bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk of Adverse Events in Anticoagulated Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Bucci Tommaso , Nabrdalik Katarzyna , Baratta Francesco , Pastori Daniele , Pignatelli Pasquale , Hydes Theresa , Alam Uazman , Violi Francesco , Lip Gregory Y H
Published: June 2024

Background

The clinical impact of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is still controversial.

Aim

To evaluate the 1-year risk of all-cause death, thromboembolic events, and bleeding in patients with AF-NAFLD.

Methods

Retrospective study with a health research network (TriNetX). Patients with AF on oral anticoagulation (OAC) were categorized according to the presence of NAFLD into 2 groups. The primary outcomes were the 1-year risks of (1) a composite cardiovascular outcome (all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiac arrest, and pulmonary embolism) and (2) a composite hemorrhagic outcome (intracranial hemorrhage and gastrointestinal bleeding). Cox regression analysis before and after propensity score matching was used to estimate hazard ratio (HR) and 95% 95% CI,. Sensitivity analyses investigated the risk associated with cirrhosis, thrombocytopenia, and type of OAC (warfarin vs non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs).

Results

We identified 22 636 patients with AF-NAFLD (69 ± 12 years, 46.7% females) and 391 014 patients with AF and without liver disease (72 ± 12 years, 42.7% females). NAFLD was associated with a higher risk of composite cardiovascular (HR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.47-1.61) and hemorrhagic (HR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.42-1.72) outcomes. This was consistent also for all the single outcomes. Cirrhotic and thrombocytopenic patients with AF-NAFLD showed the highest risks. Compared to patients with AF-NAFLD on NOACs, those on warfarin were associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular and hemorrhagic outcomes.

Conclusion

In patients with AF, NAFLD is associated with a higher 1-year risk of adverse events, with the risk of adverse events progressively increasing from noncirrhotic to cirrhotic and from nonthrombocytopenic to thrombocytopenic patients. NOACs were associated with a better effectiveness and safety profile compared to warfarin.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin as a Novel Biomarker for Postneurosurgical Bacterial Meningitis: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Lin Qingwen , Huang Er , Fan Kengna , Zhang Zeqin , Shangguan Huangcheng , Zhang Weiqing , Fang Wenhua , Ou Qishui , Liu Xiaofeng
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Postneurosurgical bacterial meningitis (PNBM) was a significant clinical challenge, as early identification remains difficult. This study aimed to explore the potential of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as a novel biomarker for the early diagnosis of PNBM in patients who have undergone neurosurgery.

METHODS:

A total of 436 postneurosurgical adult patients were enrolled in this study. Clinical information, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and blood samples were collected. After the screening, the remaining 267 patients were divided into the PNBM and non-PNBM groups, and measured CSF and serum NGAL levels to determine the diagnostic utility of PNBM. Subsequently, patients with PNBM were categorized into gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial infection groups to assess the effectiveness of CSF NGAL in differentiating between these types of infections. We analyzed the changes in CSF NGAL expression before and after anti-infection treatment in PNBM. Finally, an additional 60 patients were included as an independent validation cohort to further validate the diagnostic performance of CSF NGAL.

RESULTS:

Compared with the non-PNBM group, CSF NGAL was significantly higher in the PNBM group (305.1 [151.6-596.5] vs 58.5 [30.7-105.8] ng/mL; P < .0001). The area under the curve of CSF NGAL for diagnosing PNBM was 0.928 (95% CI: 0.897-0.960), at a threshold of 119.7 ng/mL. However, there was no significant difference in serum NGAL between the 2 groups (142.5 [105.0-248.6] vs 161.9 [126.6-246.6] ng/mL, P = .201). Furthermore, CSF NGAL levels were significantly higher in patients with gram-negative bacterial infections than those with gram-positive bacteria (P = .023). In addition, CSF NGAL levels decrease after treatment compared with the initial stage of infection (P < .0001). Finally, in this validation cohort, the threshold of 119.7 ng/mL CSF NGAL shows good diagnostic performance with a sensitivity and specificity of 90% and 80%, respectively.

CONCLUSION:

CSF NGAL holds promise as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis, early drug selection, and efficacy monitoring of PNBM.
Mood, Cognitive Function, and Plasma Kynurenine Metabolites Responses Following Severe Changes in Physical Activity
Authors: KAMANDULIS SIGITAS , LUKONAITIENE INGA , SNIECKUS AUDRIUS , BRAZAITIS MARIUS , MICKEVICIUS MANTAS , CERNYCH MARGARITA , RUAS JORGE , SCHWIELER LILLY , LOUVROU VARVARA , ERHARDT SOPHIE , WESTERBLAD HAKAN , VENCKUNAS TOMAS
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To monitor changes in mood, cognitive function, brain electrical activity, and circulating kynurenine pathway metabolites in response to a 3-wk severe physical activity (PA) restriction, followed by 3 wk of resumed activity adding resistance and high-intensity interval exercise training.

