bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of three different volumes of indoor greenery on employee well-being
Authors: Elbertse M.P.E. , Steenbekkers L.P.A.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the effect of different volumes of indoor greenery on perceived stress, stress, perceived productivity, productivity and perceived workplace satisfaction to support employees’ well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

In a cross-over experimental design, a homogeneous group of students was randomised in different orders where each participant experienced the same three conditions. Different volumes of indoor greenery were added to the experiment room (0%, 0.5% and 8%). With a Fitbit, sudoku and a questionnaire, the five variables were measured.

Findings

Findings show that perceived stress and heart rate (physical stress) are lower in the 8% condition. Productivity scores did not improve significantly, however perceived productivity did in the 8% condition. Positive trends could be seen for the variables in the 0.5% condition. Furthermore, 2/3 of the participants preferred the 8% condition, whereas the other 1/3 preferred the 0.5% condition. Overall, 1/3 of the participants mentioned that their optimal volume of greenery would be more than 0.5% but less than 8%. This research shows that the implementation of 8% indoor greenery contributes to a happier and more relaxing office place where employees get the feeling of being less stressed and more productive.

Research limitations/implications

This research found that the largest volume of plants used (8%) has the most positive effect on the variables studied in this research. This study shows that participants’ heart rate, and therefore physical stress, became lower in the 8% condition. In this 8% condition, participants experienced less stress and perceived themselves to be more productive. Besides, 2/3 of the participants preferred being in the 8% condition, suggesting that after adding this volume of indoor greenery employees will be more satisfied with their workplace.

Practical implications

Where previous research discovered that indoor greenery has a positive effect on variables like (perceived) stress, (perceived) productivity and perceived workplace satisfaction, this research also provides support for the effect of different volumes of indoor greenery. Results obtained by the spatial coverage ratio approach can be easily applied to future research and practice.

Social implications

Indoor greenery can contribute to making the office a happier and more relaxing place where employees get the feeling of being less stressed and more productive which in the long term might contribute to the overall well-being of employees.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study focusing on the effect of different volumes of indoor greenery on these five variables.
The impact of childcare centres' closures due to COVID-19 on women's labour supply
Authors: Dutra Carolino Cecília , Gallego Giullia , Nicolella Alexandre , Pazello Elaine Toldo
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper evaluates the short-term impact of childcare centres' closures, due to COVID-19 restrictions, on Brazilian mothers' labour force participation and employment rates.

Design/methodology/approach

Formal education is non-mandatory according to Brazilian law until the age of four, allowing the identification of children that attend childcare centres and of those that do not attend. Using data from the Brazilian Household Survey, PNAD Contínua/IBGE, the authors construct a two-period panel with women sampled in the second quarter of 2019 and 2020. The authors apply propensity score matching and differences-in-differences methods to control selection into treatment.

Findings

The results show a negative impact in terms of employment for mothers whose children attended a childcare centre before the COVID-19 pandemic. But there was no impact in terms of labour force participation rates. Investigating heterogeneous effects associated with childcare centres' closures, the authors find that women with fewer years of schooling, with children aged two or three years old and located in urban areas, suffered greater penalties in the labour market due to the closure of childcare centres.

Originality/value

Few studies could distinguish the pandemic effects directly associated with childcare centres' closures. The paper is the first to analyse the Brazilian case, undertaking an original approach to handle the problem of selection bias. The results help identify the most vulnerable groups of women in the labour market, shedding light on the importance of childcare centres on women's labour supply and of compensating mechanisms to serve as protection during the crisis.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-11-2022-0748.
Internal control and financial viability: the moderating role of leadership qualities on management of income-generating activities at Indonesian higher education
Authors: Mahmud Amir , Susilowati Nurdian , Anisykurlillah Indah , Aeni Ida Nur , Sari Puji Novita
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The implementation of income-generating still faces problems, such as the lack of well-established internal control and differences in implementation in each unit. This study aims to analyze internal controls, financial viability (FV) and leadership qualities (LQ) in the implementation of income-generating in Indonesian higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is quantitative and uses a causal approach. The population of this research is the unit leader and the person in charge of the activity that generates income, with a total sample of 111 people. The sampling technique used is simple random sampling. Data were analyzed using moderation regression analysis (MRA) with the WrapPLS (partial least square) analysis tool.

Findings

The results indicate that internal control and FV significantly affect the management of income-generating. The existence of LQ as a moderating variable can moderate and weaken the influence of internal controls and FV on the management of income-generating. In this finding, the unit leader and the person in charge of activities that generate income in higher education need to improve managerial skills, including ethics, uphold integrity, clear vision, quick adaption, honestly and trust so that the management of income-generating can achieve higher education goals more effectively and efficiently.

Research limitations/implications

This research shows that universities need to create a good environment to build an ecosystem that can improve the management. The university encourages the good management by strengthening the leadership. However, the research has a limitation: the study was only conducted in one state university.

