bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stock price prediction using a novel approach in Gaussian mixture model-hidden Markov model
Authors: Gopinathan Kala Nisha , Murugesan Punniyamoorthy , Jeyaraj Joshua Jebaraj
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to provide the best estimate of a stock's next day's closing price for a given day with the help of the hidden Markov model–Gaussian mixture model (HMM-GMM). The results were compared with Hassan and Nath’s (2005) study using HMM and artificial neural network (ANN).

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted an initialization approach wherein the hidden states of the HMM are modelled as GMM using two different approaches. Training of the HMM-GMM model is carried out using two methods. The prediction was performed by taking the closest closing price (having a log-likelihood within the tolerance range) to that of the present one as the closing price for the next day. Mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) has been used to compare the proposed GMM-HMM model against the models of the research study (Hassan and Nath, 2005).

Findings

Comparing this study with Hassan and Nath (2005) reveals that the proposed model outperformed in 66 out of the 72 different test cases. The results affirm that the model can be used for more accurate time series prediction. Further, compared with the results of the ANN model from Hassan's study, the proposed HMM model outperformed 24 of the 36 test cases.

Originality/value

The study introduced a novel initialization and two training/prediction approaches for the HMM-GMM model. It is to be noted that the study has introduced a GMM-HMM-based closing price estimator for stock price prediction. The proposed method of forecasting the stock prices using GMM-HMM is explainable and has a solid statistical foundation.
A conceptual model for pull implementation based on the dimensions leadership, organization, operation and people
Authors: Araújo Ariana , Alves Anabela Carvalho , Romero Fernando
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to present a conceptual model, called LOOP, an acronym for Leadership, Organization, Operation and People, regarding the pull system implementation in Lean companies. Lean should be holistically implemented to achieve the performance for what it is known. Pull is one of the Lean thinking principles, and it is the production control system underneath the Lean philosophy. However, to implement pull, an organizational transformation in companies’ different areas is needed.

Design/methodology/approach

This model was developed following up a case study of a representative example of a multinational company which has been implementing Lean for a long time but without achieving a well-succeeded pull implementation.

Findings

Based on that, the authors developed the LOOP model that is an integrated framework with the goal to promote a Lean culture, which includes four dimensions: leadership, organization, operation and people.

Originality/value

Based on the LOOP conceptual model, a different, and hopefully more effective, perspective is presented, establishing some proposals for the four dimensions and for the production and control system selection criteria to implement Lean.
Impact of ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 adoption on corporate performance: evidence on a bank-based system
Authors: Neves Maria Elisabete Duarte , Reis Sofia , Reis Pedro , Dias António Gomes
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the impact of the adoption of ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 on the performance of Portuguese companies. The sample includes the companies listed on Euronext Lisbon, with economic, financial and specific information – the specific being environmental information and quality information – for the period between 2015 and 2019, which corresponds to the post-Troika period when some economic growth started to be witnessed. The specific information of each area is translated into the environmental certification by the ISO 14001 standard, the quality certification by the ISO 9001 standard, and sustainability reports.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this aim, four variables were used as a measure of the companies' performance, Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE); Tobin's Q and EBITDA Margin. With this data, different panel models were tested to validate if ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications impact Portuguese listed companies performance. Specifically, the authors have used the Generalized Method of Moments, GMM-System, an estimation method proposed by Arellano and Bover (1995) and Blundell and Bond (1998).

Findings

The results show that, in general, the environment and quality variables fail to explain the dependent variables, that is, ISO certifications do not provide positive or negative variations in the performance of companies, suggesting that they are not yet as much for civil society, as well as for current or potential shareholders. When used as an independent variable, certification according to the ISO 14001 or 9001 standards, negative and significant oscillations were verified in the dependent variable, MgEBITDA, suggesting that only for managers this variable is determinant, but with a negative impact, given the high costs, it entails without pressure from other stakeholders.

Originality/value

This study is the first to analyze the impact of the adoption of ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 on Portuguese companies' performance. This empirical study aims to show all investors, managers, regulators and civil society itself the long path that still needs to be taken toward sustainability.
Modelling the barriers to blockchain implementation in human resource function
Authors: Agarwal Alpana , Kapoor Komal , Walia Sandeep
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to explore and analyse the challenges in effective implementation of blockchain by human resource management (HRM) functions. This paper also aims to assess the interplay between the barriers in causing the challenges during blockchain execution.

Design/methodology/approach

Ten barriers are discovered from the past studies. Based on the expert views on the identified barriers interpretive structural modelling (ISM) is administered to understand the interplay of these 10 challenges resulting in ineffective or non-implementation of HR blockchain.