Methods

Twenty healthy participants (14 males, 6 females; 25.4 ± 5.2 yr) underwent 3 wk of limited PA using forearm crutches with one leg suspended (INACT) and then 3 wk of resumed activity plus supervised resistance and high-intensity interval training sessions (ACT, three to six sessions per week). At baseline, after INACT, and then after ACT, venous blood was sampled for analysis of major kynurenine pathway metabolites, a short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaires were completed, and cognitive tests with electroencephalography were performed.

Results

During INACT, the depression score on the HADS scale tended to increase (3.5 to 6.8; P = 0.065), whereas it was reduced with ACT compared with after INACT (2.8; P = 0.022). On the POMS scale, depression, fatigue, and confusion increased within INACT (P < 0.05). Notably, subjects exhibited considerable variability, and those experiencing depression symptoms recorded by the HADS scale (n = 4) displayed distinct mood disturbances on POMS. All HADS and POMS scores were fully restored to baseline with ACT. Neither INACT nor ACT induced significant changes in cognition, brain electrical activity, or kynurenine pathway metabolites (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Although young healthy individuals with 3 wk of severely restricted PA do not undergo changes in circulating kynurenine pathway metabolites, cognitive performance, and brain electrical activity, their mood response is quite variable, and depression develops in some. Three weeks of resuming mobility plus exercise training reversed the mood profile.
Predicting Musculoskeletal Loading at Common Running Injury Locations Using Machine Learning and Instrumented Insoles
Authors: VAN HOOREN BAS , VAN RENGS LARS , MEIJER KENNETH
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Wearables have the potential to provide accurate estimates of tissue loads at common running injury locations. Here we investigate the accuracy by which commercially available instrumented insoles (ARION; ATO-GEAR, Eindhoven, The Netherlands) can predict musculoskeletal loading at common running injury locations.

Methods

Nineteen runners (10 males) ran at five different speeds, four slopes, with different step frequencies, and forward trunk lean on an instrumented treadmill while wearing instrumented insoles. The insole data were used as input to an artificial neural network that was trained to predict the Achilles tendon strain, and tibia and patellofemoral stress impulses and weighted impulses (damage proxy) as determined with musculoskeletal modeling. Accuracy was investigated using leave-one-out cross-validation and correlations. The effect of different input metrics was also assessed.

Results

The neural network predicted tissue loading with overall relative percentage errors of 1.95 ± 8.40%, −7.37 ± 6.41%, and −12.8 ± 9.44% for the patellofemoral joint, tibia, and Achilles tendon impulse, respectively. The accuracy significantly changed with altered running speed, slope, or step frequency. Mean (95% confidence interval) within-individual correlations between modeled and predicted impulses across conditions were generally nearly perfect, being 0.92 (0.89 to 0.94), 0.95 (0.93 to 0.96), and 0.95 (0.94 to 0.96) for the patellofemoral, tibial, and Achilles tendon stress/strain impulses, respectively.

Conclusions

This study shows that commercially available instrumented insoles can predict loading at common running injury locations with variable absolute but (very) high relative accuracy. The absolute error was lower than the methods that measure only the step count or assume a constant load per speed or slope. This developed model may allow for quantification of in-field tissue loading and real-time tissue loading-based feedback to reduce injury risk.
Durability of Running Economy: Differences between Quantification Methods and Performance Status in Male Runners
Authors: ZANINI MICHELE , FOLLAND JONATHAN P. , BLAGROVE RICHARD C.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Running economy (RE) deteriorates during prolonged running, although the effect of measuring energy cost (EC) or oxygen cost (OC) on the magnitude of these changes has not been investigated. Similarly, it is unknown if runners’ performance level may influence the deterioration of RE during prolonged running. The aims of this study were to compare changes in EC and OC measurements of RE during a prolonged run in a large cohort of well-trained male runners, and to compare changes between runners of high- and low-performance standard.

Methods

Forty-four male runners (maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) 62.4 mL·kg−1·min−1; 10-km time: 35:50 ± 4:40 mm:ss) completed an incremental test determining lactate threshold 1 (LT1) and V̇O2max, and on a separate occasion, a 90-min run at LT1. Respiratory gases were collected at 15-min intervals. Subsequently, subgroups of high- (HP; 10-km time: 31:20 ± 01:00 mm:ss) and low-performing (LP; 10-km time: 41:50 ± 01:20 mm:ss) runners were compared.

Results

RE deterioration was only fractionally larger when expressed as OC than EC (0.1% greater from 30–90 min; P < 0.001), perhaps due to the small change in respiratory exchange ratio (−0.01) in this study. For the HP group, increases were lower than LP after 90 min in both EC (+2.3% vs +4.3%; P < 0.01) and OC (+2.4% vs +4.5%; P < 0.01). Similarly, at standardized distances, changes were lower for HP versus LP, for example, at 16.7 km + 1.0 versus +3.2% for EC (P < 0.01), and +1.2 vs +3.4% for OC (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The deterioration of RE was dependent on athlete’s performance level, with HP runners displaying superior RE durability. The use of EC or OC had only a fractional influence on RE durability, although this may gain importance with larger shifts in substrate metabolism.
Expression of Fascin and SALL4 in odontogenic cysts and tumors: an immunohistochemical appraisal.
Authors: Kulkarni Spoorti , Alampally Harishanker , Guddattu Vasudev , Rodrigues Gabriel , Carnelio Sunitha
Published: June 2024

