bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Regional Surgeon Competition on Use, Cost, and Outcomes of Breast Reconstruction in the United States
Authors: Fahmy Joseph N. , Nasser Jacob S. , Wu Hao , Wang Lu , Chung Kevin C.
Published: August 2024

Background:

Breast reconstruction following mastectomy is underused in the United States. Evidence suggests that more competitive hospital markets offer increased access to procedural care across specialties. This study aimed to determine the impact of regional plastic surgeon competition on use, outcomes, and cost of breast reconstruction following mastectomy for breast cancer.

Methods:

The authors conducted a retrospective cross-sectional analysis using MarketScan claims data from 2009 to 2020. The Herfindahl–Hirschman Index, a measure of market concentration, was calculated using the sum of squares of the proportion of breast reconstruction cases performed by each surgeon in a metropolitan statistical area. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify differences in rates, outcomes, and costs of reconstruction by the Herfindahl–Hirschman Index.

Results:

Odds of receiving breast reconstruction within 2 years of mastectomy were higher for those in moderately competitive (OR, 1.51 [95% CI, 1.37 to 1.66]; P < 0.001) or competitive (OR, 1.71 [95% CI, 1.58 to 1.86]; P < 0.001) regions compared with noncompetitive regions. Patient out-of-pocket costs decreased when comparing moderately competitive regions with noncompetitive regions (−$67.38 [95% CI, −$88.65 to −$46.11]; P = 0.007), and decreased further when comparing competitive with noncompetitive regions (−$113.06 [95% CI, −$137.00 to −$89.12]; P = 0.02). No linear association between total, surgeon, or facility cost and market competition strata was identified.

Conclusions:

Greater competition among surgeons is associated with improved access to reconstructive surgery, but no difference in cost. Application of this evidence may include system-level strategies to bolster care coordination, while targeting drivers of cost, such as hospitals and hospital systems, through policy.
FDG PET/CT in an Interesting Case of Paraneoplastic Relapsing Polychondritis Associated With Adenocarcinoma of the Lung
Authors: Purohit Priyavrat , Preet Komal , Mittal Bhagwant Rai , Kumar Rajender , Singh Harmandeep , Sharma Aman , Singh Navneet
Published: August 2024

Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is an uncommon autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the cartilage and proteoglycan-rich structures, including the ear, nose, and airway. Paraneoplastic RP is a subset of RP that occurs in some individuals following the detection and treatment of certain types of cancers. FDG PET/CT helps with early diagnosis of RP, identifying inflammatory areas even in the absence of symptoms, and guiding the selection of appropriate biopsy sites. Here, we present a case of adenocarcinoma of the lung presenting with paraneoplastic symptoms of RP as initial presentation, and symptoms were resolved after 3 cycles of chemotherapy.
CXCR4-Targeted 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT Imaging in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Chen Yang , Yuan Hui , Tan Xiaoyue , Shang Yuxiang , Sun Xiaolin , Wang Peng , Jiang Lei
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To investigate the role of CXCR4-targeted 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT imaging in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods

Five IBD patients and 12 control subjects performing 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT examinations were included. 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT imaging and endoscopic findings were recorded and compared. The semiquantitative parameters of 68Ga-pentixafor uptake by the lesion segments in IBD patients and the normal intestines in the control were investigated.

Results

Among these 5 IBD patients, endoscopy successfully examined a total of 26 intestinal segments, with 13 segments showing endoscopic lesions. 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT was positive in all endoscopy-proven lesions (13/13). Additionally, 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT revealed the lesions in small intestines and colons that cannot be reached by endoscopy due to severe stenosis, and mesenteric lymphadenitis accompanied IBD. The SUVmax of the lesion segments in IBD patients was significantly higher than that of the normal intestines in the control group (median, 3.15 [range, 1.61–6.26] vs 1.67 [1.18–2.29], P < 0.001). Moreover, the SUVmax ratios of the lesion segments/liver or blood pool were higher when compared with the control (2.20 [1.13–3.26] vs 0.85 [0.54–1.20]; 1.66 [0.94–2.95] vs 0.67 [0.52–1.04]; P ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion

68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT can be a potentially valuable tool to assess the active intestinal lesions of IBD with high sensitivity. Moreover, this noninvasive approach does not require fasting or bowel preparation, offering good tolerance and safety.
Improvement of Laboratory Hepatic Parameters After Treatment With 177Lu-DOTATATE
Authors: dos Santos Soares Filipe , de Carvalho Juliana Ribeiro , de Lima Beatriz Arruda Matheos , Felix Renata Christian Martins , Bulzico Daniel Alves , Pujatti Priscilla Brunelli
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Well-differentiated neuroendocrine neoplasms (NETs) overexpress the somatostatin receptor, which is the target for the peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT). NETs have a slow growth rate and can metastasize to liver, bone, and lungs. In NETs patients, liver metastasis is an important prognostic marker because liver failure is one of the most common causes of death in this population. In this regard, we aimed to describe the changes in laboratorial parameters in patients submitted to PRRT with 177Lu-DOTATATE, focusing on hepatic parameters.