Originality/value

The implementation of income generation in the public financial management system of legal entity universities requires accountability for sources of income so that internal controls and the role of finance are needed to ensure the continuity of universities.
Deceptive behaviour and coopetition: the role of heterogeneous absorptive capacities and product specialisation
Authors: Chávez-Bustamante Felipe , Troncoso-Valverde Cristián
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to study the role of absorptive capacities in coopetitive alliances that involve leakages of sensitive private knowledge regarding firms’ production processes.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a game theoretic approach to model a differentiated product market in which two firms asymmetrically informed about the economic value of a business opportunity must cooperate to exploit this opportunity. Under coopetition, firms gain access to their partners’ core knowledge as the result of inevitable leakages of information. Firms differ in their absorptive capacities, which affects their abilities to leverage this new knowledge outside the collaborative activity.

Findings

Firms with superior absorptive capacities are more likely to devise alliances whose purpose is to gain access to their partners’ core knowledge. This opportunistic behaviour does not disappear even if firms compensate their partners for the damages caused by this deceptive business practice. This paper also finds that a highly specialised product safeguards firms with limited absorptive capacities against these opportunistic behaviours.

Originality/value

This paper provides a theoretical analysis of the role that absorptive capacities and product specialisation play in influencing the emergence of opportunistic behaviours in coopetitive alliances. The theoretical analysis underscores the extent to which the risk of opportunism associated with the exploitation of a partner’s specific core knowledge outside the scope of the cooperative activity affects not only the nature and intensity of market competition but also the incentives to pursue coopetitive alliances.
What motivates customers to publish online reviews promptly? A text mining perspective
Authors: Li Liangqiang , Yao Boyan , Li Xi , Qian Yu
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This work aims to explore why people review their experienced online shopping in such a manner (promptness), and what is the potential relationship between the users’ review promptness and review motivation as well as reviewed contents.

Design/methodology/approach

To evaluate the customers’ responses regarding their shopping experiences, in this paper, the “purchase-review” promptness is studied to explore the temporal characteristics of users’ reviewing behavior online. Then, an aspect mining method was introduced for assessment of review text. Finally, a theoretical model is proposed to analyze how the customers’ reviews were formed.

Findings

First, the length of time elapsed between purchase and review was found to follow a power-law distribution, which characterizes an important number of human behaviors. Within online review behaviors, this meant that a high frequency population of reviewers tended to publish relatively quick reviews online. This showed that the customers’ reviewing behaviors on e-commerce websites may have been affected by extrinsic motivations, intrinsic motivations or both. Second, the proposed review-to-feature mapping technique is a feasible method for exploring reviewers’ opinions in both massive and sparse reviews. Finally, the customers’ reviewing behaviors were found to be mostly consistent with reviewers’ motivations.

Originality/value

First, the authors propose that the “promptness” of users in posting online reviews is an important external manifestation of their motivation, product experience and service experience. Second, a semi-supervised method of review-to-aspect mapping is used to solve the data quality problem in mining information from massive text data, which vary in length, detail and quality. Finally, a huge amount of e-commerce customers’ purchase-review promptness are studied and the results indicate that not all product features are responsible for the “prompt” posting of users’ reviews, and that the platform’s strategy to encourage users to post reviews will not work in the long term.
Prospect theory in the financial decision-making process: an empirical study of two Argentine universities
Authors: Ladrón de Guevara Cortés Rogelio , Tolosa Leticia Eva , Rojo María Paula
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to provide empirical evidence for using the prospect theory (PT) basic assumptions in the Argentine context. Mainly, this study analysed the financial decision-making process in students of the economic-administrative academic area of two universities, one public and one private, in Córdoba.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis methodology included (1) the descriptive statistical analysis to identify the presence of the certainty, reflection and isolation effects; (2) the construction of a set of indicators on the application of the PT; (3) the chi-squared independence test, to determine if the decisions made are independent of the degree course taken; (4) the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test, to determine if the decisions made by individuals vary according to the semesters taken or students' levels of progress; and (5) the non-parametric Mann–Whitney test, to determine if there are differences between the decisions made by men and women.

Findings

The empirical results provided evidence on the effects of certainty, reflection and isolation in both universities, concluding that the study participants make financial decisions in situations of uncertainty based more on PT than on expected utility theory.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the empirical evidence in a different Latin-American context, confirming that individuals make financial decisions based on the PT independently of their degree course, semester, level of advance, gender or the kind of university where they belong (public or private).
The psychological premise of spatial presence in 360° virtual tours: the role of the spatial situation in first-time and repeat users
Authors: Wu Xiaohong , Lai Ivan Ka Wai
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to construct a two-step model to examine how passive (mental imagery and immersion) and active (engagement) responses build a spatial presence in 360° virtual tours by constructing the spatial situation. This study further tests the difference between first-time and repeat users in building a spatial presence.