Background Various stemness markers (SOX2, OCT4, and NANOG) have been studied in odontogenic cysts and tumors. However, studies on SALL4 having similar properties of stemness has not been documented. Additionally, insight into fascin as a migratory molecule is less explored. In this study, the expression of SALL4 and fascin were evaluated in ameloblastoma, adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT), odontogenic keratocyst (OKC), dentigerous cyst (DC), radicular cyst (RC), and calcifying odontogenic cyst (COC). Methods Semi-quantitative analysis of fascin and SALL4 immuno-positive cells was done in a total of 40 cases of ameloblastoma (11 plexiform, 12 follicular, 12 unicystic, and 5 desmoplastic) variants, 6 cases of AOT, 15 each of OKC, DC, RC and 5 of COC. Chi-square test was applied to evaluate the association between SALL4 and fascin expression in odontogenic cysts and tumors. Results Fascin immunopositivity was observed in peripheral ameloblast-like cells, and the expression was weak or absent in stellate reticulum-like cells. A moderate to weak immune-reactivity to SALL4 was observed in the cytoplasm of ameloblastoma, epithelial cells of dentigerous and radicular cysts, having a marked inflammatory infiltrate, which was an interesting observation. COC and AOT had negative to weak expressions. No recurrence has been reported. Conclusions Expression of fascin in ameloblastomas elucidate their role in motility and localized invasion. Its expression in less aggressive lesions like DC, COC, AOT will incite to explore the other functional properties of fascin. SALL4 expression in the cytoplasm of odontogenic cysts and tumors may represent inactive or mutant forms which requires further validation.
A stability indicating method development and validation of a rapid and sensitive RP-HPLC method for Nintedanib and its application in quantification of nanostructured lipid carriers
Authors: Velagacherla Varalakshmi , Nayak Yogendra , Bhaskar K Vijaya , Nayak Usha Yogendra
Published: June 2024

Background Nintedanib (NTB) is a multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitor, been investigated for many disease conditions like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), systemic sclerosis interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NTB is available as oral capsule formulation, but its ability to detect degradants formed through oxidative, photolytic and hydrolytic processes makes it difficult to quantify. In the current work, a novel reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method was developed and validated. Methods The developed method is simple, precise, reproducible, stable and accurate. The inherent stability of NTB was evaluated using the proposed analytical method approach and force degradation studies were carried out. NTB was separated chromatographically on the Shimadzu C18 column as stationary phase (250 ×4.6 mm, 5 µm) using an isocratic elution method with 0.1% v/v triethyl amine (TEA) in HPLC grade water and acetonitrile (ACN) in the ratio 35:65% v/v. The mobile phase was pumped at a constant flow rate of 1.0 ml/min, and the eluent was detected at 390 nm wavelength. Results NTB was eluted at 6.77±0.00 min of retention time (tR) with a correlation coefficient of 0.999, the developed method was linear in the concentration range of 0.5 µg/ml to 4.5 µg/ml. The recovery rate was found to be in the range of 99.391±0.468% for 1.5 µg/ml concentration. Six replicate standards were determined to have an % RSD of 0.04. Conclusion The formulation excipients didn’t interfere with the determination of NTB, demonstrating the specificity of the developed method. The proposed approach of the analytical method developed can be used to quantify the amount of NTB present in bulk drugs and pharmaceutical formulations.
Validation of the self-report classification tool to determine language dominance in Kannada-English bilinguals
Authors: Chaudhary Chanchal , Krishnan Gopee
Published: June 2024

Background In recent times, the efforts to profile the language characteristics of bilinguals have been extended from mere documentation of proficiency in each language to the determination of language dominance that captures both proficiency and usage (i.e., frequency & contexts) of each language. In multilingual countries, individuals are immersed in various languages in different contexts. With the broader intention to improve the linguistic profiling of bilinguals in countries with similar characteristics, we aimed to adapt and validate the Self-report classification tool in Indian Kannada-English bilinguals. Methods A group of 88 adult Kannada-English bilingual participants self-rated their language proficiency. We measured their language dominance with the adapted tool. Finally, to objectively measure their language abilities, we used the short version of the Bilingual Aphasia Test. Results Discriminant analysis of the ratings showed that the self-report classification tool accurately classified our participants into three groups based on language dominance. Both the self-rating and the objective measure of language proficiency supported the (dominance) classifications by the adapted tool. Conclusion Findings show that the adapted self-report classification tool is valid for determining language dominance in Kannada-English bilinguals. Further, the current study shows that this tool is adaptable to novel bilingual language dyads.
Understanding the Dynamics of consumer behaviour and purchase intentions for Green Cosmetic Products in North India: A Gender-Neutral Approach
Authors: Singh Neha , Rawat Babita , Shanker Chaubey Dhani , Prakash Mani Ambica , Singh Aditi
Published: June 2024

