahima , Chelo David , Wamba Guillaume , Gonzalez Jean Paul , Abough'elie Cochise , Traore Youssouf , Deme‐ly Indou , Seck Moussa , Diaw Mor , Gbonon Valerie , Boidy Kouakou , Kamara Ismael , Kitenge Robert , Jouven Xavier , Tshilolo Léon , Diallo Dapa , Ranque Brigitte
Published: June 2024

The degree of anaemia in sickle cell disease (SCD) is a well‐known contributor to morbidity and mortality. We aimed to explore the factors affecting haemoglobin (Hb) level in African SCD patients, considering haemolysis biomarkers (LDH and bilirubin level, and reticulocyte count), leucocyte and platelet counts and socio‐demographic characteristics (gender, age group, country of residence and BMI). The research was part of the CADRE multinational cohort and involved 3699 SCD patients living in Mali, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon and Cameroon: 2936 SS/Sβ0, 587 SC and 176 Sβ + patients with median Hb level of 8, 11.3 and 11.2 g/dL respectively (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis conducted in 1394 SS/Sβ0 patients, living in Cameroon, female gender, lower BMI, higher haemolysis markers (especially LDH) and higher leucocyte and platelet counts were independently associated with lower Hb level (all p < 0.05). In 497 SC and 156 Sβ + patients, female gender (p < 0.001), lower BMI (p < 0.05) and higher platelet counts (p < 0.001) were independently associated with lower Hb level. Anaemia in African SCD patients is not only associated with haemolysis but also with the country of residence, lower BMI and leucocyte or platelet counts which might reflect inflammation related to infectious burden in the region.
Suicide after colorectal cancer—a national population‐based study
Authors: Larsson Charlotta , de la Croix Hanna , Grönkvist Rode , Park Jennifer , Rosenberg Jacob , Tasselius Viktor , Angenete Eva , Haglind Eva
Published: June 2024

Aim

A cancer diagnosis is often associated with physical as well as emotional distress. Previous studies indicate a higher risk for suicide in patients diagnosed with cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of death by suicide in a national cohort of patients with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer compared with a matched control group to determine if patients with colorectal cancer had an increased incidence of death by suicide.

Method

This national Swedish cohort was retrieved from the register‐based research database CRCBaSe, which includes all patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer between 1997–2006 (rectal) and 2008–2016 (colon) and six controls for each patient matched by age, sex, and county. Cause specific mortality due to suicide was modelled using Cox proportional hazards model and adjusted for known risk factors.

Results

The main analysis included patients operated for colorectal cancer, 55 578 patients compared with 307 888 controls. The first year after diagnosis the hazard ratio (HR) for suicide among patients operated for colorectal cancer was 1.86 (CI: 1.18–2.95) compared to controls. Suicide was more common among men than women (HR 2.08; 1.26–3.42 vs. 1.09; 0.32–3.75). A subgroup analysis of the 9198 patients who did not undergo surgery after diagnoses found a seven‐fold increase of suicide (HR 7.03; 3.10–15.91).

Conclusion

Suicide after surgery for colorectal cancer was almost twice as high as in the control group, mainly driven by excess mortality among men. Although the cases were few in the subgroup of nonoperated patients, the considerably higher risk of suicide indicates that more resources might be needed in this group. Evaluation of risk factors for suicide among patients with colorectal cancer should be performed for early identification of individuals at risk.
Advances in diagnostic liquid‐based cytology
Authors: Abe Hideyuki , Kawahara Akihiko , Akiba Jun , Yamaguchi Rin
Published: June 2024

Liquid‐based cytology (LBC) has changed the landscape of gynaecological cytology. A growing demand exists for LBC in diagnostic cytology, particularly for ancillary testing, such as immunocytochemistry and molecular testing. Ancillary testing solely based on conventional preparation (CP) methods remains challenging. Recently, the increased demand for specialist testing and minimally invasive techniques, such as endoscopic ultrasonography fine‐needle aspiration, to obtain cellular samples has led to an increasing demand for ancillary testing on cytology LBC supernatant, slides and cell block (CB). This facilitates the diagnosis and prognosis in cytology samples enabling personalized treatment. An understanding of the history and future prospects of LBC is crucial for its application in routine diagnostics by cytopathologists and cytotechnologists. In this review, we initiated an internet search using the keyword ‘liquid‐based cytology’, and we conducted a literature review to discuss the usefulness of combined diagnosis of LBC and CP, immunocytochemistry and molecular testing and assessed the quality of nucleic acids in diagnostic LBC. High‐quality and cell‐rich diagnostic LBC surpassed the CP method alone in terms of reliability and versatility of ancillary testing in cytological diagnosis. Conclusively, diagnostic LBC lends itself to various new technologies and is expected to continue evolving with innovations in the future.
Client and stakeholder perceptions of a novel, nurse practitioner‐led alcohol and other drug ambulatory withdrawal service
Authors: Searby Adam , Burr Dianna , Reid Carol , Smyth Darren , Hynes Sean , Fenech Mary , Merollini Katharina , Young Jeanine
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Despite recommendations for ambulatory withdrawal programs appearing in many contemporary alcohol and other drug treatment guidelines, to date there have been few studies exploring such programs from client and service stakeholder perspectives. The aim of this study was to explore both individual and service stakeholder perceptions of a nurse practitioner‐led ambulatory withdrawal service on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.