Design/methodology/approach

Systematic sampling was applied to collect data. Valid data from 355 participants were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results show that other than the direct effect of engagement on spatial presence, the spatial situation partially mediates the effects on the spatial presence of two passive responses. Through comparative analysis of the three models, this study confirms that the two-step model provides a better fit for the data. For repeat users, the spatial situation is the major source of spatial presence.

Practical implications

The results offer suggestions for destination marketers to develop effective virtual tours to induce the spatial presence of repeat users and first users.

Originality/value

This study contributes a two-step model for researchers to consider the mediating role of the spatial situation in further studies in the context of virtual reality (VR) tourism. This study also helps researchers design their future VR research in tourism by elucidating the roles of passive and active psychological responses in determining spatial presence.
Supporting the implementation of AI in business communication: the role of knowledge management
Authors: Iaia Lea , Nespoli Chiara , Vicentini Francesca , Pironti Marco , Genovino Cinzia
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Although the use of artificial intelligence (AI) has been estimated to be up to 56% in the last decade, the adoption rate of AI for communication activities is still low. The lack of in-depth literature on the subject, and the limited sharing of the experience gained by companies, limits the creation, dissemination and consolidation of understanding in this area. The purpose of this study is to solve the problem of the absence of knowledge, identification, skills development and introduction of an innovation (such as the AI in the business communication) in the company, with the principles of knowledge management (KM).

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts the perspective of KM to provide guidelines for the definition of standards and facilitate the introduction of AI in business communication.

Findings

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to relate the perspectives of business communication, AI and KM, activating a virtuous circle between KM and AI. At the centre of the proposed model are people, processes and technologies, based on which KM represents the ideal perspective to define the implementation of AI. This is primarily from the perspective of augmented intelligence, owing to the inability of AI to completely replace humans in the business communication processes, as it lacks, among others, emotional intelligence.

Research limitations/implications

This study finds in KM a possible strategy to solve the problems faced so far in applying AI in business communication processes, providing a model capable of transforming and adapting itself to the context, thanks to the open approach.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by linking the introduction of emerging technology (AI) in a specific process, such as business communication, from the KM perspective.
A study on role of gamification elements in training outcomes: comparing the mediating effect of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation
Authors: Mohanty Sattwik , Christopher B. Prabu
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how gamification components affect training outcomes through intrinsic or extrinsic motivation (IM and EM), drawing on the self-determination motivation theory.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, survey method has been used to analyse the hypotheses and objective of the research. A total of 260 surveys were received through the web-based stage and 260 surveys were legitimate. The data in this study was investigated using SPSS version 20.0 and Smart-PLS version 3.0 software.

Findings

The findings represent how IM intervenes in gamification parts of training outcomes. Apart from the indirect effect, this study also shows the immediate effect of experience point and progress bar affecting IM and EM. This study shows that the immediate effect of IM has a positive impact on training outcomes, however there is an adverse consequence in the event of EM on training outcomes as well as there is no intervening or mediating impact.

Originality/value

In this study, the authors offer novel research that might aid businesses in identifying the most important aspects of gamification for the relevant personnel. There is a substantial correlation between gamification and employee engagement that was previously focused on. With particular emphasis on the progress bar and experience point, the authors have demonstrated a connection between IM and EM through the use of gamification elements, paving the way for businesses to place a greater emphasis on intrinsic drive-in gamification systems intended to enhance employee training.
Century‐Long Trends in the Financing and Ownership of American Health Care
Authors: GAFFNEY ADAM , WOOLHANDLER STEFFIE , HIMMELSTEIN DAVID U.
Published: April 2023

Policy Points

Over the past century, the tax‐financed share of health care spending has risen from 9% in 1923 to 69% in 2020; a large part of this tax financing is now the subsidization of private health insurance.

For‐profit ownership of health care facilities has also increased in recent decades and now predominates for many health subsectors. A rising share of physicians are now employees.

US health care is, increasingly, publicly financed yet investor owned, a trend that has been accompanied by rising medical costs and, in recent years, stagnating or even worsening population health. A reconsideration of US health care financing and ownership appears warranted.

Context

Who pays for health care—and who owns it—determine what care is delivered, who receives it, and who profits from it. We examined trends in health care ownership and financing over a century.

Methods

We used multiple historical and current data sources (including data from the American Medical Association, the American Hospital Association, government publications and surveys, and analyses of Medicare Provider of Services files) to classify health care provider ownership as: public, private (for‐profit), and private (not‐for‐profit). We used US Census data to classify physicians’ employers as public, not‐for‐profit, or for‐profit entities or “self‐employed.” We combined estimates from the official National Health Expenditures Accounts with other data sources to determine the public vs. private share of health care spending since 1923; we calculated a “comprehensive” public share metric that accounted for public subsidization of private health expenditures, mostly via the tax exemption for employer‐sponsored insurance plans or government purchase of such plans for public employees.