Findings

The application of ISM has helped in categorizing the variables into strategic, operational and performance outcomes. Results of ISM indicate key barriers like lack of expertise, data privacy, technical infeasibility, complexity in implantation and lack of used cases.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to 10 barriers. There can be other barriers that can also be studied. Second, the research is proposing a conceptual model that needs further validation.

Practical implications

This paper has significant implications for the theoretical and practical body of knowledge. So far, most studies are exploring and describing HRM from a digital perspective. Most HR studies are on artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and smart HRM. Previous studies on blockchain for HRM are mostly describing the advantages of going for it.

Social implications

Based on the findings, it can also be suggested that policy formulators must advance the technical regulatory framework. Blockchain technology can be effectively implemented only if the top management is committed to it because they can only frame the rules and right control framework, affirm the governance process and strategize improvement.

Originality/value

The study offers insights into the organization's decision makers for effectively implementing blockchain into their HR systems. Some specific recommendations based on the results are also made. The paper is an innovative attempt to analyse the barriers to HR blockchain.
The representation of sustainability among university teachers: knowing the present to change the future
Authors: Yarritu Ion , Idoiaga Mondragon Nahia , Axpe Saez Inge , Arriaga Cristina
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The educational community – particularly higher education – should contribute to the new generation’s understanding of what sustainability entails. To do this, teachers must be aware of the need for education for sustainability. However, little is known about how university teachers understand or represent sustainability. This study aims to bridge the gap identified in the literature concerning university teachers’ representation of sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 403 teachers from the University of the Basque Country participated in the study through a free association exercise based on the grid elaboration method.

Findings

In general terms, teachers are aware of the three dimensions that constitute sustainability, but differences were found in the way sustainability was represented depending on several factors such as the teaching field, previous knowledge of the 2030 Agenda and gender. Despite awareness of the need to incorporate sustainability, there was also reticence toward the way in which sustainability is being addressed in higher education. Those results were discussed considering the previous literature on sustainability.

Practical implications

The results allow the authors to conclude that knowledge of the 2030 Agenda leads teachers to have a more complete representation and greater recognition of sustainability. Thus, it would be necessary for universities to offer more training to teachers to promote a holistic understanding of sustainability and facilitate its incorporation into teaching.

Originality/value

The use of this method made it possible to collect, in a less biased and much more direct way, the teachers’ voices, to know the type of representation (holistic) or partial (only one of its dimensions: environmental, economic or social) that they have of sustainability, and to check whether their representation was linked to specific factors.
The role of parent brand creating loyalty and acceptance toward premium extended wine brand: a cross-national study
Authors: Le Hoang Tran Phuoc Mai , Ren Tianbao , Park Jungkun
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the key characteristics of parent brands and the relationships among customer perceived value (a second-order construct containing financial, functional, individual and social attributes), parent brand loyalty and the willingness to pay for a premium extended brand. Moreover, the moderating effect of self–brand integration on the influences in the model is examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected in two countries, the USA (n = 535) and China (n = 511), through an online survey. Structural equation modeling and a multi-group analysis were used to analyze the data.

Findings

The results show that perceived quality and premium brand authenticity are two important predictors of perceived value. The relationships among perceived value, parent brand loyalty and willingness to pay for an extended premium brand were significantly supported. In addition, self–brand integration was found to moderate the relationship between perceived value and loyalty to the parent brand.

Practical implications

Wine marketers and managers can use recommendations to establish effective brand extension strategies to help the industry know what essential characteristics of a parent brand to focus on and maintain sustainable development through the customer–extended brand relationship.

Originality/value

Previous researchers have discussed wine consumption behaviors or branding strategies. By limiting combining two theories (flow theory and the theory of planned behavior), this paper proposes a chain of behaviors to optimize customer experience to develop a brand extension strategy based on key characteristics of the parent brand.
A framework to improve retail customer experience: a qualitative study exploring the customer journey
Authors: Poorrezaei Mojtaba , Pich Christopher , Resnick Sheilagh
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to construct an integrated retail customer experience framework with a single view across platforms and to suggest a new conceptualisation of the customer experience term.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was adopted. Thirty participants were asked to simulate their customer journey in an established UK department store retailer. Their experience was captured through focus groups and analysed by thematic analysis.

Findings

The findings indicate that the existence of personalisation and emotional attachment will enhance the customer experience. A new integrated retail customer experience framework is offered incorporating the traditional “7Ps” of marketing and a proposed eighth “P”, which is conceptualised as personal connection.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first empirical study to use the notion of personal connection as a dialectic relationship between emotional attachment and personalisation as the central discussion in developing customer experience within a retail setting. This study captures this experience through a unique method of replication of the retail customer journey across multiple channels.
Probability estimation method for fatigue crack growth rate based on a ∼ t data from service
Authors: Xi Niansheng , Xu Hongmin
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The study aims to provide a basis for the effective use of safety-related information data and a quantitative assessment way for the occurrence probability of the safety risk such as the fatigue fracture of the key components.