Methods

Data were obtained from three groups: clinicians with knowledge of the service (n = 6); relatives of clients who had used the service (n = 2); and clients who had used the service (n = 10) using a Qualitative Descriptive design. Saldaña's (Saldaña, The coding manual for qualitative researchers. 2013) structural coding framework was used to analyse and code data into themes, with the study reported in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist (Tong et al. Int J Qual Health Care 2017;19:349–57).

Results

Participants noted advantages of the nurse practitioner‐led ambulatory withdrawal service, including rapid availability of admission to the service and a person‐centred approach. Compared with other ambulatory withdrawal options, clients valued the ability to remain in their own environment, however participants suggested greater follow‐up after withdrawal, with the potential of a home visiting service for greater client engagement and treatment retention.

Discussion and Conclusions

Findings provide evidence to suggest that nurse practitioner‐led ambulatory withdrawal services are an acceptable option for a proportion of clients who need rapid access to services when they wish to make changes to their alcohol and/or other drug use. Furthermore, they can provide person‐centred care for comorbid physical and mental ill health occurring in addition to psychosocial issues associated with alcohol and/or other drug use.
Data coverage, biases, and trends in a global citizen‐science resource for monitoring avian diversity
Authors: La Sorte Frank A. , Cohen Jeremy M. , Jetz Walter
Published: June 2024

Aim

Understanding and addressing the global biodiversity crisis requires ecological information compiled continuously from across the globe. Data from citizen science initiatives are useful for quantifying species' ecological niches and geographical distributions but can be difficult to apply towards biodiversity monitoring. The presence of fixed geographical locations reduces the opportunistic nature of citizen science data, allowing for more reliable and nuanced trend estimation. The eBird citizen‐science program contains predefined locations whose bird assemblages are sampled across years (‘hotspots’). For hotspots to function as a biodiversity monitoring resource, issues related to data coverage, biases, and trends need to be addressed.

Location

Global.

Methods

We estimated the survey completeness of species richness at 300,500 eBird hotspots during 2002–2022. We documented sampling biases at eBird hotspot and non‐hotspot locations during 2022 based on protection status, temperature, precipitation, and landcover.

Results

A total of 10,410 bird species (ca. 96.9% of total) were recorded at hotspots. The number of hotspots, checklists, and participants and the quality of species richness estimates increased worldwide with the Nearctic containing the strongest and most consistent trends. Compared to non‐hotspots, hotspots oversampled areas with higher protection status. Hotspots and non‐hotspots oversampled warmer and wetter locations in the Antarctic, Nearctic, and Palearctic, and cooler locations in the Afrotropics, Australasia, and the Neotropics. Hotspots and especially non‐hotspots oversampled urban areas. Hotspots and non‐hotspots undersampled shrublands in Australasia. Hotspots and especially non‐hotspots undersampled forests in the Afrotropics, Indomalaya, Neotropics, and Oceania.

Main Conclusions

Hotspots have captured a large component of the world's avian diversity but have done so inconsistently across space and time. Data quantity and quality are increasing in many regions, but the presence of regionally specific sampling biases and spatial uncertainty in hotspot locations should be addressed when applying the data.
Anticipatory Development Foresight: An approach for international and multilateral organizations
Authors: Krishnan Aarathi , Robele Sophia
Published: June 2024

Motivation

In the three years before 2023, we have seen multiple parallel crises—from climate emergencies to economic instability, dramatic increases in costs of living, and political insecurities. Looming larger than the risks is the resultant uncertainty. Development agents, including governments, are historically unprepared for managing converging crisis. When risks are analysed and governed in narrow ways, the historically oppressed and excluded continue to carry the brunt of impact.

Purpose

This article reflects on the question: How can institutions, including governments, become more anticipatory against this backdrop, to ensure that their policy and investment choices do not leave anyone behind due to lack of preparedness?