Patients and Methods

One hundred ten patients treated with 1 to 4 cycles of 7.4 GBq (200 mCi) of 177Lu-DOTATATE from January 2011 to December 2021 were analyzed in this retrospective observational single-center study. Patients were submitted to blood tests before and after each cycle of PRRT. Laboratory measurements were collected to assess liver function, cholestasis, kidney, and bone marrow function.

Results

In the general population (n = 110), ALP (P = 0.013) and GGT (P < 0.001) showed a statistically significant reduction. Patients with high liver disease volume showed a statistically significant reduction in ALT (P = 0.016), whereas patients with low liver disease volume showed a statistically significant reduction in GGT (P = 0.013). All parameters for bone marrow function showed a statistically significant decrease in all population subsets.

Conclusions

Patients treated with 177Lu-DOTATATE showed a significant improvement in liver function and cholestasis parameters, and a consistent decrease in bone marrow function, even in the presence of advanced liver disease.
Prognostic Value of Bone Scintigraphy in Cardiac Amyloidosis
Authors: Cho Sang-Geon , Han Sangwon
Published: August 2024

Objectives

The prognostic value of bone scintigraphy in cardiac amyloidosis (CA) remains undetermined. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the association of cardiac uptake on bone scintigraphy with mortality in known or suspected CA.

Patients and Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases were searched up to November 2023 for studies that evaluated cardiac uptake on bone scintigraphy as a prognostic factor in the workup of CA. Hazards ratios (HRs) of high cardiac uptake for outcomes of all-cause or cardiac death were pooled and analyzed with stratifications according to the study populations, analytical methodologies, and radiotracers.

Results

Fourteen studies (3325 patients) were finally included. In studies regarding known or suspected CA, visual grades were not prognostically significant, regardless of the threshold used, with pooled HRs of 2.25 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.93–5.48), 1.55 (95% CI, 0.89–2.68), and 1.53 (95% CI, 0.95–2.47) for visual grades ≥1, ≥2, and ≥3, respectively. By contrast, high cardiac uptake on semiquantitative measurements (heart-to-contralateral lung ratio, n = 6; heart-to-whole-body ratio, n = 1) was associated with increased mortality (pooled HR = 2.27 [95% CI, 1.87–2.76] for all semiquantitative measurements; 2.26 [1.86–2.74] for heart-to-contralateral lung ratio only). No difference in prognostic significance was found across 3 different 99mTc-radiotracers (P = 0.619). However, high cardiac uptake was not predictive of mortality in aortic stenosis-related CA (pooled HR = 1.13 [95% CI, 0.96–1.32]).

Conclusions

High semiquantitative cardiac uptake on bone scintigraphy is associated with an increased risk of mortality in patients with known or suspected CA.
Use of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Children and Adolescents With Catatonia—A Case Series
Authors: Pal Reeti , Cheng Tiffany , Eddington Sarah , Subramanian Subha , Wenzinger Michael , Cristancho Pilar
Published: August 2024

Background

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is highly efficacious in catatonia yet remains underutilized in pediatric patients. Practice guidelines recommend bilateral placement in cases with urgent need for response such as catatonia. Because of significantly lower cognitive burden and efficacy (compared to bilateral), right unilateral placement (RUL) is preferred for major depression. Increasing literature shows RUL is effective for catatonia in adults, but its use in catatonic youth is largely unknown.

Objectives

The aims of the study are to describe naturalistic outcomes of ECT in pediatric patients with catatonia and to discuss ECT parameter considerations.

Methods

This is a retrospective chart review of patients under 18-years of age at Saint Louis Children's Hospital with diagnosis of catatonia who received ECT from 2019 to November 2023. All cases received ECT per clinical protocol. Catatonic symptoms were monitored using the Busch Francis Catatonia Scale. Institutional review board approved the study.

Results

Twelve inpatients with debilitating catatonia and a failed benzodiazepine trial underwent ECT. Ten of these 12 patients initiated RUL placement, one received bifrontal, and another bilateral. All patients achieved resolution of catatonia: 6 patients with RUL alone and 4 who started with RUL later switched to bilateral due to nonresponse. The patient receiving bifrontal switched to bilateral due to nonresponse. Patients with malignant catatonia preferentially responded to bilateral placement. Patients experienced expected side effects from ECT.