Design/methodology/approach

The fatigue crack growth rate is of dispersion, which is often used to accurately describe with probability density. In view of the external dispersion caused by the load, a simple and applicable probability expression of fatigue crack growth rate is adopted based on the fatigue growth theory. Considering the isolation among the pairs of crack length a and crack formation time t (a∼t data) obtained from same kind of structural parts, a statistical analysis approach of t distribution is proposed, which divides the crack length in several segments. Furthermore, according to the compatibility criterion of crack growth, that is, there is statistical development correspondence among a∼t data, the probability model of crack growth rate is established.

Findings

The results show that the crack growth rate in the stable growth stage can be approximately expressed by the crack growth control curve da/dt = Q•a, and the probability density of the crack growth parameter Q represents the external dispersion; t follows two-parameter Weibull distribution in certain a values.

Originality/value

The probability density f(Q) can be estimated by using the probability model of crack growth rate, and a calculation example shows that the estimation method is effective and practical.
Three avenues of innovation for new market creation and growth
Authors: Kim W. Chan , Mauborgne Renée
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To present a holistic picture of the three paths to new market creation, what leads to one form of market creation over another, and how each path triggers a different balance between disruptive and nondisruptive growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors present “A Growth Model of Market-Creating Innovation Strategy” based on their three decades long research journey from blue ocean strategy to what Kim and Mauborgne have come to call “nondisruptive creation,” creation without destruction or disruption.

Findings

The authors’ found that what triggers one type of market-creating innovation over another comes down to the type of problem or opportunity an organization sets out to address. Offering a breakthrough solution to an industry’s existing problem is the path to disruptive creation and disruptive growth. Identifying and solving a brand-new problem or seizing a brand-new opportunity outside existing industry boundaries sets you on the path to “nondisruptive creation” and nondisruptive growth. Between these two ends of the market-innovation spectrum is redefining an existing industry problem and then solving the redefined problem. This is the essence of blue ocean strategy, which generates a more balanced blend of disruptive and nondisruptive growth.

Practical implications

Leaders can be more intentional and move beyond chance to consciously direct their efforts to the type of market innovation they choose to nurture, and deliberately put their resources behind it. Leaders learn the path to nondisruptive creation where their current business is not disrupted by the initiative and where economic growth and social good are not trade-offs.

Originality/value

The article offers a unique overview of the three dominant paths to market-creating innovation – disruption, blue ocean strategy, and nondisruptive creation – and their different impacts on growth.
Does the use of organic personal care products persuade sustainable consumption behaviour? Understanding the moderating role of health consciousness
Authors: Jhamb Deepika , Chandel Aditi , Mittal Amit , Tandon Urvashi
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Earlier, the consumption of products was based mainly on their utilitarian benefits, but at present, the love for nature has driven consumers towards products not harming the environment and society. Therefore, this paper aims to examine the influence of consumers' attitudes towards organic personal care products on brand love, brand trust, altruism and sustainable consumption behaviour. Furthermore, the study further examines the impact of sustainable consumption behaviour on continuous purchase intention using health consciousness as a moderator. Finally, the study validates Behavioural Reasoning Theory and the emotional affinity towards nature to understand the proposed claims.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from 364 respondents from India. Only those respondents were included in the survey who had prior experience of using organic personal care products. This study used the structural equation modelling approach to test the conceptual model.

Findings

Results of the study confirmed the positive influence of consumer attitude on brand love, brand trust and altruism. Brand love and altruism had a significant impact on sustainable consumption behaviour. Health consciousness also emerged as a moderating variable between sustainable consumption behaviour and continuous intention. Interestingly, the brand trust had no impact on sustainable consumption behaviour. Furthermore, sustainable consumption behaviour had a significant impact on continuous intention.

Originality/value

The study is helpful to organic product companies, practitioners, academicians, environment protection agencies and market regulatory authorities as it gives fresh insight into the new collective relationship of consumer attitude with brand love, brand trust, altruism and sustainable consumption behaviour in case of organic personal care products.
Place‐Based Policies and Nowcasting
Authors: de Silva Ashton , Yanotti Maria , Sinclair Sarah , Angelopoulos Sveta
Published: August 2023

There is a growing need to gauge local economic activity in real time. Localised economic challenges have been emphasised in the wake of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Real‐time trackers (such as OECD trackers) and other nowcasting applications typically correspond to national or highly aggregated regions. In this discussion paper, we briefly explore how unconventional data might be used to produce nowcasts of local economies. We argue that in the absence of traditional nowcasting metrics, efforts to nowcast local economies need a local perspective, with data capture tailored to address heterogeneity across three domains: (1) resources, (2) people and (3) life.
A Privileged and Conventional Relationship: Legal Professional Privilege and the Law Officers’ Convention
Authors: Mitchell Rebecca , Stockdale Michael
Published: August 2023