Findings

For‐profit ownership of most health care subsectors has risen in recent decades and now predominates in several (including nursing facilities, ambulatory surgical facilities, dialysis facilities, hospices, and home health agencies). However, most community hospitals remain not‐for‐profit. Additionally, over the past century, a growing share of physicians identify as employees. Meanwhile, the comprehensive taxpayer‐financed share of health care spending has increased dramatically from 9% in 1923 to 69% in 2020, with taxpayer‐financed subsidies to private expenditures accounting for much of the recent growth.

Conclusions

American health care is increasingly publicly financed yet investor owned, a trend accompanied by rising costs and, recently, worsening population health. A reassessment of the US mode of health care financing and ownership appears warranted.
Pregnancy‐associated stroke and the recurrence of stroke and other complications in subsequent pregnancies: Population‐based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Verho Liisa , Tikkanen Minna , Äyräs Outi , Aarnio Karoliina , Rantanen Kirsi , Korhonen Aino , Richardt Anna , Laivuori Hannele , Gissler Mika , Ijäs Petra
Published: April 2023

Objective

To examine the outcomes of the subsequent pregnancies from women with a previous pregnancy‐associated stroke (PAS) in comparison to matched controls.

Design

Population‐based retrospective cohort study.

Setting and population

All women with a PAS in Finland 1987–2016 (n = 235) and controls (n = 694).

Methods

We identified all subsequent deliveries and induced and spontaneous abortions for women with a previous PAS and their matched controls from the Medical Birth Register and the Hospital Discharge Register until 2016. The number, course and outcomes of the subsequent pregnancies were compared. Patient records were studied for PAS recurrence.

Main outcome measures

PAS recurrence and pregnancy complications.

Results

Women with a previous PAS had fewer subsequent deliveries: 73 (31.1%) women had 122 deliveries in all, whereas 303 (47.3%) of the controls had 442 deliveries (age‐adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.54, 95% CI 0.38–0.76). Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) (17.2% versus 5.7%, age‐adjusted OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.7–9.3), especially chronic hypertension (age‐adjusted OR 5.9, 95% CI 1.5–24.7), and any diabetes during pregnancy (24.6% versus 14.5%, age‐adjusted OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1–3.8) were more common in cases. Regarding HDP, the difference between groups was explained by underlying factors such as index pregnancy HDP (multivariable OR 2.4, 95% CI 0.8–6.7). PAS recurred in four cases (5.5%).

Conclusions

Subsequent pregnancies of women with a history of PAS are more often complicated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and any diabetes during pregnancy. PAS recurrence risk is considerable.
Combined effect of metabolites produced by a modified Lactobacillus casei and berry phenolic extract on Campylobacter and microbiome in chicken cecum contents
Authors: Tabashsum Zajeba , Alvarado‐Martinez Zabdiel , Wall Matthew J. , Aditya Arpita , Biswas Debabrata
Published: April 2023

Campylobacter is one of the most common foodborne bacterial pathogens causing illness, known as campylobacteriosis, in the United States. More than 70% of the campylobacteriosis cases have direct or indirect relation with poultry/poultry products. Currently, both conventional and organic/pasture poultry farmers are searching for sustainable alternative to antibiotics which can reduce colonization and cross‐contamination of poultry products with Campylobacter and promote poultry health and growth. Probiotic and their nutritional supplement, known as prebiotic, have become consumers’ preferences as alternatives to antibiotics/chemicals. In this study, we evaluated the combined effect of plant‐derived prebiotic and probiotic‐derived metabolites in reducing growth of Campylobacter in cecum contents, a simulated chicken gut condition. Cecum contents were collected from chickens pre‐inoculated with kanamycin‐resistant Campylobacter (CJRMKm), were incubated over 48 h time period, while being supplemented with either berry phenolic extract (BPE), cell free cultural supernatant from an engineered probiotic, Lactobacillus casei, or their combination. It was found that combine treatments were able to reduce both inoculated and naturally colonized Campylobacter more effectively. Microbiome analysis using 16S rRNA sequencing also revealed that combine treatments were capable to alter natural microflora positively within chicken cecum contents. Differences were observed in bacterial abundance at both phylum and genus level but did not show significant alteration in alpha diversity due to this treatment.

Practical Application

The results of this study provide critical information for understanding the potential of synbiotic as an alternative in sustainable poultry farming. The outcomes of this study will lead future direction of using combination of probiotic‐derived metabolites and BPE in poultry farming.
The effect of vegetable oil pre‐emulsified with whey protein and pectin on physicochemical properties and microstructure of low‐fat yogurt
Authors: Li Hongjuan , Zhang Yumeng , Liu Xia , Li Mengfan , Zhang Leilei , Yang Jingjing , Li Dan , Li Hongbo , Wang Xiaopeng , Yu Jinghua
Published: April 2023