Approach and methods

It draws insights from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Asia and the Pacific's efforts since 2020 to apply more future‐fit planning and programming, recognizing that foresight is not an end in itself, but a mechanism for shaping more anticipatory institutions. It is based on qualitative learning synthesized from over three years of work to establish new systems, capabilities and processes for UNDP and its partners to engage in anticipatory risk and planning.

Findings

Practices rooted in strategic foresight and anticipation can support institutions to incorporate long‐term thinking in planning and analysis, but their translation into development decisions and investments requires shifts in perspectives and risk appetite. Historically, strategic foresight has not been mainstreamed within international organizations and governments owing to: failing to embed anticipation into core systems and processes; giving more attention to tools and building skills than to the demand for alternative decision‐making models and to risk tolerance; relying overly on external support and static models; insufficiently attending to organizational culture and relational drivers of thinking and action.

Policy implications

We suggest four interconnected levers to help sustain impact and equity when bringing anticipatory approaches into policy processes: ensure design elasticity to encourage local, context‐specific models of anticipatory decision‐making; build anticipatory systems as a base to understand future risks, harms, and correlating impacts; interrogate what counts as legitimate and relevant evidence for policy decisions; cultivate imagination as an act of inquiry.
Futuring Fragility: Embracing uncertainty, identifying opportunity, unlocking development
Authors: Balthasar Dominik
Published: June 2024

Motivation

Close to a third of the world's population and more than 80% of people living in extreme poverty live in contexts of fragility. With agencies such as the OECD and UNDP conceiving of such places in terms of multiple and serious risks, the framing has come to be one of pathology: fragile contexts are defined by deficits with respect to idealized governance and sustainable development goals. In consequence, development options are locked into managing risks—confining opportunities to develop potential.

Purpose

Can strategic foresight unlock the development potential of fragile societies?

Approach and methods

Because there is still little documentation of foresight initiatives in contexts of fragility, the approach here is theoretical and conceptual. We draw on literature from the fields of fragility, foresight, and cognition, as well as insights from expert exchanges and roundtables.

Findings

It is uncertainty, not risk, that lies at the heart of fragility—an insight that challenges standard decision‐making. With the latter being based on analogical reasoning, it cannot be logically applied under conditions of uncertainty. If, instead, we adopt an heuristic for decision‐making that acknowledges uncertainty to not only entail risk but also opportunity, strategic foresight is well‐placed to help revive development.

Policy Implications

First, fragility has to be reframed to acknowledge the centrality of uncertainty, not risk, in approaching fragility. Whilst evidence from the past is important, scrutinizing past paradigms and envisioning different futures is crucial.

Second, strategic foresight can help uncover fragile societies’ capacities and potential. It can help shift from analyses dominated by a concern with lacks and deficits, to analyses which seek relative strengths and opportunities. Just as strong states are not strong in every respect, fragile states may have more to offer than meets the eye.

Third, debates need to be more open, less ideologically laden. Dominant thinking on fragility is rife with seemingly imperturbable underpinnings: for example, the mantra that “without peace there can be no development, and without development there can be no peace.” While such propositions contain some truth, treating them as absolute and universally applicable, limits both thinking and policy options. Strategic foresight is well placed to provide a fresh view on fragility.
Familiarity and social relationships in degus (Octodon degus)
Authors: Thatcher Amber , Insel Nathan
Published: June 2024

Degus (Octodon degus) are a highly gregarious species of caviomorph rodent native to South America. Kinship does not appear to play a role in degu social structure, and alloparenting is often observed between unrelated females. We hypothesize that female degus readily establish new, cooperative peer relationships. Here, we examined changes in dyadic behavior as individuals became more familiar, testing the prediction that interactions between female strangers would quickly resemble those of cagemates. Adult degus underwent a several week series of 20 min “reunion” social exposures, interleaving reunions with initial strangers and, as a control, familiar cagemates. Males showed initially higher levels of interaction with strangers that converged with cagemate levels over experience. Females could be split into two groups: those that consistently interacted more with strangers (SC‐HIGH) and those that did not (SC‐LOW); however, unlike males, the higher interaction levels observed between strangers did not change with familiarity. Following 10 reunion sessions female strangers were housed together to create “new cagemates.” Even after co‐housing, SC‐HIGH (but not SC‐LOW) females continued to interact more with the relatively unfamiliar peer than their prior cagemate, particularly in face‐to‐face and rear‐sniffing interactions. A final set of reunions with new strangers found that individual differences in female responses to social novelty were preserved. These results reveal sex differences in the rules relating familiarization to social relationships in degus, and that female predispositions toward cooperation may be due to inherent responses to new individuals more than to how they negotiate relationships over time.