Motions in the UK and Scottish Parliaments demanding the publication of legal advice to government from its Law Officers have tested the Law Officers’ Convention that the existence and content of their advice is only disclosed exceptionally. They have demonstrated government relying on the Convention and legal professional privilege (LPP) to resist disclosure. This article provides the first coherent explanation of the relationship between LPP and the Convention. This is that government's right not to disclose Law Officers’ advice is based on LPP with the Convention imposing a fetter on government's ability to waive privilege and/or to disclose whether Law Officers’ have advised. The article provides new insights into the relationship between the UK, Scottish and Welsh Ministerial Codes and the Convention. The UK and Welsh Codes do not articulate the Convention's exception as applied in practice. The Scottish Code exhibits good practice that could be adopted elsewhere but also creates a variant Convention.
Trace Elements of Multi‐stage Minerals and Titanite U‐Pb Dating for the Gneisses from Liansan Island, Sulu UHPM Belt
Authors: SONG Lihao , CAO Yuting , XIE Tianhe , CHEN Yuyao , GAO Yuan , WANG Songjie , LI Xuping
Published: August 2023

Gneisses with anatectic characteristics from the Liansan island in the Sulu UHPM (ultra‐high pressure metamorphic) belt were studied for petrography, titanite U‐Pb dating and mineral geochemistry. Three origins of garnets are distinguished: metamorphic garnet, peritectic garnet and anatectic garnet, which are formed in the stages of peak metamorphism, retrograde anatexis and melt crystallization, respectively. The euhedral titanite has a high content of REE and high Th/U ratios, which is interpreted as indicating that it was newly‐formed from an anatectic melt. The LA‐ICP‐MS titanite U‐Pb dating yields 214–217 Ma ages for the titanite (melt) crystallization. The distribution of trace elements varies in response to the different host minerals at different stages. At the peak metamorphic stage, Y and HREE are mainly hosted by garnet, Ba and Rb by phengite, Sr, Nb, Ta, Pb, Th, U and LREE by allanite and Y, U and HREE by zircon. During partial melting, Y, Pb, Th, U and REE are released into the melt, which causes a dramatic decline of these element contents in the retrograde minerals. Finally, titanite absorbs most of the Nb, U, LREE and HREE from the melt. Therefore, the different stages of metamorphism have different mineral assemblages, which host different trace elements.
Intraoperative control of air leak using a sutureless free pericardial fat pad covering method in lung cancer resection
Authors: Koike Sachie , Kobayashi Nobutaka , Miyazawa Masahisa
Published: August 2023

Here, we introduce a new method for intraoperative control of air leak using a free pericardial fat pad covering to lung damage with sutureless fixation. We covered the damaged lung tissue with a free pericardial fat pad with a polyglycol acid sheet and fibrin glue fixation. This method provides a good air leak controlling effect with the use of a free pericardial fat pad and relatively short operative time with sutureless fixation.
An integrative modelling framework for passive acoustic telemetry
Authors: Lavender Edward , Biber Stanisław , Illian Janine , James Mark , Wright Peter J. , Thorburn James , Smout Sophie
Published: August 2023

Passive acoustic telemetry is widely used to study the movements of aquatic animals. However, a holistic, mechanistic modelling framework that permits the reconstruction of fine‐scale movements and emergent patterns of space use from detections at receivers remains lacking.

Here, we introduce an integrative modelling framework that recapitulates the movement and detection processes that generate detections to reconstruct fine‐scale movements and patterns of space use. This framework is supported by a new family of algorithms designed for detection and depth observations and can be flexibly extended to incorporate other data types. Using simulation, we illustrate applications of our framework and evaluate algorithm utility and sensitivity in different settings. As a case study, we analyse movement data collected from the Critically Endangered flapper skate (Dipturus intermedius) in Scotland.

We show that our methods can be used to reconstruct fine‐scale movement paths, patterns of space use and support habitat preference analyses. For reconstructing patterns of space use, simulations show that the methods are consistently more instructive than the most widely used alternative approach (the mean‐position algorithm), particularly in clustered receiver arrays. For flapper skate, the reconstruction of movements reveals responses to disturbance, fine‐scale spatial partitioning and patterns of space use with significant implications for marine management.