The effects of whey protein isolate (WPI)‐pectin pre‐emulsified vegetable oil on the physicochemical properties and microstructure of low‐fat yogurt (LFY) were investigated by particle size distribution, water‐holding capacity (WHC), texture, rheology, electron microscopy, storage stability, and sensory analysis. The vegetable oil was pre‐emulsified into two types of emulsions, a mixed emulsion (ME: WPI‐pectin complexes were adsorbed directly at the interface) and a bilayer emulsion (BE: Pectin was added to a previously established WPI‐stabilized interface). The results showed that yogurts added with pre‐emulsified vegetable oil (ME‐Y, BE‐Y) had significantly better quality than LFY, with better WHC, textural properties, rheological properties, and storage stability. The average particle size of ME (11.96 µm) was larger than that of BE (10.23 µm). The consistency of yogurt added with ME (ME‐Y) was significantly higher than that of yogurt added with BE (BE‐Y), at 2359.10 and 2181.12 g s, respectively. Meanwhile, ME‐Y exhibited storage stability similar to full‐fat control (FFY) and higher sensory scores. Interestingly, the WHC of BE‐Y (49.03%) was higher than that of ME‐Y (45.63%). In addition, WPI + Pectin‐Y exhibited higher WHC (53.81%) and consistency (2518.73 g s) compared to ME‐Y and BE‐Y, but the particle size distribution was not uniform, and the direct addition of WPI, pectin, and oil had no positive effect on improving the rheological properties of yogurt. Overall, the addition of WPI‐pectin pre‐emulsified vegetable oil improved the quality of LFY. These findings are particularly relevant for the production of higher quality LFY.
A novel assembly pipeline and functional annotations for targeted sequencing: A case study on the globally threatened Margaritiferidae (Bivalvia: Unionida)
Authors: Gomes‐dos‐Santos André , Froufe Elsa , Pfeiffer John M. , Johnson Nathan A. , Smith Chase H. , Machado André M. , C. Castro L. Filipe , Do Van Tu , Hattori Akimasa , Garrison Nicole , Whelan Nathan V. , Bolotov Ivan N. , Vikhrev Ilya V. , Kondakov Alexander V. , Ghamizi Mohamed , Prié Vincent , Bogan Arthur E. , Lopes Lima Manuel
Published: April 2023

The proliferation of genomic sequencing approaches has significantly impacted the field of phylogenetics. Target capture approaches provide a cost‐effective, fast and easily applied strategy for phylogenetic inference of non‐model organisms. However, several existing target capture processing pipelines are incapable of incorporating whole genome sequencing (WGS). Here, we develop a new pipeline for capture and de novo assembly of the targeted regions using whole genome re‐sequencing reads. This new pipeline captured targeted loci accurately, and given its unbiased nature, can be used with any target capture probe set. Moreover, due to its low computational demand, this new pipeline may be ideal for users with limited resources and when high‐coverage sequencing outputs are required. We demonstrate the utility of our approach by incorporating WGS data into the first comprehensive phylogenomic reconstruction of the freshwater mussel family Margaritiferidae. We also provide a catalogue of well‐curated functional annotations of these previously uncharacterized freshwater mussel‐specific target regions, representing a complementary tool for scrutinizing phylogenetic inferences while expanding future applications of the probe set.
A Bronze to Iron Age fishing economy at Kalbāʾ 4 (Emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates)
Authors: Lidour Kevin , Beech Mark J. , Eddisford Daniel , Phillips Carl S. , Schwall Christoph , Jasim Sabah A.
Published: April 2023

This paper represents a study of archaeological fish remains retrieved from the excavations conducted by C. S. Phillips between 1993 and 2001 at Kalbāʾ 4 (Emirate of Sharjah, UAE). Kalbāʾ 4 is a major coastal site that was continuously occupied from the Umm an‐Nar period to the Iron Age (c. 2700–600 BCE). The site is of particular interest regarding monumental architecture, pottery studies and exchange networks across Arabia and its neighbouring regions from the Bronze Age onwards. A corpus of about 5500 fish remains provides information on fishing economies during the entire occupation of the site. Data regarding fish complement results previously obtained from the study of other fauna including marine molluscs, sea turtles, terrestrial and marine mammals. They allow us to document a fishing‐based economy at Kalbāʾ 4. The results highlight the exploitation of a quite limited range of fish taxa associated mostly with reef areas (groupers, trevallies, snappers, spangled emperors, King soldierbreams), brackish waters (mullets) and the open sea (scombrids). The techniques seem to have mainly involved the use of baited lines from boats, fishing nets and possibly cage traps. The discussion includes comparisons with the other main fish studies conducted for the Bronze Age and the Iron Age in Eastern Arabia.
The characteristics and treatment outcomes of people with very late onset of problem drinking
Authors: Seddon Jennifer , Wadd Sarah
Published: April 2023

Background

The characteristics and outcomes of people who begin to experience problems with alcohol later in life are not well understood. This study examines whether people with a very late‐onset of problem drinking, defined as occurring after the age of 60, differ in their use of alcohol, mental health functioning, and alcohol treatment outcomes from people with an earlier onset of problem drinking.