Conclusions

RUL ECT was effective for catatonia in pediatric patients and can be considered as initial placement. A switch to bilateral can be considered in nonresponse, similar to current approach for major depression. For malignant catatonia, bilateral placement remains preferential.
Validation of an improved reference freeze-dried direct agglutination test for detecting leishmaniasis in the canine reservoir
Authors: el Harith Abdallah , Abass Elfadil , Martinkovic Franjo , Mansour Durria , Osman Hussam Ali
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Proper identification and management of reservoir post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) and canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) cases are prerequisites to the effective control of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) worldwide. Unlike PKDL, CVL still awaits effective improvement because of its cryptic nature, absence of Leishmania parasite in lesions or lymph nodes, and insensitivity of tools in current use. Because of the need for certain skills and equipment, both the liquid direct agglutination test (LQ-DAT) and freeze-dried direct agglutination test (FD-DAT) versions, present in comparison with the indirect immunofluorescence (IFAT) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), practical and feasible diagnostic alternatives.

Aim

Validate the performance of an improved FD-DAT to suit routine and large-scale applications in CVL endemic areas.

Methodology

Introducing of citrate-saline formaldehyde (CSF) as an anti-clumping agent to replace normal saline for antigen reconstitution and drastically however eligibly lowering the concentration of promastigotes (1.4X107) in comparison with the original reference FD-DAT (> 5X107/ml), To ensure optimal safety, β-mercaptoethanol (β-ME) was replaced by urea or sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) as a serum reducing agent.

Results

Through improving the procedure for reconstitution of FD-DAT antigen with CSF a 150% reduction in the test application cost was achieved. Expired test batches (+ 4 years earlier), were successfully revitalized to full validity. As compared to 48-hour shelf-life time for the original, an FD-DAT batch re-constituted here with CSF maintained validity for + 12 months.

Conclusions

The highly concordant results with IFAT and ELISA (One Way ANOVA Test P = 0.142, Homogeneity of Variances P = 0.009) as routine CVL diagnostics further motivate the application of the improved FD-DAT for detection of the disease in endemic areas.
Psychological Impact of the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes on Non-Victims
Authors: Çınaroğlu Metin , Yılmazer Eda , Alpugan Zeynep , Sayar Gökben Hızlı
Published: August 2024

The 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, with magnitudes of 7.7 and 7.6, caused extensive destruction and psychological distress across southeastern Turkey. This study explores the psychological impact on non-victims, particularly Istanbul residents, focusing on mental health outcomes and coping mechanisms. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to May 2024 with 721 participants from various Turkish cities, including a significant portion from Istanbul. Validated psychological scales such as the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS), and PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) measured depression, anxiety, well-being, and PTSD symptoms. Sociodemographic factors like age, gender, occupation, income, education level, and previous earthquake experience were also analyzed.

Results showed significant psychological distress among non-victims: 51.9% reported high levels of distress, with 24% meeting PTSD criteria, 30% exhibiting moderate to severe depression, and 28% experiencing significant anxiety. Higher income and education levels correlated with better mental health outcomes. Higher education levels were linked to lower PTSD risk (β = -0.20, p < 0.01) and fewer depression symptoms (β = -0.15, p < 0.05). Higher income was associated with lower depression scores (β = -0.20, p < 0.01) and fewer PTSD symptoms (β = -0.15, p < 0.05). Age positively correlated with well-being (r = 0.68, p < 0.001) and negatively with PTSD symptoms (r = -0.15, p < 0.05).

Comparisons with victim studies of major earthquakes, such as the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji earthquake, the 1999 Marmara earthquake, the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, and the 2000 Iceland earthquakes, revealed similar profound psychological impacts. This highlights the need for comprehensive mental health interventions for both direct and indirect exposures. This study underscores the necessity for inclusive mental health strategies to enhance resilience and well-being, ensuring robust recovery after catastrophic events.
Changes in self-reported alcohol consumption at high and low consumption in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic: A test of the polarization hypothesis
Authors: Tran Alexander , Jiang Huan , Lange Shannon , Štelemėkas Mindaugas , Stumbrys Daumantas , Tamutienė Ilona , Rehm Jürgen
Published: August 2024

Background

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and associated public health measures had an impact on alcohol use. Based on the literature of past crises (health, economic, etc.), it was hypothesized that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a polarization of drinking–that is, heavy drinkers increased their drinking, while light to moderate drinkers decreased their drinking and/or temporarily abstained. The aim of the current study was to test the respective hypothesis.

Methods

Data from the Reducing Alcohol Related Harm Standard European Alcohol Survey for Lithuania were obtained for 2015 and 2020. Average daily consumption (in grams per day) was decomposed into deciles for each year, and compared pre-COVID to onset-of-COVID pandemic across the highest, second highest, and lowest deciles. A comparison of population-levels of mental health was conducted between pre-COVID and the onset-of-COVID.

Results

The findings indicated that overall, there was higher consumption in 2015, M2015= 11.49 (SD = 8.23) vs. M2020= 10.71 (SD = 12.12), p < .00001. However the opposite was found in the highest decile M2015= 29.26 (SD = 5.44) vs. M2020= 39.23 (SD = 20.58),p= .0003. This reversal pattern was not observed in the second highest nor the lowest decile. There was a lower proportion of respondents indicating “bad” mental health pre- vs.post-COVID (3.4% vs. 6.5%).