Background The increasing popularity of green cosmetic products among consumers who prioritize skin health, quality, and beauty has driven the production of these products. Growing awareness of harmful toxins in traditional cosmetics is leading consumers to prefer natural alternatives. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing Indian consumers' buying behaviour and purchase intentions toward green cosmetics, focusing on both male and female consumers. Methods To achieve this, a thorough evaluation of the literature from Scopus-indexed journals was conducted, employing the theory of planned behavior as the theoretical framework. The study used Smart PLS 3.0’s structural equation modeling to analyze data and performed a multi-group analysis to explore variations in purchasing intentions and actions between male and female consumers. Results The research indicated an increasing demand for green cosmetics among males in North India. Findings revealed that subjective norms significantly influenced both purchase behaviour and purchase intention. Additionally, perceived behavioural control and subjective norms positively impacted purchase intention, which in turn indirectly affected purchase behaviour. Interestingly, environmental concerns did not influence consumers' actual purchasing intentions or behaviour. The analysis also demonstrated no significant differences between male and female consumers regarding the impact of various factors on their purchase intentions and behaviours. Conclusion These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and marketing managers aiming to promote green cosmetic product purchase behaviour. Recognizing that subjective norms and perceived behavioural control are crucial drivers of purchase intention and behaviour can help in devising effective marketing strategies. Despite the absence of significant gender differences in the factors influencing purchase behaviour, the increasing interest in green cosmetics, especially among males, highlights a broader market potential for these products. This research underscores the importance of focusing on social and behavioural influences to encourage the adoption of green cosmetics
Édouard Louis´s novel The End of Eddy: A representation of hegemonic masculinity?
Authors: Mašát Milan
Published: June 2024

Background In this paper we analyse the novel The End of Eddy by Édouard Louis. The motivation for this paper is Bourdeau’s (2020) observation that Louis’s book explores working class politics, sexuality, and masculinity. Methods We analysed the amendment through narrative content analysis, the application of which allows us to answer the following question: Édouard Louis’s novel The End of Eddy: A representation of hegemonic masculinity? Results We conclude that this narrative is built on contradictions that can be summarized as a conflict between a socio-cultural norm anchored in a French village and a person who does not fulfil this concept, who is outside of it. We believe that hegemonic masculinity, that is, one part of the cultural norm of a given village, causes Eddy’s inclination or consciousness of homonationalism. Thus, on the one hand, hegemonic masculinity is undoubtedly present in this novel; on the other hand, it forms a kind of background or socio-cultural environment which, although it defines itself against the given, unconsciously causes the “birth of the conscious homosexual”. Conclusions Thus, we dare to claim that the narrative under analysis is not only a representation of hegemonic masculinity, but also an accentuation of its external and internal influence on one’s own perception of (sexual) difference.
Labour migration of young women from the village to the capital in Bulgaria: A case study of woman servantry in Vakarel
Authors: Hristov Petko , Spasova Niya
Published: June 2024

The article is devoted to the maiden servantry in Bulgaria – a relatively late social phenomenon, but with important cultural and social consequences. It is also an indicator of the early modernization of Bulgarian society in the first half of the twentieth century. Using the example of Vakarel in Middle Western Bulgaria, the authors define servantry as a social mediator, facilitating the spread of urban culture and European models in the Shopluk villages around the capital Sofia. The emergence and development of female servantry as an enduring and sustainable social practice charts a path of change in marriage strategies and family patterns in a small rural community and thus in society as a whole. Gradually, from an escape from the adverse socio-economic factors and the harsh life in the village, temporary employment as a servant in the home of a wealthy family in the big city became an important moment in the young girl's growth and socialization, a condition for successful realization of family strategies in the rural environment. As a social phenomenon, servanthood has remained positively valued in the collective memory of the locals as part of the oral stories told within the family.
Boundaries of the built environment: defining the significance of the material presence of spatial morphology in social life
Authors: Vis Benjamin N.
Published: June 2024

Settled societies inhabit environments shaped by building activity. Geographic data in social scientific and geographical research are generally composed of architectural and social categories derived from commonplace lived experience and societal knowledge, thus carrying socio-culturally specific meaning. The mundane pragmatism of such categories conflate spaces and buildings with their use and may obstruct effective comparison. Here I introduce a set of formally redescriptive ontological concepts for built environments that operates on the basis of how differentiation and subdivision constitute distinct occupiable spaces through boundaries. An ontology of the inhabited built environment arises from the application of these socio-spatial and material concepts called ‘Boundary Line Types’ (BLT). I present and photographically illustrate the definitions of the BLTs, which are conceived on a critical realist basis and rooted in a multidisciplinary body of theory concerning the development and inhabitation of built space. Considering inhabited built environments through BLTs foregrounds the emergent logic by which spaces are divided and connected, creating configurations of boundaries as material frames that afford everyday social life. Since BLTs offer transferrable empirical principles from which these material frames emerge, they also enable diachronic and cross-cultural comparative social research. My proposition to approach social scientific built environment research through constitutive material boundaries offers a comparative complement to commonplace and socio-culturally specific spatial categories that compose most geographic data, enabling formal thick redescriptions and the potential for quantitative spatial analysis.
Atacama Large Aperture Submillimeter Telescope (AtLAST) science: Resolving the hot and ionized Universe through the Sunyaev-Zeldovich effect
Authors: Di Mascolo Luca , Perrott Yvette , Mroczkowski Tony , Andreon Stefano , Ettori Stefano , Simionescu Aurora , Raghunathan Srinivasan , van Marrewijk Joshiwa , Cicone Claudia , Lee Minju , Nelson Dylan , Sommovigo Laura , Booth Mark , Klaassen Pamela , Andreani Paola , Cordiner Martin A. , Johnstone Doug , van Kampen Eelco , Liu Daizhong , Maccarone Thomas J. , Morris Thomas W. , Saintonge Amélie , Smith Matthew , Thelen Alexander E. , Wedemeyer Sven
Published: June 2024