Method

Seven hundred eighty participants aged 50+ were categorized as either early onset (<25 years, n = 119, 15%), mid‐onset (25–39 years, n = 200, 26%), late‐onset (40–59 years, n = 376, 48%) or very late‐onset problem drinkers (≥60 years, n = 85, 11%). Participants completed measures on alcohol use, mental health, and cognitive functioning.

Results

Eleven percent of participants had very late onset of problem drinking. After controlling for age as a covariate, age of onset of problem drinking was not associated with level of alcohol intake or cognitive functioning, but individuals with very late onset of problem drinking had significantly lower levels of depression and significantly better mental health well‐being. Age of onset was not associated with treatment outcomes (i.e., change in alcohol use following treatment or treatment completion).

Conclusion

People who first experience problems with alcohol after the age of 60 may have better mental health functioning than people with an earlier age of problem drinking. The results suggest that the age of onset of problem drinking may be a poor predictor of alcohol use severity and treatment outcomes and older adults can benefit from alcohol treatment irrespective of the age problem drinking began.
Carbon‐ion radiotherapy for inoperable upper tract ureteral cancer
Authors: Mizukami Tatsuji , Kawamura Hidemasa , Kubo Nobuteru , Sato Hiro , Kawahara Masahiro , Adachi Akiko , Matsui Hiroshi , Suzuki Kazuhiro , Saitoh Jun‐ichi , Nakano Takashi , Ohno Tatsuya
Published: April 2023

Aim

This study aimed to report initial results of hypofractionated carbon‐ion radiotherapy (C‐ion RT) for inoperable upper tract ureteral cancer.

Methods

Retrospective chart review was performed for five consecutive patients with medically inoperable ureter cancer that was treated with radical C‐ion RT between December 2013 and December 2014. The median age of the patients was 80 years (range, 68–84 years). The reasons for inoperability were advanced age, post‐contralateral nephrectomy, alcoholic cirrhosis, both advanced age and contralateral renal function degeneracy, and pneumonia. The median size of tumor was 2.8 cm (range, 2.2–4.0 cm). Diagnostic imaging did not identify lymph node metastases or distant metastases in any case. All patients underwent C‐ion RT (52.8 Gy relative biological effectiveness; 12 fractions in 3 weeks). The clinical target volume encompassed the growth tumor volume with a 5‐mm margin bilaterally; there was a 40‐mm margin craniocaudally but the clinical target volume did not encompass the whole ureter.

Results

Within a median follow‐up time of 32.9 months (range, 24–36 months), two patients died and three remained alive. Neither local recurrence nor regional lymph node metastases were observed. Secondary bladder tumor was observed in four patients, and one patient had a liver metastasis. Grade 1 hematuria was observed in two patients, and Grade 3 pyelonephritis was observed in one patient as acute toxicity. Ureteral obstruction was observed in two patients.

Conclusion

C‐ion RT might be a useful treatment option for inoperable ureter cancer.
Patterns and cost of care according to keratinocyte cancer risk stratification in a volunteer population screening clinic: Real‐world data from the TRoPICS study
Authors: Lee Ruby Chia‐Lin , Liyanage Upekha , Fry Kirsty , Brown Susan , von Schuckmann Lena , Spelman Lynda , Soyer H. Peter , Neale Rachel E. , Gordon Louisa G. , Whiteman David C. , Olsen Catherine M. , Janda Monika , Khosrotehrani Kiarash
Published: April 2023

Background

Risk prediction tools have been developed for keratinocyte cancers (KCs) to effectively categorize individuals with different levels of skin cancer burden. Few have been clinically validated nor routinely used in clinical settings.

Objectives

To assess whether risk prediction tool categories associate with interventions including chemoprophylaxis for skin cancer, and health‐care costs in a dermatologist‐run screening clinic.

Methods

Adult participants who presented to a walk‐in screening facility were invited to participate. A self‐completed KC risk prediction tool was used to classify participants into one of the five risk categories. Participants subsequently underwent full skin examination by a dermatologist. Dermatological interventions and skin cancer‐related medical prescriptions were documented. Total health‐care costs, both to the health‐care system and patients were evaluated.

Results

Of the 507 participants recruited, 5‐fluorouracil cream and nicotinamide were more frequently prescribed in the higher risk groups as chemoprophylaxis (p < 0.005). A significant association with high predicted risk was also observed in the use of cryotherapy and curettage and cautery (p < 0.05). The average health‐care costs associated with a skin check visit increased from $90 ± 37 (standard deviation) in the lowest risk group to $149 ± 97 in the highest risk group (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