We conclude that this framework represents a widely applicable methodological advance with applications to studies of pelagic, demersal and benthic species across multiple spatiotemporal scales.
Bagging or boosting? Empirical evidence from financial statement fraud detection
Authors: Chen Xiaowei , Zhai Cong
Published: August 2023

Ensemble learning, specifically bagging and boosting, has been widely used in the financial field for detecting financial fraud, but their relative performance still lacks consensus. This study compares the performance of five ensemble learning models based on bagging and boosting, using data from Chinese A‐share listed companies from 2012 to 2022, including the COVID‐19 pandemic period. Results show that bagging outperforms boosting in various evaluation indicators, with profitability and asset quality positively affecting financial fraud. This study reveals the mechanism by which ensemble learning affects financial fraud detection and expands related research in the financial field.
Degree of leukochimerism with calf age in Angus‐crossbred twin sets
Authors: Hunt Heather L. , Kirkpatrick Brian W.
Published: August 2023

Twinning in cattle is infrequent and usually undesired. It can result in an increased occurrence of abortion and dystocia, reduced calf survival and a high likelihood of freemartinism in mixed‐sex twins. Twin gestations are also commonly associated with the formation of placental vascular anastomoses (PVA) between twins. Through PVA they share blood, hormones (leading to freemartinism in mixed sex twins) and hematopoietic stem cells, which are the progenitors of white blood cells. The sharing of stem cells between twins can result in leukochimeric twin sets. These are twins that have white blood cells derived from both self and the co‐twin owing to the fetal migration of hematopoietic stem cells from the extraembryonic mesoderm of the yolk sac to final sites like bone marrow and thymus. This study examined the degree to which this leukochimerism changes with age. DNA was extracted from hair bulbs containing mesenchymal dermal papilla to determine the individual's true genotype and blood samples were obtained at six time points from 1 week to 8 months of age to assess leukochimerism. Samples were genotyped using a medium density SNP chip, and quantitative estimates of allele frequency were determined using SNPs for which members of a twin set had alternative homozygous genotypes. The results indicate statistically significant changes in the proportion of self and co‐twin with age and suggest that by 2–4 months of age the genotypic mix in white blood cells represents the hematopoetic stem cell population resident in the individual (i.e. permanently found in thymus and bone marrow).
Editorial: Mitigating the risk of severe hepatitis flare following nucleoside analogue discontinuation—Insights from a real‐world study
Authors: Mak Lung‐Yi , Fung James
Published: August 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Hsu et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17614 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17644
Editorial: Mitigating the risk of severe hepatitis flare following nucleoside analogue discontinuation—Insights from a real‐world study. Authors' reply
Authors: Hsu Yao‐Chun , Wu Chun‐Ying
Published: August 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Hsu et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17614 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17630
Changes of the daily and hourly behavioral time of respiratory disease calves in a group rearing system for 7 days prior to the date of clinical diagnosis
Authors: Morita Shigeru , Shingu Yuko , Dokoshi Akira , Ueda Koichiro
Published: August 2023

Respiratory disease in calves is one of the most prominent diseases affecting their growth. The early and accurate detection of calf disease on the farm brings proper growth of calves. The objective of this study was to compare the daily and hourly behavioral time of diseased calves with the other calves in same pen (pen‐mates) for 7 days prior to the diagnosis day. The calves (from 14 to 20 heads) were reared in a group. Day 0 was defined as the day of diagnosis. The number of diseased calves was 30 in the present experiment. The lying and eating behavior of calves were observed at 10‐min intervals. The diseased calves have significantly (P < 0.01) shorter eating times than the pen‐mates on the diagnosis day. The longest hourly time of the eating was in the period between 08:00 and 09:00, and shortest lying time was in the period between 09:00 and 10:00. Diseased calves had significantly (P < 0.05) longer daily lying time and shorter daily eating time than the pen‐mates almost for the 7 days prior to the diagnosis day. Even though the daily behavioral time was different, the difference of behavioral time in successive hour periods was limited.
Identification of selection signatures in Capra hircus and Capra aegagrus in Iran
Authors: Taheri Sadegh , Saedi Naghmeh , Zerehdaran Saeed , Javadmanesh Ali
Published: August 2023

Identification of selection signatures may provide a better understanding of domestication process and candidate genes contributing to this process. In this study, two populations of domestic and wild goats from Iran were analyzed to identify selection signatures. RSB, iHS, and XP‐EHH statistics were used in order to identify robust selection signatures in the goat genome. Genotype data of domestic and wild goats from the NextGen project was used. The data was related to 18 Capra aegagrus (wild goat) and 20 Capra hircus (domestic goat) from Iran. The iHS method indicated 675 and 441 selection signatures in C. aegagrus and C. hircus, respectively. RSB and XP‐EHH methods showed about 370 and 447 selection signatures in C. aegagrus and C. hircus, respectively. These selection signatures were mainly associated with milk production, fleece trait, mammary epithelial cells, reproduction, and immune system.
British–Irish Ice Sheet and polar front history of the Goban Spur, offshore southwest Ireland over the last 250 000 years
Authors: Fabian Stanislaus G. , Gallagher Stephen J. , De Vleeschouwer David
Published: August 2023