Conclusion

Although COVID was associated with nationwide declines in alcohol consumption, this was not the case for all segments of the population. In Lithuania, it appears that there was an increase in consumption among the heaviest drinkers, supporting the polarization hypothesis.
Gene transfer of human cardiomyopathy β-MyHC mutant R403Q directly alters intact cardiac myocyte calcium homeostasis and causes hyper-contractility
Authors: Herron Todd J. , Devaney Eric , Guerrero-Serna Guadalupe , Mundada Lakshmi , Metzger Joseph M.
Published: August 2024

The R403Q mutation of human cardiac β-myosin heavy chain was the first missense mutation of a sarcomeric protein identified as being causal for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), in humans. The direct effect of the R403Q mutant myosin on intracellular calcium homeostasis and contractility is not fully known. Here we have usedin vitrogene transfer of the R403Q mutant human β-myosin to study its direct effects on single intact adult cardiac myocyte contractility and calcium homeostasis. In the first experiments, adult cardiac myocytes transduced with the R403Q mutant myosin recombinant viral vectors were compared to myocytes transduced with wild-type human β-myosin (wtMYH7). Efficiency of gene transfer was high in both groups (>98%) and the degree of stoichiometric myofilament incorporation of either the mutant or normal myosin was comparable at ∼40% in quiescent myocytes in primary culture. Sarcomere structure and cellular morphology were unaffected by R403Q myosin expression and myofilament incorporation. Functionally, in electrically paced cardiac myocytes, the R403Q mutant myosin caused a significant increase in intracellular calcium concentration and myocyte hyper-contractility. At the sub-cellular myofilament level, the mutant myosin increased the calcium sensitivity of steady state isometric tension development and increased isometric cross-bridge cycling kinetics. R403Q myocytes became arrhythmic after β-adrenergic stimulation with spontaneous calcium transients and contractions in between electrical stimuli. These results indicate that human R403Q mutant myosin directly alters myofilament function and intracellular calcium cycling. Elevated calcium levels may provide a trigger for the ensuing hypertrophy and susceptibility to arrhythmia that are characteristic of HCM.
Exact pretransition effects in kinetically constrained circuits: Dynamical fluctuations in the Floquet-East model
Authors: Klobas Katja , De Fazio Cecilia , Garrahan Juan P.
Published: August 2024

We study the dynamics of a classical circuit corresponding to a discrete-time version of the kinetically constrained East model. We show that this classical “Floquet-East” model displays pre-transition behavior which is a dynamical equivalent of the hydrophobic effect in water. For the deterministic version of the model, we prove exactly (i) a change in scaling with size in the probability of inactive space-time regions (akin to the “energy-entropy” crossover of the solvation free energy in water), (ii) a first-order phase transition in the dynamical large deviations, (iii) the existence of the optimal geometry for local phase separation to accommodate space-time solutes, and (iv) a dynamical analog of “hydrophobic collapse.”

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
MLgrating: a program for simulating multilayer gratings for tender X-ray applications
Authors: Walters Andrew , Wen Shengyou , Huang Qiushi , Wang Zhanshan , Wang Hongchang , Sawhney Kawal
Published: August 2024

Multilayer gratings are increasingly popular optical elements at X-ray beamlines, as they can provide much higher photon flux in the tender X-ray range compared with traditional single-layer coated gratings. While there are several proprietary software tools that provide the functionality to simulate the efficiencies of such gratings, until now the X-ray community has lacked an open-source alternative. Here MLgrating is presented, a program for simulating the efficiencies of both multilayer gratings and single-layer coated gratings for X-ray applications. MLgrating is benchmarked by comparing its output with that of other software tools and plans are discussed for how the program could be extended in the future.
Mapping the landscape: a bibliometric review of mergers and acquisitions through the lens of sustainability
Authors: Begum N. Ayisha , Shaik Saleem
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study of M&A in relation to sustainability aims to create synergies that drive both financial performance and positive environmental and social outcomes, aligning business objectives with broader societal goals. The study can help in understanding the structure, collaborations and recent keywords and topics that are related to M&A in relation to sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies comprehensive bibliometric analysis on performance analysis and science mapping of the scholarly literature related to M&A in relation to sustainability published between 2004 and 2024 in 196 publications on Web of science and Scopus by leveraging biblioshiny within R Studio and the VOS viewer software for enhanced visualization and interpretation of the bibliometric data.

Findings

This study helps to find out the co-occurrence analysis, bibliographical coupling and keyword analysis. Moreover, it scrutinizes patterns of collaboration among researchers, institutions and nations, shedding light on the global reach and influence of scholarly contributions in the field of M&A in relation to sustainability.

Practical implications

This study identified trends can help scholars, policymakers and business experts to study M&A through the lens of sustainability.

Social implications

This bibliometric study of M&A in relation to sustainability can drive positive change by promoting responsible business practices, fostering innovation and creating value for both shareholders and society as a whole.