We observed a positive association between higher predicted risk of skin cancer and the prescription of chemoprophylaxis and health‐care costs involved with opportunistic community skin cancer screening. A clinical use of risk stratification may be to provide an opportunity for clinicians to discuss skin cancer prevention and chemoprophylaxis with individual patients.
Practitioner characteristics, diagnostic accuracy metrics and discovering‐individual with respect to 637 melanomas documented by 27 general practitioners on the Skin Cancer Audit Research Database
Authors: Coetzer‐Botha Martelle , Jimenez Balcells Clara , Hay Jeremy , Keir Jeff , Rosendahl Nikita , Wilson Tobias , Clark Simon , Baade Astrid , Becker Cath , Bookallil Luke , Clifopoulos Chris , Dicker Tony , Denby Martin Paul , Duthie Douglas , Elliott Charles , Fishburn Paul , Foley Mark , Franck Mark , Giam Irene , Gordillo Patricio , Lilleyman Alister , Macauley Roger , Maher James , McPhee Ewen , Reid Michael , Shirlaw Bob , Siggs Graeme , Spark Robert , Stretch John , van Den Heever Keith , van Rensburg Thinus , Watson Chris , Kittler Harald , Rosendahl Cliff
Published: April 2023

Background and Objective

Knowledge of accuracy for melanoma diagnosis and melanoma discovering‐individual in primary care is limited. We describe general practitioner (GP) characteristics and analyse defined diagnostic accuracy metrics for GPs in the current study comparing this with a previous study for GPs common to both, and we analyse the individual first discovering each melanoma as a lesion of concern.

Methods

The characteristics and diagnostic accuracy of 27 Australasian GPs documenting 637 melanomas on the Skin Cancer Audit Research Database (SCARD) in 2013 were described and analysed. The number needed to treat (NNT) and percentage of melanomas that were in situ (percentage in situ) were analysed as surrogates for specificity and sensitivity, respectively. The discovering‐individual was analysed according to patient age and sex and lesion Breslow thickness.

Results

The average NNT and percentage in situ were 5.73% and 65.07%, respectively. For 21 GPs in both a 2008–2010 study and the current study, the NNT was 10.78 and 5.56, respectively (p = 0.0037). A consistent trend of decreasing NNT and increasing percentage in situ through increasingly subspecialised GP categories did not reach statistical significance. NNT trended high at ages and sites for which melanoma was rare. While the patient or family member was more likely to discover thick melanomas and melanomas in patients under 40 years, GPs discovered 73.9% of the melanomas as lesions of concern.

Conclusions

GPs were the discovering‐individuals for the majority of melanomas in the current study and their accuracy metrics compared favourably with published figures for dermatologists and GPs.
Prognostic factors for chronic post‐surgical pain after lung and pleural surgery: a systematic review with meta‐analysis, meta‐regression and trial sequential analysis
Authors: Clephas P. R. D. , Hoeks S. E. , Singh P. M. , Guay C. S. , Trivella M. , Klimek M. , Heesen M.
Published: April 2023

Chronic post‐surgical pain is known to be a common complication of thoracic surgery and has been associated with a lower quality of life, increased healthcare utilisation, substantial direct and indirect costs, and increased long‐term use of opioids. This systematic review with meta‐analysis aimed to identify and summarise the evidence of all prognostic factors for chronic post‐surgical pain after lung and pleural surgery. Electronic databases were searched for retrospective and prospective observational studies as well as randomised controlled trials that included patients undergoing lung or pleural surgery and reported on prognostic factors for chronic post‐surgical pain. We included 56 studies resulting in 45 identified prognostic factors, of which 16 were pooled with a meta‐analysis. Prognostic factors that increased chronic post‐surgical pain risk were as follows: higher postoperative pain intensity (day 1, 0–10 score), mean difference (95%CI) 1.29 (0.62–1.95), p < 0.001; pre‐operative pain, odds ratio (95%CI) 2.86 (1.94–4.21), p < 0.001; and longer surgery duration (in minutes), mean difference (95%CI) 12.07 (4.99–19.16), p < 0.001. Prognostic factors that decreased chronic post‐surgical pain risk were as follows: intercostal nerve block, odds ratio (95%CI) 0.76 (0.61–0.95) p = 0.018 and video‐assisted thoracic surgery, 0.54 (0.43–0.66) p < 0.001. Trial sequential analysis was used to adjust for type 1 and type 2 errors of statistical analysis and confirmed adequate power for these prognostic factors. In contrast to other studies, we found that age had no significant effect on chronic post‐surgical pain and there was not enough evidence to conclude on sex. Meta‐regression did not reveal significant effects of any of the study covariates on the prognostic factors with a significant effect on chronic post‐surgical pain. Expressed as grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluations criteria, the certainty of evidence was high for pre‐operative pain and video‐assisted thoracic surgery, moderate for intercostal nerve block and surgery duration and low for postoperative pain intensity. We thus identified actionable factors which can be addressed to attempt to reduce the risk of chronic post‐surgical pain after lung surgery.
A pilot study of the use of artificial intelligence with high‐fidelity simulations in assessing endovascular procedural competence independent of a human examiner
Authors: Saricilar Erin C. , Burgess Annette , Freeman Anthony
Published: April 2023

Background

With increased need for vascular surgery trainees to gain endovascular surgery proficiency, current models of case‐numbers and subjective visual assessment are inadequate in capturing the skills required in endovascular surgery. We explored the use of high‐fidelity simulators in (1) assessing endovascular surgical competence; (2) clinical decision making; and (3) the reliability of an artificial intelligence (AI) assessor.