Deep Sea Drilling Program (DSDP) Site 548 was cored in 1984 at a water depth of 1256 m on the Goban Spur, offshore southwest Ireland. Coring retrieved a ~100‐m‐thick Pleistocene contourite sequence. This study uses planktonic foraminiferal assemblage and benthic foraminiferal oxygen isotope analyses to establish an age model for the upper 40 m of this core. This site's multidisciplinary analyses of planktonic foraminiferal assemblages, lithic grains, facies and calcium carbonate concentration reveal a 250 000‐year record of the North Atlantic polar front variability and British–Irish Ice Sheet (BIIS) history. The sequence is characterized by alternations of ice rafted debris (IRD) laden pelagic mud facies with calcium carbonate‐rich silty sand contourite facies that track glacial/interglacial cycles. The polar front migrated southward across the area several times during glacial maxima and stadial periods, while warmer Mediterranean Outflow Water (MOW) flowed northward across the region during interglacial and interstadial periods depositing contourites. Lithic analyses reveal a complex history of IRD deposition associated with iceberg calving from the Laurentide Ice Sheet and northwest European ice sheets, mainly the BIIS. Comparison between the Goban Spur (DSDP Site 548) and the Celtic Margin (MD03‐2692) and central North Atlantic Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Site U1308 suggests differences between the ‘non‐Laurentide Ice Sheet’ Heinrich Events (HE) 6 and 3 at the Goban Spur, with IRD from the BIIS being prominent during HE 6 and IRD from other European ice sheets north of the BIIS likely being more dominant during HE 3. The nature of lithics in IRD‐rich horizons during Terminations 3, 3A, 2 and 1 suggests significant iceberg calving episodes preceding BIIS retreat during the onset of interstadial intervals.
Influence of the CleaRing intraocular open capsule device on refractive predictability in cataract surgery
Authors: Megiddo‐Barnir Elinor , Kleinmann Guy
Published: August 2023

Background

The marked improvement in cataract surgery and intraocular lens (IOL) quality has led to a decline in posterior capsular opacification (PCO) incidence; however, PCO remains a common complication of cataract surgery. The CleaRing intraocular capsule open device (IOCD) decreases PCO incidence. We aimed to investigate the influence of the CleaRing IOCD on refractive predictability in cataract surgery.

Methods

We conducted this prospective pilot study at the Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel. Ten eyes of patients who underwent cataract surgery and insertion of an IOL after IOCD implantation into the capsular bag were included. All patients completed 12 months of follow‐up, including refraction, measurement of uncorrected (UDVA) and best‐corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), slit‐lamp biomicroscopy, and ultrasound biomicroscopy.

Results

All the surgeries were uneventful, with no postoperative complications. The IOL was centred in the device and bag in all cases. The mean prediction error at 1 and 12 months postoperatively was +0.28 ± 0.32 D and +0.50 ± 0.32 D, respectively. The mean UDVA was 0.17 ± 0.13 and 0.15 ± 0.11 logMAR, and the mean CDVA was 0.04 ± 0.10 and 0.04 ± 0.06 logMAR, respectively. The manifest refractive cylinders at 12 months postoperatively were compatible with corneal astigmatism.

Conclusions

Implantation of the IOCD resulted in a slight, predicted, and stable hyperopic shift with a low standard deviation. The standard deviation of the prediction error demonstrated excellent refractive accuracy and predictability using the IOCD, which was as low as 0.32 D at the 12‐month follow‐up.
Autoclaving‐induced dimensional changes of three‐dimensional printed surgical guides: An in vitro study
Authors: Hüfner Mira , David Samuel , Brunello Giulia , Kerberger Robert , Rauch Nicole , Busch Caroline Viola , Drescher Dieter , Bourauel Christoph , Becker Kathrin
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Surgical guides are frequently used for dental implant placement. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the 3D printing process itself and subsequent steam autoclaving on the dimensional stability of five different resin/printer combinations (RPCs).

Materials and Methods

Fifty identical surgical guides (10 per group) were produced consisting of five RPCs. Half of the guides (5 per group) were steam autoclaved with cycle 1 (121°C, 1 bar, 20.5 min) and the other half with cycle 2 (134°C, 2 bar, 5.5 min). All guides were scanned with a structured‐light (SL) 3D scanner before (T0) and after (T1) autoclaving. Linear measurements along the x‐, y‐, and z‐axes were performed at landmarks on the original STL file and on SL scans at T0 and T1, respectively. Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, Kruskal–Wallis test, and linear mixed‐effects models were performed, depending on the analysis.