An omnipresent feature of the multi-phase “cosmic web” — the large-scale filamentary backbone of the Universe — is that warm/hot (≳ 105 K) ionized gas pervades it. This gas constitutes a relevant contribution to the overall universal matter budget across multiple scales, from the several tens of Mpc-scale intergalactic filaments, to the Mpc intracluster medium (ICM), all the way down to the circumgalactic medium (CGM) surrounding individual galaxies, on scales from ∼ 1 kpc up to their respective virial radii (∼ 100 kpc). The study of the hot baryonic component of cosmic matter density represents a powerful means for constraining the intertwined evolution of galactic populations and large-scale cosmological structures, for tracing the matter assembly in the Universe and its thermal history. To this end, the Sunyaev-Zeldovich (SZ) effect provides the ideal observational tool for measurements out to the beginnings of structure formation. The SZ effect is caused by the scattering of the photons from the cosmic microwave background off the hot electrons embedded within cosmic structures, and provides a redshift-independent perspective on the thermal and kinematic properties of the warm/hot gas. Still, current and next-generation (sub)millimeter facilities have been providing only a partial view of the SZ Universe due to any combination of: limited angular resolution, spectral coverage, field of view, spatial dynamic range, sensitivity, or all of the above. In this paper, we motivate the development of a wide-field, broad-band, multi-chroic continuum instrument for the Atacama Large Aperture Submillimeter Telescope (AtLAST) by identifying the scientific drivers that will deepen our understanding of the complex thermal evolution of cosmic structures. On a technical side, this will necessarily require efficient multi-wavelength mapping of the SZ signal with an unprecedented spatial dynamic range (from arcsecond to degree scales) and we employ detailed theoretical forecasts to determine the key instrumental constraints for achieving our goals.
Board Characteristics, Asset Quality and Financial Performance of Deposit Money Bank
Authors: Quadri Yusuf Olamilekan , Omotosho Ifedolapo Oluwasolape , Saheed Daud Omotosho , Adio Babatunde Abdullah
Published: June 2024

This study evaluates how the board composition and asset quality of Nigerian deposit money banks affected their financial performance. The study used a sample size of 20 out of 33 deposit money banks and an ex-post facto research design. Panel least square regression techniques were then used to assess the secondary data gathered from the audited financial records of the participating deposit financial institutions for the years 2014 to 2021. The study found that while asset quality has a negative impact on the performance of Nigerian banks, the size of the board and the makeup of the credit committee have a beneficial impact. As a result, the study came to the conclusion that board qualities and asset quality are two further elements that affect deposit money bank performance in Nigeria. In order to ensure that its members are appropriately diverse and in compliance with the Corporate Governance Code, the study proposed that the size of deposit money institutions' boards be rationalized. In order to guarantee that banks are not exposed to excessive risk, it was also advised that the Central Bank of Nigeria should keep an eye on the operations of the credit committee.
Procuring Unverifiable Information
Authors: Sharma Salil , Tsakas Elias , Voorneveld Mark
Published: June 2024

We study settings where information in the form of Bayesian signals is acquired by an expert on behalf of a principal. Information acquisition is costly for the expert and crucially not verifiable by the principal. The expert is compensated by the principal with a menu of state-contingent payments. We provide a full characterization of the set of all menus that implement (respectively, strictly implement) each signal. Moreover, we provide a closed-form characterization for the expected cost for the cheapest such menu, which we call proxy cost of the signal. Surprisingly, in general, the proxy cost is neither increasing in the Blackwell order nor posterior separable, even when the expert’s cost function is posterior separable itself. Subsequently, we study the full-agency problem (by introducing a downstream decision), thus endogenizing the signal. We show that there is always an optimal signal that can be strictly implemented, meaning that it is without loss of generality to exogenously restrict attention to strict implementation. As a result, similarly to Bayesian persuasion, the complexity of the principal’s optimal signal is bounded by the cardinality of the state space. Finally, we present some applications of interest.