Originality/value

The paper concludes by finding emerging topics of the research and future directions, it gives a good input to extend the line on the graph. This study provides overview of 20 years of research on M&A in relation to sustainability and discusses its findings to identify the research gap.
Rethinking the marketing mix: a Gecko Kids dilemma in the digital era
Authors: Ladsawut Jeynakshi , Mustun Tasneem
Published: August 2024

Learning outcomes

Through analysis and discussion of the case study, students should be able to understand the marketing mix concept in the context of the retail industry, analyse how the adoption of new media such as social media transforms the elements of the marketing mix and evaluate the marketing mix strategies and their influence on future buying behaviours.

Case overview/synopsis

Founded in 2012, “Gecko Kids” is a designer clothing brand based in Mauritius, renowned for its vibrant and playful designs catering to children's fashion and lifestyle. Inspired by the lively spirit of Mauritius, Gecko Kids offers a diverse range of clothing and accessories designed to ignite children's imaginations and celebrate their sense of adventure. In addition to its captivating designs, Gecko Kids, under the leadership of its lead designer, Varnee Moodely, is committed to sustainability, using organic and ethically sourced materials wherever possible. Through responsible manufacturing processes and partnerships with local artisans, the brand strives to minimise its environmental footprint while supporting the communities that inspire its creations. After 32 years in operation, the brand finds itself struggling with challenges stemming from its current marketing mix strategy. This case study delves into the brand’s struggles across the 4Ps – product, price, place and promotion – and explores potential solutions, especially in the 21st century where most companies are adopting digital marketing strategies. Can the company rectify the repercussions of an inadequate marketing plan to sustain the Gecko Kids brand as a thriving local Mauritian entity?

Complexity academic level

This case study is suitable for undergraduate-level programmes in marketing.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 8: Marketing.
Cognitive social capital and new product performance: indirect effect of potential absorptive and innovation capacity: a tourism-based study
Authors: Zirena-Bejarano Patricia Pilar , Chavez Zirena Elbia Myreyle , Caryt Malaga Andrea Karina
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to respond to the existing gap in the literature and analyze empirically the mediating role of potential absorptive capacity and innovation capacity in the relationship between socio-cognitive capital and new product performance in tourism businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied to measure the effect of independent variables and mediators on the results of new products through information collected from 300 companies through a structured questionnaire applied to tourism companies.

Findings

Important findings are presented demonstrating the positive and significant influence of cognitive social capital on the results of new products; however, this is not enough, so the potential absorption capacity and the capacity for innovation play a very important role in improving the effect on the results of new products. The findings suggest that organizations should direct their culture and shared goals toward assimilation and knowledge and the development of innovation capabilities in order to obtain more successful new product results.

Originality/value

The study adds value to the study of social capital by analyzing social cognitive capital and its impact on new product performance. In contrast to previous studies, it suggests incorporating potential absorptive capacity and innovation capacity as mediating variables in a comprehensive model that illustrates the positive spillover effect, thereby enhancing the outcomes related to new product performance.
The impact of chief sustainability officer on sustainability performance: a mediation role of corporate governance
Authors: Kachouri Maali , Riguen Rakia
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue the relationship between chief sustainability officer, sustainability performance and corporate governance. Specifically, this paper aims to empirically examine the mediation role of corporate governance on the relationship between chief sustainability officer and sustainability performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample includes 484 European companies that were listed on STOXX Europe 600 index between 2010 and 2022. There are 15 supersectors and 17 nations.

Findings

Results of this study show that the profile of chief sustainability officer has a positive impact on sustainability performance. In addition, the corporate governance mediates the relationship between chief sustainability officer and sustainability performance.

Practical implications

The findings may be of interest to the academic researchers, investors and regulators. For academic researchers, the results would be interesting in discovering the dynamic relation between chief sustainability officer, sustainability performance and corporate governance. For investors, these show that the existence of chief sustainability officer provides sustainability performance from good corporate governance mechanisms. For regulators, these advise the worldwide policy maker to give the importance to chief sustainability officer roles to improve the engagement of firms in sustainability performance reporting.

Originality/value

This paper extends the existing literature by examining the mediation impact of corporate governance on the relationship between chief sustainability officer and sustainability performance in the European context.
Wind of change: how ChatGPT and big data can reshape the knowledge management paradigm?
Authors: Sumbal Muhammad Saleem , Amber Quratulain , Tariq Adeel , Raziq Muhammad Mustafa , Tsui Eric
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The new disruption in the form of ChatGPT can be a valuable tool for organizations to enhance their knowledge management and decision-making capabilities. This article explores how ChatGPT can enhance organizations' KM capability for improved decision-making and identifies potential risks and opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

Using existing literature and a small-scale case study, we develop a conceptual framework for implementing artificial intelligence on the internal organizational knowledge base of big data and its integration with a larger knowledge base of ChatGPT.