Results

Three‐dimensional printing was associated with significant dimensional alterations for all RPCs. Steam autoclaving using cycle 1 was associated with significant shrinkage in x‐ (1 RPC), y‐ (2 RPCs), and z‐direction (2 RPCs), while cycle 2 was also associated with shrinkage in x‐ (2 RPCs), y‐ (1 RPC), and z‐direction (1 RPC). One resin did not present any dimensional changes independently of the cycle.

Conclusions

The majority of the guides presented minor but significant shrinkage due to 3D printing itself and both steam autoclaving cycles, the extent varied between different RPCs. Whether these changes compromise implant placement accuracy remains to be investigated.
Geographic differences in atopic dermatitis risk between urban and rural area: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Shin Jun‐Oh , Kim Kihun , Kim Hoon‐Soo , Ko Hyun‐Chang , Kim Byungsoo , Kim Moon‐Bum , Shin Kihyuk , Kim Yun Hak
Published: August 2023

Atopic dermatitis is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting children. Some studies have reported a higher risk of atopic dermatitis in urban areas than in rural areas. We systematically reviewed and carried out a meta‐analysis to investigate the differences in the development of atopic dermatitis between urban and rural areas. The search was performed on April 19, 2021, using Embase and MEDLINE databases. Eligible for inclusion were observational studies. Subgroup analyses were performed for age, publication year, and country. We identified 2,115 studies, and 43 studies with 1,728,855 subjects were finally included. Urban residency was associated with an increased risk of atopic dermatitis, with an odds ratio of 1.56 (95% confidence interval, 1.43–1.71). A significantly increased risk was observed only in children, with an odds ratio of 1.55 (95% confidence interval, 1.39–1.73), but not in adults, with an odds ratio of 1.29 (95% confidence interval, 0.99–1.67). The risk has increased in recent decades, with a higher risk in developing countries (odds ratio, 1.95) compared to developed countries (odds ratio, 1.35). Our study provides evidence of an association between atopic dermatitis and urban compared to rural living.
Diagnosis and treatment of anti‐insulin antibody‐mediated labile glycaemia in insulin‐treated diabetes
Authors: Church David S. , Barker Peter , Burling Keith A. , Shinwari Shah K. , Kennedy Carmel , Smith Diarmuid , Macfarlane David P. , Kernohan Andrew , Stears Anna , Karamat Muhammad A. , Whyte Karen , Narendran Parth , Halsall David J. , Semple Robert K.
Published: August 2023

Aims

Anti‐insulin antibodies in insulin‐treated diabetes can derange glycaemia, but are under‐recognised. Detection of significant antibodies is complicated by antigenically distinct insulin analogues. We evaluated a pragmatic biochemical approach to identifying actionable antibodies, and assessed its utility in therapeutic decision making.

Methods

Forty people with insulin‐treated diabetes and combinations of insulin resistance, nocturnal/matutinal hypoglycaemia, and unexplained ketoacidosis were studied using broad‐specificity insulin immunoassays, polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation and gel filtration chromatography (GFC) with or without ex vivo insulin preincubation.

Results

Twenty‐seven people had insulin immunoreactivity (IIR) below 3000 pmol/L that fell less than 50% after PEG precipitation. Insulin binding by antibodies in this group was low and judged insignificant. In 8 people IIR was above 3000 pmol/L and fell by more than 50% after PEG precipitation. GFC demonstrated substantial high molecular weight (HMW) IIR in 7 of these 8. In this group antibodies were judged likely significant. In 2 people immunosuppression was introduced, with a good clinical result in one but only a biochemical response in another. In 6 people adjustment of insulin delivery was subsequently informed by knowledge of underlying antibody. In a final group of 5 participants IIR was below 3000 pmol/L but fell by more than 50% after PEG precipitation. In 4 of these GFC demonstrated low levels of HMW IIR and antibody significance was judged indeterminate.

Conclusions

Anti‐insulin antibodies should be considered in insulin‐treated diabetes with unexplained glycaemic lability. Combining immunoassays with PEG precipitation can stratify their significance. Antibody depletion may be beneficial, but conservative measures often suffice.
Fluctuations in alpha and beta power provide neural states favourable for contextually relevant anticipatory processes
Authors: Roehe Marlen A. , Kluger Daniel S. , Schubotz Ricarda I.
Published: August 2023