Funding: Financial support by the Wallander-Hedelius Foundation [Grants P2016-0072:1 and P20-0035 (to S. Sharma and M. Voorneveld)] is gratefully acknowledged.
Dual Value of Delayed Incentives: An Empirical Investigation of Gift Card Promotions
Authors: Kadiyala Bharadwaj , Özer Özalp , Şimşek A. Serdar
Published: June 2024

Problem definition: Gift card promotions offer a tiered incentive (a gift card) to customers for purchasing regularly-priced products, with higher expenditure receiving a larger incentive. We empirically investigate the impact of gift card promotions on customer purchase behavior by collaborating with a major U.S.-based department store that targets gift card promotion emails on its online channel. Methodology/results: We use a collection of discontinuities in the retailer’s targeting policies and corresponding fuzzy regression discontinuity designs to estimate localized causal effects of the gift card promotion. We find that gift card promotion provided to customers whose most recent purchase was 4 and 13 months ago, respectively, increased their purchase probability by 11.24% and 26.64%, and their average expenditure by 9.53% and 1.9%, respectively. Overall, the gift card promotion generated, on average, $100K in incremental sales per promotion from these customers alone. Furthermore, the promotion induced customers to seek out products from niche categories and increased spending on high-end brands. Gift card promotion emails also had a dominant advertisement effect, that is, customers who received the gift card promotion email increased expenditure even if they did not participate in the promotion. Managerial implications: (i) Gift card promotions are a viable strategy to boost short-term sales and to alter the distribution of the types (brand, category) of purchased products. (ii) Retailers should optimize gift card promotion tiers based on the tradeoff between increased customer expenditure and promotion expenses and consider the advertisement effect when targeting the promotion emails. (iii) Contrary to popular belief, retailers benefit from customers’ redeeming gift cards because they spend more due to the gift card, validating the dual value of the delayed incentive.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2022.0218 .
LATERAL COLUMN MIDFOOT INJURY: DO THEY ALL NEED FIXATION?
Authors: Airey G. , Aamir J. , Chapman J. , Tanaka H. , Elbannan M. , Singh A. , Mangwani J. , Kyaw H. , Jeyaseelan L. , Mason L.
Published: June 2024

Background

Research on midfoot injuries have primarily concentrated on the central column and the Lisfranc ligament without amassing evidence on lateral column injuries. Lateral column injuries have historically been treated with Kirschner wire fixation when encountered.

Objective

Our aim in this study was to analyse lateral column injuries to the midfoot, their method of treatment and the radiological lateral column outcomes. Our nul hypothesis being that fixation is required to obtain and maintain lateral column alignment.

Methods

Data was retrospectively collected from four centres on surgically treated midfoot fracture dislocations between 2011 and 2021. Radiographs were analysed using departmental PACS. All statistics was performed using SPSS 26.

Results

A total of 235 cases were diagnosed as having a lateral column injury out of the 409 cases included. On cross tabulation, there was a significant association with having a central column injury (234/235, p<.001) and 70% of cases (166/235) also had an additional medial column injury. Of the 235 lateral column injuries, data was available regarding fixation radiographic alignment on 222 cases. There were 44 cases which underwent Kirschner wire fixation, 23 plate fixations and 3 screw fixations. Lateral column alignment loss was seen in 2.84% (4/141) of those which didn't undergo fixation, 13.64% (6/44) which underwent K wires, and 0 % in those fixed by screws or K wires.

Conclusion

Lateral column injury occurs in over half of midfoot fractures in this study. It rarely occurs alone and is most commonly related to three column injuries. Nevertheless, following stabilisation of the central column, additional fixation of injuries to the lateral column do not appear beneficial. The use of a bridge plate to fix the central column appears protective and purely ligamentous injury was a higher risk than an injury that included the bone.
THE TEN-YEAR PATIENT-REPORTED AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF A SERIES OF 156 MOBILE-BEARING TOTAL ANKLE ARTHROPLASTIES AND THE EFFECTS OF PATIENT AGE
Authors: Porter A. , Nicolas A. Pujol , Hakeem S. , Abdul N. , Elamin D. , Douglas-Harris M. , Ramaskandhan J. , Siddique M.
Published: June 2024

Background

Total Ankle Replacement (TAR) is an established treatment option for end-stage ankle arthritis. We analysed at minimum, 10-year patient-reported and clinical outcomes of 156 TARs from a single centre. We specifically compared outcomes between patients under 60 and over 60 at time of surgery.

Methods

Data was collected retrospectively from our departmental patient database. It included all patients who underwent a TAR by a single surgeon between 2006 and 2010 and patients were divided into those under 60 and those over 60 at the time of surgery. Patient reported outcomes (PROMs), including WOMAC, SF-36 and patient satisfaction scores and complications were analysed preoperatively and at one, two, five and over 10 years postoperatively.

Results

There were 156 patients included in this analysis, 61 were under 60 (mean age 50.29) and 95 were over 60 (mean age 69.12). A total of 12 patients had revision surgery, (nine in the under 60 group) and 52 patients were deceased at the time of analysis (10 in the under 60 group). At one year the over 60 group had less pain and better functional scores (p=0.02, p=0.017). At two, five and ten years there was no statistical difference in pain and function between groups. At two years the over 60s reported less stiffness and quicker return to activities of daily living (p=0.007, p=0.001). However, at five and 10 years there was no statistical difference in any domain.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that age does not correlate with a significant difference in pain or functional outcomes in patients who have TAR, at over 10 years follow up. The higher revision rates in the younger group may correlate with higher functional demand and lower mortality rate.
WHICH IS THE MOST RELIABLE MARKER TO ASSESS THE EFFECTS OF COSMIC RADIATION EXPOSURE IN POLISH MILITARY PILOTS: A MINI REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Authors:   Military Institute of Aviation Medicine, Warsaw, Poland, Kowalczuk Krzysztof , Gaździński Stefan ,   Military Institute of Aviation Medicine, Warsaw, Poland, Leońska-Duniec Agata ,   Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, Poland, Dziuda Łukasz ,   Military Institute of Aviation Medicine, Warsaw, Poland, Maculewicz Ewelina ,   Jozef Pilsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
Published: June 2024