Findings

This viewpoint conceptualizes integrating knowledge management and ChatGPT for improved organizational decision-making. By facilitating efficient information retrieval, personalized learning, collaborative knowledge sharing, real-time decision support, and continuous improvement, ChatGPT can help organizations stay competitive and achieve business success.

Research limitations/implications

This is one of the first studies on the integration of organizational knowledge management systems with ChatGPT. This research work proposes a conceptual model on integration of knowledge management with generative AI which can be further tested in actual work settings to check it's applicability and make further modifications.

Practical implications

The study provided insights to managers and executives who, in collaboration with IT professionals, can devise a mechanism for integrating existing knowledge management systems in organizations with ChatGPT.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies exploring the linkage between ChatGPT and knowledge management for informed decision-making.
Stock market effects of military conflicts on defence industry
Authors: Martins António Miguel
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the short-term market reaction for the world’s 100 largest listed defence firms at and around the three recent largest threats to the global economy – Ukraine–Russia war, Fourth Taiwan Strait Crisis and the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel.

Design/methodology/approach

The author examine the impact of the three recent largest threats to the global economy in the largest listed defence firms using an event study methodology.

Findings

The results show a positive and statistically significant short-term reaction around the three geopolitical threats. The results also reveal the existence of higher abnormal returns for defence firms with greater weight of defence sales, in line with the captured regulator theory and for firms with higher research and development and capital expenditure intensity.

Originality/value

The effect of the war on stock markets has been relatively little examined in the financial theory. This study intends to fill this gap in the literature through the analysis of the three recent largest threats to the global economy.
Algorithmic monitoring increases unethical behavior in gig workers: the mediating role of moral disengagement
Authors: Gao Shuang , Jia Yu , Liu Bo , Mu Wenlong
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Algorithmic monitoring has been widely applied to the practice of platform economy as a management means. Despite its benefits, negative effects of algorithmic monitoring are gradually emerging.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on moral disengagement theory, this research aims to investigate how algorithmic monitoring might affect gig workers’ attitudes and behaviors. Specifically, we explored the effect of algorithmic monitoring on gig workers’ unethical behavior. A three-wave survey was conducted online, and the sample consisted of 318 responses from Chinese gig workers.

Findings

The results revealed that algorithmic monitoring positively affected unethical behavior through displacement of responsibility, and the individualistic orientation of gig workers moderated this relationship. However, the relationship between moral justification and algorithmic monitoring was not significant.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the algorithmic monitoring literature and examines its impact on gig workers’ unethical behavior. By revealing the underlying mechanism and boundary conditions, this research furthers our understanding of the negative influences of algorithmic monitoring and provides practical implications.
Revolutionizing primary health care in Tanzania: unravelling the contextual factors on electronic health record systems implementation for effective decision support
Authors: Mwogosi Augustino
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This qualitative case study aims to identify and analyse the factors influencing the implementation and effectiveness of electronic health record systems (EHRS) in primary health-care (PHC) facilities in Tanzania. This study aims to explore ways to optimize the use of EHRS for better health-care service delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a qualitative case study design. Data were collected through interviews and focus groups conducted with health-care workers and information and communication technology officers at the PHC facilities in Tanzania. Purposive sampling and data source triangulation were used to address potential biases and limitations associated with the study’s small sample size.

Findings

This study identifies several key findings related to the implementation and effectiveness of EHRS in Tanzanian PHC facilities. The primary obstacles include inadequate technical infrastructure, poor internet connectivity and insufficient financial resources. The study suggests a comprehensive strategy for improving EHRS, emphasizing patient and health-care professional involvement in system design, investments in technical infrastructure and connectivity, data quality and accuracy and ongoing technical support and training.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by offering a nuanced understanding of the Tanzanian health-care context. It emphasizes the need for tailored solutions and strategies specific to the region’s challenges and opportunities. The study’s originality lies in its focus on EHRS in the Tanzanian context, providing valuable insights for future initiatives. A key policy implication underscores the importance of a supportive regulatory framework, dedicated resources and consistent stakeholder communication for successful EHRS implementation.
Network relations among open government data stakeholders: a structural social capital and ERGM analysis
Authors: Mo Fuchuan , Zhang XiaoJuan , Feng Cuicui , Tan Jing
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The objective of this research is to methodically categorize the various types of Open Government Data (OGD) stakeholders, and to elucidate the intricate network relationships among OGD stakeholders, along with the underlying mechanisms that shape their formation.

Design/methodology/approach

To comprehend the collaboration mechanism of stakeholders in the OGD ecosystem, the authors constructed an OGD multi-stakeholder relationship network by using data from the Shandong Province Data Application Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. Based on the structural social capital theory and exponential random graph model (ERGM), an analytical framework was established to explore the formation mechanism of the collaborative network of OGD multi-stakeholder.