Cued sensory input occasionally fails to immediately ensue its respective trigger. Given that our environments are rich in sensory cues, we often end up processing other contextually relevant information in the meantime. The experimental design of the present study allowed us to investigate how such temporal delays and visual interferences may impact anticipatory processes. Thirty‐four participants were trained to remember an individualised set of eight paired‐up faces. These paired‐up faces were presented pseudorandomly in sequences of unpaired face images. To keep participants engaged throughout the electroencephalography study, they were instructed to classify each face image, according to its sex, as fast as possible without compromising accuracy. We observed dissimilar modulations in alpha and beta power between the 6‐s timeframe encompassing the onsets of predictive and expected images (temporal delay block) and the 6‐s timeframe encompassing the predictive, interference and expected images (visual interference block). Furthermore, an expectation‐facilitated reduction of the face‐sensitive N170 component was only observed if an anticipated face image directly followed its corresponding predictive counterpart. This effect was no longer evident when the expected face was preceded by a distracting face image. Regardless of the block type, behavioural measures confirmed that anticipated faces were classified significantly faster and with fewer erroneous responses than faces not foretold by a predictive face. Collectively, these results demonstrate that whilst the brain continuously adjusts internal hierarchical generative models to account for temporal delays in stimulus onset and visual interferences, the higher levels, and subsequent predictions, fundamental for expectation‐facilitated behaviours remain intact.
Advancements in business processes to improve business marketing processes through advanced signal processing
Authors: Mubarakali Azath , Shobanadevi A. , Mohammed Hazhar Omer , Pradhan Rahul , Lakshma Reddy Vuyyuru , Bizu B. , Praveena V.
Published: August 2023

The current research shows tremendous improvements in the business marketing processes because some problems are long‐term bond yields and macroeconomic data handling at a minimum level. Any industry can revolutionize business marketing processes if it takes a specific business marketing model to eliminate such deficiencies, examines the various elements that occur in them, and finds out how to fix them. As a result, some factors have to be controlled for in this research. Innovations and advancements in signal processing techniques on business processes occur spontaneously in business processes that are managed like this. In the below‐mentioned business improvement success factors, score, learning best, future creation, people involvement, goals setting, plan and develop is the most essential factor. The elimination of these factors causes some disruption in business marketing processes. These gaps cause problems in the field of science and technology‐based business marketing. The problem caused by these factors is the excess usage of two‐wheeler, which generates more vehicular crises. The smart helmet business is the only solution to this automotive crisis. But because some of the above problems occur to this business process marketing. Considering that some sensors to make smart helmets will develop the business in the name of this imperative, considering the factors of production are land, labour, capital, and entrepreneurship as the centre, this research introduces signal processing technology to make a helmet. The signal processing‐based helmet proposed here is constructive for business. This research suggests a smart helmet business with signal‐processing technology. This study highlights how adopting the smart helmet product might improve corporate marketing procedures. According to the results of our research, when people use this smart helmet product, depending on how well they can use it, that specific business rises to the top and falls to the bottom. These business marketing methods operate at a greater level and are profitable whenever their capacity rises. The effectiveness of this smart helmet declines as accidents increase and corporate marketing procedures degrade. Since our production now depends on whether the intelligent helmets are beneficial or harmful and destructive. The analytical technique described below can be used to find them.
Exposure to ultraviolet‐B radiation increases the susceptibility of mosquitoes to infection with dengue virus
Authors: Alton Lesley A. , Novelo Mario , Beaman Julian E. , Arnold Pieter A. , Bywater Candice L. , Kerton Emily J. , Lombardi Emily J. , Koh Cassandra , McGraw Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2023

By 2100, greenhouse gases are predicted to reduce ozone and cloud cover over the tropics causing increased exposure of organisms to harmful ultraviolet‐B radiation (UVBR). UVBR damages DNA and is an important modulator of immune function and disease susceptibility in humans and other vertebrates. The effect of UVBR on invertebrate immune function is largely unknown, but UVBR together with ultraviolet‐A radiation impairs an insect immune response that utilizes melanin, a pigment that also protects against UVBR‐induced DNA damage. If UVBR weakens insect immunity, then it may make insect disease vectors more susceptible to infection with pathogens of socioeconomic and public health importance. In the tropics, where UVBR is predicted to increase, the mosquito‐borne dengue virus (DENV), is prevalent and a growing threat to humans. We therefore examined the effect of UVBR on the mosquito Aedes aegypti, the primary vector for DENV, to better understand the potential implications of increased tropical UVBR for mosquito‐borne disease risk. We found that exposure to a UVBR dose that caused significant larval mortality approximately doubled the probability that surviving females would become infected with DENV, despite this UVBR dose having no effect on the expression of an effector gene involved in antiviral immunity. We also found that females exposed to a lower UVBR dose were more likely to have low fecundity even though this UVBR dose had no effect on larval size or activity, pupal cuticular melanin content, or adult mass, metabolic rate, or flight capacity. We conclude that future increases in tropical UVBR associated with anthropogenic global change may have the benefit of reducing mosquito‐borne disease risk for humans by reducing mosquito fitness, but this benefit may be eroded if it also makes mosquitoes more likely to be infected with deadly pathogens.