Methods

Registrars, fellows and consultants from vascular surgery, interventional radiology and general surgery performed identical procedures on a high‐fidelity simulator. Performance was independently assessed using a modified Reznick scale. Scores were compared to raw metric data extracted from the simulator, objective scores extracted from the recordings and analysed by AI.

Results

22 participants were enrolled from vascular surgery (n = 6, 27.3%), interventional radiology (n = 10, 45.5%) and general surgery (n = 6, 27.3%). There were 12 trainees, 2 fellows and 8 consultants. Significant correlations between raw metric data and all categories of the modified Reznick scale except ‘respect for tissue’ were found. An AI demonstrated positive reliability in all categories, with some predictions being moderately correlated.

Conclusion

The use of high‐fidelity simulators to assess endovascular surgical competence has comparable correlations to the traditional assessment methods with global rating scales, which can be used in formative assessment. AI demonstrates an ability to support assessment but requires further research.
Letter: fulminant‐onset complicated inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)—a unique subtype?
Authors: Szigeti Reka , Krishna Mahesh , Kellermayer Richard
Published: April 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Jayasooriya et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17370 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17445
Editorial: concurrence of coeliac disease with inflammatory bowel disease – is big data the final arbiter?
Authors: Anderson Robert P.
Published: April 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Sonnenberg and Genta's papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17408 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17436
Letter: deciphering the complexities of chronic liver disease epidemiology through a directed acyclic graph (DAG)
Authors: Tanaka Tomohiro , Jones Michael P.
Published: April 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Sharpton et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17384
Editorial: mitochondrial respiratory chain activity—a potential link with disease severity and treatment response in alcoholic hepatitis
Authors: Singal Ashwani K.
Published: April 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Solís‐Muñoz et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17434 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17469
Editorial: “being normal weight each day keeps NAFLD and fibrosis away”—the importance of reducing cumulative exposure to overweight
Authors: Yilmaz Yusuf
Published: April 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Ajmera et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17452 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17478
Letter: Potassium‐competitive acid blockers may increase the risk of gastric cancer after Helicobacter pylori eradication a retrospective multicentre‐cohort analysis
Authors: Arai Junya , Hayakawa Yoku , Niikura Ryota , Ihara Sozaburo , Aoki Tomonori , Honda Tetsuro , Okamura Takuma , Hasatani Kenkei , Yoshida Naohiro , Nishida Tsutomu , Sumiyoshi Tetsuya , Kiyotoki Shu , Ikeya Takashi , Arai Masahiro , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro
Published: April 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Piovani et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17360 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17480
Editorial: mitochondrial respiratory chain activity—a potential link with disease severity and treatment response in alcoholic hepatitis. Authors' reply
Authors: Solís‐Muñoz Pablo , de la Flor‐Robledo María , Fernández‐García Carlos E. , González‐Rodríguez Águeda , García‐Monzón Carmelo
Published: April 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Solís‐Muñoz et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17434 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17440
Letter: to expand the diagnosis and scale up treatment for patients with chronic hepatitis B—difficult but necessary
Authors: Xu Xiaoming , Liu Jiacheng , Wu Chao , Li Jie
Published: April 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Lim et al paper. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17052
Editorial: improvement of cardiovascular risk factor control in patients with type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease—time for action! Authors' reply
Authors: Zhang Xinrong , Wong Grace Lai‐Hung , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun , Yip Terry Cheuk‐Fung
Published: April 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Zhang et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17428 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17467
Editorial: “being normal weight each day keeps NAFLD and fibrosis away”—the importance of reducing cumulative exposure to overweight. Authors' reply
Authors: Ajmera Veeral
Published: April 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Ajmera et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17452 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17460.
Letter: higher severe outcomes among Helicobacter pylori‐related lean patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic comorbidities
Authors: Kountouras Jannis , Papaefthymiou Apostolis , Polyzos Stergios A. , Kazakos Evangelos , Tzilves Dimitrios , Touloumtzi Maria , Chatzopoulos Dimitrios , Tzitiridou‐Chatzopoulou Maria , Liatsos Christos , Zavos Christos , Kavaliotis John , Kulaksiz Hasan , Doulberis Michael
Published: April 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Wijarnpreecha et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17424.
Editorial: faecal incontinence is prevalent in IBS, as are effective treatment options!
Authors: Sharma Amol , Rao Satish
Published: April 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Goodoory et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17465 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17494.
Letter: 5‐aminosalicylate maintenance treatment in mild Crohn's disease
Authors: Chang Hui‐Chin , Gau Shuo‐Yan
Published: April 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Atia et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17419 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17504.