Findings

The results indicate that multi-stakeholder collaboration among government, enterprises and the public is crucial for achieving OGD goals. Organizing OGD competitions serves as an effective mechanism for solidifying and maintaining relationships among OGD stakeholder groups. Degree centrality and structural parameters reveal a Matthew effect within the connection process of the OGD ecosystem's collaborative network. Additionally, there is evidence of agglomeration and transferability within the network's structure.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding regarding the formation mechanism of OGD stakeholders. The findings have implications for developing multi-stakeholder relationship networks of OGD and driving OGD initiatives.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-06-2023-0284
The effects of changing the classroom play environment on the peer interactions of autistic children with an intellectual disability
Authors: Locke Hayley , Fennell Brian
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Autistic children, particularly those with an intellectual disability, often face difficulties with early verbal development and social interaction. The science of behaviour analysis has developed procedures shown through research to help support and teach these skills. Interventions focusing solely on manipulating the antecedent stimuli in the environment are presented less frequently in the literature than those concerned with response consequences. This study aims to evaluate if changes to the classroom environment would evoke prosocial behaviours during play sessions.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple treatment reversal design was used to compare the presence of anthropomorphic toys, pet animals and toys themed upon preferred interests, introduced on a central table within the existing play area. Data were collected on the social behaviour of peers in two primary classrooms.

Findings

For five of the six participants, all three conditions resulted in increased social behaviour compared to baseline conditions.

Originality/value

At the time of the study, social interaction opportunities were limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, placing greater emphasis on safely encouraging opportunities within the classroom to ensure skill maintenance. Due to the reported outcomes, educators, particularly in specialised settings, should focus on evaluating their classroom environment to ensure the contents and layout support children in maintaining and generalising their social skills. Further research on the benefits of class pets is also encouraged.
Preparation of starch‐based green nanofiber mats for probiotic encapsulation by electrospinning
Authors: Wang Yufei , Lv Haowei , Wang Chenxi , He Deyun , Zhao Haibo , Xu Enbo , Jin Zhengyu , Wu Zhengzong , Liu Pengfei , Cui Bo
Published: August 2024

In this study, starch‐based nanofiber mats were successfully prepared from aqueous solution by electrospinning and used for probiotic encapsulation for the first time. The physicochemical properties of the octenylsuccinated (OS) starch/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) blend solutions were systematically investigated. Through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction spectra analysis, it was found that miscibility and hydrogen bonding interactions exist between OS starch and PVA molecules. Thermogravimetric analysis and derivative thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the produced nanofibers possess satisfactory thermal stability. Scanning electron microscopy images and diameter distribution histograms showed that continuous and defect‐free nanofibers were obtained and along with the increase in the weight ratio of OS starch, the average diameter gradually decreased. In addition, it was confirmed that the probiotics were successfully encapsulated in nanofiber mats. The survival rates of Lactobacillus plantarum AB‐1 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG encapsulated in nanofibers were as high as 94.63% and 92.42%, respectively, significantly higher than those of traditional freeze‐drying. Moreover, compared to free cells, probiotics encapsulated in nanofiber mats retained better viability after 21 days of storage at 4 and 25°C, and showed remarkably higher survival rates after exposure to simulated gastric and intestinal fluid. This study showed that the developed nanofibers can be a promising encapsulation system for the protection of probiotics.
Imagining beyond a statist imaginary
Authors: Ram Kalpana
Published: August 2024

The chilling infiltration by technologies of state power that make up modern governance is brought home by each of the articles in AE’s “Citizenship, Solidarity, and Nonbelonging” forum. In reflecting on them, I pose the question: Can we move beyond descriptions of human agency entirely within the cracks and fissures of state governance? Or can we develop a richer futural imagination that goes beyond a statist imaginary? If we are to sustain such an endeavor, we need not only imaginative analytical frameworks, but also forms of language that resist being reduced to “thinking like the state.”
A meta‐analysis of Chinese men's penile size in a global context
Authors: Wang Cuntong , WangDing Yihe
Published: August 2024

Background

Penile size is a topic of significant interest among men and healthcare professionals. However, data on adult male penile dimensions in China are scarce, hindering clinical counseling and research. This study aimed to establish normative data for Chinese penile size and compare it with a global reference population.

Methods

We conducted a meta‐analysis of published studies on penile size, focusing on Chinese and international data. Studies from East and Southeast Asia were excluded to minimize regional confounding factors. The analysis included 23 Chinese studies encompassing 34,060 men aged 16–57 years, and 19 international studies encompassing 15,216 men aged 16–91 years. Penile length and circumference were assessed in both flaccid and erect states.