Abstract: Military pilots, similar to civilian pilots and crew members, receive larger doses of ionizing radiation than the general population. Exposition to small doses of ionizing radiation at prolonged durations has been related to slightly higher incidence of certain cancers. However, fighter jet pilots from time to time flight their airplanes at even higher altitudes, thus exposing themselves to higher doses of more energetic radiation than their civilian counterparts. In this mini review we discuss the procedures involved in controlling the radiation exposure to military and civilian pilots, as well as air crews. Markers of radiation exposure are discussed. Based on available literature, it appears that the biological markers of radiation, i.e., markers related to the actual changes in tissues, account also for individual differences in anatomy and physiology, as well as individual differences in sensitivity and lifestyle, as jet engine emissions, electromagnetic fields from cockpit instruments, ultraviolet radiation, carcadian rhythm disruption, etc. This mini review concludes that biological dosimetry methods, i.e., counting frequencies of chromosomal aberrations, appears to be most suitable to evaluate exposure to ionizing radiation in military pilots.
Nota Editorial, Nº 26 (mayo de 2024)
Authors: Rivera Beiras Iñaki
Published: June 2024

Nota Editorial número 26 (mayo de 2024)
¿Qué hacer con la policía?
Authors: Montemayor Ivan
Published: June 2024

En las décadas recientes, los movimientos sociales de todo el mundo han realizado un acercamiento crítico a la cuestión policial, que ha desembocado en la campaña Defund the Police en los Estados Unidos de América. Para analizar de forma más rigurosa la institución policial, este artículo realiza un recorrido por el pensamiento de Marx y Lenin, así como por el origen de la policía y su relación con el desarrollo del capitalismo industrial. Finalmente se ilustra este proceso con dos ejemplos: la Guardia Civil en el Estado español y los Mossos d’Esquadra en Cataluña.
Evaluación por niveles del impacto de la estrategia curricular de aprendizaje-servicio en la Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia de Colombia
Authors: Moreno López Nidia Milena , Barrera Siabato Andrea Isabel , Albus Beltrán Bryan , Suarez Suarez Lida Maritza
Published: June 2024

La evaluación del impacto en los programas de formación se erige como un elemento esencial en la gestión pública, desencadenando mejoras internas y externas en las acciones educativas de la organización. Su enfoque en el perfeccionamiento continuo busca medir cómo el programa ha atendido las necesidades de estudiantes, egresados, la universidad y la comunidad en general. Este análisis se centra en la estrategia curricular de aprendizaje servicio, el Sistema de Servicio Social Unadista (SISSU) de la UNAD. Adoptando un diseño de investigación mixto, se utilizó evaluación cuantitativa con escalas tipo Likert y evaluación cualitativa mediante entrevistas y grupos focales. El análisis se desarrolló con una matriz fenomenológica y análisis descriptivos semánticos, resultando en propuestas innovadoras para áreas clave como análisis crítico, pertinencia, interacción social, y gestión y prospectiva organizacionales. Se incorpora un enfoque transformador considerando elementos como transferencia, resultados observables y Retorno Sobre la Inversión (ROI). El SISSU, como dispositivo organizacional, impulsa la e-comunidad, promoviendo la participación social solidaria para fortalecer la gestión del conocimiento y liderazgo transformador.
Matriz de evaluación diagnóstica para asignaturas de aprendizaje-servicio
Authors: García Suárez Daniel Eduardo , Ávila Suárez Diana Carolina
Published: June 2024

En su esfuerzo por institucionalizar el aprendizaje-servicio, la Pontificia Universidad Javeriana ha diseñado una estrategia para el acompañamiento a los profesores de la comunidad de práctica que tienen en marcha asignaturas con esta metodología. Sin embargo, se hizo necesaria la focalización de dicho acompañamiento, ya que las asignaturas estaban en diferentes nivele de evolución. Para lograrlo, basados en el modelo de innovación educativa, se diseñó la presente matriz de evaluación diagnóstica, con sus criterios e indicadores, que recoge las principales dimensiones y categorías del aprendizaje-servicio y el proceso de maduración de estas a partir de la metáfora del crecimiento.
Aportes desde el aprendizaje-servicio y la Nutrición Comunitaria
Authors: Farías Vargas Evelyn
Published: June 2024