Results

This study established the first nomogram and percentile distribution chart for adult male penile size in China. The mean flaccid length was 7.42 cm (standard deviation [SD] ± 0.95 cm), and the mean flaccid circumference was 8.54 cm (SD ± 0.62 cm). The mean erect length was 12.42 cm (SD ± 1.63 cm), and the mean erect circumference was 10.75 cm (SD ± 1.34 cm). Compared with the global reference population (flaccid length: 9.09 cm ± 1.51 cm, flaccid circumference: 9.12 cm ± 0.93 cm; p < 0.05 for both), Chinese men exhibited statistically significant shorter flaccid lengths and circumferences. No significant differences were observed in erect length or circumference between Chinese men and the global reference population (p > 0.05 for both). Notably, the growth coefficient during erection (defined as the percentage increase from flaccid length to erect length) was significantly higher in Chinese men (67.39%) compared with the global average (43.45%; p < 0.05), supporting the hypothesis of a proportionally greater increase in shorter penises.

Conclusions

This study provides novel and comprehensive data on penile size in Chinese men. Compared with a global reference population, Chinese men exhibited shorter flaccid penises but a higher proportional increase upon erection. These findings may be of value for clinical counseling and future research on penile size variations. The newly developed nomogram and percentile chart can serve as a valuable tool for both patients and healthcare professionals.
Autophagy in drusen biogenesis secondary to age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Hyttinen Juha M. T. , Koskela Ali , Blasiak Janusz , Kaarniranta Kai
Published: August 2024

Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is an emerging cause of blindness in aged people worldwide. One of the key signs of AMD is the degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which is indispensable for the maintenance of the adjacent photoreceptors. Because of impaired energy metabolism resulting from constant light exposure, hypoxia, and oxidative stress, accumulation of drusen in AMD‐affected eyes is observed. Drusen contain damaged cellular proteins, lipoprotein particles, lipids and carbohydrates and they are related to impaired protein clearance, inflammation, and extracellular matrix modification. When autophagy, a major cellular proteostasis pathway, is impaired, the accumulations of intracellular lipofuscin and extracellular drusen are detected. As these aggregates grow over time, they finally cause the disorganisation and destruction of the RPE and photoreceptors leading to visual loss. In this review, the role of autophagy in drusen biogenesis is discussed since impairment in removing cellular waste in RPE cells plays a key role in AMD progression. In the future, means which improve intracellular clearance might be of use in AMD therapy to slow the progression of drusen formation.
Perfect conformity to observable minimal rituals engenders trust: An experimental test of the signaling hypothesis
Authors: Tan Jonathan H. W. , Jayasekara Dinithi N.
Published: August 2024

Rituals are ubiquitous in organizations and society. Ritual conformity can signal one's commitment to the group and in turn engender trust. However, its signaling effect is elusive as cooperative individuals might self‐select into groups that demand more conformism, as groups inculcate rituals promoting prosocial values and norms, or as it induces group biases in altruism and fairness. We experimentally test the causal signaling effect of rituals by manipulating the observability of conformity to synthetic minimal rituals across minimal groups in the laboratory. We find that only perfect and observable conformity in groups engenders increased trust. Non‐conformity by group members erodes the trust of perfect conformists. Observing perfect conformity also increases ingroup sharing if reciprocity by co‐players yields mutual benefit even when it is costless to unilaterally benefit others, but not when it yields neither mutual benefit nor welfare gains. Thus, we confirm that perfect conformity to observable rituals signals a commitment to mutual beneficence and in turn engenders trust.
Cognitive predictors of response to interpersonal and social rhythm therapy in mood disorders
Authors: Groves Samantha J. , Douglas Katie M. , Crowe Marie T. , Inder Maree , Jordan Jenny , Carlyle Dave , Beaglehole Ben , Mulder Roger , Lacey Cameron , Luty Sue , Eggleston Kate , Frampton Chris , Bowie Christopher R. , Porter Richard J.
Published: August 2024

Background

There has been increasing interest in examining the potential moderating effects that cognitive functioning has on treatment outcome in bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Therefore, the aim of this exploratory study was to examine the relationship between baseline cognitive function and treatment outcome in individuals with mood disorders who completed 12 months of interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT), and were randomised to receive adjunctive cognitive remediation (CR) or no additional intervention.

Methods

Fifty‐eight patients with mood disorders (BD, n = 36, MDD, n = 22), who were randomised to IPSRT‐CR or IPSRT, underwent cognitive testing at baseline and completed follow‐up mood measures after 12 months. General linear modelling was used to examine the relationship between baseline cognitive function (both objective and subjective) and change in mood symptom burden, and functioning, from baseline to treatment‐end.

Results

Poorer baseline attention/executive function was associated with less change in mood symptom burden, particularly depressive symptoms, at treatment‐end. Additionally, slower psychomotor speed at baseline was associated with less improvement in mania symptom burden. Subjective cognitive function at baseline was not related to change in mood symptom burden at treatment‐end, and neither objective nor subjective cognitive function was associated with functional outcome.

Limitations

Due to the exploratory nature of the study, there was no correction for multiple comparisons.

Conclusion

Aspects of objective cognitive function were associated with treatment outcomes following psychotherapy. Further large‐scale research is required to examine the role that cognitive function may have in determining various aspects of mood disorder recovery.