Se presenta una sistematización de experiencias de una comunidad educativa (estudiantes, docentes y socios comunitarios) participantes de asignaturas en modalidad taller de integración, que junto con favorecer la educación sobre estilos de vida saludable en determinados territorios, se ejecutan bajo la metodología de Aprendizaje+Servicio, lo que permite fortalecer aprendizajes bidireccionales. Las técnicas utilizadas para recopilar información fueron análisis documental (revisión de programas de asignaturas, planificaciones didácticas, presentaciones, actas de reunión, fotografías, videos de las actividades realizadas, evaluación cualitativa de la asignatura) y método biográfico (revisión de actas de reunión, bitácoras e informes de incidentes críticos de estudiantes, bitácoras de docentes y entrevistas a participantes de las actividades).
Modal group refractive index measurement of few-mode fibers based on time-domain cross-correlation
Authors: Wang Yuxin , Huang Sujuan , Yan Cheng
Published: June 2024

We propose a measurement method based on the time-domain cross-correlation technique,
combined with the cut-back method, enabling the measurement of group
refractive indices (n
g
) in few-mode fibers (FMF). A
Mach–Zehnder interferometric system, equipped with high-precision and
extensive range delay devices, is established. The system records
off-axis holograms of spatial reference light at various delays
interfering with the emitted light from the fiber under test. The
interference energy is extracted from these holograms, and a
time-domain mode energy curve is developed utilizing the principle of
cross correlation. Optimal holograms at each of the curve peaks are
used to reconstruct the modal field distribution, effectively
separating and accurately identifying each mode within the FMF. By
integrating the cut-back method, the n
g
corresponding to each mode is
calculated based on the changes in group delay before and after fiber
cutting. The n
g
of modes in the two-mode fibers was
measured and the differential group delay calculated from the
measurement agrees with the manufacturer’s specifications. The
measured n
g
of a standard single-mode fiber
aligns with the manufacturer’s specifications. Furthermore, the n
g
of the higher-order modes in
four-mode fibers were measured by exciting them at different angles
and validating the wave optics theory that the n
g
of the fiber modes is independent of
the excitation angle. This method can simultaneously measure the n
g
of several modes in a fiber,
providing support for the development and application of FMFs.
Full-color time-sequential super multi-view near-eye display with front-lit waveguide illumination
Authors: Kim Dongyeon , Bang Kiseung , Lee Seungjae , Jang Changwon , Li Gang , Lam Wai Sze Tiffany
Published: June 2024

Light field (LF) displays can offer a quasi-natural three-dimensional (3D) viewing experience by tailoring the four-dimensional light information. However, the primary drawback of conventional LF displays is their limited image quality due to restricted information. To address this limitation, time-multiplexing techniques are employed, but the resulting system configurations are often impractical for achieving compact systems. Here, we present a compact time-sequential super multi-view LF near-eye display integrated with a front-lit, multi-directional illumination module for virtual reality application. This illumination module consists of an RGB light-emitting diode array and a waveguide, allowing us to exploit a high-speed reflective-type spatial light modulator and provide high-bit depth, full-color 3D scenes with quasi-continuous parallax in a compact form factor display. The prototype is implemented for a live demo and evaluated with both simulation and experiment. Our work provides a viable path towards the wide adoption of 3D virtual reality head-mounted displays.
Advancing equitable access to digital mental health in the Asia-Pacific region in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: A modified Delphi consensus study
Authors: Murphy Jill K. , Saker Shirley , Ananyo Chakraborty Promit , Chan Yuen Mei (Michelle) , Michalak Erin E. , Irrarazaval Matias , Withers Mellissa , Ng Chee H. , Khan Amna , Greenshaw Andrew , O’Neil John , Nguyen Vu Cong , Minas Harry , Ravindran Arun , Paric Angela , Chen Jun , Wang Xing , Hwang Tae-Yeon , Ibrahim Nurashikin , Hatcher Simon , Evans Vanessa , Lam Raymond W.
Published: June 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic had an unprecedented impact on global mental health and well-being, including across the Asia-Pacific. Efforts to mitigate virus spread led to far-reaching disruption in the delivery of health and social services. In response, there was a rapid shift to the use of digital mental health (DMH) approaches. Though these technologies helped to improve access to care for many, there was also substantial risk of access barriers leading to increased inequities in access to mental health care, particularly among at-risk and equity-deserving populations. The objective of this study was to conduct a needs assessment and identify priorities related to equitable DMH access among at-risk and equity-deserving populations in the Asia Pacific region during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study consisted of a modified Delphi consensus methodology including two rounds of online surveys and online consultations with stakeholders from across the region. Study participants included policy makers, clinicians and service providers, and people with lived experience of mental health conditions. Results demonstrate that vulnerabilities to negative mental health impacts and access barriers were compounded during the pandemic. Access barriers included a lack of linguistically and culturally appropriate DMH options, low mental health literacy and poor access to technological infrastructure and devices, low levels of awareness and trust of DMH options, and lack of policies and guidelines to support effective and equitable delivery of DMH. Recommendations to improve equitable access include ensuring that diverse people with lived experience are engaged in research, co-design and policy development, the development and implementation of evidence-based and equity-informed guidelines and frameworks, clear communication about DMH evidence and availability, and the integration of DMH into broader health systems. Study results can inform the development and implementation of equitable DMH as its use becomes more widespread across health systems.